Best Tent Camping near Royal City, WA
Searching for a tent camping spot near Royal City? Finding a place to camp in Washington with your tent has never been easier. Search nearby tent campsites or find top-rated spots from other campers.
Best Tent Sites Near Royal City, WA (20)
1. Frenchman Coulee Backcountry Campsites
Vantage, Washington8 Reviews•41 Photos•118 SavesThe free camp sites - There is a designated areas located near the main parking area. There are no designated sites but you can drive in on rough dirt trail. Portable toilets are nearby but there is no running water, no picnic tables and no fires are allowed. The area can become quite busy during long weekends or when there are big concerts held at the nearby amphitheater in George.
- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Tents
- Group
- Trash
2. Rocky Coulee Recreation Area
Vantage, Washington5 Reviews•46 Photos•56 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- ADA Access
- Tents
- Standard (Tent/RV)
$10 / night
7. Lind Coulee Island Site
Warden, Washington1 Review•1 Save- Pets
- Phone Service
- Tents
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Toilets
Recent Tent Reviews in Royal City
322 Reviews of 20 Royal City Campgrounds
- c
cindy
Guide
Umtanum Campground - Yakima River Canyon
Beautiful autumn site
Spent overnight here. Many cars in the pkg lot—hikers & fishermen. By early evening, everyone was gone except for 3 of us campers. There is road noise which is close, but that quiets at night as well. The train is also close, but I don’t mind hearing trains. Overall, a lovely place to hang for the night and take in a hike right there at the site. Good pit toilets too!
- PPhil&Melinda O.Guide
Ginkgo Petrified Forest State Park Campground
Nice location on the lake
Nice spacious sites. Lots of privacy between sites. No dog park. Great view of the lake from your door. We took a 4 mile, one-way, bike ride to the town of Vantage and then to the Ginkgo Petrified Forest. The town of vantage is very small with a lot of closed shops. Has a gas station and convenience store. That’s about it. Very scenic area and quiet and relaxing.
- PPhil&Melinda O.Guide
Ginkgo Petrified Forest State Park Campground
Peaceful and Quiet
Arrived on a Sunday without reservations and had several spots to choose from for our 3 night stay. Easy Lake access. The grounds are immaculately kept up - sites are very spacious - bathrooms and showers super clean. Road our e-bikes into Vantage - only a gas station/convenience store - very expensive - but it is the only game in town as everything else is closed. Continued our e-bike ride to Ginkgo Petrified forest - nice little 3 mile hike. The town is 2.5 miles from camp and another 2 to get to the petrified forest. Would stop here again. Had a relaxing time.
- GGil W.Guide
Yakima River Canyon Campgrounds (Umtanum, Lmuma Creek, Big Pines, Roza) — Yakima River Canyon
Quiet and Peaceful next to river
Overall a nice experience. $7.50/night with Access Pass. Dry camping only but close to Yakima. A fly fishing paradise.
There are train tracks close by which can be a bit noisy. However, trains don’t blow horn when passing by.
- hhuckleberry
ScoutUmtanum Campground - Yakima River Canyon
Off-road Tent camping
The site offer approximately 10 sites that can be used for tent or RV camping. Moderately spaced from the other sites. Parallels the river. The tent areas are all level, ground mainly dirt/gravel. Each site has a picnic table and fire pit. We did not hear the road noise. Can’t speak to the condition of the toilets as we didn’t use them. This is a favorite of the locals for fall fishing so you need a reservation…
DL M.
Legend
Potholes State Park Campground
Perch Point nice shade and breeze
T mobile 5G. Dead fish and algae in the lake- green speckles. The water is green. The picnic tables are partially buried in the sand. The discovery pass including the processing fee was $13. The sites are big and well spaced along the reservoir shoreline. Saw about 3 Pit toilets equally spaced along the shore line. Nice old trees providing shade. Nice breeze to close the day. Can't see any flies.
- bbillie J.
Traveler
Frenchman Coulee Dispersed Camping
My home away from home
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.
- Angela A.Traveler
Frenchman Coulee Dispersed Camping
Beautiful
Great location so close to 90 but tucked away - will be staying here often
- MMelanie A.Guide
Sun Lakes-Dry Falls State Park
Loud and trashy
We chose a spot in the rv tent area which was not very clean and very loud. Stay in the outer ring if you have an RV.
