Steamboat Rock State Park

Star4.68
158 reviews
Steamboat Rock State Park
SwimmingSummer Destination

Quick Facts

1,588 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Reservable

Sites

269 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyElectricShowers

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
Steamboat Rock State Park
No fees available
Campsite Fees
Discover Pass or daily park fee may be required for day use; specific campsite fees not provided in source material.
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

4.68

Top-Rated

Based on 158 reviews

1136 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewscleanshowersrestrooms

Some mention

mosquitoes

"Reviews are overwhelmingly positive: visitors praise clean, well‑maintained campgrounds and facilities (restrooms, coin showers), extensive water access and boating opportunities, strong hiking terrain (Steamboat Rock, Devils Punchbowl), and abundant wildlife. Many note large sites and full RV hookups at numerous sites."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

Steamboat Rock State Park

Steamboat Rock State Park

47.8684, -119.0924

Long scenic drive from western Washington; park stretches along Banks Lake/Columbia River reservoir (Devils Punchbowl area). Nearest town/grocery/gas is a bit out of the way.

Best Time to Camp at Steamboat Rock State Park

The park shines brightest during spring and fall when temperatures are comfortable and crowds thin out, though the desert climate means you should always be prepared for surprises. Wind is a frequent companion here—sometimes a welcome breeze on hot days, other times strong enough to create whitecaps on the lake—so pack accordingly and secure your gear. Water temperatures vary throughout the season and across the lake's depth, with shallow areas warming nicely by summer while deeper sections stay refreshingly cool.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
3.5 / 5

Water activities peak in summer but desert heat and wind can be limiting; crowds grow.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.5 / 5
Top 2% in WA

Overview notes fall as a best season: comfortable temps, thinner crowds and good views.

Best
Spring(Mar-May)
4.5 / 5
Top 1% in WA

Spring wildflowers, comfortable temps and strong visitor praise make spring a highlight.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
2.0 / 5

Desert/wind and cooler water limit activities; park may be open but less activity-focused.

Planning Tips

    About Steamboat Rock State Park

    Nestled along the shores of Banks Lake, Steamboat Rock State Park invites you to discover a desert oasis where sandy beaches meet dramatic basalt cliffs. The park's namesake monolith rises majestically from the water, creating an unforgettable backdrop for swimming, boating, and lakeside camping beneath shaded sites that offer both comfort and natural beauty.
    The park supports a mix of camping styles with tent and RV sites, as well as primitive camping and nearby lodging options.
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    Amenities available

    Showers
    Potable water
    Electricity hookups
    Flush toilets
    Fire rings
    Picnic tables

    Activities you can enjoy

    Visitors highlight a wide range of land- and water-based recreation: hiking up Steamboat Rock and nearby ridges, swimming and beach use, boating and water-sports, fishing, wildlife viewing, and bicycling on paved park roads and paths.
    HikingMultiple trails including the steep Steamboat Rock ascent, Devils Punchbowl loop (~600 ft climb to panoramic Banks Lake views), and Northrop Canyon trail; hikes offer 360° views and wildlife viewing.
    FishingFishing is frequently mentioned as good; park provides fish-cleaning stations and easy shoreline access.
    SwimmingSandy beaches and shallow water near shore support swimming; water temperature varies by season (some report warm/shallow, others note cold water).
    Biking
    Boating
    Wildlife viewing
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    Policies & Safety

    Hazards & AlertsEvening mosquitoes can be very bothersome; steep and strenuous hikes (roughly 600 ft ascent reported to some viewpoints) and rocky terrain. Limited cell/Wi‑Fi service reported; nearest services (food, gas) may be a drive away.
    No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

    Weather at Steamboat Rock State Park

    Reviews

    4.7
    158 reviews
    Top-Rated
    Top-Rated
    Steamboat Rock State Park is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
    Reviews are overwhelmingly positive: visitors praise clean, well‑maintained campgrounds and facilities (restrooms, coin showers), extensive water access and boating opportunities, strong hiking terrain (Steamboat Rock, Devils Punchbowl), and abundant wildlife. Many note large sites and full RV hookups at numerous sites.
    Review Summaries
    Based on 158 reviews

    What Campers Love

    Clean restrooms and showers; boat launch and fish-cleaning stations; sandy beaches and swimming; excellent hiking with panoramic views; large sites and many with water/electric hookups; wildlife...
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    Based on 158 reviews

    Pro Tips & Recommendations

    Bring mosquito repellent and water, prepare for heat (fans for tents reported), bring supplies (nearest town/grocery/gas can be a drive), arrive early for day-use, bring your own watercraft or rent...
    Show more
    Based on 158 reviews

    Camper Quotes

    An oasis in the Eastern Washington desert; My favorite place to camp in Washington; 'The campground was great! Super clean campsites and facility's.'
    Based on 158 reviews

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    Last updated February 2, 2026
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