100 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Dispersed camping areas near St. John in eastern Washington include several BLM-managed sites with minimal amenities. The Palouse region features free camping options like Hog Lake Campground and Fishtrap Recreation Area, offering primitive sites for tents and RVs with limited facilities. Escure Ranch/Rock Creek Recreation Area provides a more developed dispersed camping experience with picnic tables, vault toilets, and trash service. Bonnie Lake Island offers a unique boat-in camping experience for those seeking solitude in the scablands landscape.
The camping season varies across the region, with most sites accessible year-round but best visited in spring and fall. "The area is a very popular local fishing and recreation spot and gets crowded on the weekends," noted one visitor about nearby Cow Lake. Many dispersed sites feature rough dirt roads requiring higher clearance vehicles, particularly at locations like Escure Ranch where the last two miles are described as challenging. Cell service is generally available but spotty at more remote locations. Fire restrictions may apply during summer months when temperatures can exceed 90°F, while winter camping is possible but requires preparation for potential snow and freezing conditions.
Campers report that the region's landscape offers unique scenery characteristic of eastern Washington's channeled scablands. Several visitors highlighted the striking views and solitude as key attractions, with one describing Escure Ranch as having "magnificent" scenery despite primitive facilities. The area provides opportunities to experience dramatic butte formations, spring wildflowers, and dark night skies away from urban light pollution. Sites nearest to water bodies like Hog Lake and Rock Creek tend to be more popular, especially during fishing season. Visitors should be prepared for occasional train noise near some campgrounds, particularly those closer to highway corridors. Wildlife viewing opportunities include various bird species, with spring visits offering the best combination of moderate temperatures and natural beauty.
"We have stayed here twice while driving through the area. It’s quiet and really close to the highway. There are 10-12 spots along the gravel road to Hog Lake."
"Can’t drive right down to the lake , but you can walk in and take the trail around it ."
"Stayed for a night to breakup a long drive. Arrived Monday evening and was the only one here. It’s just a large gravel parking lot with a single vault toilet, no other services."
"But it has a really nice hiking trail behind it. Worth a stop, but not for long term camping"
"The last two miles driving in is a rough dirt road, and a vehicle with ground clearance is highly desirable."
"The drive was mostly dirt roads. I managed just fine in a Subaru for context. The hike itself was incredible and a bit primitive at points. Bring bug spray and maybe a machete lol."
"This is a primitive site on an island in Bonnie Lake in Eastern Washington. Bonnie lake is a canyon lake, about 4 miles long and narrow."
"After visiting nearby Palouse Falls, we found this great free place to camp on BLM land near Escure Ranch in eastern Washington."
"I love coming here whenever I visit Washington. I’ve grown up around this place and will always love it"
"There’s a little trail at Kamiak Butte and you can access it via a trailhead near the entrance of the campground. I did the hike on a Saturday and there were quite few other hikers on the trail."
from $25 / night
Check Availability"Others had to unhook and park their trucks away from the campsite. There is a train across the lake that runs all hours of the day and night. Very expensive for a full hook. $85 for one night."
"The camp host came out and greeted us warmly, despite being nearly midnight. She picked out the perfect spot for us and walked us there."
from $65 - $85 / night
Check Availability"This is a small campground just on the edge of town in Cheney Washington."
"Small campground just outside of Cheney. Clean restrooms and showers. Has a game room and laundry facility. Friendly staff."
"Multiple water spigots close by. Lots of walking trails nearby and a cool suspension bridge over the river. Other than the lack of solitude, absolutely no complaints."
"If you want to camp but still be close to all the city amenities then this is the spot for you. Beautiful location by the river with miles of biking & walking trails."
from $12 - $141 / night
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ScoutClean, beautiful spacious the people that own the campground are friendly and helpful. It’s a great place to camp the real bonus is there’s food there so you don’t have to do any cooking. It’s delicious!
GuideMe and the pup had a lot of fun there only stayed two nights
GuideWe really enjoyed this Camp Grounds with full hook ups. The campsites are very well kept and maintained have shower houses Trash plenty of places to walk and you’re right on the river. I had good cell service and Stoffer very helpful
GuideMe and my dog had a great time and running RC cars had good cell service satellite service. They also have some shaded and some non-shaded spots and you can put any size rig you want stay there for two weeks
GuideThe staff is great. The views are great. Has a beach dog friendly had water and Electric and dump station bathrooms trash in the park is kept very clean.
TravelerThis was a nice place the owner was very friendly. I was able to stay hooked up as I was just staying the night. Others had to unhook and park their trucks away from the campsite. There is a train across the lake that runs all hours of the day and night.
Very expensive for a full hook. $85 for one night. All grass sites can't put out a rug or pad outside your door.
TravelerThe long gravel road was bumpy but navigable with our RAM pickup and 26' fifth wheel. The lots are not very level and are dusty. Currently, it is a burn ban in the area. However, there were young men ignoring the ban.
