Best Tent Camping near Royal City, WA

Several tent campgrounds are scattered throughout the Columbia Basin near Royal City, Washington, providing primitive camping opportunities in a desert landscape. Frenchman Coulee Backcountry Campsites, located near Quincy, offers tent sites in a dramatic coulee setting popular with rock climbers. Rocky Coulee Recreation Area provides tent sites with picnic tables and nearby water access. Nunnally Lake campground, situated directly in Royal City, is primarily used by anglers and offers basic tent camping with toilet facilities.

Tent sites in this region are predominantly set on hard-packed gravel or desert soil with minimal shade. Most locations feature vault toilets but lack drinking water, requiring campers to bring their own supply. Fire regulations vary by season, with many sites permitting campfires during non-restriction periods. Rocky Coulee Recreation Area offers picnic tables and trash collection, while most other sites provide only basic amenities. The camping season extends year-round at several locations, though summer temperatures can reach extremely high levels, making spring and fall more comfortable for tent camping.

The tent camping experience in this area centers around scenic desert vistas, geological features, and water recreation. Bighorn sheep sightings are possible at Rocky Coulee, where camping spots provide dramatic views of basalt cliffs. Frenchman Coulee attracts rock climbers who establish tent camps near popular climbing routes. Most sites offer minimal privacy between camping areas due to the sparse vegetation. Water access is available at several locations for fishing or paddling. According to one visitor at Rocky Coulee, "Gorgeous view. Nicely maintained area with picnic tables and campfire pits, but you could do a propane fire." Caliche Lake provides a convenient overnight tent spot for travelers, though its proximity to the highway means traffic noise is noticeable.

Best Tent Sites Near Royal City, Washington (19)

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Recent Tent Camping Photos near Royal City, WA

5 Photos of 19 Royal City Campgrounds


Tent Camping Reviews near Royal City, WA

344 Reviews of 19 Royal City Campgrounds


  • Nicole C.
    Sep. 12, 2020

    Sand Hollow Campground

    Right on the river... And the highway

    This campground seems almost brand new. There are no hookups and no water on site, though there are several vault toilets.

    Each site has a picnic table, fire ring, tent pad, and path down to a rocky beach on the Columbia. The sites are definitely not large enough for most RVs, so I'd consider this tent or van camping only.

    There's not much shade at the sites, but you can get out of the sun near the river.

    The biggest drawback to this spot is that it's just of the highway. You can and will hear air brakes all night. For me, staying on the Columbia was worth it.

  • N
    Oct. 26, 2020

    Cascade Campground

    Would pick else where

    A lot of rules at this camp ground because it’s attached to a county park. No alcohol at all and they check Quiet hours are VERY strict even when no one else is by you. You can camp by the water but can’t swim by the camp ground only In designated swim zone

  • Lee D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 1, 2019

    Cascade Campground

    City park right on the lake!

    We visited a cousin in Moses Lake and discovered this city park campground for an overnight stay. Not sure we would make this a destination as we are not boaters but for boaters, this would be an excellent place to land.  There is a boat dock so you can hear the drone of boats coming and going; not sure how late this will last but I assume it will taper off by dusk. There are a combination of both RV and tent sites, some right on the water and most, if not all, with water views.  Each site has a picnic table, fire ring, and bbq pit. Although there are trees, they did little to offer the comfort of shade in the afternoon heat but the views make it worthwhile. Nothing to separate the sites so not particularly private but again, the view of the lake makes it ok.  Bonnie, the"camp sheriff" greeted us with humor and helpfulness. We arrived on a Sunday at the end of June and we were fine for a one-night stay but Bonnie did say they were full up for the 4th of July holiday. Firewood and bagged ice are available for purchase. No alcohol is allowed (probably a good thing when combined with boating!). There is a nice playground. The bathrooms were reasonably clean and there are showers available for a fee based on how long of a shower you want. Open April - September and reservable May-September, although the reservation process was a little cumbersome so we decided to chance it and see if there would be a site available when we arrived.

