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Limited camping will continue at Vernita for the 2024 and 2025 fall salmon seasons, but it will look different than in the past:
Camping and day use users will have designated areas.
Camping will be limited to 14 days per user in a 30 day period.
When fall salmon seasons are not underway, camping is prohibited and vehicle access limited to a smaller day use area.
The area will be patrolled by WDFW Enforcement officers for compliance with the new requirements.
Camping is allowed, registration required, 3 day limit. See Ringold Designated Use Areas map for more information: https://wdfw.wa.gov/sites/default/files/2021-08/30083_ringold_designated_use_areas.pdf
Ringold Springs Recreation Site is situated along the Columbia River just south of https://www.fws.gov/refuge/Hanford_Reach/ and is a popular place for camping and fishing. The park is located 25 miles north of the Tri-Cities (Kennewick, Pasco, and Richland, WA) and is maintained by the https://wdfw.wa.gov/places-to-go/water-access-sites (WDFW). Ringold Springs campsites are first-come, first-served with a maximum stay of 3 nights in a 7 day period. Campers should be aware that the Ringold Springs camping area does not have hookups or potable water (dry camping) but the park does offer vault toilets and a boat launch. A Washington State Discover Pass or WDFW Vehicle Access Pass is required to camp at Ringold Springs. Washington State Discover Passes can be https://discoverpass.wa.gov/ and provide access to additional state lands, including state parks. The Vehicle Access Pass provides access only to WDFW lands and is obtained with the purchase of a hunting and fishing license.
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.
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
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.
TravelerThe views are amazing, plenty of open campsites and nobody was around us when we camped. A perfect quiet getaway.
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
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.
TravelerBeautiful overlook site. Perfect for Overland type vehicles. The entrance to the site is rough. Scouting is a good idea before attempting entry with a trailer.
Scout
This is used by fly fishermen to access the near by lake.
LegendWaterfall, 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.
TravelerGreat 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.
GuideGreat 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.
Traveler
I just love this spot, no amenities, isolation, river front view, and a boat ramp. Bring your own everything!!
ScoutI 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
GuideDiscover Pass required. Not for regular camping. Used for staying overnight and getting up early to hit the water.
ScoutThis site is now gated off.
Legend
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.
LegendThis 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.
GuideThe 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.
TravelerReally 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.
TravelerLots 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.
LegendThis 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!
TravelerThis 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.
Traveler2 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.
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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.
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TheDyrt.com has all 15 dispersed camping locations near Royal City, WA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
