The arid landscape surrounding Moses Lake, Washington features predominantly dispersed camping options on public lands, with sites concentrated around numerous lakes and reservoirs. Long Lake near Warden offers year-round access with basic amenities like pit toilets while maintaining a primitive camping experience. Perch Point Wild Camping Area on Potholes Reservoir provides similar opportunities with picnic tables and toilet facilities. Within an hour's drive, campers can also access Frenchman Coulee, known for its dramatic basalt formations and popularity among rock climbers. Most sites accommodate both tent and RV camping, though amenities are minimal across the region.
A Washington State Discover Pass ($10/day or $30/year) is required at nearly all camping areas, with rangers regularly checking compliance. Most locations permit stays up to 10 days, though specific regulations vary by site. Seasonal fire restrictions are common, particularly from May through October. As one camper noted, "There's no water and no trash service here, please help keep the area clean and take your trash with you!" The region experiences strong winds and extreme temperature variations, with summer days often exceeding 90°F while nights remain cool. Cell service is generally reliable at most locations, with Verizon and AT&T providing consistent coverage.
Fishing access drives much of the camping activity in the region, with several sites featuring boat ramps and shoreline fishing opportunities. Weekends typically see increased visitation, while weekdays offer more solitude. "I was one of only 3 campers in and around Long Lake. Lots of privacy," reported one visitor. Wildlife viewing opportunities include pelicans, waterfowl, and occasional mammals. Water quality varies significantly between locations, with some lakes affected by agricultural runoff. Campers consistently praise the stargazing opportunities, with minimal light pollution allowing for exceptional night sky viewing. Several visitors have even reported seeing the northern lights from camping areas near Moses Lake during periods of high solar activity.
"This is a dispersed camping area on the Potholes reservoir, and is not the Potholes State Park. But this is state property and a Discover Pass is required to stay here ($10/day or $30/year)."
"But it was a great uneventful night. a few pit toilets but I didnt use them. Also a few dead fish along the shore."
"It was easy to access. Well maintained BLM access road — a car could easily make it. There was no one else there."
"Easy access over washboard. Go past camping sign and vault toilet for more isolated locations. Be prepared for windy conditions after sunset."
"Several drive in dispersed spots available. Backed the truck right up to the water for a lovely sunset"
"Great spot to disperse camp, no toilets , great for swimming fishing kayaking paddle boarding and disperse camping, sunken boat at edge of water cool feature. Lots of bugs and spiders."
"Felt safe"
"This is a small pull off right off the highway. You need s discover pass to use it. Pulling in there is a single toilet, we didn’t check it out."
"I didn't drive very far in since I've never been here and it was dark. I parked close to the water near the entrance and next to a sketchy bathroom that had bullet holes in the door."
TravelerBig empty field with plenty of space for campers of any size. They have a vaulted toilet available if needed. The sign says you must register but there is no way to register. Discovery pass required. It’s well off the beaten path, in the middle of farms. There is a river & boat launch that plenty of people occupied but unless you go that way, you’d never know they are there.
TravelerVery flat spot several miles off ethe interstate. Small 2 lane road next to it. Lots of sites, nothing marked just back in and hang out. No water and electricity, but great for FREE! Convience store down the road with gas and a few things.
ScoutEasy access over washboard. Go past camping sign and vault toilet for more isolated locations. Be prepared for windy conditions after sunset.
LegendDidn't expect eastern WA to be so much like southern AZ. Not a bad spot... just not my thing. Only access to the water I could see was a boat launch, but it's a decent view of the lake from the lot. Last part of the road in is steep downhill on very loose gravel/rocks, so take your time if you're pulling a small rig or boat. Not very big rig friendly. No amenities... but a disappointing amount of trash.
