Dispersed camping near Quincy, Washington offers a diverse landscape of high desert terrain characterized by shrub-steppe vegetation and basalt formations. Located in the Columbia Basin at approximately 1,300 feet elevation, this region receives less than 8 inches of annual rainfall, creating an arid environment. Temperature extremes range from below freezing in winter to over 100°F in summer, with significant day-to-night temperature fluctuations common throughout the year.
What to do
Fishing in alkaline lakes: Martha Lake Dispersed Camping provides easy access for anglers, with one camper noting it has "wide open space" and allows "fishing... right next to the lake." The location requires a Washington Discover Pass, and you can stay for up to three days.
Rock climbing on basalt formations: Frenchman Coulee Dispersed Camping is renowned for climbing opportunities with "gorgeous natural amphitheater" settings. According to one visitor, it's a "popular rock climbing area that gets many people through the day" but becomes "a much more lively area in the evening depending on the crowds."
Wildlife viewing: Long Lake offers opportunities to observe diverse wildlife. One camper reported seeing "plenty of big fish in the lake, pelicans and weasels," while another mentioned that "during some months their is cattle in the area and they come down to the lake in the morning and greet you."
What campers like
Geological features: Ancient & Dusty Lake Trailhead provides access to "interesting geological features, also several waterfalls" according to reviewers. Another camper described it as "a very pretty hike full of sage brush" where "past the lakes you can go out to the Columbia River Gorge."
Stargazing opportunities: Frenchman Coulee Overland Overlook offers excellent night sky viewing. One reviewer mentioned it "offers the best views, sunrises, and sunsets, at the cost of no shade and a healthy dose of wind."
Early season accessibility: Trail Lake Dispersed is accessible earlier than many mountain campgrounds. A visitor noted it's "easy to get to" with "different pull outs" that "felt secluded enough," making it ideal for spring camping when higher elevations remain snow-covered.
What you should know
Water challenges: Most sites require you to bring all drinking water. At Trail Lake, one camper warned "the lakes are contaminated by irrigation run off so that water should not be used for drinking not even if filtered. Pack all the water you will need."
Road conditions: Access roads to many sites can be challenging. At Long Lake, a camper warned "the road is washboarded out. Your teeth will rattle out of your head. It is passable by car, though."
Insects: Bug protection is essential, particularly at lower elevations near water. One Trail Lake camper described "the most mosquitos I've ever seen" while another noted "there are lots of very friendly bugs that want to say hi" including "mosquitoes, small flies, no see'ems."
Wind exposure: Many rustic camping areas near Quincy lack natural windbreaks. At Frenchman Coulee Overland Overlook, a visitor noted the area "offers the best views, sunrises, and sunsets, at the cost of no shade and a healthy dose of wind."
Tips for camping with families
Swimming options: Jameson Lake provides family-friendly water access. One visitor mentioned "the water is nice and cool" and "good for cooling down on a hot day," while another suggested bringing "floaties for the lake."
First backpacking experience: Ancient & Dusty Lakes offers an excellent introduction to backpacking for children. A reviewer noted "Ancient Lakes sites are only 2 miles from the trailhead on flat terrain which makes it for an ideal first backpacking experience."
Off-season visits: For families concerned about wildlife, consider camping outside summer months. A camper advised to "avoid summer when it gets too hot and ticks and rattlesnakes are around" and recommended visiting in "fall and spring."
Private camping options: For families wanting more amenities, Jameson Lake Resort offers an alternative to primitive camping. One visitor suggested to "skip this dirt field and stay at Jack's Resort" which is "extremely well maintained" with "a little cafe" and "immaculate bathrooms."
Tips from RVers
Level parking: Martha Lake provides suitable terrain for RVs. A visitor reported having "no problem with level" at the "big gravel lots next to the lake" and found it to be a "great overnight stop with a lake view."
Site selection at Frenchman Coulee: The terrain varies significantly, so scouting is recommended. One RVer noted that "Lower sites can be reached with normal vics, higher sights would benefit from clearance" while another mentioned "some of the paths to the campsites were pretty pointy."
Overnight interstate stops: Martha Lake serves as a convenient stopover for travelers. An RVer described it as "right off the interstate and easy for any size rig to get in" with "quite a few spots," making it ideal for those simply passing through the Quincy area on longer journeys.
