Best Dispersed Camping near Warden, WA

Dispersed camping in the Warden, Washington area centers around several lakes and waterways, with primitive sites found on public lands managed by the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife. Long Lake offers multiple free sites requiring a Discover Pass, with established primitive camping areas that provide basic access to the water. Other nearby options include Perch Point Wild Camping Area on Potholes Reservoir, Warden Lake North Boat Ramp, and Three Lakes Camp, though some locations have specific permit requirements or restrictions.

Access roads to many dispersed sites around Warden feature gravel surfaces with washboard conditions that can be challenging but generally passable for standard vehicles. According to one visitor, "The road is washboarded out. Your teeth will rattle out of your head. It is passable by car, though." Camping duration is typically limited to 10 days in many areas, and seasonal fire bans are common from May through October. Most sites lack drinking water, hookups, or services beyond occasional vault toilets. A Washington Discover Pass ($10/day or $30/year) is required at most locations, and ranger patrols do verify compliance.

These primitive camping areas provide isolation with lakefront views and wildlife viewing opportunities. Sites are generally well-spaced for privacy, with one camper noting that Long Lake had "lots of privacy. I was one of only 3 campers in and around long lake." Fishing is popular at most locations, and wildlife sightings include pelicans, weasels, and cattle in certain areas. Weather conditions can be challenging, with strong winds at some sites and abundant mosquitoes at others. Several locations feature vault toilets but no trash service, and visitors are expected to pack out all waste. Cell service is variable but generally accessible with major carriers like Verizon and AT&T reporting decent coverage at Long Lake and other nearby sites.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Warden, Washington (19)

    1. Long Lake

    6 Reviews
    Warden, WA
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (509) 754-4624

    "I love heading here to tent camp out of my car, I own a sedan and it's easy to get to on gravel roads, they have outhouses nearby that are regularly stocked and you can camp feet from long lake and enjoy"

    "Great place for camping right next to the lake. A little broken glass here and there but mostly pretty natural."

    2. Perch Point Wild Camping Area

    1 Review
    Moses Lake, WA
    11 miles

    "This is a dispersed camping area on the Potholes reservoir, and is not the Potholes State Park. But this is state property and a Discover Pass is required to stay here ($10/day or $30/year)."

    5. Lower Goose Lake

    Be the first to review!
    Othello, WA
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (509) 754-4624

    6. Crab Creek Camp

    1 Review
    Moses Lake, WA
    21 miles

    7. Frenchman Coulee Dispersed Camping

    8 Reviews
    Vantage, WA
    43 miles

    "Best to have high clearance as there are some good size rock outcroppings. Few people rock climbing, tall waterfall across the valley. Very quiet. Can hear birds fly by."

    "There is a pit toilet and there were some people climbing. No accessible water. Only a couple miles from the highway. It was windy, as this whole area is. But well worth it!"

    8. Trail Lake Dispersed

    8 Reviews
    Coulee City, WA
    41 miles
    +1 (509) 633-9265

    "Great spot to disperse camp, no toilets , great for swimming fishing kayaking paddle boarding and disperse camping, sunken boat at edge of water cool feature. Lots of bugs and spiders."

    "Felt safe"

    9. Martha Lake Dispersed Camping

    4 Reviews
    Quincy, WA
    38 miles
    Website

    "Martha Lake was a pleasant surprise. We stayed overnight on the 4th of July in our Sprinter van to give our dogs a break from the fireworks."

    10. Vernita Bridge

    6 Reviews
    Mattawa, WA
    40 miles
    Website

    "I just love this spot, no amenities, isolation, river front view, and a boat ramp. Bring your own everything!!"

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Dispersed Camping Reviews near Warden, WA

44 Reviews of 19 Warden Campgrounds


  • 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!!

  • Emma A.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 30, 2021

    Ancient & Dusty Lake Trailhead

    Great dispersed camping on the East side of the Cascades

    Camped here in February and November and in generally recommend it for fall and spring. Avoid summer when it gets too hot and ticks and rattlesnakes are around. It gets cold at night so come prepared.

