Map showing campground location near Electric City, Washington

Camper submitted image from Barker Canyon

Barker Canyon

SUMMARY PRESENTED BY

Accessible by boat or by road, Barker Canyon sits at the end of a maintained road along the shores of Banks Lake in Grant County, Washington, where the pavement gives way to a handful of dispersed sites spread out among large cottonwoods. Visitors arriving in winter or early spring should note that unpaved sections near the sites can turn soft and muddy after precipitation. The campground stays open year-round and allows pets, and cell service is available on site.

Water access is a consistent draw here. Several sites sit directly on the lake with sandy beach frontage, and the boat launch at the road's terminus makes this a practical stop for anglers and paddlers. Steamboat Rock State Park Campground and Jones Bay - Steamboat Rock State Park are nearby alternatives for campers who prefer a more developed setup. Wind can be a real factor at this exposed lakeside location, and at least one camper reported a sleepless night due to strong gusts, so tent campers should plan accordingly.

The sites are dispersed and informal. Todd J. noted "lots of birds in the trees," and the cottonwood canopy does attract wildlife, though past visitors have also found trash and debris left by previous occupants. The area is close enough to campsites near Electric City for resupply runs if needed. This campground works best for self-sufficient campers, anglers, and dog owners who want direct lake access without a reservation system or nightly fee.

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Map & DirectionsBarker Canyon is located in Washington near Electric City

Public Campground

Coordinates

47.9028908 N
119.16564097 W

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Access

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

Site Types

Tent Sites
RV Sites
Standard (Tent/RV)
Group

Features

For Campers

Phone Service
WiFi
Toilets
Alcohol
Pets

For Vehicles

Big Rig Friendly

Contact

General Info

Drive Time

1 hr 52 min from Wenatchee, WA
2 hrs 1 min from Spokane, WA
2 hrs 30 min from Coeur d'Alene, ID
2 hrs 53 min from Yakima, WA

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Reviews4 Camper Reviews - Barker Canyon

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5 Stars

4 Stars

3 Stars

2 Stars

1 Star

4.5

out of 5

4 Reviews

Guests frequently mentioned the scenic canyon location with lakefront sites offering excellent privacy for dispersed camping. Some visitors expressed concerns about seasonal road conditions and occasional wind exposure.

SUMMARY PRESENTED BY

Kayla R.

Traveler

Reviewed Jun. 18, 2023

Quiet, nice views of canyon

This was a beautiful spot, mostly frequented by anglers. It had the potential to be a great stay but it was so windy. Our tent is large so the flapping kept us awake all night. We only stayed one night. Maybe it’s always windy here?

SiteFirst spot as you come down the road, straight down to the lake

Month of VisitJune

Todd J.

Guide

Reviewed Jun. 21, 2021

Lovely setting, disrespected by guests

At the termination of the maintained road there is a boat launch and about half a dozen dispersed camp sites. Four were taken and we got one with some big cottonwoods and nice lake access. Lovely setting. Unfortunately previous campers left actual piles of trash, there was a lot of broken glass around the fire ring and many, many old nails. Can’t figure that one out. Maybe there was once a structure here. We cleaned the site up enough to use but not able to haul the trash out. There was cut firewood but a no fires sign, probably seasonal. Aside from the human abuse it was really nice, the moon on the water after dark was mesmerizing. Lots of birds in the trees. Sweet smells in the air.

Month of VisitJune

(4) View All

Jayme B.

Guide

Reviewed Apr. 20, 2021

Sunny weekend dispersed

First time dispersed camping. We were looking for a place to bring our dog camping for the first time. There was so much room and we weren't anywhere near other people. Had a lovely view of the water. Close enough to town to run and grab things we forgot. Will return!

Month of VisitApril

(6) View All

Robert D.

Traveler

Reviewed Jan. 24, 2021

Off grid at its finest

Very out of the way in a Beautiful canyon. Stayed here in January so some of the roads to the sites were soft and muddy. The site we stayed at was on the water with a sandy beach. This site would be A-1 for summer fun.

Frequently Asked Questions

What recreational activities can you do at Barker Canyon on Banks Lake?

Barker Canyon offers excellent water-based recreation on Banks Lake, including fishing (particularly popular with anglers), swimming, and boating with a convenient boat launch on-site. The sandy beach areas provide perfect spots for relaxation and water play during summer months. The spacious grounds are ideal for hiking and exploring the canyon's natural beauty. Wildlife observation opportunities abound in this scenic setting. Though sometimes windy, the waterfront location makes this a prime destination for water enthusiasts looking to enjoy the lake's recreational offerings.

What amenities are available at Barker Canyon Campground?

Barker Canyon is a dispersed camping area with minimal amenities. The campground features a boat launch and approximately half a dozen primitive campsites, some with shade from cottonwood trees and direct lake access. As a dispersed site, there are no developed facilities such as running water, electricity, or maintained restrooms. Some sites offer natural features like sandy beaches and water access. The campground's basic nature means visitors should come prepared with all necessary supplies and plan to pack out all trash, as previous littering has been an issue in this otherwise beautiful location.

Where is Barker Canyon Campground located at Banks Lake?

Barker Canyon Campground is situated at the end of a maintained road on the shores of Banks Lake in Washington state. This secluded campground is nestled within a beautiful canyon setting, offering waterfront access. While somewhat remote and out of the way, the location is still close enough to town that campers can easily run back for any forgotten supplies. The campground's position in the canyon provides a serene environment away from crowds, making it ideal for those seeking a more private camping experience.

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