Top Free Dispersed Camping near Waitsburg, WA

Looking for the best dispersed camping near Waitsburg? Dispersed camping gets you off the grid so you can disconnect from the hecticness of everyday life. You're sure to find the perfect dispersed campsite for your Washington excursion.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Waitsburg, WA (8)


Recent Dispersed Reviews In Waitsburg

9 Reviews of 8 Waitsburg Campgrounds


  • MThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from McDougall Dispersed Camping
    Sep. 10, 2022

    McDougall Dispersed Camping

    Over grown and no place to park without working about a grass fire

    Drove to the location based on GPS. It was over grown and not well cleared. I decide to go to the NP campground. Glad I did.

  • PThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Riparia
    Dec. 6, 2021

    Riparia

    Small Army Corps of Engineers campground along the Snake River

    Quiet primitive campsites on the lower Snake River - at least, in late November, when there was only one other campsite in use. I suspect it's a bit busier in the warmer weather.

    Clean, frequently checked toilet. No water or power. Tables and fire rings at each site.

    The Little Goose Dam entry point is open in the daytime from 7:30 to 4:30. Signs state that crossing is only open once an hour on the half hour, but the security guard opened up right when we got there both entering and leaving. There are also campsites along the river before the Riparia campground entry. Easy gravel road into the campground.

    Open all year. No wood fires allowed from June 10 through October 10.

    https://www.nww.usace.army.mil/Missions/Recreation/Lower-Monumental-Dam-Lake-West/Riparia/

  • J
    Camper-submitted photo from McDougall Dispersed Camping
    Jun. 30, 2021

    McDougall Dispersed Camping

    Many nice places to camp, lots of trash

    I was disappointed when I was checking out this area for camping (June 27th) I didn't get any pictures, but there was trash everywhere. Every time we found a good spot, full of poopy toilet paper, litter, beer cans, cigarette butts ect. It was overall disappointing and we decided to go elsewhere instead 😔

  • Chris
    Camper-submitted photo from McDougall Dispersed Camping
    Jun. 21, 2021

    McDougall Dispersed Camping

    McDougall camping

    Primitive location, nothing there, but maybe a fire ring and a spot to park your vehicle. Go about 2 miles on the dirt road and watch out for the dirt pot holes. At my site, you could fit 2 vehicles comfortably, but 3 is a little crowded. Flying insects during the day. There are many so take appropriate action. Mostly flies and a couple different types of bees. By sunset, the insects went to sleep.

  • lauren C.
    Camper-submitted photo from McDougall Dispersed Camping
    Jun. 20, 2021

    McDougall Dispersed Camping

    Cute place in the woods

    Either these are not the correct coordinates, or the trail has been overgrown. We’re car camping here for one night and it’s a lovely spot! Could not find the trail and just pulled off to camp on the side of the road. Dispersed & free & very wooded area!

  • Brandon K.
    Camper-submitted photo from McDougall Dispersed Camping
    Jul. 13, 2020

    McDougall Dispersed Camping

    McDougall Mushroom Wonderland

    McDougall is a small mountain community located in the blue mountains above Weston, Oregon. There is a small neighborhood consisting of permanent RVs, cabins and shanties. There are a number of mountain man type locals that call this area home.

    Just past the village you get into the woodland where the Morels are plentiful. This is an ideal location to go mushrooming. The camping is unrestricted, just be respectful and careful. This is not RV camping, but tent and bag only.

    Tall pines and firs shade the eastern Oregon forest floor provided a nice region to explore, continuing up the forest road you’ll reach a large meadow the rolls for miles downhill into the valley. The views here are breathtaking - this is an amazing location to bring your family.

    You’ll see many types of wildlife here are hundreds of varieties of meadow wildflowers.

    Spend a few days in the blues and shake off those blues.

  • N
    Camper-submitted photo from Riparia
    Sep. 10, 2019

    Riparia

    Great hidden spot

    This is a great mostly unknown little campground. Fun fact: This is the least used campsite maintained by the Lower Granite Natural Resources Management team. 

    Let’s get to the bad/good, depending on how you look at it. 

    1. There is NO running water available, unless you want to get some from the river(NOT suggested)

    2. Absolutely no electricity here, not even for park lights. This makes for AMAZING star gazing. 

    3. ZERO cell service at the campsite. You can get service if you absolutely need it at the top of Hammer Grade road, it’s steep. 

    4. Limited sites have shade all day. Get there early to get one of these prime spots. 

    5.Summer time is HOT here but, you have the river right there to cool off. 

    6. There is a boat launch here though it is not maintained, use at your own discretion. 

    7. There are fire/BBQ pits at each site as well as a picnic table. Wood fires are NOT allowed from June 10th through October 10th. It gets very dry out here. 

    8. Bring bug spray! Day time the bugs aren’t bad but, when the sun starts going down, the mosquitoes are coming out. Also, spring into early summer, there are ticks. Summer through the rest of the year you should be tick free. 