  • Shay F.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 18, 2019

    Potholes State Park Campground

    Ranger Review: RovR RollR 60 at Potholes State Park, Othello, WA

    Campground Review:

    Potholes State Park is located in Central Washington, a bit south of Moses Lake. The climate is arid desert so expect hot days, cool nights, and occasional gusty winds. The park itself has some fun features and if you are into fishing or wildlife watching, I found it to be a great spot for both. The campground is divided into RV or hookup sites, a separate area for tent sites with some cabins mixed in, and a large day use section with a boat launch, restrooms with showers, a huge tree filled lawn with picnic tables, and a pretty fun little play ground. You can reserve ahead on the Washington State Parks reservation website. We did not make a reservation and there were a lot of open sites when we arrived on Saturday, even with the beautiful weather. I strongly doubt that will be the case as the summer continues. I would check ahead to see what you can get before heading out.  

    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. There is no barrier between you and your neighbor, but all the sites are grassy and the loops are surrounded by a ring of poplar trees. There is a bathroom with flush toilets and token operated showers centrally for all to share. There are 6 wheels like this, a total of 60 RV sites just opposite of the boat launch and day use area. 

    We stayed in the primitive or tent sites in the lower area of the campground. The sites along the water are in full sun most of the day, so be aware if that's not your thing. The sites along the inner part of the loop have a mix of poplars and other trees. That provides some shade and tress for a hammock.  No designated tent pad, but plenty of flat spots. All have a picnic table and fire ring. Not a ton of privacy, but it's much more secluded than the RV sites. Also, the bathrooms down here are vaults. No hand washing or showers for us, at least without a walk. There is a loop towards the group tent site and another towards the boat launch, for a total of 61 sites. Mixed into the primitive sites are cute cabins with air conditioning, if you really want to get away from the heat!

    When we arrived, the Ranger at the park office offered to let us drive down and choose what site we wanted. I was sure from looking online, that I wanted one by the water. Once we got to the site I chose, we realized that we would be baking in the hot sun all day with no relief. It was at the beginning of the loop so we got the traffic and dust from everyone driving by and we were right on top of neighbors on either side. My husband went up to see if we could move and the Ranger was so nice! It was no problem to move across the road to a shaded site with trees so we could hang out and put up our hammocks. We had no neighbors the entire time. It got a little noisy on Saturday night with the sounds of other campers having fun, but by Sunday night we were alone and when we left on Monday, there was one other camper in our end of the tent loop with us.  

    We encountered lots of animals in the park. The bird sounds are incredible. I wish I would have made a recording. Mourning doves, quail, robins, and red wing blackbirds among the many. Deer walked through the campground and beavers and otters were swimming in the reservoir while we did some fishing from the group camping area. We did not encounter too many bugs, but the season is still early. 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. My husband noticed it as he walked by our picnic table because it hissed at him. It was curled up underneath. Very angry with us and ready for a fight when we got a stick to move him. It put up a good fight. I am just glad we noticed it before we stepped too close in shorts and sandals! I want to be clear, this is not anything against the park. You are in snake country and this is that animals home. Just be aware especially if you have little kids running around. 

    We went to Potholes to go fishing with some friends on the reservoir for Walleye and Bass. If fishing is your thing, this park is great. You don't need a boat either. There are plenty of shore fishing spots and hiking trails to pass the time. The businesses right beyond the park have good food, a bar, gas, a golf course, and really good ice cream! I love this area of Washington and I can't wait to go back.  

