Steamboat Rock State Park
4.68158 reviewsSteamboat Rock State Park
Quick Facts
Price
Varies
Booking
Reservable
Sites
Varies
Season
Year-round
Cell
No Service
Pets
Allowed
RV FriendlyElectricShowers
Get DirectionsQuick Facts
Price
Varies
Booking
Reservable
Sites
Varies
Season
Year-round
Cell
No Service
Pets
Allowed
RV FriendlyElectricShowers
Get DirectionsSteamboat 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
Total Campsite Fees$0.00
Get Notified When Available
We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.
Free with account · Checks every 2 minutes
167,000+ sites monitored · Email, SMS, or in-app notifications
Share this campground
Going To Camp
ProviderWhat 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."
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.
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 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.
Weather and SeasonsThe 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.
Natural Features and SceneryBanks Lake stretches before you with its inviting sandy beaches, while the iconic Steamboat Rock and Devils Punchbowl formations tower overhead—ancient basalt monuments carved by Ice Age floods. In spring, wildflowers and sagebrush paint the scabland terrain in vibrant colors, and the open landscape offers sweeping views perfect for catching spectacular sunrises and sunsets over the water. Keep your eyes open for the park's wildlife residents: deer grazing near campsites, curious marmots sunning on rocks, wild turkeys strutting through brush, and both bald and golden eagles soaring on thermals above the lake.
Geological RegionBanks Lake / Devils Punchbowl area in eastern Washington desert (scablands)
Advertisement
Campsite details
Total Campsitesnull campsites
Best Campsites
Curated by campers, for campers
Reveal picks
Reserving a campsite
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Reservation PlatformsGoingToCamp (washington.goingtocamp.com)
Amenities available
Showers
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Flush toilets
Vault toilets
Electricity hookups
Water hookups
Sewer hookups
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.
Hiking
Multiple 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.Fishing
Fishing is frequently mentioned as good; park provides fish-cleaning stations and easy shoreline access.Swimming
Sandy beaches and shallow water near shore support swimming; water temperature varies by season (some report warm/shallow, others note cold water).Advertisement
Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfires were observed in the campground and some reviewers reported nightly wood delivery; check official park page for current fire restrictions and policies.
Hazards
General hazardsEvening 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.
Weather at Steamboat Rock State Park
39
°F
Dec 14
Sunday
Partly cloudy
Precipitation: 0%
Humidity: 68%
Wind: 3.3 mph
Partly cloudy
Weather History
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Detailed 7-Day Forecast
Powered by AI weather analysis
Reveal forecast
Good to know
Common complaintsLimited or poor cellular service (Verizon frequently mentioned) and no Wi‑Fi; insect issues (mosquitoes at night); some sites could use more privacy; weather can be variable and summer heat can be extreme.
Campground Map
Steamboat Rock State Park
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.
Reviews from booking and map sources
4.7
158 reviews
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...
Based on 158 reviewsShow more
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...
Based on 158 reviewsShow more
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 reviewsCamper Reviews by Outdoorithm campers
0
0 review
1
2
3
4
5
Last updated December 14, 2025
Advertisement