Best Campgrounds near Mattawa, WA
The desert landscape surrounding Mattawa, Washington contains a mixture of established campgrounds and dispersed camping areas accommodating both tent and RV campers. Beverly Dunes near Mattawa offers primitive tent and RV sites with fire rings and basic facilities, while other nearby options include Frenchman Coulee Dispersed Camping and Ginkgo Petrified Forest State Park Campground in Vantage. The Columbia River corridor provides multiple access points for camping, with sites ranging from fully-developed parks with utilities to undeveloped areas on public lands.
Permits and regulations vary significantly across the region's camping areas. Most dispersed sites on public lands near Mattawa require either a Washington State Discovery Pass or specific recreation permits, particularly for popular areas. "Martha Lake requires a Discovery Pass, and you're allowed to stay for up to three days," noted one camper about a nearby dispersed site. High summer temperatures and persistent winds characterize the local climate, with limited natural shade available at most sites. Cell service can be spotty in more remote locations, though coverage improves near Interstate 90 and larger towns. During peak summer weekends, established campgrounds often reach capacity, especially those with water access or electrical hookups.
Eastern Washington's distinctive desert-meets-river landscape creates unique camping experiences throughout the Mattawa region. Along the Columbia River, several recreation areas provide swimming access and boat launches, making them popular with water enthusiasts. A reviewer described the area as having "a hot, windy, and true desert climate. When you get near a body of water like you do along the Yakima River, the diversity of life expands and makes for great wildlife watching." Campgrounds with grass and shade tend to receive higher ratings, though many campers specifically seek the wide-open desert terrain for stargazing and the sense of solitude. Wildlife viewing opportunities include bighorn sheep, wild turkeys, and various bird species, particularly near water sources where the harsh landscape transitions to riparian zones.