TravelerThe road starts as gravel then turns into gravel and large stones. Not an easy road definite 4x4 with good tires, not a Subaru Outback track. Eventually it starts gaining altitude toward the Wild Horse Wind Farm and the road turns to broken basalt rock and volcanic stone and gets pretty sharp. We made it about a mile past the wind farm where the road starts to drop again, and a shard of basalt tore through the sidewall flattening a tire.
We managed to change a tire and decided that with no spare, continuing would be stupid. We turned back and spent the night near the wind farm and drive out the following day.
This area is prone to grass fires and getting stuck would be pretty serious. Areas with no cell service, one lane road, grass scab land, volcanic rock and occasional sage brush.
Not a trail I’d advise for a single vehicle.
Staying at the wind farm there is awesome star viewing, near constant wind and you can hear the wind generators in the background.
TravelerThis is a small pull off right off the highway. You need s discover pass to use it. Pulling in there is a single toilet, we didn’t check it out. The gravel parking area along the small lake allows for some privacy, but you are in a gravel parking area near a highway. No water and the bathroom looked dodgy, but there used to be ample parking close enough to hear the highway. The lake is nice, the water is clear, and some locals swim in it. We camped from afternoon until afternoon the following day. A few people cans and went but by nightfall there was one other car and a motorhome all distant from one another. If you listen you can hear the highway. At about 2am when the breeze stopped the mosquitoes came out with a vengeance and stayed until about 8am when a breeze picked up again.
Not a destination, but a welcome rest spot.
GuideWent out for a little weekend trip saw the spot a hot minute ago and decided to finally pull the trigger on. It got some great views along the ridgeline trail was very car accessible, and it was Wellesly quiet we had one neighbor to our left and another one down the road fairly slow, but also wasn’t festival or concert evening so that was expected
GuideStayed here for one night (Wednesday). It was easy to access. Well maintained BLM access road — a car could easily make it. There was no one else there. There was a bag of garbage and sprawled garbage here & there as well as glass & butts. We picked up our area of any of the garbage & packed it out. The bull frogs & LARGE fish jumping/splashing all night was so soothing. The stars were amazing. Slept with the rain cover off the tent. Would have been 5 stars if not for the garbage & toilet locations. Burn ban currently in effect. Very dry - embers would not be good. Even next to the lake. Would stay again
GuideAs others have mentioned, there’s lots of trash in the area. However, you can’t hear the noise from the highway and I had great cell reception
Dispersed camping near Moses Lake, Washington features multiple remote sites situated among basalt rock formations and arid landscapes. The region sits at approximately 1,100 feet elevation with temperature swings of 30-40°F between day and night common throughout summer months. Strong winds frequently sweep across the open terrain, creating challenging conditions for tent campers without proper equipment.
Rock climbing access: Camp at Frenchman Coulee Dispersed Camping for direct access to popular climbing routes. "Very nice and quiet spot... Few people rock climbing, tall waterfall across the valley," reports one visitor. The basalt columns known as "The Feathers" provide distinctive climbing opportunities.
Fishing opportunities: Anglers can access multiple lakes throughout the region. At Long Lake, campers report good fishing conditions. "Plenty of big fish in the lake, pelicans and weasels," notes one camper. Sites are typically within walking distance of shorelines.
Bird watching: The wetland areas attract diverse bird species. "We spent the evening listening to a variety of birds before the frogs sang us to sleep," shares a camper at Martha Lake. Early mornings provide optimal viewing opportunities when birds are most active.
Geological features: The dramatic rock formations create unique camping backdrops. "Gorgeous natural amphitheater," describes one visitor at Frenchman Coulee Dispersed Camping. Trails lead to elevated viewpoints above climbing areas.
Night sky viewing: Low light pollution allows for exceptional stargazing. A camper at Perch Point Wild Camping Area shares, "Biggest highlight for us is that this is the first and only place we got to see the northern lights!" Summer nights remain clear for optimal viewing.
Privacy between sites: Most dispersed areas offer good separation between campers. "I found an awesome site that was pretty secluded. The views are insane," notes a visitor at Long Lake. Weekday visits typically offer more solitude than weekends.
