Best Campgrounds near Vantage, WA
Vantage, Washington provides camping options along the scenic Columbia River corridor, with developed campgrounds and dispersed sites available throughout the region. Ginkgo Petrified Forest State Park Campground offers established sites with amenities including electric hookups, drinking water, and showers, suitable for both tent and RV camping. Frenchman Coulee contains several dispersed camping areas that attract outdoor enthusiasts with minimal facilities. The region includes a mix of state park, resort, and primitive camping areas within easy access of Interstate 90, many offering water access and views of the Columbia River.
The camping areas around Vantage experience significant wind, particularly at night, which affects tent camping and comfort levels. "It was REALLY windy at night, which made mosquitos not bad and the high temps feel downright pleasant," noted one visitor at Sand Hollow Campground. Many campgrounds in the area remain accessible year-round, though the most popular season runs from April through October when temperatures are moderate. Sites along the Columbia River provide water access but limited shade protection. Facilities vary significantly between developed campgrounds and dispersed areas, with established sites typically offering drinking water, toilets, and picnic tables, while dispersed sites require self-sufficiency. Burn bans frequently affect the region during summer fire seasons, limiting campfire use.
The Columbia River shoreline represents a primary draw for campers in the Vantage area, with several campgrounds providing direct water access. Visitors mentioned bighorn sheep sightings at Rocky Coulee Recreation Area, adding wildlife viewing opportunities to the camping experience. Highway noise affects some camping areas, particularly Sand Hollow Campground which sits close to Interstate 90. A visitor commented that "for being so close to I-90, it was surprisingly quiet" at Riverstone Resort. Campgrounds with river views typically receive higher ratings, though they often come with greater exposure to wind. Several mixed-use campgrounds accommodate both tent and RV camping, with sites like Gorge Amphitheatre Campground also offering cabin and glamping options. Riverside camping areas tend to be more developed while upland sites offer more primitive experiences.
