Best Tent Camping near Quincy, WA

Tent camping options near Quincy in central Washington range from established campgrounds to primitive sites in the surrounding desert landscape. Frenchman Coulee Backcountry Campsites offers tent campers access to multiple dispersed sites with scenic canyon views. Other options include Caliche Lake and Rocky Coulee Recreation Area, which provide basic amenities for tent campers looking to experience the stark beauty of the shrub-steppe ecosystem.

Most tent campsites in the Quincy region are situated on gravel or hard-packed dirt with minimal shade. Frenchman Coulee provides pit toilets but no drinking water, making it essential for campers to bring adequate water supplies. Sites are generally first-come, first-served, with no formal reservation systems in place. Fire regulations vary seasonally, with complete bans common during summer months due to high fire danger in this arid region. Several locations require a Washington State Recreation Pass for parking. A visitor commented, "Frenchman Coulee is free if you have the WA rec pass. No water available and it gets exposed and hot."

Walk-in tent sites at Rocky Coulee Recreation Area offer more privacy than drive-up locations, with established tent pads and picnic tables. The area features drinking water and trash collection, rare amenities for primitive camping in this region. Sites often have direct views of the surrounding coulee landscape and Columbia River. Tent campers at Frenchman Coulee frequently share the area with rock climbers, as it serves as a popular base camp for climbing activities. The primitive tent setups allow campers to position directly on canyon edges for dramatic views. A recent review noted, "There is not a lot of room for big rigs so I would not suggest staying here if you're 20+ feet long. Plenty of car camping and is a popular spot for rock climbing."

Best Tent Sites Near Quincy, Washington (30)

    1. Frenchman Coulee Backcountry Campsites

    8 Reviews
    Vantage, WA
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (206) 625-1367

    "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."

    2. Burke Lake West

    1 Review
    Quincy, WA
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (509) 754-4624

    "It was next to some farmland after a Dave Matthews concert @ the Gorge. No amenities where we were, but quite beautiful."

    3. Caliche Lake

    4 Reviews
    Vantage, WA
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (509) 754-4624

    "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."

    4. Rocky Coulee Recreation Area

    5 Reviews
    Vantage, WA
    20 miles
    Website

    $10 / night

    "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."

    5. Old Vantage Highway

    3 Reviews
    Vantage, WA
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (509) 754-4624

    "The campgrounds are right next to all the climbing vantage has to offer. You can park right next to your site, have fires."

    6. Lake Chelan State Park Campground

    24 Reviews
    Manson, WA
    47 miles
    Website
    +1 (888) 226-7688

    "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."

    7. Crab Creek Camp

    1 Review
    Moses Lake, WA
    26 miles

    8. Nunnally Lake

    1 Review
    Beverly, WA
    27 miles
    Website
    +1 (509) 754-4624

    9. Swakane Canyon/Creek Campsite - Dispersed

    1 Review
    Cashmere, WA
    34 miles
    Website
    +1 (509) 548-2550

    "One fireplace - check if fire ban is active!"

    10. Warden Lake North

    3 Reviews
    Othello, WA
    40 miles
    Website
    +1 (509) 754-4624

    "Tent camping"

    "Clean and an excellent place to rest of between long drives in eastern/central Washington"

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Tent Camping Reviews near Quincy, WA

500 Reviews of 30 Quincy Campgrounds


  • Nicole C.
    Sep. 12, 2020

    Sand Hollow Campground

    Right on the river... And the highway

    This campground seems almost brand new. There are no hookups and no water on site, though there are several vault toilets.

    Each site has a picnic table, fire ring, tent pad, and path down to a rocky beach on the Columbia. The sites are definitely not large enough for most RVs, so I'd consider this tent or van camping only.

    There's not much shade at the sites, but you can get out of the sun near the river.

    The biggest drawback to this spot is that it's just of the highway. You can and will hear air brakes all night. For me, staying on the Columbia was worth it.

