1 campground with availability next weekend
Tent campers in the Palisades area of Washington have several camping areas within a 30-minute drive, including Frenchman Coulee Backcountry Campsites and several primitive locations in the surrounding public lands. Tent campsites near Palisades range from sites with basic facilities like vault toilets to fully dispersed sites where campers pack in all supplies, set against backdrops that span riverside locations and elevated positions with panoramic views of the Columbia River gorge.
Most tent camping sites feature primitive conditions with minimal amenities. Frenchman Coulee offers vault toilets but no running water, while dispersed sites like Swakane Canyon require campers to pack in everything they need including water. Sites are typically situated on hard-packed dirt or gravel surfaces with occasional grassy clearings at higher elevations. One camper noted that "the tent spots are nice bordered with pea gravel. Level and flat." Fire restrictions are common during summer months, with complete bans often implemented from July through September. Many sites require a Washington Recreation Pass, and dispersed camping generally follows the standard 14-day stay limit enforced on public lands.
The tent camping experience varies significantly by location and season. At Frenchman Coulee, tent sites provide direct access to popular rock climbing areas, with one visitor reporting that "there are great holds and the people you meet are great." Wind can be a considerable factor at exposed sites, particularly those along the Columbia River or at higher elevations like Chumstick Mountain. Seasonal considerations include intense summer heat at lower elevations and limited shade at many sites. Wildlife sightings are common, with bighorn sheep frequently observed at Rocky Coulee Recreation Area. Access roads to more remote tent sites often require high-clearance vehicles, with several reviewers mentioning challenging road conditions to reach the more scenic and secluded camping locations.
"This is a great park and a premium camping location on the popular Lake Chelan. A favorite location for west siders to escape the rain for some guaranteed sunshine in Central Washington."
"We camped in the tent camping side towards the lake (site 89) and had a decent amount of privacy."
Available next weekend
from $12 - $41 / night
"It was next to some farmland after a Dave Matthews concert @ the Gorge. No amenities where we were, but quite beautiful."
"This is a well-known primitive camping area for rock climbers and other outdoor recreation folks (there are also hiking, biking and boating opportunities in the Frenchman Coulee recreation area)."
"Plenty of car camping and is a popular spot for rock climbing. There's a trail down to the waterfall and one toilet but no tp so be prepared."
"One fireplace - check if fire ban is active!"
"It was ok don't like the fact that we had to park our vehicle so far away from campsite because it was a bitch to get to camping area"
"Probably wouldn’t want to tent camp here, not a lot of flat cleared ground, but we found a small clearing that was perfect for a night."
"Close to the highway though and you can hear cars. It was a convenient place to stay after a concert at the Gorge."
"Walk in spots. Walk-in is about 100 yards. Quiet. Some wild life. Frogs and sheep. Good place to drop in and find a spot last minute depending on the day and time of year."
"Picnic tables and tent pads on crushed rock probably 1/4-. I couldn’t find where to park."
from $10 / night
"The campgrounds are right next to all the climbing vantage has to offer. You can park right next to your site, have fires."
"There was a fire ring which is how we could tell it was a spot. The views of the mountains all around are insane!!! Loved watching the sunset and sunrise up here. It is very windy!"
"Within the almost 4 million acres of the Okanogan Wenatchee National Forest, lie countless locations for dispersed camping."
"I had heard from the ranger that things could get wild, but it wasn’t too bad. The dirt road is long with curves, and can get bumpy at times."
"Tons of wildlife, wild flowers, hiking trails and all around good views. If you're looking to avoid the crowds I would advise going in the middle of the week to atleast claim your site!"
ScoutIt was fairly easy to get to this area however despite our best efforts we only found one established campsite with a fire ring. Road getting here was mostly paved with some debris on the roadway. We lost GPS signal just before arriving and passed NF200. I gave 3 stars because we were unable to locate other sites. Maybe it was just me but we drove quite a while on NF200 and only found the one right at the entrance.
TravelerThe heated bathrooms with showers were definitely comfort on our cross country road trip. We arrived after hours but because we already had made reservations that morning we were able to use the slider and enter the campground. Star gazing is always top priority. We headed down to the lake’s beach to snap some shots with my iPhone 14 Pro night, setting on a tripod and remote.
LegendWe spent a pleasant evening in this beautiful park. Facilities are clean and well kept. Sites are spread out with plenty of grassy area between each site.
RangerI’m really pleasantly surprised by this site. It’s right on the way (closest we’ve ever gotten to stay because we’re a bigger rig). Close to town!!! Has a perfectly nice bathrooms nearby. Beautiful sunsets. Lots of room for spreading out. Not popular for late September. Mosquitos are out at night but not during the day time!
ScoutFREE!! NO FEE!! This place has around 20 spots. Some of the spots are on one road right as you enter with a vault toilet. But if you continue and take a right down that road there are more spots and another vault toilet. The larger sites are on this second road.
Each spot has a picnic table and fire ring.
It looks like the road has a closed during the winter but the camping is still open. Snowmobiling to the sites.
GuideIt is basically a gravel lot along soap lake. It has full hookups and costs $52/ Night. Easy to get in. You have to use the QR code box on the board beside the gate. It works easily and you get your gate code by email quickly. The internet is strong but slow. We are using our Verizon with 5g signal. Showers nice and hot.