    Product Review:

    As a Ranger for the Dyrt, from time to time I get awesome products to put to the test while camping. On this trip, I got to test the RovR RollR 60 Cooler. Check out the product website here: https://rovrproducts.com/product/505229344820/6841244385332

    First, the basic stats on this RovR RollR 60. This is a 60 quart capacity, rotomolded body cooler. It has foam insulation and an airtight gasket. It has a fast flow drain plug and is certified bear resistant. It sports all terrain, puncture resistant tires and has an aluminum dual sided padded handle so you can pull it from either side and not clip your heels. The color offering is green, orange, white, or pink at least for this size. The fun features that really set it apart are the inside dry bin, the top mount soft wagon bin for extra gear hauling , and all the extra attachments you can purchase to make your RovR perfect for you. You can add on, for an extra cost, a fishing rod/umbrella holder, dual cup holder, cutting board, stash bag, or bike hitch. Yes, you can attach it to your bike and tow it around! You can also get the wagon bin in other colors /designs. This cooler according to the website promises to compare to the other “high end” pricey coolers out there, if not outperform. RovR even promises to keep ice for 11 days under proper use and conditions!

    I was excited to take it to sunny, warm Eastern Washington and test it on a fishing trip with friends. I knew it would spend a full day out in the direct sun, be opened and closed countless times, get banged around at speed, and have to be drug to the boat and back by hand. Also, my friend is a fishing guide and a Yeti fan, so I was looking forward to his opinion.

    RovR’s instructions are to pre-chill the cooler 24 hours prior to loading with a sacrifice bag of ice and only add cold items to the cooler when ready. When it was time to load, none of my “sacrifice” ice had melted at all from the prior day. We were able to fit most everything we needed for food into the cooler for the whole long weekend. It is large but fit in the back of the SUV without an issue. When we arrived at Potholes, we set it out in out campsite and got to work with dinner and beverages. Everything was icy cold with no melt. Our fishing guide friend came over and fully checked out the RovR. He was pretty impressed! He thought it was cool looking and loved the wheels and handle, a feature his large Yeti does not have. That and his Yeti is poo brown not beautiful green like my RovR. The next day, we drug the RovR across two campground loops over to the boat launch. The mini monster truck tires handled all the dirt and gravel with ease. It was easy to pull and maneuver. We loaded it on the boat and had a full 9 hour day of fishing for Walleye and Bass in full sun. Even at speed, the RovR did not bounce or wander around on the bow. Overall, it did a great job and I am very happy with its performance!

    My favorite feature has to be the dry bin inside. It keeps items cold but dry. I can’t tell you how many wet egg cartons and soggy zip lock bags I’ve dealt with over the years. If you camp for any length of time, at some point you inevitably have a chilly swimming pool of food. Not with the dry bin! I was able to load my salsa, meat and cheese, eggs, but it will also hold liquor or wine upright and cold. The bin is held down with a screw in disk so it’s removable if you have a need for more room. While my ice was fairly melted by Monday, everything was still icy cold. I am also sure that if it was not left out in the 80 plus degree sun ALL day, it would have performed admirably. But again, all my food and drinks were still as cold as before the day of sun, so that’s really saying something about performance potential. Also, when we arrived home, the wagon bin was great for throwing the headlamps, shoes, hammocks, and all the other loose items into it and hauling them down to be put away in one trip. It never leaked or showed condensation. It was also easy to open and close, unlike some of the other fancy coolers, even though it has similar rubber gasket type latches.

    The only issue I have with my RovR RollR 60 is that it’s heavy! Fully loaded, my husband and I had to team lift it into the back of the SUV. My kitchen is also downstairs so to load it and get it to the garage I have to maneuver it up and down our stairs. It’s not an easy task. The other super minor, picky complaints are the handle, which is really comfortable to pull and hold in your hand, hangs centimeters from the ground. In our dusty campsite, the handle got really dirty which makes your hands really dirty. If you are trying to prep food out of your cooler that might be an issue. Finally, the wagon bin that the RovR comes with is white in color, initially. I don’t know about you, but I get pretty dirty while camping. White is an unfortunate color choice for the outdoors. We left it behind completely for fishing even though when flat it makes a nice cushion to sit on. You can get other super cool prints, but you have to buy them separately. Once my white bin becomes super gross I will definitely upgrade.

    It doesn’t matter if you have an RV or prefer the tent, a good cooler is an absolute must. And, if you are going to invest the money in a cooler, why not buy one that not only performs at an outstanding level but has some neat features and a little spunk as well?

