Map showing campground location near Vantage, Washington

Camper submitted image from Caliche Lake

Caliche Lake

SUMMARY PRESENTED BY

Fishing draws the most visitors to Caliche Lake, a Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife site within the camping spots around Quincy Lakes area, where anglers show up in the late afternoon and evening to work the water. The setup is minimal. What campers find is essentially a gravel lot with room for several vehicles, a pit toilet, and enough open ground to make a night work, though tent campers should expect uneven terrain and limited cleared space.

Highway noise is the most consistent detail across reviews. The site sits close to the road, and traffic is audible through the night. That said, the location makes it a practical overnight stop for travelers breaking up a long drive, including those coming from or heading to concerts at the Gorge Amphitheatre. Lauralyn O. puts it plainly: "Close to the highway though and you can hear cars."

Weekday visits tend to be quiet in terms of other campers, with day-use anglers clearing out by sunset. Cell coverage is solid, with AT&T service confirmed by reviewers. No water or hookups are available, so campers need to arrive self-sufficient. Nearby, Frenchman Coulee Dispersed Camping and Frenchman Coulee Backcountry Campsites give anglers and explorers additional options in the same corridor. Caliche Lake works best as a one or two-night stopover rather than a destination stay.

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Map & DirectionsCaliche Lake is located in Washington near Vantage

Public Campground

Coordinates

47.03331692 N
119.92834597 W

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Connectivity

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T-Mobile5G
Excellent Coverage
Verified by 1 user
Last on 8/7/26
VerizonLTE
Some Coverage
Verified by 2 users
Last on 8/7/26
AT&T5G
Excellent Coverage
Verified by 4 users
Last on 8/7/26

Connectivity

Presented by

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

T-Mobile5G
Excellent Coverage
Verified by 1 user
Last on 8/7/26
VerizonLTE
Some Coverage
Verified by 2 users
Last on 8/7/26
AT&T5G
Excellent Coverage
Verified by 4 users
Last on 8/7/26

Access

Drive-In
Park next to your site

Site Types

Tent Sites

Features

For Campers

Phone Service
Toilets
Pets

For Vehicles

Pull-Through Sites

Contact

General Info

Drive Time

47 min from Wenatchee, WA
1 hr 2 min from Yakima, WA
1 hr 26 min from Kennewick, WA
2 hrs 6 min from Walla Walla, WA

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Reviews4 Camper Reviews - Caliche Lake

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5 Stars

4 Stars

3 Stars

2 Stars

1 Star

3.5

out of 5

4 Reviews

This informal camping area serves primarily as a convenient overnight stop rather than a destination campground. Highway noise is a consistent concern, though the location offers basic facilities and private spots for short stays.

SUMMARY PRESENTED BY

Lauralyn O.

Scout

Reviewed Jul. 20, 2025

Good for a night

Good place to pull off and sleep for the night if you need a quick stop off the freeway that’s better than a rest stop. Close to the highway though and you can hear cars. It was a convenient place to stay after a concert at the Gorge.

Month of VisitJuly

Abby M.

Legend

Reviewed Jun. 30, 2022

Place is fine

This area isn’t much of a campground and you wouldn’t want to spend an extensive amount of time at but I stayed here for two nights while breaking up a long trip. I was the only one here during the two evenings during the weekday. Did have some day visitors fishing in the late afternoon and evenings but everyone is always packed up for sunset. There’s not much to do in the area other than fish. There is a pit toilet if needed and had great AT&T cell service. Would recommend this for a night or two at a time

Month of VisitJune

(7) View All

Niki U.

Traveler

Reviewed Sep. 19, 2021

Scenic views off the highway

Not reaaally a campsite per se, but there are a few spots that can be used for camping. Probably wouldn’t want to tent camp here, not a lot of flat cleared ground, but we found a small clearing that was perfect for a night. No amenities, so bring your own camp stove, tables, chairs, etc. It was very beautiful and private but it’s right off the high way so you can hear traffic all night. Ideal if you’re just looking for somewhere to crash before you get back on the road.

Month of VisitSeptember

(4) View All

J. I.

Guide

Reviewed Mar. 26, 2021

Fishing

Gravel lot with several vehicles parked overnight for early fishing.

(4) View All

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there camping facilities or amenities available at Caliche Lake?

Caliche Lake has minimal camping facilities with no formal amenities. There are no picnic tables, fire rings, restrooms, or water sources available. The area is primarily a gravel lot with a few small clearings that can accommodate overnight stays. It's better suited for self-contained camping in vehicles rather than tent camping due to limited flat, cleared ground. Visitors should come fully prepared with their own camp stoves, tables, chairs, and all necessary supplies for a primitive camping experience.

Where is Caliche Lake located and how do I get there?

Caliche Lake is conveniently located just off the highway, making it easily accessible for travelers. It's positioned close enough to the Gorge Amphitheatre to serve as a practical overnight stop after concerts. The site is reachable by car via a gravel access area, with sufficient space for vehicles to park. Its proximity to the main road makes it easy to find, though this also means you'll hear some highway noise during your stay.

What are the rules and regulations for camping at Caliche Lake?

Caliche Lake appears to have minimal formal regulations as it's not a designated campground but rather an informal overnight area. Camping is permitted, though the area is more suited to short stays rather than extended camping trips. Since there are no facilities, pack-in/pack-out principles apply for all trash and waste. The site seems to operate on a first-come, first-served basis with no reservation system. For the most current rules, check with local land management agencies before your visit.

What fishing opportunities are available at Caliche Lake?

Caliche Lake offers fishing opportunities that attract day visitors, particularly in the late afternoons and evenings. The lake is popular enough that some visitors arrive early specifically for fishing, indicating there are fish to be caught. While specific fish species information isn't detailed, the lake appears to be a recognized local fishing spot. Bring your own fishing gear as there are no rental facilities or bait shops on site.

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