Camping options surrounding Mattawa, Washington range from state parks to reservoir-based resorts, all situated in the arid, sun-soaked Columbia Basin region. Summer temperatures regularly exceed 90°F, with minimal rainfall and cool evenings. This high-desert environment creates distinct camping conditions with sparse natural shade and significant day-to-night temperature variations requiring appropriate gear and preparation.
What to do
Water recreation at Potholes State Park: The park offers boating, fishing, and swimming with dedicated boat launch facilities. "The campground is located on O'Sullivan Reservoir in the middle of nowhere. It has excellent fishing and plenty of room to boat to different areas to fish," notes a visitor to Potholes State Park Campground.
Hiking near Windy Point: Explore trails through diverse terrain with views of waterways and mountains. "The hiking was great, so much beautiful greenery and trees!" reports a camper at Windy Point Campground. The area provides access to multiple trail systems suitable for day hikes.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: The wetlands and reservoirs attract diverse bird species. A Potholes State Park visitor reported: "We encountered lots of animals in the park. The bird sounds are incredible... Mourning doves, quail, robins, and red wing blackbirds among the many. Deer walked through the campground and beavers and otters were swimming in the reservoir."
What campers like
Evening comfort at premium sites: Upscale glamping near Mattawa offers temperature-controlled accommodations that maintain comfort during extreme weather. According to a Crescent Bar visitor, "Close to Moses Lake and Wenatchee - perfect getaway for the weekend. Beautiful sites near the river and the area is rapidly growing with activity."
Reservation flexibility at Thousand Trails Crescent Bar: The reservation system accommodates last-minute stays outside peak season. One camper noted, "We didn't make a reservation and there were a lot of open sites when we arrived on Saturday, even with the beautiful weather. I strongly doubt that will be the case as the summer continues."
Waterfront sites with direct access: Several campgrounds offer sites directly on the water. A visitor to Mardon Resort shared: "Camp on the water on the beach or up higher. Tucked in right on Moses Lake. Good fishing & a beach with sand. Fully stocked store and friendly staff."
What you should know
Summer heat preparation required: The region experiences intense daytime heat with minimal natural shade. "It was pretty dang hot here in the summer, more of a desert type of feel," reported a camper at Windy Point. "You will absolutely want to bring some sort of shade tent if you plan on hanging out in the campground before the concert," advised another visitor.
Wildlife awareness necessary: Various wildlife encounters are common throughout the camping areas. "We did see two snakes. One swimming towards us while we were fishing on the boat, the other in our camp site. This was a baby rattlesnake, not a gopher snake," cautioned a visitor at Potholes State Park.
Campsite density varies significantly: Site spacing and privacy differ greatly between and within campgrounds. A camper at Gorge Amphitheatre Campground noted: "You'll feel a slight sense of panic and dread as you realize how tightly everyone is packed in and how tricky it will be to carefully navigate your vehicle through the narrow patch of grass."
Traveler
