Douglas Creek offers primitive dispersed camping near Palisades, Washington, in a dramatic canyon setting at 1,600 feet elevation. Located in shrub-steppe terrain with basalt outcroppings, the area features seasonal streams and wildflowers in spring. Summer temperatures regularly exceed 90°F with minimal shade, while nighttime temperatures can drop 30-40 degrees from daytime highs.
What to do
Hike the canyon trail: At Douglas Creek, a 3-mile hiking path provides excellent wildlife viewing opportunities. "Hiked the canyon for ~3miles. Lots of groundhogs and birds... The grounds are minimal, no services (no toilets, picnic tables, hookups, trash bins etc). Had no cell service," notes Sabrina A.
Swim in natural pools: Finding swimming holes makes hot weather camping more enjoyable. "Swimming in the pools is nice after hiking! I've been coming here since I was a kid and have hiked and camped all over Douglas creek. Beautiful scenery. Ticks are everywhere out there though, don't forget repellent!" advises Allison B.
Fish for trout: Potholes State Park Campground offers excellent fishing opportunities. "The campground is located on O'Sullivan Reservior in the middle of nowhere. It has excellent fishing and plenty of room to boat to different areas to fish... Fish that can be found are: Walleye, Crappie, Bass, Trout," explains Deborah W.
Kayak and canoe: Rental equipment is available at several locations. "Kayaking and fishing was Fun for the kids," according to a review from Blue Lake Resort, which offers multiple water activities during summer months.
What campers like
Access to water recreation: Blue Lake Resort provides multiple waterfront options. "The location is awesome, quiet and peaceful for a relaxing vacation. The breeze is welcoming & gentle enough to get fresh air. Very friendly staff, good walking, can get out onto calm rides on water, get some fresh water swimming, catch good fish," writes Krishna Kishore R.
Well-maintained facilities: Wenatchee River County Park receives praise for its upkeep. "Good level asphalt roads and paved sites. Grounds/grass well Maintained. Clean restrooms and pay 25 cents for four minutes clean showers. Convenient location between Leavenworth and Wenatchee," notes Leonard H.
Spacious campsites: Many campgrounds offer room to spread out. "Very well maintained and beautiful setting. Full hook ups, right on the Wenatchee River with easy access and a few sand beaches. Great place for paddle boarding or just floating in the cool water," reports Mike B. about Wenatchee River County Park.
Glamping options close to Palisades, Washington: Beyond traditional camping, upscale accommodations exist at several locations. "We stayed in newly renovated cabin. Very clean with new management upgraded everything they can think of. Cabin has all the amenities including full kitchen," explains a reviewer about Blue Lake Resort's luxury camping options.
What you should know
Prepare for extreme temperatures: Summer heat can be intense with limited shade. "It's a dry campground but as long as you have covers on your beers or are using a cup then they won't bother you," advises C.j. M. regarding Crescent Bar RV Resort.
Road conditions vary significantly: Some access roads require appropriate vehicles. "Need a truck to access part of the roads and sites, we only saw a few sites before the road was flooded and we couldnt go forward... primitive camps. No amenities. Zero," explains jesse C. about Douglas Creek.
Limited or no cell service: Many areas have poor connectivity. "VERY private. About 30 minutes removed from cell signal," notes a Douglas Creek reviewer, highlighting the remote nature of many camping areas.
Wildlife encounters: Plan for various wildlife interactions. "If you choose to leave your vehicle, it's a fun place for sure-footed adults, not a good place for small children. Steep cliffs, loose rock, rattle snakes, ticks and other wildlife," warns Garth B.
Tips for camping with families
Choose campgrounds with playgrounds: Beebe Bridge Park offers family-friendly amenities. "Ball fields, tennis and basketball courts. The restrooms that are kept in very clean condition. Swimming and boating right there on the Columbia River... Great Place for family and kids," recommends Mike D.
Look for swimming beaches: Designated swimming areas provide safer water access. "I grew up coming to this campground and I compare all campgrounds to this one... There's a boat launch, playground, beach area with swimming area roped off, and a big open field to play any games you like," explains Taylor W.
Consider cabins for luxury camping near Palisades: For families wanting more comfort, several glamping options exist. "The grounds are breathtaking. Very nice walkable paths and waterfront... Great place to bring the family and pets," states a reviewer about Blue Lake Resort.
Bring shade structures: Limited natural shade requires planning. "You will absolutely want to bring some sort of shade tent if you plan on hanging out in the campground before the concert. It gets uncomfortably hot very fast if you are not shielded from the sun," advises Kelsey G. from Gorge Amphitheatre Campground.
Tips from RVers
Reservation timing matters: Leavenworth Pine Village KOA and other popular destinations fill quickly. "Excellent campground for convenience. Walkable to main town strip. Hot showers. Toilet paper stocked," notes Alexandra C.
Check hookup availability: Many campgrounds offer various utility options. "We stayed in a back-in, PHU site by the volleyball court. Full price for this site is $40, no additional taxes or fees. The 50% Passport America discount is weeknights only, April and October only, for up to 5 nights," explains Laura M.
Consider elevation and temperature changes: RVs may require heating and cooling depending on season. "Sprinklers were busted in most of the park which created unpleasant dust storms... Fortunately for us this was just a stop over location while crossing Washington," reports Derek B. about Crescent Bar RV Resort.
Monitor road conditions: Some access routes present challenges for larger rigs. "The road gets pretty narrow and rough the further in you go, and there are multiple stream crossings, too. No problem in my Jeep, but I'd be hesitant to tow a trailer too far in here," advises Don about Douglas Creek.
