Best Camping near Mattawa, WA

Looking for the best campgrounds near Mattawa, WA? Mattawa is filled with the activities, sights, and experiences to make everyone in your crew a happy camper. Find the best campgrounds near Mattawa, WA. Read helpful reviews and tips to find the perfect camping option for you and your crew.

Best Camping Sites Near Mattawa, WA (110)

    Camper-submitted photo from Ginkgo Petrified Forest - Wanapum State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Ginkgo Petrified Forest - Wanapum State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Ginkgo Petrified Forest - Wanapum State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Ginkgo Petrified Forest - Wanapum State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Ginkgo Petrified Forest - Wanapum State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Ginkgo Petrified Forest - Wanapum State Park

    1. Ginkgo Petrified Forest - Wanapum State Park

    26 Reviews
    72 Photos
    142 Saves

    Located just two hours’ drive east of Seattle, this campground lies at the edge of central Washington’s high desert scablands. These small recreation areas along the shore of Wanapum Lake, on the mighty Columbia River, showcase the area’s dramatic landscape, and preserve the fossilized remains of a prehistoric forest buried by an ancient lava flow. Some of the many activities available at these two locations include hiking, swimming, boating, fishing, camping and wildlife watching. The campground at Wanapum offers 50 large, full-hookup sites for RV and tent campers. Sites are mostly open and grassy, with a few spare trees for shade and wind protection; all are equipped with picnic tables and cooking grills. The camp area has two vault toilets, a boat ramp, a shaded picnic area, and a sandy beach. This area is susceptible to high winds, so tents and awnings should be firmly secured. Dogs are permitted, but should remain leashed, as there are rattlesnakes in the area. The campground is open from March through October. Sites are first-come, first-served, but reservations are recommended in the summer season. Seasonal rates are $30–$50/night. Just a few miles north of the recreation area, Ginkgo Petrified Forest preserves a unique fossil discovery that was revealed during highway construction in the 1930s: the remains of an ancient forest turned to stone. The park features an air-conditioned visitor center, restrooms, picnic areas, a boat launch, and lake viewpoints. Nearby, the 1-mile Trees of Stone interpretive trail winds through the fossilized forest, where visitors can see more than 20 specimens of petrified trees, in addition to erratic boulders deposited by ancient glacial floods. Common wildlife seen in the area include deer, elk, bighorn sheep and coyotes. Check park website for operating seasons and hours.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    Camper-submitted photo from Yakima Sportsman State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Yakima Sportsman State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Yakima Sportsman State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Yakima Sportsman State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Yakima Sportsman State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Yakima Sportsman State Park

    2. Yakima Sportsman State Park

    20 Reviews
    12 Photos
    32 Saves
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    Camper-submitted photo from Potholes State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Potholes State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Potholes State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Potholes State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Potholes State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Potholes State Park

    3. Potholes State Park

    19 Reviews
    70 Photos
    125 Saves
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    Camper-submitted photo from Sand Hollow Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Sand Hollow Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Sand Hollow Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Sand Hollow Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Sand Hollow Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Sand Hollow Campground

    4. Sand Hollow Campground

    7 Reviews
    18 Photos
    46 Saves

    The Sand Hollow Campground is a great location for tent camping and has a popular sandy beach shoreline. Other amenities include a day-use picnic area, 10 primitive walk-in camping sites, 30 semi-primitive vehicle access camp sites, gravel access roads and four double vault toilets. The campground is open year round.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    • Tents
    Camper-submitted photo from Vantage Riverstone Resort Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Vantage Riverstone Resort Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Vantage Riverstone Resort Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Vantage Riverstone Resort Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Vantage Riverstone Resort Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Vantage Riverstone Resort Campground

    5. Vantage Riverstone Resort Campground

    7 Reviews
    7 Photos
    37 Saves
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access

    $30 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Frenchman Coulee Backcountry Campsites
    Camper-submitted photo from Frenchman Coulee Backcountry Campsites
    Camper-submitted photo from Frenchman Coulee Backcountry Campsites
    Camper-submitted photo from Frenchman Coulee Backcountry Campsites
    Camper-submitted photo from Frenchman Coulee Backcountry Campsites
    Camper-submitted photo from Frenchman Coulee Backcountry Campsites

