Camper submitted image from Perch Point Wild Camping Area - 1

View Photos

Camper submitted image from Perch Point Wild Camping Area - 2

Roads

Camper submitted image from Perch Point Wild Camping Area - 3

Facilities

Camper submitted image from Perch Point Wild Camping Area - 4

Nature

Camper submitted image from Perch Point Wild Camping Area - 5

People

Unlock Planning Tools in App

Dispersed Camping

Perch Point Wild Camping Area

1 Review

Suggest an Edit

Location

Perch Point Wild Camping Area is located in Washington

Coordinates

46.999777364871136 N
119.27926131806487 W

Open in Google Maps

The Dyrt Alerts

Get reservations at sold-out campgrounds.

Learn More

Presented by

Detours Nearby

LOCAL FAVORITES PRESENTED BY

Frenchman Coulee Dispersed Camping

42 min away

Ancient & Dusty Lake Trailhead

1 hr 17 min away

Access

Drive-In
Park next to your site
Boat-In
Sites accessible by watercraft.

Connectivity

Presented by T-Mobile Satellite

T-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoorsLearn More

T-Mobile5G
Excellent Coverage
VerizonLTE
Some Coverage
AT&T5G
Excellent Coverage

Site Types

Tent Sites
RV Sites
Standard (Tent/RV)
Group

Features

For Campers

Picnic Table
Phone Service
Toilets
Alcohol
Pets

For Vehicles

Pull-Through Sites
Big Rig Friendly

Enjoy dispersed camping on government land and leave no trace. Pack in and pack out. No (or limited) services at this camping area. Permit may be required.

2025 Detourist Giveaway

Presented by

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win

Enter to Win

Laura M.

Legend

Reviewed Jun. 5, 2025

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). Rangers did come by and check our pass and look at our license plate.

You’re allowed to stay here 10 days. No campfires at this time. There’s also no water and no trash service here, please help keep the area clean and take your trash with you! There are a few pit toilets along the road.

Not much to do here, it’s a nice place to come to take a break and do nothing for a few days. We watched a sea plane practice takeoff and landing in the reservoir, that was fun. Lots of people come here to fish and it gets busy on weekends (but quiet during the week). Flies and bees were annoying, but manageable. Same with the wind, not too bad. Good cell reception for Verizon and ATT.

Biggest highlight for us is that this is the first and only place we got to see the northern lights!

(13) View All

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Perch Point Wild Camping Area located and how do I get there?

Perch Point Wild Camping Area is located on the Potholes Reservoir in Eastern Washington, near Moses Lake. It's a dispersed camping area on state property, distinct from Potholes State Park. The area provides access to the reservoir and is popular with anglers and outdoor enthusiasts. For specific directions, it's recommended to use GPS coordinates or consult a detailed map of the Moses Lake area. Access roads may vary in condition depending on recent weather, so a vehicle with decent clearance is advisable when visiting.

Is Perch Point Wild Camping Area free to use?

Perch Point Wild Camping Area is not free to use. A Washington State Discover Pass is required to camp here, which costs $10 for a daily pass or $30 for an annual pass. Rangers do patrol the area and check for valid passes and vehicle registration. The pass requirement is strictly enforced, so be sure to purchase and display your Discover Pass before setting up camp.

What facilities or amenities are available at Perch Point Wild Camping Area?

Perch Point Wild Camping Area is a true dispersed camping experience with minimal facilities. As a wild camping area, there are no developed amenities such as restrooms, running water, or trash services. Campers should be prepared to pack in all necessary supplies and pack out all waste. This is a primitive camping location ideal for those seeking a more rustic, off-grid experience. Bring your own water, portable toilet facilities, and all camping essentials.

What activities can I enjoy at Perch Point Wild Camping Area?

At Perch Point Wild Camping Area, you can enjoy fishing in the Potholes Reservoir, which is known for various fish species. The area is also excellent for boating, kayaking, and water recreation activities. Wildlife viewing opportunities are abundant in this Eastern Washington ecosystem. The nearby Moses Lake sand dunes offer additional recreation for off-road enthusiasts. Stargazing is particularly rewarding in this less developed area, and the natural surroundings provide a peaceful backdrop for hiking and nature photography.

When is the best time of year to camp at Perch Point Wild Camping Area?

The best time to camp at Perch Point Wild Camping Area is typically late spring through early fall. Summer offers warm days perfect for water activities on the Potholes Reservoir, though temperatures can get quite hot in July and August. Spring camping provides milder temperatures and potentially good fishing conditions. Early fall brings cooler temperatures and fewer visitors. Winter camping is possible but challenging due to cold Eastern Washington temperatures. Check weather forecasts before your trip, as conditions around Moses Lake can change rapidly.