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Free Camping Collection

Dispersed Camping

Vernita Bridge

Description

State Park

Limited camping will continue at Vernita for the 2024 and 2025 fall salmon seasons, but it will look different than in the past:

Camping and day use users will have designated areas.
Camping will be limited to 14 days per user in a 30 day period. When fall salmon seasons are not underway, camping is prohibited and vehicle access limited to a smaller day use area. The area will be patrolled by WDFW Enforcement officers for compliance with the new requirements.

Reservation Info

None

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Location

Vernita Bridge is located in Washington

Detail location of campground

Directions

East from Yakima on Hwy 24 (mile post 45) cross the river left on Hwy 243 approximately .5 to .75 miles left side of the Hwy.

Coordinates

46.64368406 N
119.74077355 W

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Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site

Stay Connected

  • WiFi
    Unknown
  • Verizon
    Available
  • AT&T
    Good
  • T-Mobile
    Good

Site Types

  • Dispersed

Features

For Campers

  • Phone Service
  • Toilets
  • Alcohol
  • Pets
  • Fires

For Vehicles

  • Pull-Through Sites
  • Big Rig Friendly

DISPERSED CAMPING

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.


PERMIT might be REQUIRED

We curate permit requirements across the US for our PRO members. Try PRO to see if Vernita Bridge needs a permit.

Contact

General Info


Reviews

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5 Reviews

Reviewed Aug. 31, 2022

Awesome Spot

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

Sitena
Month of VisitAugust
  • Review photo of Vernita Bridge by Horace M., August 31, 2022
Reviewed Jun. 24, 2021

Great for Boat Fishing

Discover Pass required. Not for regular camping. Used for staying overnight and getting up early to hit the water.

Month of VisitApril
Reviewed Nov. 26, 2020

Free campground on Columbia River

This is a Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife fishing access site. It is free with a Washington State Discovery Pass for $30/year. This annual pass will also gain you admission to state parks. There are several boat launch sites here and a number of those Sani Cans. The area is spread out over open land with smooth rocks. It can be a bit bumpy if hauling a trailer unless you stick to the smooth rock roads. No shade except along the shore.

For a free site, it has its good points: easy access to highway 24/243 which will bring you to I-90, quiet, wide open space, near the Vernita Bridge Rest Area for free tank dump site. If you arrive on the last weekend of October, there is a huge king salmon fishing derby with about 100 entrants so you will have company. But, it is usually quiet midweek in the spring and fall. It may be busier in the summer midweek as there are lots of fishing enthusiast ps and boaters who live close by in the Tri Cities area.

If you need a quiet place for one night or are hauling a river fishing boat, this is a good place to stay.

  • Review photo of Vernita Bridge by Judy T., November 26, 2020
Reviewed Sep. 12, 2020

For Fisher-folks only

The main draw here is that there's a boat ramp into the Columbia. If you've got a fishing/camping rig and like to tell fish stories, this is a great spot for you.

If you're looking for a private, secluded or picturesque spot, this isn't for you.

This place does require a Discover Pass, but it's otherwise free. There were portapotties available, but I wouldn't count on them always being available.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What is the elevation of Vernita Bridge?

    Vernita Bridge is located at 425 feet.

  • Are fires allowed at Vernita Bridge?

    Yes, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, fires are allowed at Vernita Bridge, although make sure to check current fire restrictions in the area.

  • Does Vernita Bridge have wifi?

    No, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, Vernita Bridge does not have wifi.

  • Is there cell phone reception at Vernita Bridge?

    According to campers on TheDyrt.com, Verizon signal is available, AT&T is good, and T-Mobile is good.