    There are several established sites near Ancient Lakes and Dusty Lakes that can be accessed from the lower trailhead hiking or biking in.

    Ancient Lakes sites are only 2 miles from the trailhead on flat terrain which makes it for an ideal first backpacking experience.

    Only catch is that the lakes are polluted with agricultural runoff so that water should not be used for drinking not even if filtered. Pack all the water you will need.

    No facilities at the lakes. Port-a-potty at the trailhead.

    Need Discover Pass to park here.

  • Jeremy H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 6, 2024

    Ringold Springs Camping

    If you are just looking for a place to put your tent

    The sign says you need to register, couldn't find anywhere to register. Sign on board says closed for camping, it was a Covid-era sign. Requires a discover pass, but otherwise, free. Didn't see any park employees. I camped on a Friday evening and was the only one there camping except for an RV boondocking in a different section. Has a boat ramp and a spot you can fish from. No campfires.

  • jThe Dyrt PRO User
    Mar. 21, 2025

    Frenchman Coulee Dispersed Camping

    Quiet, great views

    Very nice and quiet spot (at least while I was here mid march). Best to have high clearance as there are some good size rock outcroppings. Few people rock climbing, tall waterfall across the valley. Very quiet. Can hear birds fly by. Best to show up during daylight hours unless you have lots of Baja lights. Many sharp rock outcroppings and difficult terrain to drive over to find a spot.

  • Kevin C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 16, 2025

    Trail Lake Dispersed

    Great for a night or two

    Not my favorite place. Too much trash and bugs and the lakeside had an odd odor. But, keep the doors closed and the bug spray handy and you'll be in for a pleasant and quiet night's sleep. No services. And, it is a pretty spot. I wouldn't take anything big in here, it's really a van-lifer or small TT area.

  • Tee C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 19, 2023

    Frenchman Coulee Dispersed Camping

    Amazing hidden gem!

    Waterfall, gorge, amazing scenery! There is a pit toilet and there were some people climbing. No accessible water. Only a couple miles from the highway. It was windy, as this whole area is. But well worth it! Note: some of the rocks on the paths to the campsites were pretty pointy, but the road in is well maintained.

  • H
    Aug. 31, 2022

    Vernita Bridge

    Awesome Spot

    I just love this spot, no amenities, isolation, river front view, and a boat ramp. Bring your own everything!!

  • AThe Dyrt PRO User
    Mar. 26, 2025

    Frenchman Coulee Dispersed Camping

    Gorgeous setting

    This is a dispersed campground with a bunch of informal sites. Just find a level enough spot for you. Gorgeous natural amphitheater. There are two pit toilets. Bring your own TP (the reason for 4 stars.) Camping is free with a discover pass. Lots of climbers use the site. I love it for the arid climate and extraordinary beauty.

  • Joshua C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 8, 2024

    Frenchman Coulee Dispersed Camping

    Nice Spot Mid Week to Beat the Crowds

    Popular rock climbing area that gets many people through the day. Dispearsed camping in 2 areas. The first spot as you come from the road is much smaller and doesn't have any pit toilets. 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. Both are nice but also there are many cars, campers, tents and becomes a much more lively area in the evening depending on the crowds.

    I think this is a great spot but I move on during the day when the rock climbing crowds start to swarm and park near you. There are some nice trails that take you up above the climbing area and you can get to the backside to get some nice views and away from the crowds. Can get pretty hot here in the warmer months but a beautiful spot to camp if you can avoid the busy/peak times.


Guide to Warden

Dispersed camping near Warden, Washington centers primarily around the Columbia Basin Wildlife Area, a desert landscape with shrub-steppe terrain at approximately 1,060 feet elevation. The region experiences hot, dry summers with temperatures frequently exceeding 90°F between June and August, and cold winters with occasional snow. Most primitive sites sit on open terrain with minimal natural shade, creating challenging conditions during peak summer heat.