ScoutWe were there 2 days and found at least 20 ticks on our dog. There are a ton of spaces open, most of the spaces have no tree cover and some are close to other campers. You can hear coyotes howling at night. There are rattlesnakes as well. Lots of trash left behind by previous campers and it’s difficult to access the lake.
TravelerJust east of Dayton WA off Hwy 12. Travel approx 22 miles to campground 1. We saw deer, turkeys, and bighorn sheep. On our way in and out. Lots of areas for self contained camping spaced nicely apart and pit toilets, which were relatively clean.
Dispersed camping near St. John, Washington offers numerous options in the channeled scablands region at elevations ranging from 1,500-2,000 feet. The area features dramatic basalt formations created by ancient Ice Age floods that carved the distinctive landscape. Summer temperatures regularly exceed 90°F during July and August, creating challenging camping conditions at exposed sites.
Hiking at Rock Creek BLM: Follow nature trails through BLM land near Escure Ranch / Rock Creek Recreation Area where you can observe diverse wildlife. "There's a great little hiking trail and roads to explore off of. I heard there are giant fish in the nearby creek, but watch out for rattle snakes!" notes camper Evan S.
Night photography opportunities: The region's dark skies provide excellent stargazing conditions. At Escure Ranch, one visitor described their experience as "an amateur and took my time to learn my camera a bit. This little adventure was my favorite thus far this year." The isolation from light pollution makes astrophotography particularly rewarding.
Spring wildflower viewing: Early season visits (April-May) showcase wildflower displays across the scabland terrain. At Hog Lake Campground, the landscape transforms with seasonal blooms. The spring months offer "moderate temperatures and natural beauty" according to visitor reports.
Quiet isolation: Many campers appreciate the solitude of these remote sites. At Fishtrap Recreation Area, one visitor noted it was "nice and relaxing" while another described hearing "wild turkeys, a variety of birds, the sound of coyotes not far, field squirrels and snakes."
Wide-open spaces: The expansive terrain offers unobstructed views and camping flexibility. "It's a fine large gravel pull out. I did see 3 little spots on the way in as well," reported one Fishtrap camper, while another mentioned, "Lots of spots you can pull into. Road is decent the 02 Outback handled them loaded."
Night sky viewing: The dark skies create memorable stargazing experiences. At Escure Ranch, a visitor described the appeal: "This is a lovely secluded spot for amazing star-gazing on a clear night. At night it is in complete darkness, away from traffic noise, and you can hear the coyotes as they move nearer."
Accessibility considerations: Some sites offer better accessibility than others. At Escure Ranch / Rock Creek Recreation Area, a camper noted, "It is very flat and would be reasonably accessible for someone using a wheelchair or with other mobility restrictions. The picnic tables are even accessible!"
Wildlife safety: Be prepared for wildlife encounters including rattlesnakes. One camper at Hog Lake reported, "Saw a rattlesnake on the trail but we kept our distance and he went on his way. Be kind to the animals, it's their home."
Remote conditions: These sites lack many amenities. "No portable water for humans, so bring your own," advised an Escure Ranch visitor. Another Hog Lake camper warned, "Kind of littered with trash just about everywhere. Broken glass in some sites so be careful."
Site selection: Choose campgrounds with better facilities for family comfort. At Kamiak Butte County Park, "The sites are inexpensive. Running water and pit toilets on site. Very nice playground in the day use area," notes one reviewer.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Kids enjoy observing the abundant small wildlife. "So many chipmunks, dog friendly, well organized. Fairly cheap and good for families," reports a Kamiak Butte visitor.
Space considerations: Some sites offer more room for family setups. At Kamiak Butte, "We stayed in site #4 which was right at the end with glimpses of the Palouse through the trees and lots of space. You could easily set up 2 tents there."
Road condition awareness: Many access roads present challenges for larger vehicles. For Hog Lake Campground, a camper noted, "We have a 21ft trailer towed behind a pickup truck and it's able to fit in most spots. None of these are really official spots (not flattened or bordered) but it's a nice place to pass through."
Sound considerations: Noise from trains affects some campgrounds. "There are train tracks that parallel the highway, so the further you go down the gravel road, the further you'll be from the train noise," advised a Hog Lake visitor.
Parking logistics: For RVs, finding level sites can be challenging. At Fishtrap Recreation Area, a tent camper warned, "I will advise tent campers it is tent accessible but not the easiest spot in a tent. The soil is very dry and a couple of the spots were hard rocks and not accessible for tents... this site is much easier with an RV or van."
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near St. John, WA?
According to TheDyrt.com, St. John, WA offers a wide range of camping options, with 100 campgrounds and RV parks near St. John, WA and 15 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near St. John, WA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near St. John, WA is Hog Lake Campground with a 4.1-star rating from 42 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near St. John, WA?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 15 free dispersed camping spots near St. John, WA.
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