Whether you're a tent camper, an RVer, or just passing through, Walla Walla, WA has a lot to offer. Enjoy the scenic camping, fun activities, and sights and sounds of Walla Walla. Search nearby campsites and find top-rated spots from other campers.
"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!"
"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."
"Lots of flat open space below the dam. Nice river view, lots of pelicans. Quiet and uncrowded."
"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."
"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."
"Many options for private pull-offs once you drive past established NF campgrounds—likely tough to do without high clearance and/or 4WD when wet. Only “traffic” was the occasional ATV/OHV."
"Primitive dispersed campsites with rock fire rings right off the highway. Down side is it's a little too noisy for my taste."
"Large spot, with paved access right near the Dam, toilet, no service, 4 tables"
"This type of site is usually what we look for when traveling - dispersed, primitive camping sites spaced far apart from each other. We had a little patch of forest all to ourselves."
ScoutGreat free place to camp 4x4 is advised and not really car accessible. Down side no water near by, not even a creek.
TravelerThis 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.
GuideMany options for private pull-offs once you drive past established NF campgrounds—likely tough to do without high clearance and/or 4WD when wet. Only “traffic” was the occasional ATV/OHV. Tons of great hiking around.
GuideEasy and vacant find for a last minute change to our route. Primitive dispersed campsites with rock fire rings right off the highway. Down side is it's a little too noisy for my taste. Would have driven further down into the woods if I had more time to set up as we got here late. All in all its an easy find just off the highway.
GuideEither 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!
ScoutQuickly and easy stop close to 84 if you are traveling through. Does the trick for an overnighter. Lots of dispersed pullouts. No amenities.
GuidePrimitive 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.
ScoutQuiet 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/
GuideDrove 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.
Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Walla Walla, Washington, where nature meets tranquility. With a variety of locations to choose from, outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy the freedom of camping without the constraints of traditional campgrounds.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there any regulations or permits required for free camping in the Walla Walla area?
Most dispersed camping in the Walla Walla region doesn't require specific permits, but standard national forest regulations apply. At Wallowa-Whitman NF 21 - Dispersed, you'll need to follow standard USFS rules: camp at least 100 feet from water sources, practice Leave No Trace principles, and observe fire restrictions during dry seasons. Stays are typically limited to 14 days in a 30-day period. For camping at areas like McDougall Dispersed Camping, be aware that while camping is free, some roads may require high clearance vehicles or 4WD. Always check with the local ranger district before your trip as regulations can change seasonally, especially regarding fire bans during summer months.
What amenities are available at dispersed camping sites near Walla Walla?
Dispersed camping sites near Walla Walla typically offer minimal amenities. At Ice Harbor Dam, you'll find basic facilities but should be prepared for primitive conditions. Little Goose Landing is similarly rustic. Most dispersed sites in the area feature simple fire rings and parking spots, but lack running water, electricity, or shower facilities. Some locations may have vault toilets, particularly at more established dispersed areas. Cell service varies significantly by location—sites closer to highways generally have better connectivity. Be prepared to bring all necessary supplies including water, as most reviewers note no reliable water sources at these primitive locations. Pack-in/pack-out principles apply at all dispersed sites in the region.
Where can I find free camping near Walla Walla?
Several free camping options exist near Walla Walla. North Elgin Dispersed Camp offers free sites but requires 4x4 vehicles for access and has no water sources nearby. Riparia provides free primitive camping along the Snake River with toilet facilities, picnic tables, and fire rings, though no running water is available. Additional options include North of Spring Creek on Forest Road 21, which features dispersed sites spaced far apart for privacy, though you might hear distant highway noise. Most sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis, so arriving early during peak seasons is recommended.
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