    6. Frenchman Coulee Backcountry Campsites

    8 Reviews
    41 Photos
    117 Saves

    The free camp sites - There is a designated areas located near the main parking area. There are no designated sites but you can drive in on rough dirt trail. Portable toilets are nearby but there is no running water, no picnic tables and no fires are allowed. The area can become quite busy during long weekends or when there are big concerts held at the nearby amphitheater in George.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Tents
    • Group
    • Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Big Pines Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Big Pines Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Big Pines Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Big Pines Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Big Pines Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Big Pines Campground

    7. Big Pines Campground

    11 Reviews
    30 Photos
    90 Saves
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • ADA Access
    • RVs
    • Tents
    • Group

    $10 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Gorge Amphitheatre Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Gorge Amphitheatre Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Gorge Amphitheatre Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Gorge Amphitheatre Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Gorge Amphitheatre Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Gorge Amphitheatre Campground

    8. Gorge Amphitheatre Campground

    11 Reviews
    38 Photos
    21 Saves

    For the adventurous kinds who prefer to camp on site and enjoy the experience, The Gorge camping is accessible from 3:00pm the day before the show in most cases, this can vary so please check www.gorgecamping.com for show by show information. Fans camping at the campground will have to adhere to the quiet time rules from 2.00 AM to 8.00 AM. Prices can vary, refer to www.ticketmaster.com/venue/122913 for details.

    Spaces are set aside by the staff on a first come, first serve basis and one car and one tent or an RV can be parked/placed in this space.

    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    • RVs
    • Tents
    • Group
    Camper-submitted photo from Rocky Coulee Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Rocky Coulee Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Rocky Coulee Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Rocky Coulee Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Rocky Coulee Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Rocky Coulee Recreation Area

    9. Rocky Coulee Recreation Area

    5 Reviews
    46 Photos
    56 Saves
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • ADA Access
    • Tents
    • Standard (Tent/RV)

    $10 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Vernita Bridge
    Camper-submitted photo from Vernita Bridge

    10. Vernita Bridge

    5 Reviews
    2 Photos
    18 Saves

    Unimproved camping open year round.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • RVs
    • Tents
    • Group
    • Standard (Tent/RV)
Showing results 1-10 of 110 campgrounds

Pet-friendly camping near Mattawa

Recent Reviews In Mattawa

357 Reviews of 110 Mattawa Campgrounds


  • PThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Ginkgo Petrified Forest - Wanapum State Park
    Oct. 25, 2024

    Ginkgo Petrified Forest - Wanapum State Park

    Nice location on the lake

    Nice spacious sites. Lots of privacy between sites. No dog park. Great view of the lake from your door. We took a 4 mile, one-way, bike ride to the town of Vantage and then to the Ginkgo Petrified Forest. The town of vantage is very small with a lot of closed shops. Has a gas station and convenience store. That’s about it. Very scenic area and quiet and relaxing.

  • George L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Horn Rapids RV Resort
    Oct. 19, 2024

    Horn Rapids RV Resort

    High End RV Park

    I chose Horn Rapids RV Park due to it being the closest landing spot for where I needed to be on a trip north and was not disappointed! Immaculately clean, well laid out sites with a decent amount of space, clean bathrooms (although not all of the stall doors closed). For a one night stay, it was a very good choice. Recommended.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Windy Point Campground
    Oct. 18, 2024

    Windy Point Campground

    Pretty river and waterfall camping

    We stayed here a few days in July and loved it! The river is so beautiful with the waterfall cascading down into the river directly across from the campsite. There is a shallow part near the shoreline where the kids had a great time playing in the river. The river itself is wide and very fast moving. The campsite we stayed in was fairly close to the next one, but we were camping with friends in the next one so it was fine. But be aware, some campsites are very close together. There is some road noise, but mostly you just hear the river.

  • PThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Ginkgo Petrified Forest - Wanapum State Park
    Oct. 16, 2024

    Ginkgo Petrified Forest - Wanapum State Park

    Peaceful and Quiet

    Arrived on a Sunday without reservations and had several spots to choose from for our 3 night stay. Easy Lake access. The grounds are immaculately kept up - sites are very spacious - bathrooms and showers super clean. Road our e-bikes into Vantage - only a gas station/convenience store - very expensive - but it is the only game in town as everything else is closed. Continued our e-bike ride to Ginkgo Petrified forest - nice little 3 mile hike. The town is 2.5 miles from camp and another 2 to get to the petrified forest. Would stop here again. Had a relaxing time.

