John B.
Scout
ScoutLeavenworth-Pine Village KOA
Decent
You come here because of it's proximity to Leavenworth. Don't get me wrong, it's a nice park. Lots for kids to do... But it's expensive. If that's why you're here there are other options.
Camping near Palisades, WA
217 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
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SUMMARY PRESENTED BY
Campgrounds near Palisades, Washington range from established facilities to primitive dispersed sites scattered throughout the Columbia River Valley region. Douglas Creek offers dispersed camping with primitive sites along a creek about 30 minutes from cell service, while Crescent Bar Campground provides developed sites with full hookups along the Columbia River. The area supports tent camping, RV sites with utilities, and cabin rentals at locations like Thousand Trails Crescent Bar and Lincoln Rock State Park. Most campgrounds in this region sit within 30 miles of Palisades, providing access to water recreation and desert canyon landscapes.
Access to camping areas varies significantly by location and seasonal conditions, with many sites open primarily from spring through fall. Douglas Creek requires high-clearance vehicles as the road includes multiple water crossings and rough terrain. Most established campgrounds operate from March or April through October, with Lincoln Rock State Park closing on October 31 and Wenatchee River County Park available April 1 to October 31. Developed sites often provide water, electric hookups, and shower facilities, while dispersed areas require self-sufficiency. A camper noted that Douglas Creek offers "no amenities. Zero. You get a spot to put down a tent and water from the creek if you didn't bring lots of water."
The Columbia River forms the recreational backbone of camping in this region, with multiple campgrounds offering water views and access points. Areas like Crescent Bar feature "beautiful sites with a view of the water, surrounded by green grass," according to visitor reports. Campgrounds in this high-desert environment typically have limited natural shade, so summer temperatures can be intense. Wildlife viewing opportunities abound, with visitors reporting ground squirrels, birds, and other desert creatures throughout the area. While some established campgrounds provide amenities like swimming pools and picnic areas, more remote locations like Douglas Creek attract visitors seeking solitude in canyon settings. The terrain ranges from riverside flats to dramatic basalt cliffs, creating distinct camping experiences depending on location and proximity to water.
Best Campgrounds near Palisades (217)
1. Douglas Creek
"Had a hiking trail that cuts in between the canyon with beautiful views that almost reminded me of Utah near Moab."
"Some are better than others due to adjacency to the road or access to the creek. It does look like this area gets heavy use at some point, maybe during the summer. "
2. Thousand Trails Crescent Bar
"They are sticklers on the parking situation so don’t expect any leeway. I believe it was 2 cars max with one boat and camper. Either way though they will only allow 2 cars."
"Close to Moses Lake and Wenatchee - perfect getaway for the weekend. Beautiful sites near the river and the area is rapidly growing with activity. Seems like everyone has a dog. 😆"
3. Lincoln Rock State Park Campground
"This beautiful campground has everything you want and need: water, trails, scenic views, ample campsites, clean bathrooms and easy access. "
"Nice campground close to Wenatchee. Access to swimming on the Columbia. Open area for running around, playground etc. can get crowded, but nothing Out of the ordinary for a state park."
from $12 - $202 / night
Check Availability4. Crescent Bar Campground (Grant PUD Crescent Bar Recreation Area)
"Stayed here while in the area to do a trail run. The campground is super well maintained, with plenty of parking at every spot."
"Not as much activity on site but close to home. Perfectly situated between Quincy and Wenatchee."
from $20 - $50 / night
Check Availability5. Wenatchee Confluence State Park Campground
"Gorgeous views of the river and surrounding hills everywhere you look. However you do have to navigate the city of Wenatchee office park to get there."
"The campground is just outside of town and next to the river. The river level was low so the swimming area was disappointing at the time we were there. Campground was so quiet. "
from $12 - $71 / night
Check Availability6. Rimrock Meadows
"However, the clubhouse area is spotless, with quite a few trees, a beautifully kept Olympic size swimming pool (with a waterfall in the basalt cliff behind it), lush green grass, and various other amenities"
7. Smokiam RV Resort
"The employees also walk the sites frequently. Downside - the lake by the resort is very muddy so we had to go elsewhere to swim (but there are plenty of local spots)."
"The sites are pretty close together, but not too close to be uncomfortable. Nice big area for dogs by the store and pool."
