Top Free Dispersed Camping near Royal City, WA

Searching for the perfect place to dispersed camp near Royal City? Dispersed camping is an excellent way to get away from it all and to disconnect. You're sure to find the perfect dispersed campsite for your Washington camping adventure.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Royal City, WA (15)

Showing results 1-10 of 15 campgrounds

Recent Dispersed Reviews In Royal City

26 Reviews of 15 Royal City Campgrounds


  • Charlotte F.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Long Lake
    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.

  • b
    Camper-submitted photo from Frenchman Coulee Dispersed Camping
    Sep. 23, 2024

    Frenchman Coulee Dispersed Camping

    My home away from home

    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.

  • Luther R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Long Lake
    Sep. 21, 2024

    Long Lake

    A Gem

    Beautiful lakes. I was one of only 3 campers in and around long lake. Lots of privacy.

  • Jeremy H.
    Camper-submitted photo from Ringold Springs Camping
    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.

  • Joshua C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Frenchman Coulee Dispersed Camping
    Jul. 8, 2024

    Frenchman Coulee Dispersed Camping

    Nice Spot Mid Week to Beat the Crowds

    Popular 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.

  • F
    Camper-submitted photo from Frenchman Coulee Overland Overlook Dispersed Campsite
    Jun. 30, 2024

    Frenchman Coulee Overland Overlook Dispersed Campsite

    A good getaway from the crowd

    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.

  • Tee C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Frenchman Coulee Dispersed Camping
    Sep. 19, 2023

    Frenchman Coulee Dispersed Camping

    Amazing hidden gem!

    Waterfall, gorge, amazing scenery! There is a pit toilet and there were some people climbing. No accessible water. Only a couple miles from the highway. It was windy, as this whole area is. But well worth it! Note: some of the rocks on the paths to the campsites were pretty pointy, but the road in is well maintained.

  • TThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Long Lake
    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.

  • Maui F.
    Camper-submitted photo from Trail Lake
    May. 20, 2023

    Trail Lake

    Great spot

    Great spot to disperse camp, no toilets , great for swimming fishing kayaking paddle boarding and disperse camping, sunken boat at edge of water cool feature. Lots of bugs and spiders. Also close the cow gate.

  • H
    Camper-submitted photo from Vernita Bridge
    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!!

  • Dakota T.
    Camper-submitted photo from Long Lake
    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

  • Jennifer R.
    Camper-submitted photo from Vernita Bridge
    Jun. 24, 2021

    Vernita Bridge

    Great for Boat Fishing

    Discover Pass required. Not for regular camping. Used for staying overnight and getting up early to hit the water.

  • Emma A.
    Camper-submitted photo from Ancient & Dusty Lake Trailhead
    Apr. 30, 2021

    Ancient & Dusty Lake Trailhead

    Great dispersed camping on the East side of the Cascades

    Camped here in February and November and in generally recommend it for fall and spring. Avoid summer when it gets too hot and ticks and rattlesnakes are around. It gets cold at night so come prepared.

    There are several established sites near Ancient Lakes and Dusty Lakes that can be accessed from the lower trailhead hiking or biking in.

    Ancient Lakes sites are only 2 miles from the trailhead on flat terrain which makes it for an ideal first backpacking experience.

    Only catch is that the lakes are polluted with agricultural runoff so that water should not be used for drinking not even if filtered. Pack all the water you will need.

    No facilities at the lakes. Port-a-potty at the trailhead.

    Need Discover Pass to park here.

  • Judy T.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Vernita Bridge
    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.

  • Nicole C.
    Camper-submitted photo from Vernita Bridge
    Sep. 12, 2020

    Vernita Bridge

    For Fisher-folks only

    The main draw here is that there's a boat ramp into the Columbia. If you've got a fishing/camping rig and like to tell fish stories, this is a great spot for you.

    If you're looking for a private, secluded or picturesque spot, this isn't for you.

    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.

  • B
    Camper-submitted photo from Ancient & Dusty Lake Trailhead
    Apr. 3, 2020

    Ancient & Dusty Lake Trailhead

    This place is awesome.

    Really easy straight on hike. It is definitely dusty but a really nice change of pace from the trees and mountains. Several waterfalls that you can get super close to. We have not camped there yet but it looked super fun.

  • Katie W.
    Camper-submitted photo from Ancient & Dusty Lake Trailhead
    Jun. 17, 2018

    Ancient & Dusty Lake Trailhead

    Gorgeous desert oasis

    Lots of campgrounds to choose from. Some are dustier than others. Plenty of space between campsites. Fire pits available for use but check for burn bans.

  • Zach A.
    Camper-submitted photo from Ancient & Dusty Lake Trailhead
    Aug. 3, 2017

    Ancient & Dusty Lake Trailhead

    Hidden Gem

    This place is where I go when I want to disconnect and get away from the stress of school in Ellensburg. I've been here a handful of times and there's never been more than a dozen people spread out over the entire coulee valley. The previous directions are good and the one on WTA will take you right to the parking lot where it's an easy 1.5 mile hike down into the coulee. I've heard other people say they walked in from ancient lakes road and it took three times as long to make it to the camping spots.

