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.

Best Camping Sites Near Vantage, Washington (134)

    1. Ginkgo Petrified Forest State Park Campground

    26 Reviews
    Vantage, WA
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (509) 856-2700

    "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."

    "Park is literally right off of I-90 near Vantage! RV spots don’t have much privacy, but the spots are huge! Full hookups, good cell phone coverage! Nice swimming area(kind of a walk from RV spaces)."

    2. Frenchman Coulee Dispersed Camping

    8 Reviews
    Vantage, WA
    6 miles

    "Great location so close to 90 but tucked away - will be staying here often"

    "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."

    3. Sand Hollow Campground

    8 Reviews
    Vantage, WA
    2 miles
    Website
    +1 (509) 754-5088

    "Walk in sites are really tight. Heavy winds at night.  No running water bathrooms. Noise from highway at night is very noticeable. No recycling option."

    "Each site has a picnic table, fire ring, tent pad, and path down to a rocky beach on the Columbia."

    4. Vantage Riverstone Resort Campground

    8 Reviews
    Vantage, WA
    0 miles
    Website
    +1 (509) 856-2800

    $30 / night

    "It is hay cutting season, and semi’s are racing up and down the road 60 feet away from the front sites starting at 7:30 am and continuing until dark. Jake brakes will wake you up. Trust me."

    "Location has trees, grass, picnic tables, full hook ups, basic and premium rates, showers(3 minutes hot water for .50, buy 2 tokens at a pop, you can walk down to the river."

    5. Frenchman Coulee Backcountry Campsites

    8 Reviews
    Vantage, WA
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (206) 625-1367

    "Just off I90 in Eastern WA at Vantage."

    "Surrounded by gorgeous cliffs with hikes and scrambles, if you are not a rock climber. Drive down to the end of the road for gorgeous access to the Columbia."

    6. Gorge Amphitheatre Campground

    12 Reviews
    Vantage, WA
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (509) 785-6262

    "First off, my type of camping is getting as far away from other people as possible. That is absolutely not going to happen when you are at the Gorge, but that is not why you camp at the Gorge."

    "You are in close proximity to your neighbors so get to know them. Make sure you bring everything you need cause you are not leaving once you are onsite."

    7. Rocky Coulee Recreation Area

    5 Reviews
    Vantage, WA
    1 mile
    Website

    $10 / night

    "Windy, as is everything in Vantage. Walk in spots. Walk-in is about 100 yards. Quiet. Some wild life. Frogs and sheep."

    "Great little campsite near the petrified forest. Windy the day we were there - but beautiful location near river. We had a large herd of bighorn sheep as pre dusk visitors which was great to admire."

    8. Frenchman Coulee Overland Overlook Dispersed Campsite

    4 Reviews
    Vantage, WA
    6 miles
    Website

    "OF NOTE: The vault toilets are about a mile away from here."

    "The entrance to the site is rough. Scouting is a good idea before attempting entry with a trailer."

    9. Caliche Lake

    4 Reviews
    Vantage, WA
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (509) 754-4624

    "Close to the highway though and you can hear cars. It was a convenient place to stay after a concert at the Gorge."

    "It was very beautiful and private but it’s right off the high way so you can hear traffic all night. Ideal if you’re just looking for somewhere to crash before you get back on the road."

    10. Old Vantage Highway

    3 Reviews
    Vantage, WA
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (509) 754-4624

    "The campgrounds are right next to all the climbing vantage has to offer. You can park right next to your site, have fires."

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Recent Reviews near Vantage, WA

472 Reviews of 134 Vantage Campgrounds


  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 10, 2025

    L.T. Murray Wildlife Area

    Peaceful getaway

    This spot is about 2 hrs from us. We like it because it’s quiet and there aren’t a lot of people here. And bonus, it doesn’t really cost anything. It sort of does only due to the fact that you need a discovery pass. But that isn’t much. You can get an annual pass a one year pass for like $50. Gives you access to all kinds of other places too.

  • MThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 24, 2025

    Martha Lake Dispersed Camping

    Easy on and off interstate

    Right off the interstate and easy for any size rig to get in. Quite a few spots, we were the only ones here. Unfortunately, there’s a bit of trash we are going to pick up tomorrow. Please pack in and pack out everything you bring or find.

