Potholes State Park Campground offers equestrian camping opportunities in Washington's central desert landscape near Royal City. Located within the Columbia Basin Wildlife Area, this site sits at approximately 1,040 feet elevation where temperatures range from over 100°F in summer to below freezing in winter. The campground provides access to O'Sullivan Reservoir with its distinctive sand dunes and desert terrain popular with trail riders and wildlife enthusiasts.
What to do
Wildlife viewing along shorelines: During low water levels, particularly in late summer, diverse bird species create an impressive soundscape. "The bird sounds are incredible. I wish I would have made a recording. Mourning doves, quail, robins, and red wing blackbirds among the many" notes a visitor to Potholes State Park Campground.
Fishing expeditions: The reservoir offers multiple fishing locations for various species. "Fish that can be found are: Walleye, Crappie, Bass, Trout. There are also a lot of Carp to encounter. Be prepared for various weather conditions and sometimes windy conditions," reports one camper at Potholes State Park.
Desert trail riding: Horse owners can trailer to nearby sand dunes for rides. When water levels recede in late summer, more sand dunes become accessible for horseback exploration. Portable containment systems are necessary as no permanent equine facilities exist on site.
What campers like
Clean facilities with shower options: The campground maintains well-kept bathroom facilities. "The showers are by tokens 2 for $1, each token gives you 3 minutes of shower time," explains a camper at Yakima Sportsman State Park Campground, which offers similar amenities to other horse campgrounds near Royal City.
Shade protection from desert heat: Trees provide crucial relief during hot summer months. "Beautiful trees surrounded the sites provide much need shade during hot summer," notes a visitor who rated their experience at Potholes State Park.
Spacious sites for horse trailers: The layout accommodates large vehicles and equipment. "The sites are big and well spaced along the reservoir shoreline," reports a camper about the waterfront camping areas, which work well for equestrian campers with extra vehicles.
What you should know
Weather preparedness essential: The desert climate brings temperature extremes and wind. "Be prepared for various weather conditions and sometimes windy conditions" advises a camper at Potholes State Park Campground.
Insect activity varies seasonally: Mosquitoes can be problematic, especially near water. "Beautiful trees surrounded the sites provide much need shade during hot summer. However, mosquitoes are leaving you alone every time you are outside," warns one reviewer at The Oasis.
Wildlife awareness important: The area hosts various wildlife including snakes. "We did see two snakes. One swimming towards us while we were fishing on the boat, the other in our camp site. This was a baby rattlesnake, not a gopher snake," cautions a camper about their experience at Potholes State Park.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Recreational facilities for children exist in several parks. "There is a good playground for kids and a short walking trail," notes a visitor to Potholes State Park.
Visibility for bike riding: Open layouts promote safer activities. "There is plenty of space for kids to play and visibility is high for bike riding," shares a camper at Yakima Sportsman State Park.
Animal viewing opportunities: Some campgrounds offer farm animal experiences. "They have farm animals that the kids could see. The baby rabbits are so cute!" enthuses a visitor to The Oasis, providing an educational component to horse camping trips near Royal City.
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategies: Consider sun exposure when choosing spots. "We got site 98 which backs up to the lake. Great idea, but due to people having no manners, we had people walking through our campsite to get to the water to fish constantly," advises an RV camper at Potholes State Park.
Hookup availability: Utility options vary between loops. "The 60-site RV section offers full hookups with power, water, and sewer connections," while "The RV sites have power, water, and sewer. They are arranged like a wheel, you drive around the small center and the other trailers are the spokes in the wheel."
Food storage practices: Wildlife can access unsecured items. "This trip, there were racoons that liked our food more than we did. First night, we lost a half gallon glass jar of dog food. It had a lid on it, and it took me until the second night to figure it out," warns a camper about their experience at Potholes State Park.
Traveler