    The lakes are safe for swimming in my opinion (there's even a rock to jump off on the closest lake!) But do carry your own water in, it is irrigation runoff and has plenty of yummy pesticides that you cannot filter out. Other than that enjoy the lakes, waterfalls and killer sunsets that happen on a nightly basis out here!

  • Heather C.
    Camper-submitted photo from Ancient & Dusty Lake Trailhead
    Jul. 8, 2017

    Ancient & Dusty Lake Trailhead

    Great Early Season Hike

    This is a good early season hike while its still rainy in Seattle it can easily be sunny and warm on the other side of the mountains. There are at least 5 good campsites at the lakes that will each hold multiple tents no problem. Some people do light fires but I’d like to discourage it, fire danger is pretty real in these scrublands. This is a very pretty hike full of sage brush and interesting geological features, also several waterfalls. Past the lakes you can go out to the Columbia River Gorge. Check out the WTA description for more details. Note that there is no potable water, you have to haul it it. The lakes are contaminated by irrigation run off. 

    WTA Ancient Lakes

  • T
    Camper-submitted photo from Ancient & Dusty Lake Trailhead
    May. 21, 2017

    Ancient & Dusty Lake Trailhead

    Amazing Geology!!

    2 mile backpack into box canyon and 2 night campout. Surrounded on three sides by tall basalt column cliff walls. Small water fall at northeastern corner. Incredible hiking up to top of rim and around to secondary canyon with a larger lake. You can also hike down towards the Columbia river where there is some additional camping available. Go in early spring for the green and cooler temps. You will want to bring a sleeping pad and tarp since ground is rough. Make sure you bring your own water! Even though there are lakes in the canyon, none of the water is safe for drinking due to the agricultural run off. Filtering will not work.



Guide to Royal City

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.

What to do:

  • Fishing: Many campers enjoy fishing in the nearby waters. One reviewer at Potholes State Park Campground mentioned, "Good fishing, good amenities (shower, bathroom, etc), price, cleanliness, availability."
  • Swimming: If you're looking to cool off, check out the swimming holes. A visitor at Ginkgo Petrified Forest State Park Campground said, "Awesome swimming hole very clean little spendy."
  • Hiking: Explore the scenic trails around the campgrounds. One camper at Frenchman Coulee Backcountry Campsites noted, "Surrounded by gorgeous cliffs with hikes and scrambles."

What campers like:

  • Spacious Sites: Campers appreciate the roomy sites at Ginkgo Petrified Forest State Park Campground. One happy camper said, "The sites have a massive amount of room to spread out."
  • Clean Facilities: Cleanliness is a big plus. A reviewer at Crescent Bar Campground mentioned, "The campground is super well maintained, with plenty of parking at every spot."
  • Friendly Staff: Many campers enjoy the helpful staff. A visitor at Sage Hills Golf Club & RV Resort said, "Lori and Curtis are some of the nicest people we have ever met."

What you should know:

  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Sand Hollow Campground, have minimal facilities. A camper noted, "There are no hookups and no water on site."
  • Crowded During Events: Expect larger crowds during weekends or events. A reviewer at Gorge Amphitheatre Campground mentioned, "It was standing room only and still hundreds and hundreds of people kept coming in."
  • Wildlife Caution: Be aware of local wildlife. One camper at Washington Potholes State Park Campground warned, "Beware of TICKS. We found a lot on our dogs and even some crawling on us."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Kid-Friendly Activities: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds. A visitor at Washington Potholes State Park Campground mentioned, "The kids loved the playground."
  • Spacious Sites for Family Gatherings: Choose campgrounds with large sites. A camper at Crescent Bar Campground said, "Huge sites, lots of choices for water access within walking distance."
  • Plan for Clean Facilities: Families appreciate clean bathrooms. A reviewer at Sage Hills Golf Club & RV Resort noted, "Bathrooms are much cleaner than most typical public bathrooms."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Hookups: Make sure your chosen campground has the right hookups. A camper at Vantage Riverstone Resort Campground mentioned, "Full hook ups, basic and premium rates."
  • Space for Big Rigs: Look for campgrounds that accommodate larger RVs. A visitor at Crescent Bar RV Resort said, "Never been to an RV Park where all the sites are 50’ plus and pull-thrus."
  • Be Prepared for Dust: Some campgrounds can get dusty. A reviewer at Crescent Bar RV Resort noted, "What used to be lush green grass is now dirt."

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

  • Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Royal City, WA?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Royal City, WA is Frenchman Coulee Dispersed Camping with a 5-star rating from 5 reviews.

  • What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Royal City, WA?

    TheDyrt.com has all 15 dispersed camping locations near Royal City, WA, with real photos and reviews from campers.