Jeremy H.Scout
Ringold Springs Camping
If you are just looking for a place to put your tent
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.
Clément S.GuideSmokiam RV Resort
Good camping
The place is pretty good! Except the wifi that is overused and make it difficult to even connect. In terms of outdoor activities and amenities it's a good stop
- BBre C.Traveler
Frenchman Coulee Dispersed Camping
Love this spot!
The views are amazing, plenty of open campsites and nobody was around us when we camped. A perfect quiet getaway.
Joshua C.GuideFrenchman Coulee Dispersed Camping
Nice Spot Mid Week to Beat the Crowds
Popular 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.
- JJeff C.Traveler
Red Mountain RV park
More trailer park than RV park
Pros: it was very close to family that moved in nearby. Our site was level and the grass was green. Hookups were good and arranged well. Cons: the park is almost entirely long-term tenants, and many of the rigs were quite old and had lots of “accessories “outside them. Also, there was one functional bathroom and one functional shower for the entire park. Fortunately, our family was close by so we use their bathroom and shower when needed. It seems like the park is trying to improve, but it has a way to go before I would recommend staying there.
- FFish ..Traveler
Frenchman Coulee Overland Overlook Dispersed Campsite
A good getaway from the crowd
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.
- FFish ..Traveler
Frenchman Coulee Backcountry Campsites
Good for climbing, OK for camping
Overall it's not great nor is it terrible. It's always busy and often a bit crowded in the main portion but the people are usually not too rowdy. The scenic views are killer, the wildlife is active, and the mini trails around the place feel adventurous. The climbing is bang on but it's bouldering or lead climbing only. BE WARNED, THE BATHROOMS ARE STANKY (hot tip: bring a citronella candle and your own TP)
Freddie Faith M.TravelerSun Lakes-Dry Falls State Park
Incredible views, but beware of heavy wind.
I love this state park, the landscape of glacial-carved coulees and sagebrush covered shrubsteppe is gorgeous and unique. The park is truly a geological wonder. As campgrounds go, this one is very windy! Keep that in mind if you are tent camping, as you could easily lose your tent!
If camping here I cannot suggest campsite 88 in campground D unless you are in an RV. It's just a very basic, gravel site with little shade, right by the road entering the campground, and not private at all. It is right across from a nice beach though so could be a good spot for an RV. Campsite 118 looked much better and I plan on choosing that site instead next time.
I do not suggest the Sun Lakes Resort campsite that is not managed by Washington State Parks unless you like being packed in like sardines. Camping at the state park managed campsite is far better.
- RRich H.Traveler
Lakefront RV
Not worth the stop
If you disregard the rough old permanent stayers, unclean, weeds and parked cars,, the lake view at sunset was beautiful
Jason G.GuideSun Lakes-Dry Falls State Park
Amazing area, lots to do
The score is more for the abundance of things to do in the area than for the campground itself.
I was there for a trail run race that went deep in the Sun Lakes back country and the floor of the Dry Falls area. Just stunning scenery. While I didn't get to partake on my trip, the lakes offer fishing, boating, and swimming.
The camping itself is the standard state park experience, sites close together, not much for privacy. But they are nice spots, and well maintained.
- Jason G.Guide
Big Pines Campground - Yakima River Canyon
Not much to add, still a great campground
The older reviews are all accurate and still apply. I really don't have to much to add. Campground makes for a great base for all your canyon adventures.
- Jason G.Guide
Burke Lake South
Lots of places along the entire road through here
There are multiple pull outs and established dispersed camping opportunities all along the entire road through the Ancient Lakes area. The specific spot marked on the dyrt map is just one spot. But consider this a review for the whole area.
The whole area is very unique, and the highlight is definitely hiking down into the canyon and Dusty Lake area. Spider web of trails down there open for hikers, mountain bikers, and horses. Overnight backpacking is allowed down there as well.
The upper lakes offer fishing and boating, paddle boarding as well if you are confident in your skill to stay on the board. I would not recommend swimming, or getting in the water at all, as it's all agricultural runoff.
