Looking for the best campgrounds near Royal City, WA? There are tons of hikes and other fun activities to partake in, as well as sights to see and explore. You're sure to find the perfect spot for your Washington camping adventure.
Located just two hours’ drive east of Seattle, this campground lies at the edge of central Washington’s high desert scablands. These small recreation areas along the shore of Wanapum Lake, on the mighty Columbia River, showcase the area’s dramatic landscape, and preserve the fossilized remains of a prehistoric forest buried by an ancient lava flow. Some of the many activities available at these two locations include hiking, swimming, boating, fishing, camping and wildlife watching.
The campground at Wanapum offers 50 large, full-hookup sites for RV and tent campers. Sites are mostly open and grassy, with a few spare trees for shade and wind protection; all are equipped with picnic tables and cooking grills. The camp area has two vault toilets, a boat ramp, a shaded picnic area, and a sandy beach. This area is susceptible to high winds, so tents and awnings should be firmly secured. Dogs are permitted, but should remain leashed, as there are rattlesnakes in the area. The campground is open from March through October. Sites are first-come, first-served, but reservations are recommended in the summer season. Seasonal rates are $30–$50/night.
Just a few miles north of the recreation area, Ginkgo Petrified Forest preserves a unique fossil discovery that was revealed during highway construction in the 1930s: the remains of an ancient forest turned to stone. The park features an air-conditioned visitor center, restrooms, picnic areas, a boat launch, and lake viewpoints. Nearby, the 1-mile Trees of Stone interpretive trail winds through the fossilized forest, where visitors can see more than 20 specimens of petrified trees, in addition to erratic boulders deposited by ancient glacial floods. Common wildlife seen in the area include deer, elk, bighorn sheep and coyotes. Check park website for operating seasons and hours.
ALL SITES ARE BIG RIG FRIENDLY … OUR BIG RIG PULL THRU SITES ARE LARGE ENOUGH FOR ANY SIZE RIG. ALL THE SITES ARE LEVEL AND SPACIOUS WITH 30/50AMP SERVICE, WATER, SEWER, WI-FI (EVEN OUR ELECTRIC IS INCLUDED IN THE COST)
$46 - $51 / night
For the adventurous kinds who prefer to camp on site and enjoy the experience, The Gorge camping is accessible from 3:00pm the day before the show in most cases, this can vary so please check www.gorgecamping.com for show by show information. Fans camping at the campground will have to adhere to the quiet time rules from 2.00 AM to 8.00 AM. Prices can vary, refer to www.ticketmaster.com/venue/122913 for details.
Spaces are set aside by the staff on a first come, first serve basis and one car and one tent or an RV can be parked/placed in this space.
The free camp sites - There is a designated areas located near the main parking area. There are no designated sites but you can drive in on rough dirt trail. Portable toilets are nearby but there is no running water, no picnic tables and no fires are allowed. The area can become quite busy during long weekends or when there are big concerts held at the nearby amphitheater in George.
Popular for its sandy beaches and warm summer weather, Sand Hollow Recreation Area is located less than two miles south of I-90 on the east side of the Columbia River. It features a campground, multiple days-use areas, a designated swimming area, and an abundance of shoreline access.
40 basic campsites (no water/sewer/electric connections) Tents preferred (site pictures and descriptions here) Small trailers (less than 20 ft) are permitted if they fit within campsite parking spot Picnic tables Fire rings ADA vault toilets No potable water Fee: $15 per night (includes tax) Checks or cash only for drop-in camping fees
$30 / night
If rest and relaxation are your idea of a perfect vacation, Crescent Bar RV Resort may well be the Washington RV campground you are looking for. More then 300 days of sunshine per year provide the opportunity to enjoy spectacular vistas of the Columbia River and the Cascade mountains that surround this Wenatchee RV campground in Washington. Spectacular Columbia River vistas from a Wenatchee RV resort Whether you're planning a retreat for the whole family, a group of friends or a getaway for two, there's no shortage of unique activities to explore at Crescent Bar RV Resort. Plan activities upon arrival or visit this page before your departure to plan ahead. Looking for more? Our friendly staff can fill you in on all of the great ways to make your stay a memorable experience.
Located just two hours’ drive east of Seattle, this campground lies at the edge of central Washington’s high desert scablands. These small recreation areas along the shore of Wanapum Lake, on the mighty Columbia River, showcase the area’s dramatic landscape, and preserve the fossilized remains of a prehistoric forest buried by an ancient lava flow. Some of the many activities available at these two locations include hiking, swimming, boating, fishing, camping and wildlife watching.
The campground at Wanapum offers 50 large, full-hookup sites for RV and tent campers. Sites are mostly open and grassy, with a few spare trees for shade and wind protection; all are equipped with picnic tables and cooking grills. The camp area has two vault toilets, a boat ramp, a shaded picnic area, and a sandy beach. This area is susceptible to high winds, so tents and awnings should be firmly secured. Dogs are permitted, but should remain leashed, as there are rattlesnakes in the area. The campground is open from March through October. Sites are first-come, first-served, but reservations are recommended in the summer season. Seasonal rates are $30–$50/night.
