The eastern Washington landscape near Odessa features dramatic coulees, scabland topography, and high-desert conditions with elevations around 1,500 feet. Summer temperatures regularly reach above 90°F while winter camping requires preparation for below-freezing conditions and occasional snow. Campsites near Odessa, Washington offer both lake-oriented experiences and high-desert settings with varying levels of development.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Coffeepot Lake provides fishing access via a small dock and boat launch. One camper noted the lake has "crystal clear water" though it contains "a fair bit of algae...so probably not a lake you'd necessarily want to swim in." The lake supports various fish species accessible by small watercraft.
Wildlife viewing: Campgrounds in this area host diverse wildlife. A visitor to Coffeepot Lake reported seeing "a confrontation between a giant heron and an osprey...it was pretty impressive!" Another camper mentioned seeing "a flock of pelicans" and hearing "coyotes howling in ALL directions and raccoons rustling all around by the water."
Stargazing: The dark skies in this region make for exceptional stargazing. At Sun Lakes-Dry Falls State Park, visitors enjoy panoramic night sky views when conditions allow. Coffeepot Lake offers "widest, darkest skies in the state" according to one camper, who recommended positioning yourself "in your car or tent's shadow" to minimize light interference.
What campers like
Solitude: Many campers value the quietness of sites like Crab Creek at Rocky Ford where one visitor described finding it "clean, totally empty" during their stay. Another camper at Coffeepot Lake appreciated that "we had this place completely to ourselves when we stayed there."
Lake access: Hog Lake Campground offers water recreation with one visitor noting it was "the perfect break in our drive" with sites that were both "tent-able and hammock-able." At Coffeepot Lake, campers enjoy access to "a small dock and boat launch, a common area consisting of covered picnic area with picnic tables."
Convenience for travelers: Several campgrounds function well as overnight stops. The Odessa Tourist Park was described by one camper as having "picnic shelter, grills and clean bathrooms. Not a lot to do in town but a nice place to catch some sleep off the beaten path." Similarly, Hog Lake Campground was called a "good spot for a stop in" by travelers.
What you should know
Weather challenges: The region experiences significant weather variations. Strong winds can impact camping comfort, especially for tent campers. One visitor at Sun Lakes-Dry Falls reported, "Friday night was really windy during the night," while a camper at Coffeepot Lake mentioned "the sun gets pretty brutal; other than the covered picnic area, shade is limited."
Site conditions: Many campgrounds near Odessa have minimal development. At Twin Lakes, one camper observed "the campsite is fairly nice, although there is no shade." Another visitor to Hog Lake noted that "the road was easy to find and there were so many great sites" but warned about "lots of mosquitoes."
Cell service limitations: Connectivity varies considerably across camping areas. A Twin Lakes visitor emphasized that "once you drive down to the lake/camp sites there is ZERO cell reception." Similarly, at Hog Lake, a camper reported "good AT&T service in the upper sites, not so much in the lower ones."
Tips for camping with families
Water safety: When camping with children near lakes in the region, bring personal flotation devices as there are no lifeguards. At Sun Lakes-Dry Falls State Park, a visitor mentioned "the lake is so refreshing! It's super hot there and I could spend all day swimming in the lake."
Recreation options: For families seeking structured activities, Sun Lakes-Dry Falls offers diverse options. One camper reported they have "a great mini golf course, pool, water wars, grocery, awesome super cute gift shop, office, delicious snack/dinner/restaurant/ice cream/espresso treat stand, peddle boats, row boats, beach, lake swimming."
Wildlife education: Camping trips here provide wildlife learning opportunities for children. At Coffeepot Lake, campers reported seeing "dozens of kinds of birds and bats" and "extremely, extremely active wildlife." Consider bringing binoculars and wildlife identification guides to engage children.
Tips from RVers
Size restrictions: Roads to some campgrounds limit RV access. At Twin Lakes, a camper advised "the road that leads down to the lake/camping area is steep and winding. I would not suggest anything over 25 foot length try to go down because you may not get back up." Consider using smaller rigs or camping at more accessible sites.
Utilities availability: For RVers requiring hookups, options are limited. The Cedars Inn Ritzville RV Park offers electric, sewer, and water hookups along with "close proximity to many amenities" including "restaurants, gas and the 90 makes it a quite convenient" according to one camper.
Seasonal considerations: Many campgrounds near Odessa have seasonal access limitations for larger vehicles. Spring visits may encounter muddy access roads, while summer heat requires extra cooling capacity. One RVer at Hog Lake noted the area is "quite open with no tree so not so great for windy days."