The spot I stayed is south of the marker on the map, right on the north west bank of the Evergreen Reservoir. This was early April, on a Saturday, very late afternoon after hiking all day. Most spots were already taken, and I snagged one of the last established spots I could find. More of a pull off, pretty close to the road, and on the smaller side. But there are other, larger, spots if you can grab one.
Essentially no shade, very exposed, spring and fall would be the best time here.
- KKyle B.Scout
Yakima River RV Park
Looks like it's out of business
FYI, the website it not available and I the reservation line has been disconnected.
Tim H.TravelerFrenchman Coulee Overland Overlook Dispersed Campsite
Fantastic view of the Coulee falls
Beautiful 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.
- RRandy G.Traveler
Yakima Sportsman State Park Campground
4 Days in YakaVegas
So my partner and I had chosen to stay here for a few nights, we didn't reserve online, when we got there the ranger allowed us to go see which spot we liked, because there was a lot open. We chose spot 64 the one way in the back for tent campsites. When we got there, there was 3 others tents up in the area, spread apart of course a good length too. I read that there was a "Homeless" problem, but I didn't see one homeless our whole stay...besides myself lol I bought a power station and had to charge it at a RV spot #15. There I charged my phone and laptop. I did leave my shampoo and conditioner in the showers and those were taken, who can blame em, they were good ones. Lol my own fault. Anywho...bring some shower sandals because the showers are dirty...but they are FREE. Bathrooms are nice and clean. We didn't get bothered once, we got left alone, and even though we looked like the crazy tweaker tent there, cuz we had tarps over our tent....but it was raining. Lol A skunk did cross our path and ran behind our tent...but that's all the action. During this time it was $25 a night for tents. It was close to town but not TOO close....BIG park. For dogs and kids...good park
- BBrent S.Traveler
Potholes State Park Campground
Pros and Cons are about even
Pros: good fishing, good amenities (shower, bathroom, etc), price, cleanliness, availability. Cons: Typical designated camping stacked right next to each other so barking dogs, crying kids, or drunks are highly likely to be a nuisance. Overall it's really well maintained and accessible. There's a little grocery store/market/gas across from the park on 262 if you need anything.
Jessica C.ScoutYakima Sportsman State Park Campground
Beautiful views and landscape
They have great bathrooms and showers picnic and covered areas, great play set for kids. Clean water electricity dump area and full hookup pull through areas
Rob B.Traveler
Rocky Coulee Recreation Area
Nice spot
I just dropped by today for a look see. The place looks quite nice. Picnic tables and tent pads on crushed rock probably 1/4-. I couldn’t find where to park.
Guide to Royal City
Tent camping near Royal City, Washington, offers a variety of scenic spots for outdoor enthusiasts looking to immerse themselves in nature. With options ranging from primitive sites to more developed areas, there's something for everyone.
Tent campers appreciate these amenities
- At Frenchman Coulee Backcountry Campsites, visitors can enjoy the freedom of primitive camping with stunning views and active wildlife, though amenities are limited.
- Rocky Coulee Recreation Area features picnic tables and campfire pits, making it a comfortable choice for those who want a bit more structure during their stay.
- Caliche Lake provides a quiet spot with a pit toilet, ideal for a short stay while fishing or just relaxing by the water.
Tent campers like these nearby activities
- Rock climbing enthusiasts will find Frenchman Coulee Backcountry Campsites to be a prime location, with excellent bouldering and lead climbing opportunities right at their doorstep.
- For those interested in fishing, Caliche Lake offers a peaceful setting where anglers can cast their lines and enjoy the tranquility of the area.
- Warden Lake North is perfect for splashing around and enjoying a beach day, making it a great spot for families looking to unwind.
Some prices for tent camping range from $10 to $20
- Camping at Rocky Coulee Recreation Area is budget-friendly, with a fee of around $10, offering a well-maintained area with beautiful views.
- Caliche Lake is another economical option, providing a simple camping experience for those just passing through, typically costing around $15.
- For a more rustic experience, Frenchman Coulee Backcountry Campsites is a popular choice among climbers and outdoor lovers, with no reservation fees, making it an attractive option for spontaneous trips.
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 20 tent camping locations near Royal City, WA, with real photos and reviews from campers.