Wanapum State Park

Star4.27
335 reviews
Wanapum State Park

Quick Facts

Price

Varies

Booking

Reservable

Sites

Varies

Season

Year-round

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Allowed

RV FriendlyElectricShowers

Opens Washington State Parks site

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Wanapum State Park
No fees available
Campsite Fees
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

4.27

Satisfactory

Based on 335 reviews

335 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewscleanshowersrestrooms

Some mention

noise

"Reviewers praise the park for clean facilities, excellent Columbia River views, spacious full‑hookup sites, and easy river/boat access. Common negatives are strong, gusty winds, summer heat and limited shade, occasional highway noise, and recommendations against tent camping in exposed conditions."

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Best Time to Camp at Wanapum State Park

Summer here means serious heat and wind—this is true high-desert camping where temperatures can soar past 105°F and gusty winds regularly sweep across the open terrain at 15-28 mph or more. Shade is limited at many sites, so plan accordingly with awnings, plenty of water, and secure tie-downs for tents and gear. Spring and fall offer gentler conditions, but whenever you visit, come prepared for the elements and you'll be rewarded with uncrowded sites and stunning sunsets over the water.

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 Wanapum State Park

    Perched on a bluff above the shimmering expanse of Wanapum Lake, this high-desert oasis welcomes you with sweeping river views and the raw beauty of Washington's shrub-steppe country. RV travelers especially love the generous full-hookup sites and easy access to sandy beaches below, though the Columbia River Gorge winds and summer sun remind you that this is authentic desert camping—bring your sunscreen and stake down your gear.
    Developed state park campground with a mix of RV and tent sites; many sites are full‑hookup pull‑throughs and some interior grassy sites suit tents or smaller rigs. Not described as primitive camping or cabin lodging in available sources.
    Historical SignificanceAdjacent to Ginkgo Petrified Forest State Park, the area features petrified logs, glacial erratics and interpretive exhibits on the Trees of Stone trail and at the visitor center. The park lies within the Columbia River Gorge/ Wanapum Lake corridor, an area of geological interest for basalt formations and scabland features.
    Weather and SeasonsSummer here means serious heat and wind—this is true high-desert camping where temperatures can soar past 105°F and gusty winds regularly sweep across the open terrain at 15-28 mph or more. Shade is limited at many sites, so plan accordingly with awnings, plenty of water, and secure tie-downs for tents and gear. Spring and fall offer gentler conditions, but whenever you visit, come prepared for the elements and you'll be rewarded with uncrowded sites and stunning sunsets over the water.
    Natural Features and SceneryFrom your campsite, watch the Columbia River stretch toward distant basalt cliffs, its waters reflecting the big desert sky. Below the campground, a welcoming sandy beach invites swimmers and boaters, while the boat ramp provides quick access to excellent fishing and water sports. Just minutes away, the Ginkgo Petrified Forest offers a fascinating detour into deep time—walk among ancient stone trees and learn how this landscape looked 15 million years ago at the interpretive center and Trees of Stone trail.
    Geological RegionColumbia River shrub‑steppe high‑desert scablands with dramatic basalt cliffs bordering Wanapum Lake / Columbia River
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    Campsite details

    Total Campsitesnull campsites

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    Reserving a campsite

    Tents
    Tents are allowed
    RV vehicles
    RV vehicles are allowed
    Primitive
    Primitive are not allowed
    Reservable
    Reservations are allowed

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

    Amenities available

    Showers
    Potable water
    Picnic tables
    Cell phone service
    Flush toilets
    Electricity hookups
    Water hookups
    Sewer hookups

    Activities you can enjoy

    Activities center on the Columbia River/Wanapum Lake — swimming, boating, fishing, and scenic viewing are primary draws. Nearby interpretive trails at Ginkgo Petrified Forest provide short hikes and geology/natural history interpretive opportunities.
    Hiking
    Nearby Trees of Stone interpretive trail (~1 mile) and Ginkgo Petrified Forest trails and exhibits offer short hikes and interpretive viewing of petrified wood and geologic features.
    Fishing
    Fishing along the Columbia River/Wanapum Lake is noted as an activity available from the park and shoreline.
    Swimming
    A sandy beach and a designated swimming/wading area below the campground are frequently mentioned; reviewers note swimming and wading are common but advise caution with river currents.
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    Campground rules

    • Pets are allowed

    Hazards

    General hazardsStrong winds (capable of shaking RVs and making tent camping hazardous), heat/exposure, occasional falling debris from shade trees, and rattlesnakes have been reported or warned about in the area. Use caution when swimming and be aware of river currents near the recreation area.

    Weather at Wanapum State Park

    39
    °F
    Dec 14
    Sunday
    Overcast
    Precipitation: 0%
    Humidity: 77%
    Wind: 1.4 mph
    Overcast

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    Good to know

    Common complaintsFrequent complaints center on very windy conditions (regular 15–30 mph gusts reported), limited shade and high summer temperatures, occasional highway noise across the river, and some dry/unsightly grass areas.

    Campground Map

    Wanapum State Park
    Easy access from Interstate 90; park is just off I‑90 near Vantage.
    Nearby supplies
    Chevron convenience/gas station nearby (Vantage) for basic supplies

    Reviews from booking and map sources

    4.3
    335 reviews
    Satisfactory
    Satisfactory
    Wanapum State Park is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
    Reviewers praise the park for clean facilities, excellent Columbia River views, spacious full‑hookup sites, and easy river/boat access. Common negatives are strong, gusty winds, summer heat and limited shade, occasional highway noise, and recommendations against tent camping in exposed conditions.
    Review Summaries
    Based on 335 reviews

    What Campers Love

    Consistently noted positives: scenic river views, clean restrooms and showers, spacious sites (including long pull‑throughs), beach and boat launch access, and generally well‑maintained grounds.
    Based on 335 reviews

    Common Concerns

    • **Wind:** Repeatedly cited as a main downside; some campers experienced 15–20 mph winds for extended periods, making it challenging for tents and awnings.[1][2] • **Heat and limited shade:** Summer...
    Show more
    Based on 335 reviews

    Pro Tips & Recommendations

    Reserve ahead in summer; choose back/outer loop pull‑throughs for river views (sites 6, 10–17 often recommended); secure tents and awnings against frequent winds; bring shade and water for hot summer...
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    Based on 335 reviews

    Camper Quotes

    "Very clean. Wind was roaring."; "Beautiful and WINDY."; "Definitely don’t recommend tent camping."; "Clean and quiet campground with a nice beach, showers, and hookups."
    Based on 335 reviews

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    Last updated December 14, 2025
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