Just a few miles north of the recreation area, Ginkgo Petrified Forest preserves a unique fossil discovery that was revealed during highway construction in the 1930s: the remains of an ancient forest turned to stone. The park features an air-conditioned visitor center, restrooms, picnic areas, a boat launch, and lake viewpoints. Nearby, the 1-mile Trees of Stone interpretive trail winds through the fossilized forest, where visitors can see more than 20 specimens of petrified trees, in addition to erratic boulders deposited by ancient glacial floods. Common wildlife seen in the area include deer, elk, bighorn sheep and coyotes. Check park website for operating seasons and hours.
ALL SITES ARE BIG RIG FRIENDLY … OUR BIG RIG PULL THRU SITES ARE LARGE ENOUGH FOR ANY SIZE RIG. ALL THE SITES ARE LEVEL AND SPACIOUS WITH 30/50AMP SERVICE, WATER, SEWER, WI-FI (EVEN OUR ELECTRIC IS INCLUDED IN THE COST)
$46 - $51 / night
The free camp sites - There is a designated areas located near the main parking area. There are no designated sites but you can drive in on rough dirt trail. Portable toilets are nearby but there is no running water, no picnic tables and no fires are allowed. The area can become quite busy during long weekends or when there are big concerts held at the nearby amphitheater in George.
Popular for its sandy beaches and warm summer weather, Sand Hollow Recreation Area is located less than two miles south of I-90 on the east side of the Columbia River. It features a campground, multiple days-use areas, a designated swimming area, and an abundance of shoreline access.
40 basic campsites (no water/sewer/electric connections) Tents preferred (site pictures and descriptions here) Small trailers (less than 20 ft) are permitted if they fit within campsite parking spot Picnic tables Fire rings ADA vault toilets No potable water Fee: $15 per night (includes tax) Checks or cash only for drop-in camping fees
Guide
Spent overnight here. Many cars in the pkg lot—hikers & fishermen. By early evening, everyone was gone except for 3 of us campers. There is road noise which is close, but that quiets at night as well. The train is also close, but I don’t mind hearing trains. Overall, a lovely place to hang for the night and take in a hike right there at the site. Good pit toilets too!
Guide
Nice spacious sites. Lots of privacy between sites. No dog park. Great view of the lake from your door. We took a 4 mile, one-way, bike ride to the town of Vantage and then to the Ginkgo Petrified Forest. The town of vantage is very small with a lot of closed shops. Has a gas station and convenience store. That’s about it. Very scenic area and quiet and relaxing.
Traveler
I chose Horn Rapids RV Park due to it being the closest landing spot for where I needed to be on a trip north and was not disappointed! Immaculately clean, well laid out sites with a decent amount of space, clean bathrooms (although not all of the stall doors closed). For a one night stay, it was a very good choice. Recommended.
GuideArrived on a Sunday without reservations and had several spots to choose from for our 3 night stay. Easy Lake access. The grounds are immaculately kept up - sites are very spacious - bathrooms and showers super clean. Road our e-bikes into Vantage - only a gas station/convenience store - very expensive - but it is the only game in town as everything else is closed. Continued our e-bike ride to Ginkgo Petrified forest - nice little 3 mile hike. The town is 2.5 miles from camp and another 2 to get to the petrified forest. Would stop here again. Had a relaxing time.
Guide
Overall a nice experience. $7.50/night with Access Pass. Dry camping only but close to Yakima. A fly fishing paradise.
There are train tracks close by which can be a bit noisy. However, trains don’t blow horn when passing by.
Scout
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.
ScoutThe site offer approximately 10 sites that can be used for tent or RV camping. Moderately spaced from the other sites. Parallels the river. The tent areas are all level, ground mainly dirt/gravel. Each site has a picnic table and fire pit. We did not hear the road noise. Can’t speak to the condition of the toilets as we didn’t use them. This is a favorite of the locals for fall fishing so you need a reservation…
Ranger
Note: Lake needs Washington Discover Pass
Stopped while traveling through for an overnight stay.
Camping areas are big gravel lots next to the lake.
Had no problem with level.
There is some noise from I90, but not really that bad.
Nobody else was at the lake when we stayed.
Great overnight stop with a lake view out our back door.
Legend
T mobile 5G. Dead fish and algae in the lake- green speckles. The water is green. The picnic tables are partially buried in the sand. The discovery pass including the processing fee was $13. The sites are big and well spaced along the reservoir shoreline. Saw about 3 Pit toilets equally spaced along the shore line. Nice old trees providing shade. Nice breeze to close the day. Can't see any flies.
Traveler
I travel for work and I stay here almost every week to save money on hotels. I’ve also taken my family here over the summer for camping and hiking. We all love it. Very quiet. Weekends can get kinda busy due to hikers and rock climbing enthusiasts. I suggest coming up early if you plan to stay the weekend. Many beautiful views. There is even a waterfall I sleep across from. On clear nights you can see all the stars. Which is my favorite! There are lots of sites to camp. In car/tent/RV it’s pretty accessible. There are some rougher spots where you probably should have four-wheel-drive or at least a higher stance vehicle.