  • Cinco D.
    Jul. 21, 2020

    Lincoln Rock State Park Campground

    Great and Busy

    This is a great state park to set up camp. It is always very busy. The sites are relatively spread out. There are two different sections for camping: an upper and lower. To me, the lower section doesn’t seem as nice. It has more trees, but the camp spots seem to be closer together. Likewise, the lower section just feels a little more rough than the upper section. The views are spectacular. There is a boat launch, and a swimming area. Furthermore, there is also a small store, and a mini-mart across the street. What makes this place great is the actual camp sites. They are huge. What makes it difficult for tent camping is there are a ton of sprinklers that turn on frequently. It is important to watch where you stake down your tent. For this trip, we brought our RV and a tent. During the summer, the temperatures during the daytime are hot! Luckily each site is equipped with water and electricity. There is no WiFi, but the cell service is outstanding.

  • Alexandra F.
    Aug. 20, 2022

    Ankeny #1

    Nice, clean, free spot near water

    This place has a vault toilet and small boat launch by way of amenities. No tap, no garbage disposal so make sure to pack in your water and pack out your trash! The water is calm enough to swim here and doesn't get too deep, so could be nice for kids. The wind can get EXTREME at night so stake down your tent and don't leave anything out at night if you want to see it in the morning. Also heard from a local that rattlesnakes like to visit. Enjoy!

  • Jayda R.
    Jul. 23, 2017

    Bridge Creek Campground

    A hop, skip, jump from Leavenworth...

    We didn't get to camp right next to the water (unfortunately) as all of those spaces were full (for obvious reason). We were able to find a spot just on the other side of the bridge, which was a short walk to the creek. We ended up unhooking our tent-trailer to fit in the site, but there was lots of room and level ground to have set-up a tent elsewhere on the site (it just wasn't accessible with our tent trailer). Gorgeous surroundings, the sound of the rushing water lulled us right to sleep at night.

    Vault toilet and potable water.

  • Carol S.
    May. 26, 2022

    Eightmile Campground

    Small sites and no privacy

    This campground is better suited for tents, not RVs or camper vans. Many of the sites are small and lack privacy, especially those in the west end. We reserved on line and there was no notice that sites 30 and 31 share the vehicle space! Since we were camping in a van, we felt like we were in an ordinary parking lot and not camping. Two strange vehicles parked immediately next two us the whole time. There were some other shared parking sites too. Ok for tent camping because you can tent away from the parking area, but not ok for vehicles. 

    In addition, people kept walking through our site (and we watched them walk through other occupied sites). One day, my hubby wasn't feeling well, so we took a nap only to be woken by our dog growling because a man and women were peering into the side window of our van! WTH! Numerous people walked through through our site even though the end was a restoration area clearly marked to stay off of, but people walked through it anyway. And, then there were the young men playing football in our site. Oh, and the dogs not on leashes. One knocked me over when it jumped on me from the bushes as I was heading to the restroom at night. 

    The only good thing was that the vault toilet was the cleanest ever vault toilet. No odors!! Kudos to the guy who cleans it!

  • N
    Oct. 26, 2020

    Cascade Campground

    Would pick else where

    A lot of rules at this camp ground because it’s attached to a county park. No alcohol at all and they check Quiet hours are VERY strict even when no one else is by you. You can camp by the water but can’t swim by the camp ground only In designated swim zone

  • Lee D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 1, 2019

    Cascade Campground

    City park right on the lake!

    We visited a cousin in Moses Lake and discovered this city park campground for an overnight stay. Not sure we would make this a destination as we are not boaters but for boaters, this would be an excellent place to land.  There is a boat dock so you can hear the drone of boats coming and going; not sure how late this will last but I assume it will taper off by dusk. There are a combination of both RV and tent sites, some right on the water and most, if not all, with water views.  Each site has a picnic table, fire ring, and bbq pit. Although there are trees, they did little to offer the comfort of shade in the afternoon heat but the views make it worthwhile. Nothing to separate the sites so not particularly private but again, the view of the lake makes it ok.  Bonnie, the"camp sheriff" greeted us with humor and helpfulness. We arrived on a Sunday at the end of June and we were fine for a one-night stay but Bonnie did say they were full up for the 4th of July holiday. Firewood and bagged ice are available for purchase. No alcohol is allowed (probably a good thing when combined with boating!). There is a nice playground. The bathrooms were reasonably clean and there are showers available for a fee based on how long of a shower you want. Open April - September and reservable May-September, although the reservation process was a little cumbersome so we decided to chance it and see if there would be a site available when we arrived.

