Best Campgrounds near Palouse, WA

Camping sites near Palouse, Washington offer rustic to modern accommodations throughout the rolling hills of eastern Washington and neighboring Idaho. These camping areas sit within the distinctive Palouse region, characterized by undulating wheat fields and grasslands ranging from 2,000 to 2,500 feet in elevation. Fall and spring camping seasons provide moderate temperatures between 50-70°F, while summer temperatures regularly climb above 85°F.

What to do

Hiking trails at convenient distances: At Kamiak Butte County Park, a trail system accessed directly from the campground offers moderate hiking with regional views. One camper noted, "There's a little trail at Kamiak Butte and you can access it via a trailhead near the entrance of the campground. I did the hike on a Saturday and there were quite few other hikers on the trail."

Wildlife viewing opportunities: The forest-prairie transition zones create habitat for various wildlife. At Robinson County Park, campers can explore wooded trails with wildlife viewing potential. A visitor shared, "This is a great place to take your dog for a walk. The trail is a nice loop through the woods, and there is a nice picnic area, swings, and volleyball court."

Fishing access: Several reservoirs and stocked ponds provide fishing opportunities near camping sites. Spring Valley Reservoir offers both camping and fishing access. According to one review, "There are bathrooms interspersed and great for fishing. Not many amenities, but a great, simple place."

What campers like

Spacious camping spots: Many campsites provide room for multiple tents or larger setups. At Kamiak Butte County Park, a visitor noted, "Very easy to find campsite. Plenty of space for our vehicle, a fire pit and grill area. Just overall a great experience."

Ridge-top panoramic views: The elevated terrain creates unique vantage points. At Redtail Campground in McCroskey State Park, campers enjoy exceptional views. One reviewer explained, "You are on the Ridgeline between two valleys with views of the horizons of 50 miles or more. To the east it is very much like the views in the Smokey mountains."

Clean, well-maintained facilities: Despite being rural, many campgrounds maintain good facilities. At Scenic Six Park, a camper shared, "The bathrooms were very clean, there was only one shower in the ladies, but it was very clean and well-kept."

What you should know

Limited cell service: Connectivity varies significantly across camping areas. At Iron Mountain Campground, a reviewer reported, "I was tantalizingly close to having cell service but none of my texts went through even though I had one bar of service on and off."

Weather variability: Temperature swings can be significant between day and night. Pack accordingly for all seasons, as one camper at Spring Valley Reservoir advised, "Wind kicks up so high it's hard to make a campfire last."

Road conditions: Access to some campgrounds requires navigating unpaved roads. At Iron Mountain Campground, a visitor warned, "It was rough roads getting here and the terrain is fairly void of trees. My car got scraped up a bit as it sits a bit low to justify coming back to this area."

Tips for camping with families

Playground access: Several campgrounds include play areas for children. Robinson County Park offers family-friendly amenities, with a camper noting, "There's a cute bridge that separates the RV camping from the tent camping with various day use areas. There is a park that's across the field from the RV sites with a playground and bonfire spot."

Wildlife encounters for children: The diverse ecosystems provide educational opportunities. At Kamiak Butte County Park, a visitor mentioned, "So many chipmunks, dog friendly, well organized. Fairly cheap and good for families."

Easy camping for beginners: Some sites provide accessible camping experiences for novice campers. Spring Valley Reservoir offers a gentle introduction to camping, with one family sharing, "Our first camping trip in the books! Lots to learn. Great trails and great places to put up your hammock."

Tips from RVers

Hookup availability: Electric and water connections vary by location. The Palouse RV Park provides full-service sites with a reviewer noting, "Love the spot I chose-shaded RV site $35 per night. Very quiet except for occasional street noise because I was near the tent site and tent camping."

Site dimensions for larger rigs: Maneuvering space differs among campgrounds. Robinson County Park accommodates larger vehicles but requires careful navigation. One RVer explained, "The RV sites are decent with a bbq and a bench. There are spots to have a bonfire, but it won't be on your site if you have an RV."

Noise considerations: Train tracks, roads, and recreational vehicles can create noise at certain locations. At Spring Valley Reservoir, a camper cautioned, "Not particularly fond of this overrun spot. Not many amenities, but a great, simple place."