Dispersed camping near Steptoe offers access to the unique Palouse region, characterized by rolling wheat fields and basalt outcroppings. Located in eastern Washington, this area sees hot, dry summers with temperatures often exceeding 90°F and cold winters that can drop below freezing. Most campgrounds remain accessible from April through October, with primitive sites available year-round.
What to do
Hiking with views: At Hog Lake Campground, a short trail takes you to the lake and boat launch area. "There's a pleasant trail that goes to hog lake and the boat launch area which is only accessible on foot when we were camping," notes reviewer kara H. The area requires caution as wildlife is present: "Saw a rattlesnake on the trail but we kept our distance and he went on his way."
Stargazing and photography: The remote location of Escure Ranch / Rock Creek Recreation Area provides exceptional night sky viewing. "The best part was pure luck as I setup camp on the road back during a new moon which was perfect for star gazing and astro photography," shares Overland S. The area features unusual geography: "THE VIEWS are a must see, the scablands of Washington are up there with the badlands in unique."
Biking opportunities: For cyclists, Heyburn State Park offers connected trails. "The Trail of the Coeur D'Alene runs through this campground. Biking the 7 mile ride to Harrison is a great way to spend the day, you cross the lake over a bridge, watching eagles swoop over the lake as you ride," reports Samantha W.
What campers like
Quiet solitude: Many campers appreciate the peaceful environment at dog friendly campgrounds near Steptoe. "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," reports Heather R. about Escure Ranch.
Wildlife viewing: Hawleys Landing Campground offers opportunities to observe various species. "We biked on the Trail of the Coeur d'Alenes, saw lots of wildlife, and enjoyed the beach at Rocky Point," shares Melissa M. The natural setting attracts diverse fauna throughout the year.
Lake access: Many pet-friendly camping areas near Steptoe feature water recreation. "Absolutely beautiful campsite with great views of the lake and a nice little fire pit. The lake is an absolute stunner," says Hannah M. about Heyburn State Park. Water access varies by location and season.
What you should know
Road conditions: Access to several campgrounds requires driving on rough roads. Regarding Iron Mountain Campground, Megan K. notes: "It was rough roads getting here and the terrain is fairly void of trees. My car got scraped up a bit as it sits a bit low to justify coming back to this area." Higher clearance vehicles are recommended for some locations.
Seasonal considerations: Water availability varies by season at many locations. At Redtail Campground, Reid observed: "There was potable water but it was turned off." Bring additional water supplies when camping in late summer or fall.
Cell service variability: Connectivity differs significantly between campgrounds. At Iron Mountain, Megan K. found: "I was tantalizingly close to having cell service but none of my texts went through even though I had one bar of service on and off." Redtail Campground reportedly has better reception: "Great for solar and Skylink. ATT and Verizon were 3 plus."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Wawawai County Park offers facilities specifically designed for children. "There is a day use area with a gravel hike through the hills a canoe launch, fishing areas, tons of covered gazebos with bbqs at each, and a swing set," reports Karly L. The park's layout accommodates various family activities.
Spacious sites: Families with pets need room to set up. "The spots are roomy and grassy. There are several bathrooms on the property that were maintained daily over the weekend," adds Karly about Wawawai County Park, making it suitable for families with dogs.
Temperature preparation: The Palouse region experiences significant temperature fluctuations. At Iron Mountain, Judy T. observed: "We could see into both the forested hills of Idaho and the Palouse of Washington." Pack appropriate clothing for changing conditions, especially when camping with children.
Tips from RVers
Site selection: When camping with RVs at Redtail Campground, choose locations carefully. "Sites at this campground are reasonably flat and deep but not a lot of room for pop-ups," notes brett I. The campground offers unobstructed views in multiple directions.
Water access points: RVers should note where to fill tanks. "Central potable water by the privy," mentions brett I. about Redtail Campground. At Hog Lake, Nicole L. observed it was "Nothing spectacular. Pullouts on a gravel road, dirt spots."
Electrical considerations: For those requiring hookups, options are limited. Mark M. advises: "Initially pulled in under a large dead ponderosa pine tree and decided to move to another spot to avoid windfall." Solar panels work well at Redtail Campground due to minimal tree cover.