  • Shay F.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 18, 2019

    Potholes State Park Campground

    Ranger Review: RovR RollR 60 at Potholes State Park, Othello, WA

    Campground Review:

    Potholes State Park is located in Central Washington, a bit south of Moses Lake. The climate is arid desert so expect hot days, cool nights, and occasional gusty winds. The park itself has some fun features and if you are into fishing or wildlife watching, I found it to be a great spot for both. The campground is divided into RV or hookup sites, a separate area for tent sites with some cabins mixed in, and a large day use section with a boat launch, restrooms with showers, a huge tree filled lawn with picnic tables, and a pretty fun little play ground. You can reserve ahead on the Washington State Parks reservation website. We did not make a reservation and there were a lot of open sites when we arrived on Saturday, even with the beautiful weather. I strongly doubt that will be the case as the summer continues. I would check ahead to see what you can get before heading out.  

    The RV sites have power, water, and sewer. They are arranged like a wheel, you drive around the small center and the other trailers are the spokes in the wheel. There is no barrier between you and your neighbor, but all the sites are grassy and the loops are surrounded by a ring of poplar trees. There is a bathroom with flush toilets and token operated showers centrally for all to share. There are 6 wheels like this, a total of 60 RV sites just opposite of the boat launch and day use area. 

    We stayed in the primitive or tent sites in the lower area of the campground. The sites along the water are in full sun most of the day, so be aware if that's not your thing. The sites along the inner part of the loop have a mix of poplars and other trees. That provides some shade and tress for a hammock.  No designated tent pad, but plenty of flat spots. All have a picnic table and fire ring. Not a ton of privacy, but it's much more secluded than the RV sites. Also, the bathrooms down here are vaults. No hand washing or showers for us, at least without a walk. There is a loop towards the group tent site and another towards the boat launch, for a total of 61 sites. Mixed into the primitive sites are cute cabins with air conditioning, if you really want to get away from the heat!

    When we arrived, the Ranger at the park office offered to let us drive down and choose what site we wanted. I was sure from looking online, that I wanted one by the water. Once we got to the site I chose, we realized that we would be baking in the hot sun all day with no relief. It was at the beginning of the loop so we got the traffic and dust from everyone driving by and we were right on top of neighbors on either side. My husband went up to see if we could move and the Ranger was so nice! It was no problem to move across the road to a shaded site with trees so we could hang out and put up our hammocks. We had no neighbors the entire time. It got a little noisy on Saturday night with the sounds of other campers having fun, but by Sunday night we were alone and when we left on Monday, there was one other camper in our end of the tent loop with us.  

    We encountered lots of animals in the park. The bird sounds are incredible. I wish I would have made a recording. Mourning doves, quail, robins, and red wing blackbirds among the many. Deer walked through the campground and beavers and otters were swimming in the reservoir while we did some fishing from the group camping area. We did not encounter too many bugs, but the season is still early. We did see two snakes. One swimming towards us while we were fishing on the boat, the other in our camp site. This was a baby rattlesnake, not a gopher snake. My husband noticed it as he walked by our picnic table because it hissed at him. It was curled up underneath. Very angry with us and ready for a fight when we got a stick to move him. It put up a good fight. I am just glad we noticed it before we stepped too close in shorts and sandals! I want to be clear, this is not anything against the park. You are in snake country and this is that animals home. Just be aware especially if you have little kids running around. 

    We went to Potholes to go fishing with some friends on the reservoir for Walleye and Bass. If fishing is your thing, this park is great. You don't need a boat either. There are plenty of shore fishing spots and hiking trails to pass the time. The businesses right beyond the park have good food, a bar, gas, a golf course, and really good ice cream! I love this area of Washington and I can't wait to go back.  

