Camping near Pasco offers access to multiple bodies of water with the Columbia, Snake, and Yakima rivers all converging in the area. Summer temperatures regularly exceed 90°F between June and August, making water activities particularly popular at campgrounds. The eastern Washington landscape features a mix of irrigated green spaces against the natural desert backdrop.
What to Do
River fishing spots: At Hood Park, campers can enjoy easy river access for fishing. One visitor noted, "It's right on the snake river, so you can practically fish from your camp site if you want. There is a connected wildlife preserve that you can walk around in and also fish in that is a sperate area. Lots of birds to watch."
Swimming opportunities: Hood Park has designated swimming areas for cooling off during hot summer days. A camper mentioned, "This campground offers developed sites with hookups for campers. There is a playground and interpretive events for kids in the evenings. They even had some movies on the weekends."
Baseball games: Franklin County RV Park puts you steps away from the Pasco sports complex. A camper shared, "We stayed here during a baseball tournament and you couldn't beat the convenience of walking over to the Pasco sports complex. Plus we caught a dust devils game and just had to walk across the parking lot."
Boating access: Charbonneau Park provides convenient boat launch facilities. A reviewer commented, "Great spot to stop on longer trips for an overnight. Boat launch is also nice if you've towed the boat in. Weekends are pretty wild with the wake boarders but week days are mellow."
What Campers Like
Clean facilities: The Pasco Tri-Cities KOA maintains high standards for cleanliness. One camper praised, "The facilities are kept clean, the staff is friendly and helpful, every RV space has a pad of grass, which is nice. Lots of activities for the family."
Convenient locations: Campgrounds are situated close to urban amenities while still offering outdoor experiences. A visitor to Horn Rapids RV Resort noted, "We had a family emergency and stayed at this RV resort for almost two months. Crista was very accommodating and helpful to find us a monthly spot. The bathrooms are spotless."
Kid-friendly amenities: Several campgrounds feature playgrounds and recreational facilities. At Columbia Sun RV Resort, campers enjoy "Heated pool and hot tub, game room and more. Excellent bathroom Facilites as well."
Shaded sites: Finding shade is important in eastern Washington's hot summers. At Wright's Desert Gold Motel & RV Park, visitors found that "This park was very clean and well kept. It's a bit of a quick offshoot after the intersection—be ready for that sharp turn uphill!"
What You Should Know
Seasonal operation: Some of the best places to camp near Pasco operate only during warmer months. Hood Park has a limited season, as one camper noted, "Be sure to stop at the entrance cabin, even if it appears empty. Our site, #9, was maybe 100 Rey from the Columbia."
Alcohol restrictions: Certain parks prohibit alcohol consumption. A camper at Hood Park mentioned, "This is an Army Corp of Engineers campground so some federal rules apply: no firearms, no alcohol (at least not openly)."
Irrigation sprinklers: Franklin County RV Park and other area campgrounds use sprinklers that may affect your camping experience. A camper at Horn Rapids noted, "The only complaint I have is that the sprinklers go on in the middle of the day. So if you are doing anything outside there is a good hour break to avoid the irrigation water."
Site selection: At some campgrounds, sites vary significantly in quality. At Pasco Tri-Cities KOA, a camper suggested, "I'd recommend any of the sites in the newer section."
Tips for Camping with Families
Playground access: Many campgrounds offer dedicated areas for children. At Horn Rapids RV Resort, a visitor found "Great spot, clean facilities, horse trails and boat ramp. I've stayed here many times and feel it's under utilized."
Evening activities: Some parks offer organized activities. A visitor to Hood Park shared, "They have a playground and interpretive events for kids in the evenings. They even had some movies on the weekends."
Water safety: With multiple river access points, proper precautions are necessary. At Charbonneau Park, visitors noted, "They have a boat launch as well as a separate dock for picking up passengers. If you walk along the shore line, you can find a flat area to set up your day in the water with chairs and floats."
Bug considerations: Be prepared for insects, especially spiders. One camper at Charbonneau Park warned, "There were spiders everywhere and they decided to join us in the RV, not too fun. Due to the abundant spiders we probably would not return."
Tips from RVers
Full hookup availability: Columbia Sun RV Resort and several other parks offer complete services. A camper mentioned, "Great hookups! Would be nice just to walk through!"
Site spacing: Space between sites varies widely at different campgrounds. At Horn Rapids RV Park, a visitor observed, "The lots are not real big, but the landscaping is pristine (think golf course) and overall the park is meticulously maintained."
Road noise considerations: Some campgrounds experience traffic noise. At Columbia Sun RV Resort, a camper noted, "Although you can hear the traffic going by still a nice park. This is the trade off with being close to town but being close to civilization allowed us to go get items we needed."
Long-term residents: Several parks accommodate both short-term campers and permanent residents. At Pasco Tri-Cities KOA, a camper observed, "Like others that have reviewed this campground I agree this is great for an in-city campground. Yes, you can hear the freeway it it becomes white noise at night. There are a lot of permanent residents but it's a nice, clean facility."