What to do

Fishing opportunities: At Martha Lake Dispersed Camping, anglers can access well-stocked waters directly from camp. "There were a few daytime use out fishing. We spent the evening listening to a variety of birds before the frogs sang us to sleep," reports a camper who found this location "quiet and peaceful" for an overnight stay.

Wildlife viewing: Trail Lake Dispersed offers excellent bird watching opportunities alongside water recreation. One visitor noted, "Since there were lots of bugs there were also lots of birds to watch," while another mentioned it's "great for swimming fishing kayaking paddle boarding."

Rock climbing: For those seeking more active recreation, the area's basalt formations provide climbing opportunities. At Frenchman Coulee Dispersed Camping, "Lots of people rock climbing, tall waterfall across the valley. Very quiet. Can hear birds fly by." The site features natural basalt columns and established climbing routes.

What campers like

Lake access: At many dispersed sites, waterfront camping allows direct access for recreation. At Trail Lake, a camper described "Different pull outs felt secluded enough," while another noted that "The lake is large and a beautiful clear blue."

Privacy between sites: Many campers value the separation between sites. At Long Lake, visitors appreciate being spread out: "Very private and spread out. There's a handful of sites, each with make shift fire pits and none super close to each other."

Stargazing opportunities: Clear skies and minimal light pollution create excellent stargazing conditions. One Frenchman Coulee camper noted, "On clear nights you can see all the stars. Which is my favorite!" The open terrain throughout the region provides unobstructed views of the night sky.

What you should know

Insect population: Mosquitoes and other insects can be problematic, especially near water. One Trail Lake visitor reported, "But literally the most mosquitos I've ever seen (and I used to work in the woods of northern Maine). My family can deal with basically any conditions and we bailed to drive into the night after 30 minutes of painful tent setup."

Permit requirements: Most public land camping requires a Washington Discover Pass. At Perch Point Wild Camping Area, "This is state property and a Discover Pass is required to stay here ($10/day or $30/year). Rangers did come by and check our pass and look at our license plate."

Road conditions: Access roads to many sites can be challenging. A Martha Lake camper noted it's "Right off the interstate and easy for any size rig to get in," while Frenchman Coulee requires "Best to have high clearance as there are some good size rock outcroppings."

Weather considerations: The region can experience extreme conditions. At Perch Point, "Flies and bees were annoying, but manageable. Same with the wind, not too bad." Wind exposure is common due to the open terrain at many sites.

Tips for camping with families

Location selection: Choose sites with amenities appropriate for children. A Trail Lake visitor advises, "The water is nice and cool. Good for cooling down on a hot day," making it suitable for family swimming.

Safety concerns: Rocky terrain at some sites requires caution. At Frenchman Coulee, "The actual camping, it's kind of a chore to set up tents just because the ground is so rocky. But if you have a good mallet and sharp tent steaks as well as some patients you'll be fine."

Noise factors: Road proximity can affect sleep quality. At Trail Lake, "There is a noise factor to deal with though there are some roads nearby so you do hear cars throughout the night."

Wildlife awareness: Cattle grazing occurs in some areas. "During some months their is cattle in the area and they come down to the lake in the morning and greet you," notes a Long Lake camper.

Tips from RVers

Level parking: Finding level ground is important for comfortable RV camping. A Martha Lake visitor reported, "Camping areas are big gravel lots next to the lake. Had no problem with level."

Accessibility: Some sites accommodate larger vehicles better than others. At Vernita Bridge, "If you need a quiet place for one night or are hauling a river fishing boat, this is a good place to stay," though another noted it's "Not for regular camping. Used for staying overnight and getting up early to hit the water."

Service availability: Cell reception varies but is generally available. A Perch Point camper noted, "Good cell reception for Verizon and ATT," which is helpful for RVers requiring connectivity.

Overnight convenience: Several sites work well as transit stops. One Martha Lake visitor shared, "Great overnight stop with a lake view out our back door," making it particularly useful for travelers passing through the area.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Warden, WA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Warden, WA is Long Lake with a 4.3-star rating from 6 reviews.

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

TheDyrt.com has all 19 dispersed camping locations near Warden, WA, with real photos and reviews from campers.