Rustic camping near Odessa, Washington provides access to the channeled scablands, a unique geological area carved by Ice Age floods. Summer temperatures regularly exceed 90°F with minimal rainfall, while winters can drop below freezing with occasional snow. Campers report frequent wildlife encounters including coyotes, wild turkeys, and numerous bird species throughout the area's primitive campsites.
What to do
Hiking trails year-round: Fishtrap Recreation Area offers hiking opportunities with trailheads accessible from camping areas. One visitor noted "there's also a trail that connects off the lot" while another mentioned "the hike itself was incredible and a bit primitive at points. Bring bug spray and maybe a machete."
Water activities: At Trail Lake Dispersed, opportunities for swimming and paddling are available during warmer months. A camper shared that "the water is nice and cool. Good for cooling down on a hot day. Saw a few people fishing from small boats." Another mentioned they "would've loved to stay and paddle-board."
Star photography: The minimal light pollution makes this region ideal for night sky viewing and photography. At Escure Ranch / Rock Creek Recreation Area, one visitor reported "The best part was pure luck as I setup camp on the road back during a new moon which was perfect for star gazing and astro photography."
What campers like
Wildlife viewing: The diverse ecosystem supports many animal sightings. At Hog Lake Campground, one reviewer mentioned "Around 2:00 a.m. every morning the coyotes have a 2 to 3 minute party. It's amazing to hear them. Never saw one though they keep away." Another camper at Escure Ranch noted "at night it is in complete darkness, away from traffic noise, and you can hear the coyotes as they move nearer."
Solitude on weekdays: Many campers report having areas largely to themselves, especially mid-week. At Perch Point Wild Camping Area, a visitor noted "Lots of people come here to fish and it gets busy on weekends (but quiet during the week)." Similarly, at Long Lake, a camper mentioned "I was one of only 3 campers in and around long lake. Lots of privacy."
Spacious camping areas: Most sites offer considerable room between campers. One visitor to Fishtrap Recreation Area described it as having "quite a few spots you can pull into" while another noted it's "a nice campsite with a decent amount of space. Can accommodate travel trailers."
What you should know
Road conditions vary: Access to some sites requires careful driving. At Long Lake, a camper warned "BOY was the road rough. No 4wd or high clearance needed, but you will be absolutely shaken and rattled on the way out to the lake." For Trail Lake, another advised "The entrance is not marked that I can see. Follow the directions to a Bob wire fence where you turn in."
Bug preparation essential: Insects can be problematic, especially near water. A Trail Lake visitor reported "when we first arrived, it was pretty breezy. As soon as it died down the welcoming community came out in full effect" while another stated it had "literally the most mosquitos I've ever seen (and I used to work in the woods of northern Maine)."
Discover Pass requirements: Several locations require Washington's recreation pass. At Perch Point, "Rangers did come by and check our pass and look at our license plate" and the pass costs "$10/day or $30/year." Similarly, Long Lake requires a "Discover Pass (either annual for $35 or day for $11.50)."
Tips for camping with families
Hard ground considerations: Tent campers should bring appropriate equipment for rocky surfaces. At Fishtrap Recreation Area, a visitor advised "I will advise tent campers it is tent accessible but not the easiest spot in a tent" and recommended "a backup plan ahead of time in case the sites available here are not compatible."
Safety awareness: Families should be mindful of natural hazards. One camper at Hog Lake mentioned "Broken glass in some sites so be careful" while at Crab Creek at Rocky Ford, a reviewer cautioned others to "please update this review! When looking at other apps it mentions this has become a homeless camp… target shooting and flies."
Wildlife education opportunities: The abundant wildlife creates learning experiences for children. At Escure Ranch, a visitor spotted "a Coyote who would not budge. That pretty much ended the hike as I could hear others howling nearby." At Fishtrap Recreation Area, campers "experience wild turkeys, a variety of birds, the sound of coyotes not far, field squirrels and snakes."
Tips from RVers
Site selection: RVers should arrive early for better spots. At Cow Lake, a visitor noted "Drive in was a little rough. Bagged trash left from previous campers. Spots next to the water." At Hog Lake Campground, another mentioned "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)."
Limited amenities: Most areas lack hookups or facilities. A visitor to Fishtrap Recreation Area observed "A nice location! I will advise tent campers it is tent accessible but not the easiest spot in a tent" while at Hog Lake, another noted "It's quiet and really close to the highway. There are 10-12 spots along the gravel road to Hog Lake."
Weather preparation: Temperature fluctuations require planning. At Trail Lake, a camper experienced that "It got pretty cool during the evening, even chilly overnight. So it was pretty comfortable overall." Another at Hog Lake warned "It is quite open with no tree so not so great for windy days."