GuidePros: The lake has a really pretty sunset view. Spots are spaced out and the ones by the water have picnic tables. Easy drive in. Not many people here Cons: we visited in mid September, arrived around sunset, and the bugs were BAAAADDD, like real bad by the water. Went up to an inland site and they were still active but not as terrible. You can hear road noise. Also smells like horse manure
Update: some random man came and parked right next to us at 0630 to “walk his dogs”
RangerPit toilets clean and stocked. Sites spread out. Only one other camper on a Saturday. Diverse landscape with variety of birds Verizon 2 bars on ridge 1 bar in lower sites. No trash or water.
LegendWe camped here for one night. It’s about a mile down a dirt road that is fairly well maintained. Several gravel campsites. Right next to the lake, although you can’t really see it with all the bushes. But there is a gravel boat ramp that you could launch a kayak or a canoe from. There is a vault toilet, but it’s pretty sketchy. Was nice and quiet. Only one other camper here with us.
Tent camping near Palisades, Washington provides access to the dramatic Columbia River basin terrain with elevations ranging from 600 to 3,500 feet across the region. Summer temperatures frequently exceed 90°F at lower elevations while higher campsites offer cooler conditions. Road access to many sites deteriorates significantly after rain, with several campgrounds requiring high-clearance vehicles during wet weather.
Rock climbing access: Frenchman Coulee Backcountry Campsites offers prime positioning for climbers with minimal approach times. "It is a 4 minute approach to the nice moderate area called the Feathers and about 15 minutes from other climbs," notes one regular visitor. The area attracts climbers of various skill levels, with several commenting on the welcoming community.
Fishing opportunities: Multiple lakes near Palisades provide fishing access without crowds. At Antilon Lake Campground, anglers report diverse catches: "I caught sun fish, crappie, and brown trout" from shore access. The fishing improves in spring, with one camper noting, "I caught 3 gorgeous brown trout from my kayak, which made 2 delicious meals."
Wildlife viewing: The region's varied terrain supports diverse wildlife. At Rocky Coulee Recreation Area, visitors regularly encounter "a large herd of bighorn sheep as pre dusk visitors" according to recent campers. Morning hours typically offer the best viewing opportunities, with marmots and rabbits commonly spotted at dawn.
Scenic vistas: Chumstick Mountain Dispersed Camping delivers panoramic views from elevated positions. "Incredible sunset views of the valley in front of Chumstick Mountain," reports one camper, though they caution "it gets pretty windy at night but there are treelines you can position against." The position above the valley provides unobstructed sunrise perspectives.
Water access: Several campgrounds offer direct lake or river frontage. At Lake Chelan State Park Campground, "the water sites you park at the top and carry your things down to the site" but the reward is "direct access to the water." Another visitor highlights the "amazing dock system and access to the lake, great day use area where you can rent kayaks and paddleboards."
Solitude options: For campers seeking quieter experiences, weekday camping provides significant advantages. One Antilon Lake visitor reported, "I literally had the entire lake to myself" while fishing on a weekday. During peak summer weekends, sites fill quickly, with some campers arriving midweek to secure preferred locations.
Fire restrictions: Strict fire bans typically apply from early July through September throughout the region. One camper at Swakane Canyon/Creek Campsite emphasized the importance of verification: "One fireplace - check if fire ban is active!" Many dispersed sites lack established fire rings.
Weather challenges: Wind presents a consistent challenge across most camping areas near Palisades. Chumstick Mountain campers consistently mention strong winds, with one noting it "would get 5 stars if it weren't for the terribly bumpy and long road up to the main site." Afternoon gusts often intensify, requiring secure tent stakes and wind-resistant setups.
Road conditions: Access roads deteriorate significantly across the region. The approach to Swakane Canyon includes "over 4 miles of poorly maintained gravel road," according to recent visitors. Many dispersed sites require four-wheel drive, with one Chumstick Mountain camper reporting their "Toyota Highlander made it up, but I was a little nervous."
Insect activity: Bug populations vary dramatically by season and location. Antilon Lake campers frequently mention mosquitoes, with one reporting "100 mosquitoes INSIDE of the tent" after setup. Spring and early summer typically bring the heaviest insect activity, gradually diminishing as summer progresses.
Playground access: For families with younger children, Lake Chelan State Park offers dedicated play areas. "There was also a nice playground for him to play on as well," reports a parent who visited with a two-year-old. The facilities complement the swimming areas, providing activity options when water temperatures feel too cold.
Swimming safety: Water access points vary widely in quality and safety. Rocky Coulee campers note that water "is not necessarily easily accessible from every camp spot. You may have to walk your SUP board around up to a spot to put in." Sites with gradual entries work better for families with small children than steep-banked water access points.
Food storage requirements: Wildlife interactions require proper food containment. One Lake Chelan visitor warns: "Watch for the critters they are ruthless so cover ALL your dry goods!" Store food in sealed containers and never leave food unattended, especially at dusk when animal activity increases.
Site accessibility: Many campgrounds near Palisades have limited accommodation for larger vehicles. At Frenchman Coulee, "small camper trailers can work in some areas but the roads leading to campsites are very rocky and some are steep." Most dispersed camping areas strictly limit RV length, with few suitable for rigs over 20 feet.
Hookup availability: Full-service RV sites remain limited throughout the region, with Lake Chelan State Park offering the most reliable hookups. "RV sites with electricity and water hookups" are available there, though they require advance reservations during summer months.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Palisades, WA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Palisades, WA is Lake Chelan State Park Campground with a 4.5-star rating from 24 reviews.
What is the best site to find tent camping near Palisades, WA?
TheDyrt.com has all 48 tent camping locations near Palisades, WA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
Keep Exploring