    Product Review:

    As a Ranger for the Dyrt, from time to time I get awesome products to put to the test while camping. On this trip, I got to test the RovR RollR 60 Cooler. Check out the product website here: https://rovrproducts.com/product/505229344820/6841244385332

    First, the basic stats on this RovR RollR 60. This is a 60 quart capacity, rotomolded body cooler. It has foam insulation and an airtight gasket. It has a fast flow drain plug and is certified bear resistant. It sports all terrain, puncture resistant tires and has an aluminum dual sided padded handle so you can pull it from either side and not clip your heels. The color offering is green, orange, white, or pink at least for this size. The fun features that really set it apart are the inside dry bin, the top mount soft wagon bin for extra gear hauling , and all the extra attachments you can purchase to make your RovR perfect for you. You can add on, for an extra cost, a fishing rod/umbrella holder, dual cup holder, cutting board, stash bag, or bike hitch. Yes, you can attach it to your bike and tow it around! You can also get the wagon bin in other colors /designs. This cooler according to the website promises to compare to the other “high end” pricey coolers out there, if not outperform. RovR even promises to keep ice for 11 days under proper use and conditions!

    I was excited to take it to sunny, warm Eastern Washington and test it on a fishing trip with friends. I knew it would spend a full day out in the direct sun, be opened and closed countless times, get banged around at speed, and have to be drug to the boat and back by hand. Also, my friend is a fishing guide and a Yeti fan, so I was looking forward to his opinion.

    RovR’s instructions are to pre-chill the cooler 24 hours prior to loading with a sacrifice bag of ice and only add cold items to the cooler when ready. When it was time to load, none of my “sacrifice” ice had melted at all from the prior day. We were able to fit most everything we needed for food into the cooler for the whole long weekend. It is large but fit in the back of the SUV without an issue. When we arrived at Potholes, we set it out in out campsite and got to work with dinner and beverages. Everything was icy cold with no melt. Our fishing guide friend came over and fully checked out the RovR. He was pretty impressed! He thought it was cool looking and loved the wheels and handle, a feature his large Yeti does not have. That and his Yeti is poo brown not beautiful green like my RovR. The next day, we drug the RovR across two campground loops over to the boat launch. The mini monster truck tires handled all the dirt and gravel with ease. It was easy to pull and maneuver. We loaded it on the boat and had a full 9 hour day of fishing for Walleye and Bass in full sun. Even at speed, the RovR did not bounce or wander around on the bow. Overall, it did a great job and I am very happy with its performance!

    My favorite feature has to be the dry bin inside. It keeps items cold but dry. I can’t tell you how many wet egg cartons and soggy zip lock bags I’ve dealt with over the years. If you camp for any length of time, at some point you inevitably have a chilly swimming pool of food. Not with the dry bin! I was able to load my salsa, meat and cheese, eggs, but it will also hold liquor or wine upright and cold. The bin is held down with a screw in disk so it’s removable if you have a need for more room. While my ice was fairly melted by Monday, everything was still icy cold. I am also sure that if it was not left out in the 80 plus degree sun ALL day, it would have performed admirably. But again, all my food and drinks were still as cold as before the day of sun, so that’s really saying something about performance potential. Also, when we arrived home, the wagon bin was great for throwing the headlamps, shoes, hammocks, and all the other loose items into it and hauling them down to be put away in one trip. It never leaked or showed condensation. It was also easy to open and close, unlike some of the other fancy coolers, even though it has similar rubber gasket type latches.

    The only issue I have with my RovR RollR 60 is that it’s heavy! Fully loaded, my husband and I had to team lift it into the back of the SUV. My kitchen is also downstairs so to load it and get it to the garage I have to maneuver it up and down our stairs. It’s not an easy task. The other super minor, picky complaints are the handle, which is really comfortable to pull and hold in your hand, hangs centimeters from the ground. In our dusty campsite, the handle got really dirty which makes your hands really dirty. If you are trying to prep food out of your cooler that might be an issue. Finally, the wagon bin that the RovR comes with is white in color, initially. I don’t know about you, but I get pretty dirty while camping. White is an unfortunate color choice for the outdoors. We left it behind completely for fishing even though when flat it makes a nice cushion to sit on. You can get other super cool prints, but you have to buy them separately. Once my white bin becomes super gross I will definitely upgrade.

    It doesn’t matter if you have an RV or prefer the tent, a good cooler is an absolute must. And, if you are going to invest the money in a cooler, why not buy one that not only performs at an outstanding level but has some neat features and a little spunk as well?