    9. This campsite is open year round and it’s FREE!

    10. There are no trash cans or dumpsters. So keep that in mind and take out EVERYTHING you bring in. 

    11. No dumpsites nearby. Closest I found is right off highway 395 at the rest area. 

    12. You can cross the dam Monday-Thursday excluding holidays and only during daytime hours. 

    13. Your trailer, tow vehicle and anything in the bed is going to get dusty getting here and leaving. It’s a decent trek down a gravel road. Speed limit is 45MPH. Good luck to you if you try to go that fast. 

    14. Come prepared for the whole trip. Washtucna is the closest town and they have limited supplies. No alcohol is available at the “Store” there. 

    15. If hunting season is coming up, get there as early as possible. 

    We stayed here in the most shaded part of the campground with our Travel Trailer with a 50 gallon fresh water tank. It lasted the 4 of us the 5 day weekend. It was a hot weekend and we did end up having to run the generator for a few hours during the day to keep the newborn cool. 

    I followed my GPS which took me off of Highway 26 and onto Old Highway 26. DON’T do this. Take Hay rd. Old HWY 26 will take you onto Hammer Grade Rd. This is NOT a fun road with a trailer. It has some very steep grades and you’ll be HAMMERING the brakes or exhaust brake. 

    All in all, this was a GREAT trip at a great, hidden and secluded area.  We will definitely be revisiting this site.

  • Angela P.
    Camper-submitted photo from Riparia
    Jul. 27, 2018

    Riparia

    Always Fun

    We used to frequent this park quite often. It is a tiny forest tucked away along the river.... when I say tiny, I mean fairy like.
    You can easily set up a tent and float along the river's edge. There are a few little coves that are nice for kids to play in and great to stay out of the river current. Just a fun location!



Guide to Waitsburg

Camping near Waitsburg, Washington, offers a mix of stunning landscapes and unique experiences. Whether you're looking for a peaceful getaway or an adventure-filled trip, this area has something for everyone.

What to do:

  • Explore Palouse Falls: This breathtaking waterfall is a must-see. One visitor described it as a "hidden high desert gem" and noted the adrenaline rush from hiking near the cliffs. The trails offer stunning views and a chance to see wildlife, but be cautious of the steep drops.
  • Hike around Jubilee Lake: Enjoy a scenic hike with beautiful views of the lake. One camper mentioned, "We enjoyed the hike around the lake, and the beautiful night sky," making it a perfect spot for nature lovers.
  • Visit Lewis & Clark Trail State Park: This park has a loop trail that winds through dense foliage and along a small river. A reviewer highlighted the park's privacy, saying, "The sites have tall trees and lots of privacy," making it a great spot for a peaceful hike.

What campers like:

  • Stunning views: Campers rave about the beautiful scenery. One reviewer at Palouse Falls State Park said, "This roaring waterfall has captured the hearts and minds of many," showcasing the area's natural beauty.
  • Spacious campsites: Many campers appreciate the room between sites. A visitor at Jubilee Lake Campground noted, "This campground is really big and spread out so even when it’s busy it doesn’t feel cramped."
  • Friendly hosts: Campers often mention the helpfulness of campground hosts. One camper at Tucannon River RV Park said, "The host greeted us and warned about the irrigation coming on," highlighting the personal touch that makes camping more enjoyable.

What you should know:

  • Limited amenities at some sites: Not all campgrounds have full facilities. A reviewer at Lewis & Clark Trail State Park mentioned, "The only men's shower was dirty as all hell," indicating that cleanliness can be an issue.
  • Busy during peak times: Some campgrounds can get crowded, especially on weekends. One visitor at Jubilee Lake Campground noted, "Unfortunately it is a very popular location, so if you’re looking for solitude you won’t find it here."
  • Wildlife encounters: Be prepared for wildlife, especially at Palouse Falls State Park. A reviewer warned, "Keep a keen eye for rattlesnakes, though they are rarely seen."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose spacious sites: Look for campgrounds with larger sites for more room to play. A family at Jubilee Lake Campground found their spot "spacious enough for 3 tents," making it ideal for family gatherings.
  • Plan for activities: Bring games and outdoor toys. One family at Fishhook Park enjoyed playing games and found a nice spot by the water to relax.
  • Check for nearby attractions: Look for campgrounds close to fun activities. A camper at Tucannon River RV Park mentioned, "Found several other local attractions," making it easy to fill your days with adventure.

Tips from RVers:

  • Book in advance: Some campgrounds fill up quickly, especially during summer. A visitor at Charbonneau Park advised, "Make reservations on Recreation.gov first," to secure your spot.
  • Be prepared for limited hookups: Not all campgrounds offer full hookups. A reviewer at Windust - Lake Sacajawea noted, "No electric hookups," so plan accordingly.
  • Enjoy the peace and quiet: Many RVers appreciate the tranquility of the area. One camper at Tucannon River RV Park said, "Very quiet park kind of out in the middle of nowhere," making it a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle.

Camping near Waitsburg, Washington, is a fantastic way to connect with nature and enjoy the great outdoors. With a variety of campgrounds and activities, there's something for everyone to enjoy!

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Waitsburg, WA?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Waitsburg, WA is Riparia with a 4-star rating from 3 reviews.

  • What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Waitsburg, WA?

    TheDyrt.com has all 8 dispersed camping locations near Waitsburg, WA, with real photos and reviews from campers.