Richland sits at the confluence of the Columbia, Snake, and Yakima rivers in eastern Washington's semi-arid climate. Summer temperatures regularly top 100°F with less than 8 inches of annual rainfall. RV parks in this region capitalize on the area's 300 days of sunshine, with most open year-round due to mild winters compared to other parts of the state.
What to do
Wine tasting access: Columbia Sun RV Resort serves as a central base for exploring local wineries. "The whole park is beautiful and has a wonderful summer wind. Not far from stores and restaurants. Gas and diesel nearby," notes Joe C.
Water recreation: Umatilla Marina & RV Park provides direct river access. "Nice place to go and just relax on your way to your next destination... Marina is just down the hill," explains Matthew S. The park includes swimming areas and boat launches for water activities during summer months.
Golfing options: Horn Rapids RV Resort sits adjacent to a golf course. "Wow was this place fancy! If you're looking for a full-service sort of experience, look no further! Fantastic amenities and right across from a major golf course," mentions Rachel A.
Riverside relaxation: Beach RV Park offers sites near the water. "Fire rings and picnic tables at every site as well as a bunch of firewood," reports Alissa K., making it suitable for those wanting to simply unwind by the water.
What campers like
Clean facilities: Columbia Sun RV Resort maintains high standards. "Beautiful golf course quality! Grounds keepers make this place top notch visually and the pull through and back ins are perfect," shares Joe C.
Extended stay options: Horn Rapids RV Resort accommodates longer visits. "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," says Tina M.
Proximity to services: Beach RV Park provides convenience near town. "Park is quiet and shaded right by the water. We would recommend this park to anyone passing through Benton City Washington," suggests Bud S.
Regional exploration base: Wine Country RV Park serves as an ideal hub. "If you want a place to park your RV with full hook ups while you explore the local wineries, with a pool and a shuttle van, then this place is amazing," explains Russ H.
What you should know
Size restrictions: Some parks limit pet sizes. Wine Country RV Park has a "40 POUND LIMIT" for dogs, which Michael C. noted can be restrictive for those "with fur kids over 40 pounds."
Seasonal considerations: Summer heat impacts camping comfort. "We visited in August and boy did we sweat!" warns Rachel A. about Arrowhead RV Park.
Highway noise: Proximity to interstates affects some parks. At Umatilla Marina & RV Park, "you'll get a little truck noise but was worth the $34 for an overnight stay," according to Ray V.
Long-term resident mix: Red Mountain RV Park primarily hosts extended-stay campers. "The park is almost entirely long-term tenants, and many of the rigs were quite old and had lots of accessories outside them," reports Jeff C.
Limited bathroom facilities: Some parks have restricted facilities. Red Mountain RV Park has "one functional bathroom and one functional shower for the entire park," according to Jeff C.
Tips for camping with families
Pool access: Umatilla Marina & RV Park offers family-friendly water activities. "The beach/cove is very nice and good place to paddle-board or kayak," Kevin H. points out.
Playground amenities: Horn Rapids RV Resort provides recreational options. "There is a really nice pool and hot tub, laundry room, showers, and a very nicely stocked store that includes hot food available," Jim J. explains.
Entertainment opportunities: Some parks organize activities. At Umatilla Marina RV Park, "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," shares Agnes B.
Quiet spaces: Beach RV Park offers more secluded options. Alissa K. notes, "We were the only tent campers so we had a bunch of space."
Tips from RVers
Site leveling: Columbia Sun RV Resort provides well-prepared spaces. "Our site was level and the grass was green. Hookups were good and arranged well," mentions Jeff C.
Connectivity: Internet access varies between parks. At Umatilla Marina RV Park, Agnes B. found "poor internet service: I needed to download more kid shows for the next stretch of our drive and the signal kept dropping."
Alternative fire options: Some parks restrict traditional campfires. At Columbia Sun, David T. notes: "No firepits but we knew that before going - brought a propane fire pit with us. Wifi was being upgraded but cell service with Verizon wasn't an issue."
Sprinkler awareness: Keep belongings protected at parks with irrigation. "Just move your stuff out of the way of the sprinklers!!! We had to do a late night dash outside to rescue books and such!" warns Agnes B. at Umatilla Marina RV Park.