Best Dispersed Camping near Richland, WA

Dispersed camping near Richland, Washington centers primarily around water bodies, with several free primitive sites located at access points along the Columbia River and area lakes. Ringold Springs, Vernita Bridge, and Long Lake support primitive camping with varying levels of accessibility. Most of these sites require a Washington State Discover Pass ($10/day or $30/year), though enforcement can be inconsistent. These locations fall under Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife management, primarily functioning as fishing access points that permit overnight stays rather than dedicated campgrounds.

Access roads to these dispersed sites typically consist of gravel or dirt surfaces that can become washboarded and rough, particularly at Long Lake where reviews note teeth-rattling conditions despite passenger car accessibility. Many areas prohibit campfires, especially during summer and fall months (May through October). Limited facilities exist at most locations, with some sites offering vault toilets but no drinking water, trash service, or hookups. Camping duration is typically limited to 10 days at locations like Perch Point on the Potholes Reservoir.

The dispersed sites around Richland provide varying experiences based on location and season. Long Lake offers more privacy with spread-out sites and wildlife viewing opportunities including pelicans and weasels. The Columbia River access points like Vernita Bridge attract primarily fishing enthusiasts using the boat ramps. Weather conditions can be challenging, with strong winds affecting camping at some locations. Visitor experiences highlight both the natural beauty and practical concerns: "Very isolated and the river gave off a very mellow vibe. We saw many ducks and some geese floating down the river at high speeds. Also saw coyotes and friendly bees." Another camper noted the practical realities: "This place does require a Discover Pass, but it's otherwise free. There were portapotties available, but I wouldn't count on them always being available."

Best Dispersed Sites Near Richland, Washington (11)

    1. Ringold Springs Camping

    1 Review
    West Richland, WA
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (509) 575-2740

    "I camped on a Friday evening and was the only one there camping except for an RV boondocking in a different section. Has a boat ramp and a spot you can fish from. No campfires."

    2. ice harbor dam

    1 Review
    Burbank, WA
    20 miles

    "Lots of flat open space below the dam. Nice river view, lots of pelicans. Quiet and uncrowded."

    3. Vernita Bridge

    6 Reviews
    Mattawa, WA
    32 miles
    Website

    "I just love this spot, no amenities, isolation, river front view, and a boat ramp. Bring your own everything!!"

    4. Long Lake

    6 Reviews
    Warden, WA
    45 miles
    Website
    +1 (509) 754-4624

    "I love heading here to tent camp out of my car, I own a sedan and it's easy to get to on gravel roads, they have outhouses nearby that are regularly stocked and you can camp feet from long lake and enjoy"

    "Great place for camping right next to the lake. A little broken glass here and there but mostly pretty natural."

    5. Three Mile Canyon Park

    3 Reviews
    Boardman, OR
    46 miles

    "We were able to back in and view the Columbia river from our dinette window."

    "The location and convenience is practically unbeatable. Does seem like a hotspot for people though, had to ask a group to turn down the music when trying to go to bed, which they did kindly."

    6. Devil's Bench Recreation Area

    1 Review
    Washtucna, WA
    41 miles

    "Large spot, with paved access right near the Dam, toilet, no service, 4 tables"

    7. Perch Point Wild Camping Area

    1 Review
    Moses Lake, WA
    49 miles

    "This is a dispersed camping area on the Potholes reservoir, and is not the Potholes State Park. But this is state property and a Discover Pass is required to stay here ($10/day or $30/year)."

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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Richland, WA

21 Photos of 11 Richland Campgrounds


Dispersed Camping Reviews near Richland, WA

15 Reviews of 11 Richland Campgrounds


  • Alex R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 8, 2025

    Long Lake

    Beautiful, but not convenient

    I stayed here for a night on my way through the area. This is a very beautiful reserve to explore and spend time in. The birds are abundant and the whole area is very serene. However, BOY was the road rough. No 4wd or high clearance needed, but you will be absolutely shaken and rattled on the way out to the lake. Also, this area is not free!! A Discover Pass is required (either annual for $35 or day for $11.50). I spotted a few toilets on my way in, but they were too far from most of the sites to conveniently use. The site I ended up in was scattered with cigarette butts, beer trash, and bits of glass. I am not a very picky camper, but unfortunately the positives didn’t outweigh the negatives here for me personally. All of that being said, this place probably really floats some people’s boats!! Crazy beautiful!!

  • Jeremy H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 6, 2024

    Ringold Springs Camping

    If you are just looking for a place to put your tent

    The sign says you need to register, couldn't find anywhere to register. Sign on board says closed for camping, it was a Covid-era sign. Requires a discover pass, but otherwise, free. Didn't see any park employees. I camped on a Friday evening and was the only one there camping except for an RV boondocking in a different section. Has a boat ramp and a spot you can fish from. No campfires.

  • H
    Aug. 31, 2022

    Vernita Bridge

    Awesome Spot

    I just love this spot, no amenities, isolation, river front view, and a boat ramp. Bring your own everything!!

  • Judy T.The Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 26, 2020

    Vernita Bridge

    Free campground on Columbia River

    This is a Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife fishing access site. It is free with a Washington State Discovery Pass for $30/year. This annual pass will also gain you admission to state parks. There are several boat launch sites here and a number of those Sani Cans. The area is spread out over open land with smooth rocks. It can be a bit bumpy if hauling a trailer unless you stick to the smooth rock roads. No shade except along the shore.

    For a free site, it has its good points: easy access to highway 24/243 which will bring you to I-90, quiet, wide open space, near the Vernita Bridge Rest Area for free tank dump site. If you arrive on the last weekend of October, there is a huge king salmon fishing derby with about 100 entrants so you will have company. But, it is usually quiet midweek in the spring and fall. It may be busier in the summer midweek as there are lots of fishing enthusiast ps and boaters who live close by in the Tri Cities area.

