Tent camping near Marshall, Washington offers diverse options within the forested landscapes of eastern Washington. The area sits at approximately 2,400 feet elevation in the transition zone between the Selkirk Mountains and Columbia Plateau, creating varied terrain for camping experiences. Summer temperatures typically range from 75-90°F during daytime hours, cooling significantly at night even during peak season.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Nine Mile Recreation Area provides access to Long Lake for anglers. Jim T. notes, "The resort is right on Long Lake, there is an area to swim, and it's a good spot for waterskiing."
Wildlife viewing: Camp Gifford at Deer Lake offers encounters with local fauna. Rachel A. describes it as an "Inclusive children's camp" where visitors can observe wildlife in a managed setting.
Boating access: Twin Lakes provides boat launches for water recreation. Richard M. explains, "Many trucks pulling aluminum boats drive down to the boat launch that goes to the upper lake," though cautions about the steep access road.
Stargazing: Dispersed camping locations around Marshall offer minimal light pollution. Wilber S. from Rock Creek BLM Campground confirms, "The stars at night were amazing," making this activity particularly rewarding in the drier eastern Washington climate.
What campers like
Lake access: Mica Bay Boater Park receives praise for its waterfront location. TBone highlights versatility: "Big bay for tubing or swimming, close enough to downtown for gas and dinner, plus ice cream. Bald eagles and Osprey fighting for fish."
Family-friendly amenities: Nine Mile Recreation Area offers facilities for all ages. Aaron P. notes, "Great family place, so much to do for everyone. Especially if you love the water. The campsite is butted up to the lake, which makes it great for sunsets and sunrises."
Quiet atmosphere: Several campsites emphasize peacefulness as a key attraction. Taesagh M. from Nine Mile Recreation Area reports, "We were absolutely thrilled at how peaceful and quiet the space was. You're right off the water and get an amazing view of the sunset."
Proximity to attractions: Amongst The Pines offers convenient access to local businesses. Aaron S. shares, "We got there early and were able to check out the nearby brewery/fruit picking spot which made for a pretty ideal road tripping night."
What you should know
Road conditions: Access to some campgrounds requires navigating challenging roads. Jim T. warns about Nine Mile Recreation Area: "The entry road is narrow, it is not paved, and meanders through private property, so slow down!"
Seasonal variations: The Lil Red Barn and similar sites may have different accessibility depending on weather conditions. While specific seasonal information isn't provided, this facility features 11 tent sites with electric hookups and running water.
Limited services: Many dispersed camping areas lack amenities. Teresa T. describes Lakes Divide Road: "It is a steep but well maintained forest road. There was one clear pull off early and it had someone in it. Wanted some privacy so I kept going."
Reservation requirements: Campground availability varies widely. At Extraordinary Camping, Ethan V. notes, "It is a very nice place to camp, since there probably won't be any people outside your own group. The owner was very responsive to texts and was helpful with all of my questions."
Tips for camping with families
Animal encounters: Amongst The Pines offers educational opportunities. Aaron S. shares, "Robin was unbelievably accommodating with our situation and even introduced my daughters to all the farm animals."
Activity options: Nine Mile Recreation Area provides diverse recreation. Aaron P. explains, "You can rent kayaks, and paddle boards there. There are tent sites and have public bathrooms and showers."
Shade considerations: Some sites offer limited tree cover. Aaron P. cautions about Nine Mile Recreation Area, "There is hardly any shade at the campsite," which can be important information for families with small children during summer months.
Swimming areas: Several campgrounds feature water access with varying quality. Pat S. warns about conditions at Nine Mile Recreation Area in midsummer: "So much seaweed couldn't launch them. Thought maybe spend the day at the beach but so much goose poop couldn't get to water without stepping in piles."
Tips from RVers
Length restrictions: Many campgrounds have limitations on vehicle size. Richard M. cautions about Twin Lakes: "The road that leads down to the lake/camping area is steep and winding. I would not suggest anything over 25 foot length try to go down because you may not get back up."
Hookup availability: The Lil Red Barn provides electric and water hookups for RVs. With 11 sites available, it's one of the more accommodating options for RV camping in the immediate Marshall area.
Alternative locations: When primary sites are unavailable, nearby options exist. Richard M. suggests, "There is a second site about 22 minutes away (coffee pot recreation site) that is more accessible friendly for larger rigs and setups and a boat launch to the lower lake."
Cell reception: Connectivity varies significantly between sites. Richard M. notes about Twin Lakes: "But once you drive down to the lake/camp sites there is ZERO cell reception."
