Potholes State Park

Star3.95
166 reviews
Potholes State Park

Quick Facts

Price

Varies

Booking

Reservable

Sites

Varies

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Allowed

RV FriendlyElectricShowersWiFi

Opens Washington State Parks site

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Potholes State Park
No fees available
Campsite Fees
Current fees listed on the Washington State Parks official page and the Washington GoingToCamp reservation site (see provider website and...
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Standard Site Fee$0.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Total Campsite Fees$0.00

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What Campers Say

3.95

Mixed Reviews

Based on 166 reviews

1071 Google reviews

Most mentioned

cleanrestrooms

Some mention

mosquitoes

"Visitors praise Potholes State Park for well-maintained grassy RV loops, good boat launch and strong birdwatching and fishing opportunities. Common negatives are severe mosquitoes/biting insects seasonally, water quality/ algae concerns, and crowded or sparse-shade tent sites."

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Best Time to Camp at Potholes State Park

The area is high desert: warm to hot in summer with cool breezes, and chilly nights in shoulder seasons (visitors advise extra blankets before June). Mosquito and biting-fly activity peaks in spring and early summer; off-season visits are reported as quieter and more peaceful.

Spring (Mar-May)

Wildflowers bloom, mild temperatures, fewer crowds. Great for hiking and photography.

Best
Summer (Jun-Aug)

Peak season with warm weather, perfect for water activities. Book early.

Fall (Sep-Nov)

Beautiful fall colors, cooler temps, quieter campgrounds. Ideal for peaceful trips.

Winter (Dec-Feb)

Off-season, limited services. Check for closures before visiting.

Planning Tips

    About Potholes State Park

    Potholes State Park is an irrigated grassy oasis in the Columbia Basin scablands on the shoreline of Potholes Reservoir, popular for fishing, boating and birdwatching. The campground has a mix of manicured, grassy RV areas with hookups and more primitive, dirt tent areas with fewer trees; visitors frequently note excellent lawned sites but also seasonal heavy insect activity and occasional water-quality issues.
    Combination of developed RV loops with full hookups, primitive/dirt tent loops, cabins and a group camping area.
    Weather and SeasonsThe area is high desert: warm to hot in summer with cool breezes, and chilly nights in shoulder seasons (visitors advise extra blankets before June). Mosquito and biting-fly activity peaks in spring and early summer; off-season visits are reported as quieter and more peaceful.
    Natural Features and SceneryThe park sits in high-desert scablands with basalt features, poplar and other trees providing shade in parts of the campground, large grassy lawns, and shoreline access to Potholes Reservoir. Visitors report good birding (including Sandhill crane migration), fishing, boating, a boat launch and fish-cleaning station, plus open grassy play areas and a small playground.
    Geological RegionColumbia Basin scablands / high desert with basalt scabland features (visitor descriptions)
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    Campsite details

    Total Campsitesnull campsites

    Best Campsites

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    Reserving a campsite

    Check-in
    • Visitors report the park gate typically opens at 2:30 PM
    • some arrivals have encountered an unattended check-in station with paperwork left on vehicles that must be signed and returned.
    Tents
    Tents are allowed
    RV vehicles
    RV vehicles are allowed
    Primitive
    Primitive are allowed
    Reservable
    Reservations are allowed

    Reservation PlatformsGoingToCamp (https://washington.goingtocamp.com)

    Accomodation available

    GroupGroup campsites are offered for larger parties such as families, schools, or organizations. These sites provide space and facilities to accommodate multiple people camping together.
    Cabin lodgingCabin lodging is available for campers seeking a more sheltered and comfortable experience. These enclosed accommodations offer protection from the elements and are ideal for those who prefer not to camp in tents.

    Amenities available

    Showers
    Potable water
    Fire rings
    Picnic tables
    Dump station
    WiFi
    Flush toilets
    Vault toilets
    Electricity hookups
    Water hookups
    Sewer hookups

    Activities you can enjoy

    Park is centered on boating and fishing on Potholes Reservoir, with birdwatching and open grassy day-use areas. Trails and short loop walks are available; water quality and insects can limit swimming.
    Hiking
    Short, easy loop trails and flat walking around the river/shoreline and campground; stroller-friendly paths reported near the waterfront.
    Fishing
    Popular fishing for smallmouth bass, walleye and carp; on-site fish-cleaning station and easy access from the boat launch/shoreline.
    Swimming
    Swimming is possible from shoreline areas but reviewers note there is no clear sandy beach, water can be weedy or murky, and algae blooms have been reported — use caution and avoid when blooms are present.
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    Campground rules

    • Pets are allowed

    Hazards

    General hazardsSevere mosquito and biting-fly infestations (especially spring/early summer) that can bite through clothing; swarms of midges and other nuisance insects. Occasional harmful/green algal blooms and low water / algae-related water-quality concerns have been reported; visitors have warned not to swim or let pets in during blooms. Typical park risks: wasps/hornets, spiders, and ants.

    Weather at Potholes State Park

    38
    °F
    Dec 14
    Sunday
    Overcast
    Precipitation: 0%
    Humidity: 93%
    Wind: 5.6 mph
    Overcast

    Weather History
    Weather data powered by Open-Meteo

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    Reveal forecast

    Good to know

    Common complaintsSevere mosquitoes and biting flies in spring/early summer (reports of biting through clothing); murky/weedy water and occasional algae blooms making swimming and pet access unsafe; some broken or unreliable showers at times; tent loop sites are dirt, can be cramped and lack shade; check-in/gate inconvenience and occasional staffing/service issues.

    Campground Map

    Potholes State Park
    Nearby places
    Moses Lake (~20 minutes)
    Othello (~20 minutes) (visitor reports)
    Nearby supplies
    Supplies available in Moses Lake and Othello (both reported ~20 minutes away)

    Reviews from booking and map sources

    4.0
    166 reviews
    Mixed Reviews
    Mixed Reviews
    Potholes State Park has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews
    Visitors praise Potholes State Park for well-maintained grassy RV loops, good boat launch and strong birdwatching and fishing opportunities. Common negatives are severe mosquitoes/biting insects seasonally, water quality/ algae concerns, and crowded or sparse-shade tent sites.
    Review Summaries
    Based on 166 reviews

    What Campers Love

    Well-kept lawns and large RV/full-hookup loops; good boat launch and dock; fish-cleaning station; excellent birdwatching (Sandhill cranes, eagles); cabins with AC available; clean restrooms reported...
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    Based on 166 reviews

    Common Concerns

    Extreme mosquito infestations (worst in spring/early summer, bite through clothes); biting flies at beach; cramped, dirt tent sites with few trees resembling 'homeless camp'; close sites; cabin...
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    Based on 166 reviews

    Pro Tips & Recommendations

    Bring heavy-duty insect repellent (DEET), screened tents and extra blankets for cool nights before June; campers without boats should plan other activities as shoreline swimming is limited; bring or...
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    Based on 166 reviews

    Camper Quotes

    "The electric spots look great and the grass is lush."; "If you like... mega-mosquitoes... you’re gonna love this place!"; "Great launch all concrete. Has a dock too!! Has a fish cleaning station...
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    Based on 166 reviews

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    Last updated December 14, 2025
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