RV campgrounds around Pasco, Washington offer travelers a variety of accommodations along the Columbia River in the semi-arid eastern Washington climate. Summer temperatures regularly reach 90°F or higher, while winters can drop below freezing. Most campgrounds in the Tri-Cities area remain open year-round despite seasonal temperature fluctuations, with many sites featuring green grass areas even during the hot summer months.
What to do
Explore local wineries: Prosser's Wine Country RV Park puts visitors within walking distance of nearly 30 wineries and tasting rooms. "This could be a nice basecamp spot for people who love exploring wineries. The small town of Prosser has almost 30 wineries and tasting rooms in the immediate area and this park is in the midst of them all," notes a visitor who enjoyed the convenient location.
Visit McNary Dam: Located a short drive from Umatilla Marina & RV Park, the dam offers educational opportunities. "The McNary Dam and Fish window are a few miles down the road and well worth a visit (when open)," recommends a camper who explored the area.
Water recreation: Many RV parks provide access to the Columbia River system. "The marina has a large parking lot and spots to clean fish. There is a nice park and swimming area for kids," mentions a reviewer who stayed at Umatilla Marina.
What campers like
Clean, private bathrooms: Multiple RV parks feature well-maintained facilities. At Coyote Run RV Park, a camper appreciated the "nice private bathroom/shower combo. Clean and heated." Another visitor noted that the "showers were nicer than any other on our 2800 mile trip."
Level sites: Many campgrounds provide flat, accessible spaces. "The pull-through sites were able to accommodate both vehicles without a problem," stated a visitor at Umatilla Marina. Another camper at Coyote Run mentioned, "They have a very wide road through the park which is nice and long pull-through sites."
Green spaces between sites: Several parks maintain landscaped areas between camping spots. "It is very well maintained, very neat, irrigated grass for each site," reported a Coyote Run visitor. At Columbia Sun RV Resort, the grounds are described as having "golf course quality."
What you should know
Highway noise: Due to their convenient locations, some parks experience traffic sounds. "There is road noise audible inside the rig from accelerating/decelerating trucks but not awful," noted a Coyote Run camper. Another reviewer mentioned, "Great site off the freeway- but because it's close, you'll hear cars all night."
Reservation timing: Summer demand requires advance planning. "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," explained a visitor at Horn Rapids RV Resort.
Long-term residents: Many parks host extended-stay campers. "Many long term residents but with well-kept rigs," observed a Coyote Run visitor. Another camper noted, "We were able to get a used tire from the nearby tire shop in the morning and be on our way. Thankful for this place in a time of need."
Tips for camping with families
Pool access: Several RV parks feature swimming amenities. "Enjoyed the pool and event centers," mentioned a Columbia Sun visitor. At Horn Rapids, a camper noted it has "a really nice pool and hot tub, laundry room, showers, and a very nicely stocked store."
Playground options: Some parks offer dedicated play areas. Horn Rapids RV Resort provides "playground for the kids," according to a visitor. Another camper at Horn Rapids mentioned there's "a nice open area to play games. We played frisbee and enjoyed the area."
Entertainment availability: Certain campgrounds provide additional entertainment. "The field next to the campground set up an outdoor movie night with free popcorn. The kids loved it and it was a great memory maker," shared a camper at Umatilla Marina.
Tips from RVers
Site selection: Choose sites based on specific needs. "Premium sites have concrete pads while the lower cost sites are just gravel," noted a Wine Country RV Park visitor. Another camper mentioned, "The campground is one loop with back in sites on the perimeter and pull-through sites on the infield."
Walking paths: Some parks offer access to nearby trails. "For runners/walkers/bikers... there is a very long path system that goes from Prosser and along the highway for miles into Sunnyside! It's accessible about 1/2 mile from the park," shared a Wine Country visitor.
Dog policies: Pet restrictions vary significantly. "We travel with our fur kids (over 40 pounds). Shallow minded management," complained a Wine Country visitor about their 40-pound weight limit. In contrast, Horn Rapids "allows pets" according to multiple reviewers.