  • Charlotte F.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Long Lake
    Sep. 30, 2024

    Long Lake

    8/10 recommend!

    Only reason for 4 stars is because people have left trash here. Otherwise, it’s a great spot. Very private and spread out. There’s a handful of sites, each with make shift fire pits and none super close to each other. No fee other than discover pass. There’s an outhouse but we didn’t use it. We have Verizon and AT&T and had decent service.

  • hThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Umtanum Campground
    Sep. 30, 2024

    Umtanum Campground

    Off-road Tent camping

    The site offer approximately 10 sites that can be used for tent or RV camping. Moderately spaced from the other sites. Parallels the river. The tent areas are all level, ground mainly dirt/gravel. Each site has a picnic table and fire pit. We did not hear the road noise. Can’t speak to the condition of the toilets as we didn’t use them. This is a favorite of the locals for fall fishing so you need a reservation…

  • James B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Martha Lake Dispersed Camping
    Sep. 30, 2024

    Martha Lake Dispersed Camping

    Overnight Stay

    Note: Lake needs Washington Discover Pass Stopped while traveling through for an overnight stay. Camping areas are big gravel lots next to the lake.
    Had no problem with level. There is some noise from I90, but not really that bad.
    Nobody else was at the lake when we stayed.
    Great overnight stop with a lake view out our back door.

  • DL M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Potholes State Park
    Sep. 24, 2024

    Potholes State Park

    Perch Point nice shade and breeze

    T mobile 5G. Dead fish and algae in the lake- green speckles. The water is green. The picnic tables are partially buried in the sand. The discovery pass including the processing fee was $13. The sites are big and well spaced along the reservoir shoreline. Saw about 3 Pit toilets equally spaced along the shore line. Nice old trees providing shade. Nice breeze to close the day. Can't see any flies.

  • b
    Camper-submitted photo from Frenchman Coulee Dispersed Camping
    Sep. 23, 2024

    Frenchman Coulee Dispersed Camping

    My home away from home

    I travel for work and I stay here almost every week to save money on hotels. I’ve also taken my family here over the summer for camping and hiking. We all love it. Very quiet. Weekends can get kinda busy due to hikers and rock climbing enthusiasts. I suggest coming up early if you plan to stay the weekend. Many beautiful views. There is even a waterfall I sleep across from. On clear nights you can see all the stars. Which is my favorite! There are lots of sites to camp. In car/tent/RV it’s pretty accessible. There are some rougher spots where you probably should have four-wheel-drive or at least a higher stance vehicle.

  • Luther R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Long Lake
    Sep. 21, 2024

    Long Lake

    A Gem

    Beautiful lakes. I was one of only 3 campers in and around long lake. Lots of privacy.

  • PThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from The Cottonwood Retreat
    Aug. 14, 2024

    The Cottonwood Retreat

    Very Quiet

    Perfect spot for privacy and a great night’s sleep. Plenty of space. Stop soon after going through(and closing) the gate to get a level spot. Wind can be high here, but that made for nice sleeping weather in August. Bumpy road but no need to go far. Woke up to a buck grazing 30 yards away.

  • Jeremy H.
    Camper-submitted photo from Ringold Springs Camping
    Aug. 6, 2024

    Ringold Springs Camping

    If you are just looking for a place to put your tent

    The sign says you need to register, couldn't find anywhere to register. Sign on board says closed for camping, it was a Covid-era sign. Requires a discover pass, but otherwise, free. Didn't see any park employees. I camped on a Friday evening and was the only one there camping except for an RV boondocking in a different section. Has a boat ramp and a spot you can fish from. No campfires.

  • Derek B.
    Camper-submitted photo from Thousand Trails Crescent Bar
    Jul. 15, 2024

    Thousand Trails Crescent Bar

    Great Location, not a great park.

    We visited in late June of 2024. Crescent Bar is a nice little community and the PUD park is beautiful. T.T. RV park was not in great shape. Sprinklers were busted in most of the park which created unpleasant dust storms. There are porta potties for the pool area and down the hill at the bathroom/shower you will find rotting interior walls and valves held together with copious layers of silicone. Fortunately for us this was just a stop over location while crossing Washington.