  • Shay F.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 10, 2019

    Umtanum Campground - Yakima River Canyon

    Epicenter for Summer River Floaters

    Eastern Washington near the water is my favorite type of landscape.  It's a hot, windy, and a true desert climate.  When you get near a body of water like you do along the Yakima River, the diversity of life expands and makes for great wildlife watching.

    Umtanum Recreation Site is part of several BLM campgrounds lumped together along the Yakima River known as the Yakima River Canyon Campgrounds.  All can be reserved ahead of time via the reservation.gov website:  https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/250985.  Standard for most BLM camping in Washington, sites are very basic.  Gravel parking, pit toilets, and a picnic table.  This place does have a dumpster for trash, not all do.  There are no hook ups, no drinking water, and in our case, very little shade.  Neighbors are close and there is not a lot of privacy.  The day use area is right there too, close to camping and can be loud.  It is heavily patrolled by the wonderful BLM folks to keep everything clean and the people orderly.  They also give out tickets if you don't mind the warnings for correct passes or day use fees.

    The campground itself is one little loop with six sites.  The loop is an offshoot of a very large gravel parking area for day use.  Mostly boat launching and hiking access to Umtanum Creek and Umtaum Ridge trails.   You can check the Information Board for rules on day use and camping fees, passes, and how to check to see if a site is reserved. 

    We arrived on July 3rd in the afternoon.  The campground was very quiet and all the sites were reserved.  The morning of July 4th, the recreation site turned into a total madhouse.  BLM Rangers, Law Enforcement, making constant rounds to patrol the never ending hoards of people coming to park and float the river. There was a lot of noise, dust, drunk and rowdy folks.  Friday was calm again until afternoon, Saturday was not as bad as the 4th but still pretty crazy.  It was also hot!  No shade to be had in our site.  After hiking in the morning, we spent a lot of time across the bridge, in it's shadow, in the river.  

    If you are using this spot as a base to do some hiking, fishing, or floating it's very convenient.  I am sure in Spring and Fall when river floating is not at it's peak, it's gorgeous and peaceful.  The raptors and songbirds are splendid.  We saw Bighorn sheep on the hill, big rock squirrels, wild turkeys with babies, and fish.  No rattlesnakes or ticks, but this is prime territory.  Hiking down the Umtanum Creek trail, over the suspension bridge, is one of my favorite hikes ever.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Mar. 26, 2021

    Nunnally Lake

    Pretty okay for an overnight rest

    Short jaunt to the lake which is a popular fishing spot for those willing to carry a boat. Ample room for RVs; no tent camping unless you like sleeping on gravel. Toilet is clean and maintained. Some noise from the off-road vehicle recreation area across the road, but quieter at night. No tree cover for shade but I visited in the springtime and the weather was pleasantly cool.

  • Daniel S.
    Oct. 14, 2017

    Potholes State Park Campground

    Welcome to washington..welcome to windy

    We were driving around aimlessly and stumbled upon this place. Its basically a giant offroad recreation area. We travel in a mini van and it was really difficult to find level ground because we do not have 4 wheel drive.

    It was better than paying to camp. There are NO amenities where we were and the place seemed HUGE. Just sand dunes and wind..sand dunes and wind. We saw other people camping with legit off road set ups and easy ups and they seemed to be doing pretty good. Not so much for us in our mini van. haha

  • Mary C.
    Sep. 2, 2018

    Ellensburg KOA

    Cool spot in Ellensburg

    This is one of the larger KOAs I have been to.  Plenty of room for RVs, trailers, and tents.  They also have a few cabins to stay in.  Our site was near the playground which was central to the camp ground. There is a TV/ play room that my littlesloved but not as much as the heated pool, yes, they have a heated pool! 

    This site lies on the banks of the Yakima River.  My dad was able to go fly fishing and my littles were able to search for rocks and fish in the shallow areas. 

    The general store has all your basic needs, but a difference from other KOAs was that they sell bee and wine! 

    The hosts are great but are pretty strict with quiet hours (which I prefer with littles).

