Dispersed camping opportunities near Medical Lake, Washington offer primitive facilities on undeveloped Bureau of Land Management (BLM) lands in the channeled scablands region. These sites typically sit at elevations between 1,500-2,100 feet with seasonal temperature variations ranging from below freezing in winter to over 90°F in summer. The region's basalt formations and seasonal lakes create distinctive camping environments that require specific preparation.
What to do
Hiking at Fishtrap Recreation Area: Access the trail system directly from the camping area for day hikes through scabland terrain. "There's also a trail that connects off the lot," notes one camper, while another mentions, "The hike itself was incredible and a bit primitive at points. Bring bug spray and maybe a machete lol."
Wildlife viewing: Observe diverse wildlife near Fishtrap Recreation Area camps. "We experience wild turkeys, a variety of birds, the sound of coyotes not far, field squirrels and snakes," reports one visitor who enjoyed the natural surroundings.
Stargazing: The minimal light pollution creates exceptional night sky viewing at Escure Ranch locations. A visitor specifically recommended this activity: "The night skies are particularly dark because you're a long way from any civilization."
Paddling to island camps: Access Bonnie Lake Island via watercraft for a unique camping experience. "Access is by paddling up Rock Creek about a mile and another 1/2 mile paddle up the lake. The creek can be seasonally shallow and you'll have to portage across at least one beaver dam."
What campers like
Solitude and quiet: Many campers appreciate the peace at less-visited sites. "Rock creek runs through this lovely BLM land with 2 sets of falls. It's a great spot in late winter or early spring if you're looking for solitude."
Natural sounds: The absence of urban noise allows natural soundscapes to dominate. "The steep canyon walls provide a stage for coyotes to sing back and forth," notes one Bonnie Lake visitor describing the evening ambiance.
Historical exploration: Several sites contain remnants of earlier uses. At Escure Ranch, one camper noted, "It's also interesting exploring the old ranch building that remain on the site."
Accessibility features: Some areas offer unexpected accessibility. "It is very flat and would be reasonably accessible for someone using a wheelchair or with other mobility restrictions. The picnic tables are even accessible!" reports a visitor to Hog Lake Campground.
What you should know
Fire restrictions: Seasonal bans are common during dry periods. One Fishtrap camper noted, "There were no fires allowed while we were there and no shooting either."
Road conditions: Access roads vary significantly in quality. "The last two miles driving in is a rough dirt road, and a vehicle with ground clearance is highly desirable," warns an Escure Ranch visitor.
Limited facilities: Most sites offer minimal amenities. At Fishtrap, a camper observed, "There is trash dumpster and 1 porta potty that when we were here was kinda gross. Use your own if you have one."
Wildlife precautions: Venomous snakes inhabit the region. "Watch out for rattle snakes! We didn't see any at the campground but they are known for being in the area in spades!" cautions a visitor to Cow Lake.
Tips for camping with families
Choose spots with established boundaries: Look for clearly defined camping areas. At Hog Lake, "We have a 21ft trailer towed behind a pickup truck and it's able to fit in most spots. None of these are really official spots (not flattened or bordered) but it's a nice place to pass through."
Prepare for insects: Bug protection is essential during warmer months. One Hog Lake visitor mentioned, "We found a site that was both tent-able and hammock-able. Lots of mosquitoes though!"
Consider weekend crowds: Some locations become busy during peak times. A Cow Lake visitor observed, "By evening there were over a dozen boisterous people fishing along the shore. Sound travels well over water and it was very noisy."
Plan for shade limitations: Many areas lack natural cover. "Not many spots with shade. The one that we did find had a lot of garbage around it," noted one Fishtrap camper describing summer conditions.
Tips from RVers
Level site hunting: Free camping near Medical Lake requires careful site selection for larger vehicles. "The spaces are all different some more level and others," reports one Fishtrap visitor.
Pull-through availability: Some areas offer easier access for trailers and RVs. "What an amazing spot. Many of the spots are RV accessible a decent gravel road goes through the entire area," notes a Crab Creek at Rocky Ford visitor.
Cell service considerations: Connectivity varies by location. "No hookups excellent phone service cell phone towers just around the corner. No traffic noise," reports one Hog Lake visitor about communications reliability.
Site selection timing: Earlier arrival improves options. "Surprisingly busy...Incredibly busy for a Tuesday night, people were pulling in all hours of the night," warns a Hog Lake camper about the importance of arriving early to secure preferred spots.