  • L
    Camper-submitted photo from Pasco Tri-Cities KOA
    Jul. 15, 2024

    Pasco Tri-Cities KOA

    Nice in city campground

    Nice campground for in the city. Well maintained. Friendly and helpful staff. The tent sites are pull through and small. All have electricity and water. Nice playground and RC track which our child loved. No wood fires allowed.

  • Joshua C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Frenchman Coulee Dispersed Camping
    Jul. 8, 2024

    Frenchman Coulee Dispersed Camping

    Nice Spot Mid Week to Beat the Crowds

    Popular rock climbing area that gets many people through the day. Dispearsed camping in 2 areas. The first spot as you come from the road is much smaller and doesn't have any pit toilets. I prefer to park here when its not busy as the "Feathers" basalt columns are really pretty to camp up next to. The second open site down the road has pit toilets and is a much larger area. Both are nice but also there are many cars, campers, tents and becomes a much more lively area in the evening depending on the crowds.

    I think this is a great spot but I move on during the day when the rock climbing crowds start to swarm and park near you. There are some nice trails that take you up above the climbing area and you can get to the backside to get some nice views and away from the crowds. Can get pretty hot here in the warmer months but a beautiful spot to camp if you can avoid the busy/peak times.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from RV Village Resort
    Jul. 4, 2024

    RV Village Resort

    More trailer park than RV park

    Pros: it was very close to family that moved in nearby. Our site was level and the grass was green. Hookups were good and arranged well. Cons: the park is almost entirely long-term tenants, and many of the rigs were quite old and had lots of “accessories “outside them. Also, there was one functional bathroom and one functional shower for the entire park. Fortunately, our family was close by so we use their bathroom and shower when needed. It seems like the park is trying to improve, but it has a way to go before I would recommend staying there.

  • F
    Camper-submitted photo from Frenchman Coulee Overland Overlook Dispersed Campsite
    Jun. 30, 2024

    Frenchman Coulee Overland Overlook Dispersed Campsite

    A good getaway from the crowd

    This, like the other spots in Frenchman Coulee, is seldom empty, but it's much less packed than the areas closer to the climbing. This spot offers the best views, sunrises, and sunsets, at the cost of no shade and a healthy dose of wind. If you're going for the rugged feel, this'll do it. OF NOTE: The vault toilets are about a mile away from here.

  • F
    Camper-submitted photo from Frenchman Coulee Backcountry Campsites
    Jun. 30, 2024

    Frenchman Coulee Backcountry Campsites

    Good for climbing, OK for camping

    Overall it's not great nor is it terrible. It's always busy and often a bit crowded in the main portion but the people are usually not too rowdy. The scenic views are killer, the wildlife is active, and the mini trails around the place feel adventurous. The climbing is bang on but it's bouldering or lead climbing only. BE WARNED, THE BATHROOMS ARE STANKY (hot tip: bring a citronella candle and your own TP)

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Lakefront RV
    Jun. 21, 2024

    Lakefront RV

    Not worth the stop

    If you disregard the rough old permanent stayers, unclean, weeds and parked cars,, the lake view at sunset was beautiful

  • Jason G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Big Pines Campground
    Jun. 14, 2024

    Big Pines Campground

    Not much to add, still a great campground

    The older reviews are all accurate and still apply. I really don't have to much to add. Campground makes for a great base for all your canyon adventures.

  • Jason G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Burke Lake South
    Jun. 14, 2024

    Burke Lake South

    Lots of places along the entire road through here

    There are multiple pull outs and established dispersed camping opportunities all along the entire road through the Ancient Lakes area. The specific spot marked on the dyrt map is just one spot. But consider this a review for the whole area.

    The whole area is very unique, and the highlight is definitely hiking down into the canyon and Dusty Lake area. Spider web of trails down there open for hikers, mountain bikers, and horses. Overnight backpacking is allowed down there as well.

    The upper lakes offer fishing and boating, paddle boarding as well if you are confident in your skill to stay on the board. I would not recommend swimming, or getting in the water at all, as it's all agricultural runoff.

    The spot I stayed is south of the marker on the map, right on the north west bank of the Evergreen Reservoir. This was early April, on a Saturday, very late afternoon after hiking all day. Most spots were already taken, and I snagged one of the last established spots I could find. More of a pull off, pretty close to the road, and on the smaller side. But there are other, larger, spots if you can grab one.