  • Meghan O.
    Apr. 22, 2019

    Ginkgo Petrified Forest State Park Campground

    River Views, Accessibility + Stream2Sea Sunscreen Review

    Just off the banks of the Columbia River, Ginkgo Petrified Forest is a fascinating testament to the wild geology of the Gorge. An easy 1.5 mile hike will take you past several nicely preserved examples of different types of petrified wood, including some whole logs where you can clearly still see the shape of the bark, rings, etc. There are restrooms and water spigots at both the Ginkgo Petrified Forest check in station/interpretive center, where you can see a saber tooth tiger skull, more samples of petrified wood, and explanations of how this area was formed by lava and other forces millions of years ago.

    Just down from the interpretive center, on the river banks, is a nice little campground. It's not very remote or wild, but it is a good place to pop open your tent if you're hoping to do some kayaking. You'll also be close to handicapped parking spaces and have sidewalk access to your campsite, making this a great choice for campers with disabilities or mobility limitations. The restrooms are nice, too. They're pit toilets, but well-maintained and plenty of room to maneuver a walker or wheelchair in side. The landscaping is lovely, and the beach where you can put in your boat is level with the water, no boat launch required.

    A few miles down the road from the interpretive center and campground are the hiking trails where you can see the petrified wood and experience the rolling hills and grassland that typify central Washington. You can also admire a CCC constructed ranger residence— a gorgeous example of classic "parkitecture" that is reminiscent of Frank Lloyd Wright.

    Stream2Sea Sunscreen Review

    As a Dyrt Ranger, I had a chance to test drive Stream2Sea's sunscreen. This reef safe & biodegradable sunscreen is made without oxybenzone. Even though I wasn't camping near a reef or doing any snorkeling, I opted to use this product on my hike since ultimately all oceans are downstream of lakes and rivers somewhere. Not only is the sunscreen itself environmentally safe, even the tube it comes in is made with Leave No Trace principles in mind, so it won't clutter up a landfill one day.

    I'm stoked that this product was as good for my skin as it is for the environment. I have had a hard time finding a sunscreen I like in the past, one that doesn't irritate my sensitive skin or cause breakouts, that doesn't have an overly strong scent, that is a physical rather than chemical sunscreen, and blends well with my pale, freckled complexion.

    Stream2Sea hit it out of the park. A little goes a long way, so I know I'm getting good value from a tube. The tinted version didn't make me look orange or like I slathered on faux tanner, nor did it look strange over my freckles. Instead, it blended in quite naturally, almost like a BB cream or light foundation. The scent was refreshing but not cloying.

    Even though it's shoulder season after a long, cloudy winter in the Pacific Northwest and I haven't seen the sun in months, I didn't get burned despite spending all weekend mountain biking and hiking. Instead, I washed my face at the end of the day and my skin felt moisturized and refreshed, not tight, dried out, or irritated. I would feel comfortable using Stream2Sea sunscreen and lip balm every day as part of my pretty minimalist skincare routine.


Guide to Royal City

Tent camping options near Royal City, Washington span across semi-arid terrain characterized by dramatic coulees, basalt formations, and desert landscapes. The Columbia Basin region typically receives less than 8 inches of annual rainfall, creating a stark camping environment with temperatures often exceeding 90°F in summer months and dropping below freezing in winter. Most tent sites feature hard-packed soil with minimal natural padding, requiring campers to bring appropriate sleeping pads for comfort.

What to do

Rock climbing access: At Frenchman Coulee Backcountry Campsites, climbers can establish base camps within minutes of popular routes. "This is a well-known primitive camping area for rock climbers and other outdoor recreation folks (there are also hiking, biking and boating opportunities in the Frenchman Coulee recreation area)," notes Emma A. The Feathers climbing area is just a 4-minute approach from camp.

Wildlife viewing: Observe native desert species including rabbits, marmots, and larger mammals. "We had a large herd of bighorn sheep as pre dusk visitors which was great to admire," reports Chad L. at Rocky Coulee Recreation Area. Morning and evening hours offer the best viewing opportunities when animals are most active.

