Potholes State Park

Star3.95
166 reviews
Potholes State Park
Summer Destination

Quick Facts

1,070 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Reservable

Sites

139 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyElectricShowersWiFi

Opens Washington State Parks site

Official Website
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Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

February 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

February 2026
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

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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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Campground Map

Potholes State Park

Potholes State Park

46.9708, -119.3486

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)

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.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Warm summers are ideal for boating/fishing; RV loops and docks are in full use despite some bugs.

Best
Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Cooler shoulder season with migrations, good birdwatching and fewer insects.

Spring(Mar-May)
2.5 / 5

Excellent bird migration but severe mosquitoes/biting flies peak in spring, reducing enjoyment.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
2.0 / 5

Chilly nights and limited activities; some migrating waterfowl but few winter recreation options.

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.
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    Best Campsites

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    Reveal picks

    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.

    Amenities available

    Showers
    Potable water
    Electricity hookups
    WiFi
    Flush toilets
    Dump station

    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.
    HikingShort, easy loop trails and flat walking around the river/shoreline and campground; stroller-friendly paths reported near the waterfront.
    FishingPopular fishing for smallmouth bass, walleye and carp; on-site fish-cleaning station and easy access from the boat launch/shoreline.
    SwimmingSwimming 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.
    Biking
    Boating
    Wildlife viewing
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    Policies & Safety

    Hazards & AlertsSevere 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

    Reviews

    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 February 17, 2026
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