    Essentially no shade, very exposed, spring and fall would be the best time here.

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Yakima Sportsman State Park
    May. 9, 2024

    Yakima Sportsman State Park

    4 Days in YakaVegas

    So my partner and I had chosen to stay here for a few nights, we didn't reserve online, when we got there the ranger allowed us to go see which spot we liked, because there was a lot open. We chose spot 64 the one way in the back for tent campsites. When we got there, there was 3 others tents up in the area, spread apart of course a good length too. I read that there was a "Homeless" problem, but I didn't see one homeless our whole stay...besides myself lol I bought a power station and had to charge it at a RV spot #15. There I charged my phone and laptop. I did leave my shampoo and conditioner in the showers and those were taken, who can blame em, they were good ones. Lol my own fault. Anywho...bring some shower sandals because the showers are dirty...but they are FREE. Bathrooms are nice and clean. We didn't get bothered once, we got left alone, and even though we looked like the crazy tweaker tent there, cuz we had tarps over our tent....but it was raining. Lol A skunk did cross our path and ran behind our tent...but that's all the action. During this time it was $25 a night for tents. It was close to town but not TOO close....BIG park. For dogs and kids...good park



Guide to Mattawa

Camping near Mattawa, Washington, offers a mix of stunning landscapes and outdoor activities. Whether you're into fishing, hiking, or just soaking up the sun, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

  • Fishing: The area is known for great fishing spots. Campers at Potholes State Park Campground rave about the fishing opportunities, with one reviewer saying, "Good fishing, good amenities (shower, bathroom, etc)."
  • Hiking: Explore the scenic trails around the Yakima River. A visitor at Umtanum Campground mentioned, "The hiking is a pleasure in the area, with lots of wildlife."
  • Swimming: Enjoy a refreshing dip at local swimming holes. One camper at Ginkgo Petrified Forest State Park Campground noted, "Awesome swimming hole very clean."

What campers like:

  • Spacious Sites: Many campgrounds offer large sites. A happy camper at Yakima Sportsman State Park Campground said, "The sites have a massive amount of room to spread out."
  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. A reviewer at Crescent Bar Campground mentioned, "Super clean, nice bathrooms with showers."
  • Beautiful Views: The scenery is a big draw. One visitor at Big Pines Campground said, "Beautiful sunset scene in the middle of the canyon!"

What you should know:

  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds may lack certain facilities. A camper at Frenchman Coulee Backcountry Campsites warned, "It's very primitive, with two pit toilets and no other services."
  • Crowded During Peak Season: Expect busier conditions in summer. A visitor at Gorge Amphitheatre Campground noted, "It was so crowded it got very uncomfortable."
  • Wildlife Caution: Be aware of local wildlife. A camper at Umtanum Campground mentioned, "We were warned there’s a lot of rattlesnakes in summer."

Tips for camping with families:

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Size: Make sure your RV fits the site. A camper at Ginkgo Petrified Forest State Park Campground noted, "Site 49 in particular has enough room for our RV."
  • Bring Extra Supplies: Stock up on essentials before arriving. A reviewer at Wine Country RV Park mentioned, "Not a lot of food choices close by."
  • Be Prepared for Dust: Some campgrounds can get dusty. A visitor at Crescent Bar Campground noted, "Sprinklers were busted in most of the park which created unpleasant dust storms."

Camping around Mattawa, Washington, is a great way to enjoy the outdoors with family and friends. With a variety of campgrounds and activities, there's something for everyone!

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What camping is available near Mattawa, WA?

    According to TheDyrt.com, Mattawa, WA offers a wide range of camping options, with 110 campgrounds and RV parks near Mattawa, WA and 15 free dispersed camping spots.

  • Which is the most popular campground near Mattawa, WA?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Mattawa, WA is Ginkgo Petrified Forest - Wanapum State Park with a 4.4-star rating from 26 reviews.

  • Where can I find free dispersed camping near Mattawa, WA?

    According to TheDyrt.com, there are 15 free dispersed camping spots near Mattawa, WA.

  • What parks are near Mattawa, WA?

    According to TheDyrt.com, there are 17 parks near Mattawa, WA that allow camping, notably Lake Sacajawea and Lake Wallula.