The Sprague region sits in the eastern Washington scablands, characterized by basalt outcroppings, channeled coulees, and lakes formed during ice age flooding. Summer temperatures regularly exceed 85°F while winters drop below freezing with occasional snow. This area offers both primitive camping and upscale glamping accommodations with varying levels of amenities depending on the season.
What to do
Hiking trails: Liberty Lake Regional Park features several trails suitable for various skill levels. According to a visitor, "Great hiking nearby, and a beach that is nice for young children." The park provides access to cedar groves and waterfalls through well-maintained paths.
Fishing opportunities: Clear Lake Recreation Area offers excellent fishing access with docks and equipment rentals. A camper noted, "This site was very well maintained, and very highly trafficked in the summer. Access to water and excellent for some good old fashioned family fun."
Wildlife viewing: Coffeepot Lake provides exceptional bird watching with numerous species. "Extremely, extremely active wildlife. Dozens of kinds of birds and bats. Neat big bugs. We woke up to a flock of pelicans," shared one visitor who also reported hearing coyotes howling at night.
Water recreation: Boating and swimming options abound at most area lakes. At Hawk Creek Campground, campers enjoy "plenty of places to fish and swim. We camped close to the Falls so we had a nice view from our campspot."
What campers like
Dark skies for stargazing: Coffeepot Lake offers remarkable stargazing opportunities. A camper reported, "Widest, darkest skies in the state.... lay in your car or tent's shadow and the rest of the stars won't disappoint."
Uncrowded weekday camping: Porcupine Bay Campground provides a quieter experience during weekdays. A visitor shared, "This camping spot is conveniently located off a well groomed gravel road just a mile or so from the main paved road. The lake and beach are huge and there's plenty of room for your dogs to play."
Access to water activities: Boyer Park & Marina KOA features beach access and river paths. "The beach and walking paths are very nice and close by no matter which spot you're in. Just below the Lower Granite Dam, it's an easy three mile round trip walk on a paved Snake River Trail," noted a recent visitor.
Abundant wildlife: Multiple campgrounds feature wildlife viewing opportunities. At Coffeepot Lake, campers reported seeing "a giant heron and an osprey...it was pretty impressive! The heron made a noise that sounded a lot like what I'd imagine a pterodactyl would have sounded like."
What you should know
Military ID requirements: Clear Lake Military access is restricted. A camper warned, "Military ID required. Sites 1-15 have zero shade and are close together. Dogs are not allowed on the beach or lake areas."
Cell service limitations: Boyer Park has spotty coverage. One camper mentioned, "Only downside is no Verizon coverage and free wifi is junk. But for $3/day you can get decent wifi."
Site privacy varies: Most campgrounds have limited privacy between sites. At Coffeepot Lake, "The sites aren't very huge and private, but that doesn't matter because you will most likely have the whole campground to yourself."
Water level fluctuations: Lake Roosevelt experiences significant water level changes. A camper at Hawk Creek noted, "Was early season tho and the water level was 60ft down dew to the dams being open for the salmon and snow melt."
Tips for camping with families
Child-friendly beaches: Liberty Lake Regional Park offers protected swimming areas. A visitor mentioned, "The campground is close to the water and lots of picnic areas. The RV spots are pretty close, but is surrounded by nature and trails."
Playgrounds and activities: Several campgrounds provide dedicated play areas. At Porcupine Bay, a camper noted, "There's a designated swimming area for kids, a dock, and a playground. Definitely a busy spot mid summer season, but good for the whole family."
Wildlife education opportunities: Bring binoculars and field guides to identify local species. A camper at Coffeepot Lake shared, "We witnessed a confrontation between a giant heron and an osprey...it was pretty impressive! The heron made a noise that sounded a lot like what I'd imagine a pterodactyl would have sounded like."
Off-peak timing: Visit during weekdays for a quieter experience. A Clear Lake Recreation Area visitor mentioned, "The visitors are primarily young, drinking, playing loud music, driving fast and kicking up dust. It was annoying but tolerable."
Tips from RVers
Limited hookup options: Hawk Creek Campground offers more primitive camping with few amenities. A camper advised, "The sites are very close together, and not private. There is a great waterfall that is accessible by boat only when the water levels are higher in the summer."
Road access considerations: Some campgrounds have challenging access roads. At Liberty Lake, a camper noted, "The road in was kinda sketchy if you are pulling a large RV."
Site leveling preparations: Bring leveling blocks for many area campgrounds. One visitor to Liberty Lake shared, "Bring your blocks. Nice cozy camp site. Can be a bit crowded but is nice here."
Dump station locations: Plan ahead for waste disposal. A camper at Liberty Lake noted, "The dump station is quite a drive, back out, up the hill."