  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 18, 2025

    L.T. Murray Wildlife Area

    Solitude

    Loved this. Beautiful, secluded and right off the freeway Strange it is gated, I felt like we were trespassing or something. It’s fine just like everyone says.. lock it behind you. We went straight ahead up the hill. Initially very narrow and overgrown but opens up after a bit. Very steep and Rocky! We car camp in a Wagoneer and it was fine.

  • Alex R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 8, 2025

    Long Lake

    Beautiful, but not convenient

    I stayed here for a night on my way through the area. This is a very beautiful reserve to explore and spend time in. The birds are abundant and the whole area is very serene. However, BOY was the road rough. No 4wd or high clearance needed, but you will be absolutely shaken and rattled on the way out to the lake. Also, this area is not free!! A Discover Pass is required (either annual for $35 or day for $11.50). I spotted a few toilets on my way in, but they were too far from most of the sites to conveniently use. The site I ended up in was scattered with cigarette butts, beer trash, and bits of glass. I am not a very picky camper, but unfortunately the positives didn’t outweigh the negatives here for me personally. All of that being said, this place probably really floats some people’s boats!! Crazy beautiful!!

  • Beans
    Sep. 1, 2025

    Burke Lake West

    Post-Dave Rave Car Camping

    Coordinates woulda taken us down a dirt road with a lotta potholes so we just pulled a bit off the road and car camped. It was next to some farmland after a Dave Matthews concert @ the Gorge. No amenities where we were, but quite beautiful.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 12, 2025

    Wenatchee River County Park

    Very nice

    We stayed two nights. Everything is very clean and the staff is extremely friendly. Right on the river. They have Ice for sale on site. 50 amp service and sewer and water are all in available.

  • CThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 10, 2025

    Teanaway Campground

    Quite the surprise!

    We pulled into this pretty late last night and were happy to still have found a place. It was overall quiet, gentle and welcoming.

    There was a pretty little calico cat that hung out with us for a bit, who happily plopped around us outside. Sleeping was peaceful, and I actually slept the best I had in my tent yet.

    Overall, this is great. Get there a little early to get a good spot so you can see those brilliant stars at night, and maybe have a nice fire in the designated spaces (barring bans!), while enjoying the space.

  • Rebecca  T.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 10, 2025

    Yakima Sportsman State Park Campground

    Peaceful. Clean. Scenic.

    I was only there a few hours. This is a great go-to spot when fresh air, trees, or restful nap are what you need. Tent camping available. No over night camping allowed.


Guide to Vantage

Camping near Vantage, Washington, offers a unique blend of stunning landscapes and outdoor activities. With several campgrounds in the area, you can find the perfect spot to pitch your tent or park your RV.

What to do:

  • Hiking and Exploring: The area around Vantage is great for hiking. Many campers enjoy the scenic trails that lead to breathtaking views. One visitor at Ginkgo Petrified Forest State Park Campground said, "The sites have a massive amount of room to spread out," making it a perfect base for outdoor adventures.
  • Fishing and Boating: If you love fishing, the Yakima River is nearby. A reviewer at Yakima Sportsman State Park Campground mentioned, "Great bathrooms and showers, clean water, electricity dump area, and full hookup pull-through areas," which makes it easy to enjoy a day on the water.
  • Rock Climbing: For the adventurous, Frenchman Coulee Backcountry Campsites is a popular spot for rock climbing. A climber noted, "The climbing is bang on but it's bouldering or lead climbing only."

What campers like:

  • Spacious Sites: Campers appreciate the large sites at Ginkgo Petrified Forest State Park Campground. One happy camper said, "Site 49 in particular has enough room for our RV, a giant tent in the grass, a picnic table, and a separate section to grill at."
  • Clean Facilities: Many visitors rave about the cleanliness of the campgrounds. A reviewer at Yakima Sportsman State Park Campground mentioned, "Bathrooms are nice and clean," which is always a plus when camping.
  • Beautiful Views: The stunning scenery is a big draw. A camper at Potholes State Park Campground said, "Perfect in every way. Close to a major town, store, and restaurant across the road."