  • Shay F.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 10, 2019

    Umtanum Campground - Yakima River Canyon

    Epicenter for Summer River Floaters

    Eastern Washington near the water is my favorite type of landscape.  It's a hot, windy, and a true desert climate.  When you get near a body of water like you do along the Yakima River, the diversity of life expands and makes for great wildlife watching.

    Umtanum Recreation Site is part of several BLM campgrounds lumped together along the Yakima River known as the Yakima River Canyon Campgrounds.  All can be reserved ahead of time via the reservation.gov website:  https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/250985.  Standard for most BLM camping in Washington, sites are very basic.  Gravel parking, pit toilets, and a picnic table.  This place does have a dumpster for trash, not all do.  There are no hook ups, no drinking water, and in our case, very little shade.  Neighbors are close and there is not a lot of privacy.  The day use area is right there too, close to camping and can be loud.  It is heavily patrolled by the wonderful BLM folks to keep everything clean and the people orderly.  They also give out tickets if you don't mind the warnings for correct passes or day use fees.

    The campground itself is one little loop with six sites.  The loop is an offshoot of a very large gravel parking area for day use.  Mostly boat launching and hiking access to Umtanum Creek and Umtaum Ridge trails.   You can check the Information Board for rules on day use and camping fees, passes, and how to check to see if a site is reserved. 

    We arrived on July 3rd in the afternoon.  The campground was very quiet and all the sites were reserved.  The morning of July 4th, the recreation site turned into a total madhouse.  BLM Rangers, Law Enforcement, making constant rounds to patrol the never ending hoards of people coming to park and float the river. There was a lot of noise, dust, drunk and rowdy folks.  Friday was calm again until afternoon, Saturday was not as bad as the 4th but still pretty crazy.  It was also hot!  No shade to be had in our site.  After hiking in the morning, we spent a lot of time across the bridge, in it's shadow, in the river.  

    If you are using this spot as a base to do some hiking, fishing, or floating it's very convenient.  I am sure in Spring and Fall when river floating is not at it's peak, it's gorgeous and peaceful.  The raptors and songbirds are splendid.  We saw Bighorn sheep on the hill, big rock squirrels, wild turkeys with babies, and fish.  No rattlesnakes or ticks, but this is prime territory.  Hiking down the Umtanum Creek trail, over the suspension bridge, is one of my favorite hikes ever.


Guide to Quincy

Quincy, Washington, offers a variety of tent camping options for outdoor enthusiasts looking to immerse themselves in nature. From scenic views to adventurous activities, there’s something for everyone.

Tips for tent camping near Quincy

  • The Frenchman Coulee Backcountry Campsites are popular among climbers and provide a primitive camping experience with no designated sites, allowing you to choose your perfect spot.
  • At Rocky Coulee Recreation Area, you’ll find picnic tables and campfire pits, making it a comfortable choice for families and groups.
  • If you’re looking for a quieter experience, Caliche Lake offers a peaceful setting with minimal amenities, ideal for a quick overnight stay.

Some prices for tent camping range from $10 to $20

  • Camping at Rocky Coulee Recreation Area is well-reviewed and offers a beautiful view for just $10, making it a budget-friendly option.
  • The Frenchman Coulee Backcountry Campsites are also a great choice for those looking to save, with no fees for camping, but be prepared for a more rugged experience.
  • For a unique stay, Nunnally Lake provides ample room for RVs and tent camping, with a clean toilet facility, all for a reasonable price.

Local activities to enjoy while tent camping

  • The Frenchman Coulee Backcountry Campsites are a hotspot for rock climbing, offering excellent bouldering and lead climbing opportunities amidst stunning scenery.
  • At Rocky Coulee Recreation Area, you can enjoy hiking and biking, with picturesque cliffs and trails that cater to various skill levels.
  • For those interested in fishing, Caliche Lake is a popular spot where you can cast a line and enjoy the tranquil surroundings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Quincy, WA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Quincy, WA is Frenchman Coulee Backcountry Campsites with a 4.1-star rating from 8 reviews.

What is the best site to find tent camping near Quincy, WA?

TheDyrt.com has all 30 tent camping locations near Quincy, WA, with real photos and reviews from campers.