Lake Sacajawea offers RV campers a riverside desert environment with summer temperatures frequently reaching 90-100°F. Most campgrounds near the lake maintain green irrigated sites despite the arid surroundings. The proximity to both the Columbia and Snake Rivers creates options for water recreation at several RV parks.
What to do
Golfing access: Horn Rapids RV Resort sits directly across from a major golf course, providing convenient access for camping golfers. "Wow was this place fancy! If you're looking for a full-service sort of experience, look no further! Fantastic amenities and right across from a major golf course," reports Rachel A.
Marina activities: Umatilla Marina & RV park offers direct river access with boat launch facilities. "The marina has a large parking lot and spots to clean fish. There is a nice park and swimming area for kids," notes Jill T. Many visitors appreciate the waterfront location: "Right on the River! Little bit of freeway noise, but otherwise very quiet and peaceful."
Wine tasting: Blue Valley RV Park serves as a practical base for exploring local vineyards. "Small rv park makes visiting Walla Walla wine country east and affordable. Clean and well kept. Sites are typical park size but are well designed paved and level. Nice landscaping. Park full but quiet. Walking distance to downtown wineries and restaurants," shares Mary F.
What campers like
Immaculate grounds: Columbia Sun RV Resort receives consistent praise for its well-maintained landscaping. "Gorgeous location on the outskirts of town. Has all the amenities and activities you want in a semi-urban RC resort / glamping get away. Heated pool and hot tub, game room and more," writes Jeff M. The resort maintains 145 sites with water and electric hookups.
Community facilities: Horn Rapids RV Resort provides social spaces for longer stays. "The community lounge is big and clean with a kitchen and sofas, TV, and tables. Each RV spot has a place to park a car," reports Tina M. The resort functions well for extended stays, with another camper noting, "We had a family emergency and stayed at this RV resort for almost two months."
Privacy between sites: Coyote Run RV Park offers sites with good separation despite its highway-adjacent location. "This is a nice, clean park. Has tent sites, back ins, pull thrus, and has bathrooms and a laundry room onsite. Sometimes you can hear the freeway traffic but not bad," notes Schuy K. The park features "a very wide road through the park which is nice and long pull-through sites."
What you should know
Seasonal concerns: Summer heat affects camping comfort at most Lake Sacajawea RV sites. At Arrowhead RV Park, one camper noted, "We visited in August and boy did we sweat!" While at Blue Valley RV Park, another camper warned, "Come ready to sweat—triple digit weather when we came through!"
Irrigation systems: Several parks use sprinklers to maintain green spaces despite the desert climate. At Coyote Run RV Park, one visitor advised, "It was pleasant to have green grass in late July since I'm used to the crunchy ground of other camp sites by now. Just move your stuff out of the way of the sprinklers!!! We had to do a late night dash outside to rescue books and such!"
Site leveling requirements: RV sites around Lake Sacajawea often require leveling equipment. "The sites are annoyingly un-level. Make sure you have pads and a septic ramp," warns one camper about RV Resort Four Seasons, adding "for $75 a night the amenities were non existent."
Tips for camping with families
Swimming options: Umatilla Marina RV Park includes beach access for kids. One visitor observed, "Beach/cove is very nice and good place to paddle-board or kayak." However, another camper cautioned about a different section, "No easy access to the water for kids- don't even attempt to swim here!"
Entertainment amenities: Some parks offer special activities for children. "Fun experience: the field next to the campground set up a outdoor movie night with free popcorn. The kids loved it and it was a great memory maker," shares Agnes B. about Umatilla Marina RV Park.
Playground facilities: Horn Rapids RV Resort includes play areas for children. "It has a nice little mini mart, drive through spots, full hookups, playground for the kids, clean bathrooms/showers, and allows pets," notes Mel S., making it suitable for family camping trips near Lake Sacajawea.
Tips from RVers
Propane fire pit alternatives: Columbia Sun RV Resort prohibits wood fires but allows propane alternatives. "No firepits but we knew that before going - brought a propane fire pit with us," advises David T. This workaround lets RVers enjoy evening campfires despite restrictions.
Electrical hookup variations: Most parks offer 50-amp service. "Great small campground. With 50 amp hookups and plenty of space to enjoy yourself," confirms Moria R. about Horn Rapids RV Resort. Coyote Run RV Park provides adapters when needed: "They only have 50 amp & we needed 30 but mgr let me borrow an adapter."
Sewer connection setup: At some RV sites near Lake Sacajawea, sewer connections require extra equipment. One camper at Blue Valley RV Park noted, "The utilities are towards the back of the pad, so I had to use two sewer hoses to get from the main black tank on our Brinklely G model." This practical detail helps RVers prepare with appropriate gear lengths.
