Best Dispersed Camping near Mattawa, WA
Dispersed camping near Mattawa, Washington centers around several primitive sites managed by Washington Department of Natural Resources and other public lands. Frenchman Coulee offers multiple dispersed camping areas with established sites for tents and RVs, while the L.T. Murray Wildlife Area provides more remote backcountry options. Additional sites include Vernita Bridge along the Columbia River, Ancient & Dusty Lake Trailhead accessible by hiking trails, and Long Lake near Warden. Most locations require a Washington Discover Pass, which costs $10 daily or $30 annually.
Access roads to many dispersed sites feature rough, rocky terrain that may challenge standard passenger vehicles. Frenchman Coulee has some areas accessible to regular vehicles, but higher clearance is beneficial for reaching more secluded spots. The L.T. Murray Wildlife Area requires navigating steep, rutted roads with loose rocks, making high-clearance vehicles necessary. Most locations permit stays up to 10-14 days, though regulations vary by site. Fire restrictions are common, particularly during summer months, and campers must pack in all water as most sites lack potable sources.
These primitive camping areas provide varied landscapes from desert coulee formations to lakeside settings. A visitor to Frenchman Coulee noted it has "gorgeous natural amphitheater" scenery with "two pit toilets" but recommends bringing toilet paper. At L.T. Murray Wildlife Area, campers experience significant privacy, with one user reporting they "did not see anybody else the whole time" during their stay. The Ancient & Dusty Lake Trailhead requires a 1.5-mile hike to reach camping spots, and visitors should be aware that "the lakes are polluted with agricultural runoff so that water should not be used for drinking not even if filtered." Wildlife sightings are common at several locations, with elk, deer, and various bird species frequently observed.
