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Public Campground

Ankeny #1

4 Reviews

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CAMPER SUMMARY PRESENTED BYFord

Ankeny #1, near Coulee City, Washington, is a straightforward spot for those looking to set up camp without the frills. This area offers a handful of tent and RV sites along a maintained dirt road, making it a convenient choice for an overnight stay.

You’ll find a vault toilet on-site, but don’t expect much else in terms of amenities—there’s no drinking water or garbage disposal, so be sure to pack in what you need and pack out your trash. The calm waters nearby are great for a quick dip, but keep in mind that the wind can pick up at night, so stake down your tent well to avoid any surprises.

Visitors have noted the abundance of mosquitoes, so bring your bug spray. While fires aren’t allowed, some campers have found ways around that, so just be cautious. The area is also known for its scenic views, especially at sunset, making it a nice backdrop for a relaxing evening. Just remember, it’s a free spot with a Discover Pass, so you can enjoy the outdoors without breaking the bank.

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Detours Nearby

LOCAL FAVORITES PRESENTED BYToyota Trucks
Beebe Bridge Park

Beebe Bridge Park

48 min away

Ancient & Dusty Lake Trailhead

Ancient & Dusty Lake Trailhead

1 hr 19 min away

Drive Time

Presented byToyota Trucks

Location

Ankeny #1 is located in Washington

Detail location of campground

Coordinates

47.62847017 N
119.32848881 W

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Connectivity

Presented byT-Mobile SatelliteT-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoorsLearn More
  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile5G
    Excellent Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    VerizonLTE
    Some Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T5G
    Excellent Coverage

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Presented byFord

Connectivity

Presented byT-Mobile SatelliteT-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoorsLearn More
  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile5G
    Excellent Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    VerizonLTE
    Some Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T5G
    Excellent Coverage

Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site
  • Walk-In
    Park in a lot, walk to your site.

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • RV Sites
  • Standard (Tent/RV)

Features

For Campers

  • ADA Access
  • Phone Service
  • Toilets
  • Alcohol
  • Pets

For Vehicles

  • Big Rig Friendly

FREE established camping

Enjoy camping on government land. Limited or no services at this camping area.

Contact

General Info

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Reviews

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3.0

out of 5

4 Reviews

Zach S.The Dyrt PRO User
Reviewed Jul. 6, 2023

Easy for an Overnight

Maintained dirt road with a dozen tent/RV spots. Easy access for an overnight. Lots of mosquitos, one vault toilet, no fires, and windy. Discover pass required $11.50 online purchase for a night.

Siteclose to the boat "ramp"
Month of VisitJuly
Alexandra F.
Reviewed Aug. 20, 2022

Nice, clean, free spot near water

This place has a vault toilet and small boat launch by way of amenities. No tap, no garbage disposal so make sure to pack in your water and pack out your trash! The water is calm enough to swim here and doesn't get too deep, so could be nice for kids. The wind can get EXTREME at night so stake down your tent and don't leave anything out at night if you want to see it in the morning. Also heard from a local that rattlesnakes like to visit. Enjoy!

Month of VisitAugust
  • Review photo of Ankeny #1 by Alexandra F., August 20, 2022
Kelsey G.
Reviewed Jul. 25, 2022

Ok for a quick stay

We ended up here when we decided to stop and camp for the night when it was getting late on our drive home to Spokane. It was a Sunday night and we were the only vehicle there other than a truck that appeared to be unattended.

It’s free (with a Discover Pass) and not far off of Highway. It’s close to the water and was really pretty as the sun was setting.

It was very buggy. I ended up with multiple mosquito bites including one on the bottom of my foot after applying bug spray.

There was a sign there saying no fires. However it was apparent that other campers had made fires there. Just FYI.

The pit toilet was a little sketch and the door had to be held shut with a rock so it wouldn’t swing wide open when empty, but it was well stocked with toilet paper.

It got very windy at night even though it was completely calm when we went to bed. Just a warning to be sure to stake your tent out if you are tenting it like we were. Our tent tried to make a break for it when we were unpacking in the morning.

Month of VisitJuly
  • Review photo of Ankeny #1 by Kelsey G., July 25, 2022
  • Review photo of Ankeny #1 by Kelsey G., July 25, 2022
Taylor K.The Dyrt PRO User
Reviewed Mar. 21, 2021

Solid overnight

Free (with Discover Pass) dispersed spots by Banks Lake. Max stay is 3 nights

Clean pit toilet

Small place to launch boats

Full At&t service

It says no fires but there are several rock firepits

Small amount of trash

Spots for maybe a dozen campers, I was here on a Friday in spring and there was only 1 other car

  • Review photo of Ankeny #1 by Taylor K., March 21, 2021
  • Review photo of Ankeny #1 by Taylor K., March 21, 2021
  • Review photo of Ankeny #1 by Taylor K., March 21, 2021
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Showing results 1-4 of 4 reviews

Frequently Asked Questions

I don't have enough information about this specific campground.

Ankeny #1 is a free dispersed camping area located on Banks Lake that requires a Discover Pass. The site features a vault toilet, small boat launch, and space for approximately a dozen campers. While officially no fires are permitted, there are several existing rock fire pits. The area experiences extreme winds at night, so secure tent stakes are essential. The lake offers calm swimming waters that don't get too deep, making it suitable for children. The campground has a 3-night maximum stay policy and provides full AT&T cell service coverage.

Please provide the actual campground name and related keywords.

The campground is called Ankeny #1. Related keywords include: Banks Lake, dispersed camping, free camping, Discover Pass, Washington state camping, boat launch, vault toilet, primitive camping, no water, pack in/pack out, windy conditions, swimming, shoreline camping, overnight stop, Eastern Washington camping, no-reservation camping, 3-night maximum stay.

Does Ankeny #1 have wifi?

No, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, Ankeny #1 does not have wifi.

Is there cell phone reception at Ankeny #1?

According to campers on TheDyrt.com, there is excellent coverage for AT&T, excellent coverage for T-Mobile, and some coverage for Verizon.

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