RV campgrounds near Royal City, Washington offer numerous sites ranging from full-service resorts to basic hook-up spots. Located in the Columbia Basin at 968 feet elevation, this area experiences extreme temperature variations with summer highs frequently exceeding 100°F in July and August and winter lows dropping below freezing. Irrigation canals from the Columbia Basin Project transform the otherwise arid landscape into agricultural fields surrounding camping areas.
What to do
Golfing access: At Sage Hills Golf Club & RV Resort, campers can play on a challenging course right outside their RV. "My husband loved it said he would come back. Good parking for the rv," notes one visitor. The resort even provides special services for golfers with early tee times, as one camper mentions, "You have early morning tee time they will bring a golf cart down to ur space the night before even!"
Water recreation: Boating and fishing opportunities exist at several nearby lakes. The Columbia River at Thousand Trails Crescent Bar provides water activities with "beautiful sites near the river and the area is rapidly growing with activity," according to one reviewer. Another camper describes it as a "waterskiing paradise" where you can "tire yourself out on the river, find a sandbar and post up for the day."
Lake activities: Warden Lake RV Resort offers fishing opportunities with one visitor noting it's a "good lake for fishing trout." The gated entry provides security, making it "a very relaxing stay" according to reviews.
What campers like
Clean facilities: Many campgrounds maintain high cleanliness standards. One camper at Smokiam RV Resort noted, "We visited during July 4th 2021. Lots of activities for kids, and a large fireworks display/live band. Really nice people." Another visitor mentioned, "Very clean campground. Nice amenities for families."
Recreational amenities: Beyond standard camping, resorts offer additional activities. "Put put golf swimming pool hot tubs basketball and volleyball court and nice playground. Paddle board kayak and paddle boat rentals as well," reports one Smokiam visitor. Another camper appreciated that "the swimming pool, hot tub and clubhouse are immaculate."
Accessibility: Many parks provide easy access for travelers passing through. "Nice open area to play games. We played frisbee and enjoyed the area. The water is really close and the camp sites didn't seem to be too crowded," commented a visitor to Horn Rapids RV Resort.
What you should know
Weather considerations: Summer temperatures regularly exceed 90°F from June through September, with little rainfall. Winter brings freezing temperatures at night, though some RV parks remain open year-round with heated facilities.
Reservation timing: Popular campgrounds fill quickly during peak summer months. Weekends book fastest, especially at Horn Rapids RV Resort where one camper noted, "This RV park is the best maintained park I have ever seen. The lots are not real big, but the landscaping is pristine (think golf course)."
Noise factors: Highway proximity affects some campgrounds. "There is road noise audible inside the rig from accelerating/decelerating trucks but not awful," reports one Coyote Run RV Park visitor.
Tips for camping with families
Swimming options: Multiple resorts feature pools for children. "Very kid friendly," notes a Smokiam visitor. "Staff was super nice and check in process very easy. Great playground for kids, nice store in case you forget anything."
Recreation facilities: Look for campgrounds with dedicated children's areas. "This campground is very kid-friendly. It includes a fishing pond, miniature golf, par-three golf, and a swimming pool," reports a visitor to Oasis RV Park & Golf Course.
Pet policies: Most parks allow pets with restrictions. "Nice big area for dogs by the store and pool," mentions a Smokiam camper. Weight limits may apply at some facilities, with Wine Country RV Park enforcing a 40-pound maximum.
Tips from RVers
Site dimensions: Large rigs need adequate space. At Sage Hills, "Never been to an RV Park where all the sights r 50' plus and pull-thrus. We will be backed a lot more."
Seasonal considerations: Some parks offer winter accommodations with heated facilities. "Sites have full hookups 30/50 amp and heated coils to prevent any water freeze," reports a Smokiam visitor.
Connectivity: Cell service varies by location. While most parks have adequate coverage, "internet and cell service was poor" at Smokiam according to one camper. WiFi quality differs between parks, with some offering premium services at additional cost.
