The Walla Walla region offers a mix of forested and open terrain campgrounds at elevations ranging from 400 to 3,000 feet. Summer temperatures regularly reach into the 90s between June and August, with cooler nights in spring and fall dropping to the 40s. Cell service varies dramatically between campgrounds with mountainous locations having virtually no connectivity.
What to do
Fishing at Hood Park: Located where the Snake and Columbia Rivers meet, this Army Corps of Engineers campground provides excellent bank fishing access. "There is a connected wildlife preserve that you can walk around in and also fish in that is a separate area. Lots of birds to watch," notes Nathan B. Hood Park also offers a swim beach, though some visitors mention "a lot of algae outside of swim area."
Hiking near McDougall: Dispersed camping in the Blue Mountains provides access to mushroom hunting grounds and wildflower viewing. "Just past the village you get into the woodland where the Morels are plentiful. This is an ideal location to go mushrooming," explains Brandon K. The area features tall pines and firs that "shade the eastern Oregon forest floor provided a nice region to explore."
Lake activities at Jubilee Lake Campground: The 2.8-mile loop trail around the lake offers scenic views and multiple access points for water activities. "The lake is chilly but swimmable from July - September," states Brandon K. For more adventurous visitors, "A rope swing into the water awaits the daring, an easy 20+ ft arc with a variable drop."
What campers like
Private campsites at Lewis & Clark Trail State Park: The campground design prioritizes privacy between sites. "The campsites were very well maintained and the spaces are fairly private and each have a picnic table and fire pit," notes Hayley S. Another camper adds, "We had sites 13 and 14 for 9 total people. If I were to do it again, I'd reserve one additional for that size of group. The campsites were on the smaller size."
River access at Harris Park: This county park features riverfront sites with electric and water hookups. "The sites along the river, and the river itself, are beautiful. They are angled nicely to allow views of the river (and less of neighboring sites), with vegetation between sites to add a little extra privacy," explains Angela. However, note that "the South Fork of the Walla Walla River runs along the campground but current is too strong for young children to play in."
Quiet evenings at Charbonneau Park: This Snake River campground provides peaceful evenings despite its proximity to train tracks. "Beautiful and quiet park. Site 14 has water, electric and sewer," shares Annell N. The park layout features "lots of wide green lawns with lots of space, camp sites end up pretty well spaced apart so you might only have 2 or 3 neighbors then a ton of lawn before another neighbor."
What you should know
Highway noise impacts: Emigrant Springs State Heritage Area, while historic and well-maintained, suffers from proximity to I-84. "The road noise is extreme; very loud. If you can get past that the place is really sweet," states one camper. Another warns, "Terrible tent camping experience. This campground is TOO close to the highway and too noisy even with ear plugs or music."
Seasonal closures: Many campgrounds in the region operate seasonally due to winter conditions. Fishhook Park is typically open "May 19 to September 5" while Hood Park maintains similar dates. Emigrant Springs runs a longer season from "May 1 to October 21." When planning off-season visits to McDougall, be aware that "the road to the site was not plowed. Several feet of snow. Not many alternatives in the area so plan accordingly."
Limited facilities at Blue Valley RV Park: Despite being close to downtown Walla Walla, this park offers minimal amenities. "Your typical RV Park set up, convenient location between freeway and town. Veterans golf course right next door," notes Rachel A. Another reviewer adds, "No frills, clean and organized... Nice, clean facility near downtown Walla Walla and convenient to the many wineries."
Tips for camping with families
Safety considerations: River currents near several dog friendly campgrounds near Walla Walla can be hazardous for children and pets. At Hood Park, "Typical Park campground outside of urban area. Decent swim beach area a lot of algae outside of swim area," warns Stephen L. Similarly at Harris Park, a camper notes the river "current is too strong for young children to play in."
Junior ranger programs: Lewis & Clark Trail State Park offers educational opportunities. "The park rangers were so nice. They had informed classes about animals in the forest. The Jr rangers program for the children was wonderful and hands on," shares Jenny M. These programs typically run on summer weekends when the campground is busiest.
Playground access at RV Resort Four Seasons: This site offers convenient access to recreational facilities. "This site was right next to Fort Walla Walla, with a park and dog park," notes Jaime B. Hood Park similarly provides family-friendly amenities: "There is a playground and interpretive events for kids in the evenings. They even had some movies on the weekends."
Tips from RVers
Hookup locations: At Blue Valley RV Park, utility placement requires planning. "The utilities are towards the back of the pad, so I had to use two sewer hoses to get from the main black tank on our Brinklely G model," mentions MickandKarla W. Similarly at RV Resort Four Seasons, "Make sure you have pads and a septic ramp. They put their tables right in the middle of your site so you have to move it before you get in."
Reservation recommendations: For COE campgrounds like Charbonneau Park, reserve well in advance during summer. "It's a nice clean park. Make reservations on Recreation.gov first. Even if you are showing up at 7:30 at night," advises Tom W. For Jubilee Lake Campground, which operates on a first-come basis, "I would advise to get there early and grab your spot."
Site selection for dog owners: When camping with pets near Walla Walla, choose sites with shade during summer months. At RV Resort Four Seasons, "Most of the sites are shaded by trees due to my starlink sat needs a clear shot at the sky I took a space in the sun. I was just traveling thru if I was staying longer go for shade. Its 85-90 this time of year."