Water recreation: Multiple sites provide lake and river access for fishing, paddling, and swimming. "There's a trail down to the waterfall and one toilet but no tp so be prepared. Dog friendly and there's a boat launch at the very end of the drive," shares Breanna R. about Frenchman Coulee. The Columbia River is accessible for cooling off during hot summer days.

What campers like

Geological features: The basalt cliff formations and desert landscapes create distinctive camping backdrops. "The campgrounds are right next to all the climbing vantage has to offer. You can park right next to your site, have fires," notes Jessie T. about Old Vantage Highway camping area.

Off-season solitude: Spring and fall provide more comfortable temperatures and fewer crowds. "Mid week in fall, we have the place to ourselves! Surrounded by gorgeous cliffs with hikes and scrambles, if you are not a rock climber. Drive down to the end of the road for gorgeous access to the Columbia," shares Annie B. about Frenchman Coulee.

Easy water access: Many sites feature close proximity to lakes, rivers or reservoirs. "Smack dab amidst heat and fields, this is one of many little offshoots from the main road that gives you water access," explains Rachel A. about Lind Coulee West Bridge Site. These water features provide welcome relief during hot weather.

What you should know

Weather extremes: Summer temperatures regularly exceed 100°F with minimal shade, while evenings can turn cool. Winter camping faces freezing temperatures and occasional snow. "Exposed and hot," warns Leah W. about Frenchman Coulee tent camping.

Limited facilities: Most sites provide only basic amenities. At Caliche Lake, "No amenities, so bring your own camp stove, tables, chairs, etc," advises Niki U. Many locations lack drinking water sources, requiring campers to carry sufficient supplies.

Road conditions: Access roads to many sites feature rough surfaces and steep sections. "All roads are gravel with a lot of large potholes and may be a thing to consider if you're driving a low vehicle," warns Rachel A. about accessing water recreation areas near Moses Lake. High-clearance vehicles are recommended for accessing certain camping areas.

Site selection: Finding level, comfortable tent sites can require searching. "Tent spots are nice bordered with pea gravel. Level and flat," notes Brian H. about Rocky Coulee Recreation Area, but many other locations feature uneven terrain or hard surfaces.

Tips for camping with families

Best timing: Plan family camping trips during shoulder seasons (May-June or September-October) when temperatures are moderate. "The camping season extends April through July," at Burke Lake West, which offers more comfortable conditions for families with young children.

Water safety: Lakes and river access points lack lifeguards and may have sudden drop-offs or currents. "Water is accessible. Not necessarily easily accessible from every camp spot. You may have to walk your SUP board around up to a spot to put in," cautions Brian H. about Rocky Coulee Recreation Area.

Wildlife awareness: Teach children about respecting desert wildlife and potential hazards. "Be careful with dogs around the cliffs—there are rabbits and marmots around and your dog should be contained," advises Brit B. about Frenchman Coulee.

Shade solutions: With minimal natural shade, bring portable canopies or umbrellas for sun protection. "No shade!! And it does get very hot, even though there is some lake effect," notes Brian H. about Rocky Coulee Recreation Area.

Tips from RVers

Site limitations: Most tent camping areas near Royal City have restricted space for larger vehicles. "There is not a lot of room for big rigs so I would not suggest staying here If you're 20+ feet long," cautions Breanna R. about Frenchman Coulee.

Access challenges: Many camping areas feature rough roads with steep sections. "Better suited for high clearance vehicles, and brave souls in truck campers," advises Dawn G. about entrance roads at Frenchman Coulee.

Overnight options: When passing through the area, consider convenient overnight camping locations. "Good place to pull off and sleep for the night if you need a quick stop off the freeway that's better than a rest stop," suggests Lauralyn O. about Caliche Lake for overnight stays.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Royal City, WA is Frenchman Coulee Backcountry Campsites with a 4.1-star rating from 8 reviews.

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

TheDyrt.com has all 19 tent camping locations near Royal City, WA, with real photos and reviews from campers.