Lake Sacajawea camping areas offer a mix of Corps of Engineers managed facilities with seasonal operations from mid-May through early September. The reservoir sits at approximately 440 feet elevation along the Snake River system in eastern Washington, where summer temperatures regularly exceed 90°F. Winter closures affect most public campgrounds, making advance planning essential during the peak camping season.
What to Do
River fishing access: Hood Park provides direct Snake River access for anglers. "I was there for a day, nice place for car camping, easy snake river access," notes Saugat B.
Wildlife observation: Hood Park connects to a wildlife preserve. "There is a connected wildlife preserve that you can walk around in and also fish in that is a separate area. Lots of birds to watch," according to Nathan B.
Boat launching: Fishhook Park accommodates water recreation. "Unless you have a boat (there is a boat launch and dock), not too much to do here except relax. There is a small swimming area but no beach to speak of (grassy and pebbly area)," explains Lee D.
Children's activities: Several dog friendly campgrounds at Lake Sacajawea include playground facilities. "The campground has a clean, grassy park setting with a decent sized park nearby for kids with a swimming area," shares Krista P. from Charbonneau Park.
What Campers Like
Spacious campsites: Fishhook Park offers generous spacing between RV sites. "The back-in sites are wide enough to comfortably fit a TT, 5th wheel or RV and your toad or other vehicle side-by-side. The pull-through sites are very large," reports Lee D.
Clean facilities: Fishhook Park maintains well-kept grounds and amenities. "Love this campground and will come back. My husband and I usually pull our '68 Aristocrat Lo-Liner but on this trip we were 'roughing it' with a tent and a small SUV. I was happy that not only did we get a spot on the river, but there were free, clean hot showers centrally located," writes Wendy S.
Affordability: Senior pass holders can access significant discounts at Corps of Engineers campgrounds. "Using our lifetime senior pass, we paid $12 per night. The restrooms were clean and had flush toilets and showers," notes Annell N. about her stay at Charbonneau Park.
Manicured grounds: Hood Park features well-maintained green spaces. "Lots of options in this campground from drive through big trailer spots to back in spots to tent only areas. Tons of wide green lawns with lots of space, camp sites end up pretty well spaced apart," describes Nathan B.
What You Should Know
Strict alcohol policy: Corps of Engineers sites prohibit alcohol consumption. "This is an Army Corp of Engineers campground so some federal rules apply: no firearms, no alcohol (at least not openly)," warns John S.
Train noise: Fishhook Park has nearby train tracks. "Campground was quiet and clean. Be aware of what campsite you get as we picked spot 27 and were not made aware before hand that you need an escort to your site due to the site facing the opposite way of traffic. It is also right off of the train tracks and the train runs numerous times a day and early in the morning," cautions Kindra M.
Wildlife hazards: Rattlesnakes can be encountered near water access points. "There's a trail to the lake but we were warned not to use it due to the high likely hood of encountering rattlesnakes," reports Kindra M.
Lighting issues: Some sites have bright nighttime illumination. "Stayed in site 54 and a very bright street light shown through our blinds all night," notes Dennis P. about Charbonneau Park.
Tips for Camping with Families
Playground access: Multiple dog-friendly Lake Sacajawea campgrounds offer children's play areas. "Great accessibility to water, very clean and pretty campground, nice playground and friendly hosts! We enjoy it here very much!" shares Haylee M.
Educational opportunities: Hood Park provides interpretive programs. "This campground offers developed sites with hookups for campers. There is a playground and interpretive events for kids in the evenings. They even had some movies on the weekends," explains Chris A.
Sprinkler warnings: Automatic irrigation systems may affect tent campers. "The only issue we have is the sprinklers come on Friday nights and wash the tents for us. it's good and bad," shares John S.
Tips from RVers
Site selection guidance: KOA Tri-Cities offers various RV site options. "I'd recommend any of the sites in the newer section," suggests Christopher N.
Hookup availability: Most Lake Sacajawea campgrounds offer electric connections, with variations in water and sewer. "Site 14 has water, electric and sewer. Park has a dump station," details Annell N.
Reservation planning: Corps of Engineers parks require advance bookings. "Make reservations on Recreation.gov first. Even if you are showing up at 7:30 at night," advises Tom W.
Site orientation considerations: Some sites require staff assistance due to layout. "Be aware of what campsite you get as we picked spot 27 and were not made aware before hand that you need an escort to your site due to the site facing the opposite way of traffic," warns Kindra M.