8. Wenatchee River County Park
"Be prepared for four pages of rules to help keep this treasure clean and the air pure (no tobacco products allowed outside)."
"The grounds are next to the Wenatchee River between a highway and railroad tracks. None of the noise is bad at all (of you’re sound sensitive this probably isn’t your place)."
9. Ancient & Dusty Lake Trailhead
"This place is where I go when I want to disconnect and get away from the stress of school in Ellensburg."
"Avoid summer when it gets too hot and ticks and rattlesnakes are around. It gets cold at night so come prepared."
10. Entiat City Park
from $35 - $65 / night
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Drive Time
- 53 min from Wenatchee, WA
- 2 hrs 11 min from Yakima, WA
- 2 hrs 35 min from Kennewick, WA
- 3 hrs 13 min from Seattle, WA
Recent Camping Photos near Palisades, WA
271 Photos of 217 Palisades Campgrounds
Don
Douglas Creek
The Dyrt
Thousand Trails Crescent Bar
Maria L.
The Aerie
Cinco D.
Crescent Bar Campground (Grant PUD Crescent Bar Recreation Area)
Katie W.
Ancient & Dusty Lake Trailhead
Cinco D.
Oasis RV Park & Golf Course
Brooke M.
Ephrata RV Park & Campground
Cinco D.
Lincoln Rock State Park Campground
Brandon B.
Quincy Lake
Horizon M.
Smokiam RV Resort
Corinna B.
Wenatchee Confluence State Park Campground
Jason G.
Burke Lake South
Recent Reviews near Palisades, WA
883 Reviews of 217 Palisades Campgrounds
- EErick D.Scout
Ellensburg KOA
Well maintained
Nice site, well maintained, nice to have 50 amp available especially in the summer. Some highway noise but not too bad
- T
Theresa W.ScoutConklin Landing RV Park
Beautiful site on the river
Very clean, large sites, on Columbia River. Extremely friendly and helpful host helped me get situated coming in late. Great stopover. And some Cute restaurants in town.
Derek & Kristen A.
GuideThousand Trails Leavenworth
Get a site on the river side!
Great lodge (gym, laundry, games, etc) and pool. Little to no activities or events. Bathhouses are clean and well maintained but not especially nice. So many trails! Great weekend culture. We hit Lake Wenatchee State Park multiple times while here - the best!
- AAdam L.Scout
Secret Camping Spot #1
Fine for a road trip
This is perfect for a road trip overnight rest, but I would not want to spend the day here. It is a gravel pullout with a raised ledge. There was some trash and old barbed wire where someone might pitch a tent, so inspect with some good light.
There is an old road that is part of the pullout that dead ends. We parked there and raised the rooftop tent. For our purposes this place is perfect and we will probably stay here again.
- HHossein S.Scout
Icicle River RV Resort
RV park
Great location Quite
- RRegina M.
TravelerLeavenworth-Pine Village KOA
Family focused. Not much shade
The campground has more asphalt and gravel than nature.
It is very clean. The staff is very friendly.
If you don't need the pool, hot tub , garbage pickup restaurant, and kids activities, it might not be a good fit and you are paying for those premium services.
If you are looking for all of those things this would be a great place to take your family.
Christopher G.TravelerDry Gulch on Columbia River
Road of bones
The 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.
- Christopher G.Traveler
Martha Lake Dispersed Camping
Overnight @ Martha Lake
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. 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.
Guide to Palisades
The Columbia Basin region surrounding Palisades offers diverse camping experiences within high desert terrain at approximately 1,200 feet elevation. Summer temperatures often exceed 90°F, while spring and fall provide milder conditions between 60-80°F. Campgrounds near Palisades, Washington range from riverside locations with sandy beaches to remote desert canyons with seasonal water crossings.
What to do
Waterfall hiking: Ancient & Dusty Lake Trailhead provides easy access to multiple waterfalls via flat terrain hiking trails. "Several waterfalls that you can get super close to. We have not camped there yet but it looked super fun," notes a visitor. The trail system connects to the Columbia River Gorge for extended exploration.
Swimming in mineral waters: At Smokiam RV Resort, campers can experience Soap Lake's unique mineral composition. "Soap Lake is interesting with a very soft muddy bottom on the CG side of the lake," reports one camper. The resort also maintains a swimming pool and hot tub for those who prefer treated water.
