The Snake River corridor near Washtucna offers distinct camping options within eastern Washington's channeled scablands. Situated at elevations between 600-1,500 feet, this region experiences extreme temperature fluctuations, with winter lows reaching 20°F and summer highs regularly exceeding 100°F. Most dispersed camping areas remain open year-round, though services are extremely limited between November and March.
What to do
Fishing access points: Texas Rapids provides free dry camping on the Snake River near Little Goose Dam with a boat launch. As one camper noted, "Free dry camping on the Snake River near Little Goose Dam. No reservations. First come basis. Boat launch."
Waterfall viewing: Palouse Falls State Park offers dramatic hiking trails for day visits. "There is a trail, on the other side of the protective fence, on the side of the cliff. That's a big nope for me! DON'T GO PAST THE FENCE... very hot, amazing waterfall, cool wildlife. Not much else. Great day place, not exactly where you want to spend a week," explains one visitor.
Boating and swimming: Windust Park provides water access with a boat launch and camping. A camper describes, "This campground is nice with lots of grass areas for tents. There are a few pull in spots for RV/Campers and a dump area... There is also a boat launch area too."
Night sky photography: The minimal light pollution makes this area ideal for astrophotography, particularly during new moon phases. One visitor to Palouse Falls noted, "If you are a night sky photographer, this is the campground for you. The limited to no light pollution makes this perfect for any night sky event!"
What campers like
Quiet weekday camping: Riparia Park offers peaceful riverside spots during weekdays. A visitor shares, "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."
Spacious sites: Tucannon River RV Park features well-spaced camping areas. "Finally a park where you have a little space between RVs. Full RV hook-up and internet for $35 per night. The owner drives through the park daily to say 'Hi' and check on you visit," notes one camper.
Water recreation: Devil's Bench Recreation Area provides direct river access. A visitor describes it as a "Large spot, with paved access right near the Dam, toilet, no service, 4 tables."
Accessible fishing spots: Most riverside campgrounds cater to anglers with specialized access points. At Windust, "The fishing must have been good as a lot of people were out on the water. We enjoyed a beautiful sunset here before going to bed."
What you should know
Limited services: Tucannon River RV Park is isolated but offers rare amenities. "This is a really lovely RV park, well cared for, nice owners. It's pretty small, and it's got a really peaceful and quiet vibe. The main road is right there but it was surprisingly quiet. There is propane fill here at $3.50/gal, not bad."
Wildlife awareness: Rattlesnakes are common from April through October. "There was postage stating watch out for rattle snakes but we did not see any," reports one camper at Windust.
Road conditions: Some access roads require caution with trailers. "Route 261 coming in from the NW passing by Palouse Falls and the town of Starbuck is EXTREMELY curvy and steep but absolutely beautiful. I highly recommend it UNLESS you have a big rig as the turns are very tight."
Dam crossing schedules: Little Goose Dam entry points have specific hours. A camper at Riparia notes, "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."
Tips for camping with families
Swimming areas: Lyons Ferry Park offers designated swimming zones. "We stayed only one night, around the 4th of July. It was very busy with lots of kids and little privacy. We had lots of fun with the river right there and watersports. Bathrooms and showers are available for a fee."
Protected coves: Seek out shallow water areas away from main currents. As one Riparia visitor notes, "There are a few little coves that are nice for kids to play in and great to stay out of the river current."
Shade considerations: Most campsites have minimal natural shade. "Summer time is HOT here but you have the river right there to cool off. Absolutely no electricity here, not even for park lights. This makes for AMAZING star gazing."
Geese issues: Some waterfront areas have goose problems. One Lyons Ferry Park visitor warns, "This is a nice area to maybe stop and have a short picnic. I wouldn't recommend camping as it gets crowded and there is so much geese poop all over in the grassy area that you just can't feel relaxed."
Tips from RVers
RV limitations: Starbuck-Lyons Ferry Marina KOA offers developed sites near attractions. "This is an oasis in the middle of a vast emptiness. The site is very quiet, the crew is very friendly, and the camp is very clean. The Snake River is a few feet away, and the grass is soft and green. Be sure you pack what you need, because the nearest store, other than the KOA store is miles and miles away."
Supply planning: Stock up before arrival as nearby towns have limited resources. "Come prepared for the whole trip. Washtucna is the closest town and they have limited supplies. No alcohol is available at the 'Store' there."
Water management: Bring sufficient water for your entire stay. "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."
Connectivity expectations: Cell service is extremely limited throughout the region. At Tucannon River RV Park, "There's zero cell reception here but the wifi was decent, it reached our spot in the back, though it did shut down for a few hours in the night."