TravelerBeautiful lakes. I was one of only 3 campers in and around long lake. Lots of privacy.
TravelerGreat location so close to 90 but tucked away - will be staying here often
Guide
We chose a spot in the rv tent area which was not very clean and very loud. Stay in the outer ring if you have an RV.
Scout
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.
Guide
The place is pretty good! Except the wifi that is overused and make it difficult to even connect. In terms of outdoor activities and amenities it's a good stop
TravelerThe views are amazing, plenty of open campsites and nobody was around us when we camped. A perfect quiet getaway.
Guide
We visited in late June of 2024. Crescent Bar is a nice little community and the PUD park is beautiful. T.T. RV park was not in great shape. Sprinklers were busted in most of the park which created unpleasant dust storms. There are porta potties for the pool area and down the hill at the bathroom/shower you will find rotting interior walls and valves held together with copious layers of silicone. Fortunately for us this was just a stop over location while crossing Washington.
Guide
Nice campground for in the city. Well maintained. Friendly and helpful staff. The tent sites are pull through and small. All have electricity and water. Nice playground and RC track which our child loved. No wood fires allowed.
GuidePopular rock climbing area that gets many people through the day. Dispearsed camping in 2 areas. The first spot as you come from the road is much smaller and doesn't have any pit toilets. I prefer to park here when its not busy as the "Feathers" basalt columns are really pretty to camp up next to. The second open site down the road has pit toilets and is a much larger area. Both are nice but also there are many cars, campers, tents and becomes a much more lively area in the evening depending on the crowds.
I think this is a great spot but I move on during the day when the rock climbing crowds start to swarm and park near you. There are some nice trails that take you up above the climbing area and you can get to the backside to get some nice views and away from the crowds. Can get pretty hot here in the warmer months but a beautiful spot to camp if you can avoid the busy/peak times.
Traveler
Pros: it was very close to family that moved in nearby. Our site was level and the grass was green. Hookups were good and arranged well. Cons: the park is almost entirely long-term tenants, and many of the rigs were quite old and had lots of “accessories “outside them. Also, there was one functional bathroom and one functional shower for the entire park. Fortunately, our family was close by so we use their bathroom and shower when needed. It seems like the park is trying to improve, but it has a way to go before I would recommend staying there.
Traveler
Easy to get to. Different pull outs felt secluded enough. Lots of bugs. Felt safe
Traveler
This, like the other spots in Frenchman Coulee, is seldom empty, but it's much less packed than the areas closer to the climbing. This spot offers the best views, sunrises, and sunsets, at the cost of no shade and a healthy dose of wind. If you're going for the rugged feel, this'll do it. OF NOTE: The vault toilets are about a mile away from here.
Traveler
Overall it's not great nor is it terrible. It's always busy and often a bit crowded in the main portion but the people are usually not too rowdy. The scenic views are killer, the wildlife is active, and the mini trails around the place feel adventurous. The climbing is bang on but it's bouldering or lead climbing only. BE WARNED, THE BATHROOMS ARE STANKY (hot tip: bring a citronella candle and your own TP)
TravelerI love this state park, the landscape of glacial-carved coulees and sagebrush covered shrubsteppe is gorgeous and unique. The park is truly a geological wonder. As campgrounds go, this one is very windy! Keep that in mind if you are tent camping, as you could easily lose your tent!
If camping here I cannot suggest campsite 88 in campground D unless you are in an RV. It's just a very basic, gravel site with little shade, right by the road entering the campground, and not private at all. It is right across from a nice beach though so could be a good spot for an RV. Campsite 118 looked much better and I plan on choosing that site instead next time.
I do not suggest the Sun Lakes Resort campsite that is not managed by Washington State Parks unless you like being packed in like sardines. Camping at the state park managed campsite is far better.
Traveler
If you disregard the rough old permanent stayers, unclean, weeds and parked cars,, the lake view at sunset was beautiful
GuideThe score is more for the abundance of things to do in the area than for the campground itself.
I was there for a trail run race that went deep in the Sun Lakes back country and the floor of the Dry Falls area. Just stunning scenery. While I didn't get to partake on my trip, the lakes offer fishing, boating, and swimming.
The camping itself is the standard state park experience, sites close together, not much for privacy. But they are nice spots, and well maintained.
Guide
The older reviews are all accurate and still apply. I really don't have to much to add. Campground makes for a great base for all your canyon adventures.
Camping near Royal City, Washington, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventurous getaway, there are several campgrounds to explore.
Camping near Royal City, Washington, has something for everyone, from families to RV enthusiasts. Just remember to check the amenities and plan accordingly for a great experience!
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Royal City, WA?
According to TheDyrt.com, Royal City, WA offers a wide range of camping options, with 106 campgrounds and RV parks near Royal City, WA and 15 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Royal City, WA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Royal City, WA is Ginkgo Petrified Forest State Park Campground with a 4.4-star rating from 26 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Royal City, WA?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 15 free dispersed camping spots near Royal City, WA.
What parks are near Royal City, WA?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 17 parks near Royal City, WA that allow camping, notably Lake Sacajawea and Lake Wallula.
