Tent camping near Wishram, Washington offers access to high desert terrain where the Columbia River Gorge transitions to the drier eastern landscape. Summer temperatures frequently exceed 90°F during July and August, while spring brings unpredictable weather patterns with nighttime temperatures dropping below 40°F. Water conservation becomes critical at most sites, with campers needing to carry 1-2 gallons per person per day due to limited natural sources outside of the main rivers.
What to do
River fishing opportunities: Macks Canyon Recreation Site provides prime access to Deschutes River fishing. According to one visitor, "The view of the river was amazing and we watched lots of fishing boats and rafting boats go by. There is also a railroad track across the river and it was fun to watch the trains go by."
Hiking on abandoned rail lines: The former railway corridor near Macks Canyon offers excellent hiking trails. One camper noted, "From the end of the Lower Deschutes Access Road just above the campground, you can hike along the old railway line. Again, amazing views of the Deschutes and the canyon. We did about 5 miles road trip but you could go further."
Paddle sports on lakes: Goose Lake Campground offers non-motorized boating options for kayaks and paddleboards. A visitor mentioned, "The lake itself is beautiful - motorized boats aren't allowed so it's nice and quiet. Last year we brought our paddle boards and had a great time on the water."
Mountain biking routes: The dirt roads along Lower Deschutes River provide challenging terrain for cycling enthusiasts. One rider shared, "The biking was amazing and the camping was true freedom. Clear skies and twenty miles of golden wheat blowing in the wind. The entire dirt road hugged the winding river."
What campers like
Secluded riverside spots: Leidl South Campground offers spacious camping along the Klickitat River. According to a camper, "Bigger than it looks at first. You can pretty much camp wherever you can drive to. Lots of spots right next to the river. In March the river was pretty swift and the edge sort of steep."
Primitive camping without crowds: Hike in from Lower Deschutes State Rec Area offers isolation from typical campground noise. One visitor described it as "a great hidden gem right off the bank of the Deschutes River. It's in Lockit area... the best part of this campsite is definitely the NICE composting toilet. It's the only amenity available but we were all thankful to have it."
Wildlife viewing: Many campsites offer opportunities to observe local wildlife. A camper at Bonney Crossing reported, "Had some deer walk right through our camp spot while we sat by the fire."
Natural sound buffers: Water sounds at river sites help mask occasional train noise. As one camper noted about Lower Deschutes, "A train will pass by at least a couple times over the course of a night, but it's kind of a fun sight as long as it doesn't come by in the middle of the night."
What you should know
Road conditions: Access roads to many campgrounds require high-clearance vehicles. A visitor to Badger Lake Campground warned, "You'll want a high clearance/4wd vehicle. We took my Honda Element and had to camp in the campground instead of near the lake, which was 1/4 mile from campground. Too many big rocks and ruts in the road to attempt."
Wind patterns: Strong afternoon and evening winds affect several campgrounds in the area. At Macks Canyon, a camper observed, "The only negative is that it can get super windy. At one point we were frantically trying to get our awning down from the Cricket and things were flying everywhere. The wind lasted about an hour and then things calmed down again."
Fire restrictions: Many sites prohibit fires during dry months. One camper at Lower Deschutes noted, "No fires? No problem! Very dry area covered in dry wheat and dry brush so most of the Spring/Summer/Fall campfires are not allowed."
Limited water sources: Most campgrounds lack potable water. A visitor to Pebble Ford Campground stated, "All sites have a picnic table and fire ring. There is a toilet/outhouse, but no running water."
Tips for camping with families
Accessible exploration areas: Carbon Farm Yard provides open spaces ideal for children to explore safely. A visitor noted, "The camping area is spacious and quiet. There is tons and tons of land to explore and lots of animals and wildlife to view. Lots of space for kids to run around and safely explore."
Water safety precautions: At Leidl South, campers with children should consider water proximity. One camper advised, "In March the river was pretty swift and the edge sort of steep so we stayed near the boat ramp because we didn't want our dogs to fall in. I've been there in late spring and summer and the river is not nearly as swift."
Child-friendly camping layouts: Consider campsite configuration for family comfort. A visitor to Pebble Ford Campground observed, "Small... we're talkin' 3-4 sites... but each site is HUGE! Refreshing to see, and how cool to get here and take over all three with a party."
Insect management: Late summer brings increased yellow jacket activity. A Goose Lake visitor recommended, "Highly recommend yellow jacket traps this late in summer. Aggressive is an understatement."
Tips from RVers
Site accessibility: Goose Lake Campground presents challenges for larger vehicles. A camper observed, "The campground and day use area got windy everyday about 9-10 am and would last until sundown which made it a little chilly. The only downside is the campsites are all on a hill."
Road conditions: The access road to Macks Canyon demands attention. A camper warned, "I have never experienced a washboard road as bad as this was for 6-7 miles. I thought the doors were going to blow off the truck. Not an exaggeration. Usually you can adjust speed to plane the wash. Not this time."
Limited services: Most campgrounds near Wishram lack hookups or dump stations. A camper at Macks Canyon noted, "No cell service. Starlink works."
Weather considerations: Rapid temperature changes affect comfort in RVs. A visitor mentioned, "The campground and day use area got windy everyday about 9-10 am and would last until sundown which made it a little chilly."
