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.
Frenchman Coulee Dispersed Camping
23 min away
Ancient & Dusty Lake Trailhead
1 hr 9 min away
"Best to have high clearance as there are some good size rock outcroppings. Few people rock climbing, tall waterfall across the valley. Very quiet. Can hear birds fly by."
"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!"
"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."
"I just love this spot, no amenities, isolation, river front view, and a boat ramp. Bring your own everything!!"
"Martha Lake was a pleasant surprise. We stayed overnight on the 4th of July in our Sprinter van to give our dogs a break from the fireworks."
"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."
"Dispersed camping area with a lot of places to pull off the road and camp. We were able to find a spot with our 32ft camper."
"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)."
"Avoid summer when it gets too hot and ticks and rattlesnakes are around. It gets cold at night so come prepared."
"This place is where I go when I want to disconnect and get away from the stress of school in Ellensburg."
GuideI 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!!
LegendCamped 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.
ScoutThe 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.
TravelerVery nice and quiet spot (at least while I was here mid march). Best to have high clearance as there are some good size rock outcroppings. Few people rock climbing, tall waterfall across the valley. Very quiet. Can hear birds fly by. Best to show up during daylight hours unless you have lots of Baja lights. Many sharp rock outcroppings and difficult terrain to drive over to find a spot.
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.
TravelerI just love this spot, no amenities, isolation, river front view, and a boat ramp. Bring your own everything!!
GuideThis is a dispersed campground with a bunch of informal sites. Just find a level enough spot for you. Gorgeous natural amphitheater. There are two pit toilets. Bring your own TP (the reason for 4 stars.) Camping is free with a discover pass. Lots of climbers use the site. I love it for the arid climate and extraordinary beauty.
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.
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.
Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Royal City, Washington, where nature meets tranquility. With stunning landscapes and a variety of outdoor activities, these spots offer a perfect escape for camping enthusiasts.
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 4.9-star rating from 8 reviews.
What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Royal City, WA?
TheDyrt.com has all 16 dispersed camping locations near Royal City, WA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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