Road conditions: Access roads to many sites feature washboard surfaces and rough terrain. "The road is washboarded out. Your teeth will rattle out of your head. It is passable by car, though," warns a camper at Long Lake. Higher clearance vehicles are beneficial at several locations.
Discover Pass requirement: Most camping areas require a Washington State Discover Pass ($10/day or $30/year). At Martha Lake Dispersed Camping, "Martha Lake requires a Discovery Pass, and you're allowed to stay for up to three days," notes one visitor. Rangers regularly patrol camping areas.
Seasonal considerations: Summer temperatures frequently reach 90°F+ during daytime hours. "Avoid summer when it gets too hot and ticks and rattlesnakes are around," advises a camper at Ancient & Dusty Lake Trailhead. Spring and fall offer more moderate conditions.
Insect preparation: Mosquitoes and other insects can be abundant near water. At Trail Lake Dispersed, one camper reports, "Beautiful spot, but literally the most mosquitos I've ever seen... We bailed to drive into the night after 30 minutes of painful tent setup." Pack effective repellent and protective clothing.
Trash management: Many sites show evidence of previous campers leaving garbage. "We checked out about 5 campsites here and each was covered in trash. One even had a full black garbage bag," notes a visitor at Trail Lake. Pack extra bags to carry out waste.
Water quality concerns: Lakes in the region often contain agricultural runoff. At Ancient & Dusty Lake Trailhead, campers advise, "The lakes are contaminated by irrigation run off... Pack all the water you will need." Bring sufficient drinking water for your entire stay.
Level parking availability: The region offers several sites suitable for RVs. At Martha Lake, one RVer reports, "Camping areas are big gravel lots next to the lake. Had no problem with level." Advance scouting helps identify the most suitable parking areas.
Limited facilities: RV campers should prepare for minimal amenities. "No water and no trash service here, please help keep the area clean and take your trash with you," explains a camper at Perch Point. Self-contained units with sufficient water and waste capacity work best.
Highway noise considerations: Some camping areas experience road noise despite remote feel. "There is some noise from I90, but not really that bad," notes an RVer at Martha Lake. Sites further from major highways provide quieter conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What facilities are available at Perch Point Wild Camping Area?
Perch Point Wild Camping Area is a dispersed camping area on Potholes Reservoir with minimal facilities. While there are no developed amenities like water, electricity, or permanent restrooms, the area offers direct access to the reservoir for fishing and water activities. A Washington State Discover Pass is required to stay here ($10/day or $30/year), and rangers do patrol the area to check compliance. Camping is limited to a maximum 10-day stay. The area is popular for its water access, but campers should come fully prepared with all necessary supplies including water, food, and waste disposal solutions.
Where can I find free camping near Moses Lake?
Several free camping options exist near Moses Lake, though most require a Washington State Discover Pass ($10/day or $30/year). Frenchman Coulee Dispersed Camping offers free camping with a Discover Pass in a scenic area popular with rock climbers, featuring pit toilets and beautiful desert landscapes. Vernita Bridge provides riverside dispersed camping with boat ramp access, though you'll need to bring all supplies as there are no amenities beyond basic sanitation facilities. Both areas have informal sites where you can camp, but remember to practice Leave No Trace principles and be prepared for potentially windy conditions.
Is boondocking allowed around Potholes Reservoir near Moses Lake?
Yes, boondocking is allowed around Potholes Reservoir, but with specific regulations. Jameson Lake provides boondocking opportunities near the reservoir area with no hookups or amenities, making it ideal for self-sufficient campers. This remote location offers beautiful stargazing and fishing access. At Ringold Springs Camping, boondocking is permitted but requires a Washington State Discover Pass. Most dispersed sites around the reservoir are on state land, requiring this pass for legal stays. Remember that stays are typically limited to 10 days, and rangers do patrol these areas to check for proper permits and compliance with regulations.
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