What you should know:

  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Big Pines Campground, have basic facilities. A visitor noted, "None of them have water," so be sure to bring your own.
  • Crowded During Peak Season: Campgrounds can get busy, especially during weekends. A reviewer at Gorge Amphitheatre Campground mentioned, "It was cool being able to walk to and from the event, especially if you take advantage of the pre and post-event camping," but noted the crowds can be overwhelming.
  • Wildlife Encounters: Be prepared for wildlife. A camper at Umtanum Campground shared, "Many deer in the area, even walking through the campsite at times."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Kid-Friendly Activities: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds and open spaces. A visitor at Yakima Sportsman State Park Campground said, "Great play set for kids," making it a fun spot for families.
  • Plan for Meals: Bring easy-to-cook meals or snacks. A camper at Ellensburg KOA mentioned, "Kids loved the activities and amenities," which can help keep them entertained while you cook.
  • Safety First: Keep an eye on kids near water. A reviewer at Potholes State Park Campground warned about the lack of swimming areas, saying, "Definitely caters more to the fishing and boating crowd."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Hookups: Make sure your chosen campground has the right hookups for your RV. A visitor at Crescent Bar Campground said, "The pads had all the hookups for the RV."
  • Space for Big Rigs: If you have a larger RV, look for campgrounds that are big rig friendly. A camper at Ginkgo Petrified Forest State Park Campground noted, "The layout is such that it’s still pretty secluded from other campers."
  • Bring Extra Supplies: Stock up on essentials before arriving. A reviewer at Crescent Bar RV Resort mentioned, "Not a lot of food choices close by," so plan accordingly.

Camping near Vantage, Washington, has something for everyone, whether you're looking for adventure or a peaceful getaway.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there RV parks with hookups in Vantage, WA?

Vantage Riverstone Resort Campground offers drive-in access with amenities suitable for RVs, including water and toilets in a big-rig-friendly environment. For full hookups, Lincoln Rock State Park Campground is a beautiful option within driving distance that provides water, trails, scenic views, clean bathrooms, and easy access. The campground features ample sites with full hookups and is well-maintained. While in the immediate Vantage area, RV camping options with comprehensive hookups may be limited, so it's advisable to make reservations in advance, especially during peak seasons when these facilities can fill quickly.

Where are the best campgrounds in Vantage, WA?

Vantage offers several excellent camping options for visitors. Ginkgo Petrified Forest State Park Campground is a standout choice with spacious sites, privacy between campers, and stunning lake views. This well-maintained park is conveniently located right off I-90. Another popular option is Old Vantage Highway, particularly favored by rock climbers for its proximity to climbing areas. You can park right next to your site and have fires, though the bathroom facilities are basic. Both campgrounds provide convenient access to Vantage's attractions, with Ginkgo offering more amenities and Old Vantage Highway providing more of a rustic experience.

What recreation activities are available while camping at Vantage?

Vantage offers diverse recreational opportunities for campers. Rock climbing is extremely popular, particularly at Frenchman Coulee Overland Overlook, known for its excellent routes. Water activities abound on the Columbia River and Wanapum Lake, including swimming, boating, and fishing. Umtanum Campground - Yakima River Canyon provides exceptional wildlife watching opportunities in a diverse desert ecosystem along the water. Hiking trails wind through the area, including paths at Ginkgo Petrified Forest State Park where you can explore petrified wood specimens and learn about the region's geological history. Biking is also popular, with a scenic 4-mile ride available from the state park to Vantage town. The stunning desert landscape offers excellent photography and stargazing opportunities year-round.

Is dispersed camping allowed near Vantage, Washington?

Yes, dispersed camping is available near Vantage. Frenchman Coulee Backcountry Campsites offers primitive camping just off I-90, popular with rock climbers. You can camp right on the edge of the canyon with great views, though expect to share the area with other campers, especially on weekends. Another option is Vernita Bridge, a Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife site that's free with a Washington State Discovery Pass ($30/year). This area is more spread out with basic facilities including vault toilets. Both locations offer a more rugged camping experience than developed campgrounds, with minimal amenities but maximum freedom in a stunning desert landscape.