    If you need a quiet place for one night or are hauling a river fishing boat, this is a good place to stay.

  • Anna P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 29, 2025

    Lenice Lake - Washington DNR

    No camping

    Multiple fishing access points that in theory you can camp at with a discover pass, but a ranger went around in the evening to clear everyone out. Parking areas and surrounding scrub land are rocky and filled with broken glass and trash. Poor access to the water, weirdly enough. Winds were strong enough that we couldn't even set up the tent (we gave up and packed up as the ranger was passing through). Potential camping across the street at the Beverly Dunes but we didn't investigate due to the winds.

  • Dakota T.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 11, 2021

    Long Lake

    Pretty decent if it's not busy

    I love heading here to tent camp out of my car, I own a sedan and it's easy to get to on gravel roads, they have outhouses nearby that are regularly stocked and you can camp feet from long lake and enjoy the open air. during some months their is cattle in the area and they come down to the lake in the morning and greet you, I've been here 3 times as of this post, love it

  • T
    Jul. 29, 2023

    Long Lake

    Beautiful landscape

    Great place for camping right next to the lake. A little broken glass here and there but mostly pretty natural. Water did not look that great for swimming but plenty of big fish in the lake, pelicans and weasels. No fires may through Oct. A few other people fishing but everyone was a ways away.

  • Charlotte F.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 30, 2024

    Long Lake

    8/10 recommend!

    Only reason for 4 stars is because people have left trash here. Otherwise, it’s a great spot. Very private and spread out. There’s a handful of sites, each with make shift fire pits and none super close to each other. No fee other than discover pass. There’s an outhouse but we didn’t use it. We have Verizon and AT&T and had decent service.


Guide to Richland

Rustic camping near Richland, Washington centers around Washington Department of Natural Resources and Fish and Wildlife lands where water access dominates the experience. The area sits in the Columbia Basin's rain shadow, receiving less than 10 inches of precipitation annually with summer temperatures regularly exceeding 100°F. Most primitive camping locations require vehicles to navigate unmaintained roads that deteriorate throughout the camping season.

What to do

Fishing access points: Ice Harbor Dam offers expansive flat areas for camping with excellent river views. According to Lloyd M., the area provides "lots of pelicans. Quiet and uncrowded," making it an ideal spot for wildlife photography alongside fishing.

Birding opportunities: Long Lake attracts diverse waterfowl and other wildlife. Trenton G. notes, "Water did not look that great for swimming but plenty of big fish in the lake, pelicans and weasels." The lake's shallow contours create ideal habitat for viewing migratory birds.

Boating excursions: For water activities beyond fishing, head to Three Mile Canyon Park where the Columbia River provides calm waters. Kevin L. shares, "We were able to back in and view the Columbia river from our dinette window," offering easy water access for kayakers and canoeists.

What campers like

Isolation factor: At Ringold Springs, Jeremy H. reports, "I camped on a Friday evening and was the only one there camping except for an RV boondocking in a different section." The location offers boat ramp access and fishing spots with minimal crowding.

Site separation: Primitive camping areas around Long Lake feature considerable space between sites. Charlotte F. mentions, "Very private and spread out. There's a handful of sites, each with make shift fire pits and none super close to each other."

Convenience for travelers: Three Mile Canyon Park serves as an excellent overnight spot while road-tripping. Julia F. shares it "was a great spot to rest and continue road-tripping the next day," noting its "location and convenience is practically unbeatable."

What you should know

Permit requirements: Most dispersed camping areas require a Washington State Discover Pass ($10 daily, $30 annual). Laura M. at Perch Point confirms, "Rangers did come by and check our pass and look at our license plate."

Stay limits: Camping duration restrictions vary by location. At Perch Point, "You're allowed to stay here 10 days," according to Laura M.

Conflicting signage: Some areas have outdated or unclear information. At Ringold Springs, Jeremy H. found, "Sign on board says closed for camping, it was a Covid-era sign," while actual camping was permitted despite the signage.

Road conditions: Access roads deteriorate throughout the season. Beamus R. warns about Long Lake: "The road is washboarded out. Your teeth will rattle out of your head. It is passable by car, though."

Tips for camping with families

Wildlife viewing opportunities: Devil's Bench Recreation Area offers accessible wildlife viewing with amenities for comfort. Anton notes it's a "Large spot, with paved access right near the Dam, toilet, no service, 4 tables," making it suitable for families needing basic facilities.

Bug preparedness: Insects can be prevalent at waterfront camping areas. Laura M. shares that at Perch Point, "Flies and bees were annoying, but manageable," suggesting families bring appropriate repellent.

Entertainment planning: Many sites offer limited activities beyond water recreation. Laura M. notes Perch Point is "a nice place to come to take a break and do nothing for a few days," recommending families bring their own entertainment options.

Tips from RVers

Site accessibility: Many sites accommodate various RV sizes despite rough roads. Dakota T. says about Long Lake, "I own a sedan and it's easy to get to on gravel roads," indicating most RVs can access the area with caution.

Scenic parking options: Some locations allow RVs to position for optimal views. At Three Mile Canyon Park, Kevin L. explains, "We were able to back in and view the Columbia river from our dinette window," suggesting RVers scout for premium viewing spots.

Seasonal considerations: Off-season camping provides more solitude. Luther R. found at Long Lake, "I was one of only 3 campers in and around long lake. Lots of privacy," while Laura M. notes Perch Point "gets busy on weekends but quiet during the week."

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Richland, WA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Richland, WA is Ringold Springs Camping with a 4-star rating from 1 review.

What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Richland, WA?

TheDyrt.com has all 11 dispersed camping locations near Richland, WA, with real photos and reviews from campers.