RV parks near Wallula, Washington serve as ideal bases for seasonal camping, with most opening year-round. This southeastern Washington region experiences hot, dry summers with temperatures regularly exceeding 90°F and cold winters that can drop below freezing. The Columbia River watershed creates a unique landscape of rolling hills, basalt cliffs, and agricultural lands that significantly influence camping conditions.
What to do
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Birdwatchers can spot diverse species along the Columbia River near Umatilla Marina & RV Park. "The marina has a large parking lot and spots to clean fish. There is a nice park and swimming area for kids," notes one camper who visited the park.
Water recreation: During summer months, the Columbia River offers swimming, boating, and fishing. "We walked to the marina and the boat launch with a large parking lot. Since we only stayed one night, we were not able to see what the area offered," shares a visitor at Umatilla Marina.
Wine tasting excursions: The region sits within easy driving distance of numerous wineries. When staying at Blue Valley RV Park, campers appreciate its "walking distance to downtown wineries and restaurants," making it convenient for those looking to sample local vintages.
What campers like
River access: Many campers value proximity to water. At Umatilla Marina & RV Park, "There is a nice park and swimming area for kids. The McNary Dam and Fish window are a few miles down the road and well worth a visit (when open)," according to a reviewer.
Well-maintained facilities: Clean, organized campgrounds receive consistent praise. At Horn Rapids RV Resort, visitors appreciate that "the bathrooms are spotless. There's plenty of them too. The community lounge is big and clean with a kitchen and sofas, TV, and tables."
Strategic location: Many parks offer convenient positioning for travelers. One camper staying at Coyote Run RV Park noted it was "perfect for a short drive from Portland as we wind our way back to Kansas. Clean, great private showers, nice area for our evening mile walk."
What you should know
Highway noise: Several parks experience traffic sounds due to proximity to major routes. A camper at Coyote Run RV Park mentioned "some noise from highway traffic, but not terrible," while another noted road noise at Umatilla Marina & RV Park from "truck traffic over the I-82 bridge."
Seasonal weather challenges: Temperature extremes affect camping comfort. "This was in late October 2020 during a cold snap," reported one Umatilla Marina camper who observed other visitors "camping in their truck would start the engine every hour to keep warm."
Irrigation timing: At some parks, sprinkler systems may affect outdoor activities. A visitor to Horn Rapids RV Park noted "the only complaint I have is that the sprinklers go on in the middle of the day. So if you are doing anything outside there is a good hour break to avoid the irrigation water."
Tips for camping with families
Swimming options: Children can cool off during hot summer months at designated swimming areas. A reviewer highlighted Umatilla Marina's amenities: "Beach/cove is very nice and good place to paddle-board or kayak. Didn't use restrooms but the rest of the campground was clean and tidy."
Arcade and entertainment: Some resorts offer family-friendly activities beyond camping. A visitor to Wildhorse Resort Casino RV Park noted "the casino has added many family activities, including an arcade, a cinema, a food court, and recently a bowling alley with multiple lanes."
Playground access: Some parks provide play areas for children. Horn Rapids gets praise for having a "playground for the kids, clean bathrooms/showers, and allows pets," making it suitable for family camping trips.
Tips from RVers
Site width considerations: Some parks offer more spacious sites than others. At Columbia Sun RV Resort, "the pull through and back ins are perfect. Great hookups!" according to one experienced RVer who appreciated the well-designed layout.
Navigation challenges: Larger rigs may encounter difficulties at certain parks. A visitor to Blue Valley RV Park noted "our GPS took us right to the campground plus there was plenty of Blue Valley RV Park signage to guide the way," though they needed "two sewer hoses to get from the main black tank" due to utility placement.
Seasonal availability: Making reservations is essential during peak periods. At Columbia Sun RV Resort, a camper observed "a lot of full timers which doesn't bother me," indicating the popularity of certain parks for long-term stays that can limit availability for short-term visitors.