Paddling opportunities: The calm morning waters at Lincoln Rock State Park Campground create ideal conditions for non-motorized water sports. A camper notes, "The calm water in the morning sun made for perfect paddleboarding." The park includes boat launches, docks for mooring, and designated swimming areas.
What campers like
Spacious sites: Wenatchee Confluence State Park stands out for its generous spacing between campsites. "I have never had such wide spread out spaces in any state campground. It was amazing. The spaces were level, lots of grass and enough trees to provide shade at every spot too," according to one reviewer.
Biking infrastructure: Crescent Bar Campground offers extensive paved pathways ideal for cycling. "Lots of paved trails for bike riding or walking. The Columbia river is feet away and has plenty of access points," mentions a visitor. These trails connect various recreation areas and provide safe routes for families.
Desert ecology: The landscape at Ancient & Dusty Lake provides a unique ecological experience. "Really easy straight on hike. It is definitely dusty but a really nice change of pace from the trees and mountains," explains one hiker. Visitors appreciate the sage brush ecosystem and geological features not found in the more forested western parts of Washington.
What you should know
Remote canyon access: Douglas Creek requires proper vehicle preparation and self-sufficiency. "Dual sport motorcycle or 4 wheel/all wheel drive recommending with good ground clearance. Multiple water crossings. You are on your own out here," advises one camper. The road conditions vary seasonally with limited emergency services.
Sprinkler schedules: Lincoln Rock State Park operates scheduled irrigation systems that impact tent placement. "They water the grass in every site on a regular schedule during the week so you will have to move belongings," warns a reviewer. Posted sprinkler schedules are available near the bathrooms.
Agricultural runoff: Ancient & Dusty Lake Trailhead features lakes that cannot be used as water sources. "The lakes are polluted with agricultural runoff so that water should not be used for drinking not even if filtered. Pack all the water you will need," cautions a visitor. Plan to bring sufficient water for your entire stay.
Tips for camping with families
Off-season benefits: Wenatchee River County Park offers quieter experiences outside peak summer months. "We did a snow camp there and LOVED it! A little pricey in the snow because of the ski trails but so much fun," shares an enthusiast. The park operates from April through October with varying amenities.
Introductory backpacking: For first-time backpackers with children, Ancient & Dusty Lakes provides an accessible experience. "Ancient Lakes sites are only 2 miles from the trailhead on flat terrain which makes it for an ideal first backpacking experience," recommends a hiker. The shorter distance allows families to test overnight hiking without strenuous terrain.
Recreational options: Smokiam RV Resort offers multiple family-friendly activities beyond swimming. "Very clean campground. Nice amenities for families. Put put golf swimming pool hot tubs basketball and volleyball court and nice playground. Paddle board kayak and paddle boat rentals as well," notes a visitor. The variety of activities allows families to adapt to changing weather conditions.
Tips from RVers
Seasonal availability: Thousand Trails Crescent Bar operates with a defined season. "We stayed here in July 2021 the pool and hot tub are open the club house is as well. There are 30 and 50 amp sites with sewer hook ups. It is blazing hot here in summer with little to no shade," reports a visitor. Most RV parks in the region operate from spring to fall with reduced services in shoulder seasons.
Weather preparation: RVers at Crescent Bar note the need for cooling systems during summer stays. "It is blazing hot here in summer with little to no shade. Nice walking path to the river and to the resort community near by." Temperature management becomes essential during peak summer months when temperatures regularly exceed 90°F.
Winter hookups: Wenatchee Confluence State Park maintains partial services during colder months. "There isn't any water hookups any longer for winter but there are many sights that have electric and dump hookups that are still operational," explains an off-season visitor. This makes it one of the few options for winter RV camping in the region.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Palisades, WA?
What camping is available near Palisades, WA?
According to TheDyrt.com, Palisades, WA offers a wide range of camping options, with 217 campgrounds and RV parks near Palisades, WA and 44 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Palisades, WA?
Which is the most popular campground near Palisades, WA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Palisades, WA is Douglas Creek with a 4.2-star rating from 5 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Palisades, WA?
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Palisades, WA?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 44 free dispersed camping spots near Palisades, WA.
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