Wanapum State Park Campground

Closed — Closed for the winter season. The first loop is scheduled to reopen March 1, 2026. The campground operates seasonally from March through October, with reservations recommended mid-April through mid-October.

About

Wanapum Recreation Area Campground is located within Ginkgo Petrified Forest State Park along the Columbia River in the arid Columbia Plateau region of Eastern Washington. The park offers 27,000 feet of freshwater shoreline on the Wanapum Reservoir with stunning views of basalt cliffs and sagebrush landscape carved by ancient ice age floods. The campground provides 50 full-hookup sites with water, electric, and sewer connections, accommodating RVs up to 60 feet in length. Two additional hiker/biker sites are available. Each site includes a picnic table and fire ring. Flush restrooms with showers, a dump station, and trash service are provided. A swimming beach and boat launch offer water recreation opportunities, though no lifeguard is on duty. The campground is located near The Gorge Amphitheatre and fills quickly on concert weekends. Campers should prepare for strong winds, which are frequent and can reach 50 mph, especially in the evenings. Tents are strongly discouraged due to wind conditions. The nearby Ginkgo Petrified Forest Interpretive Center offers educational programs about the area's unique petrified wood formations and geology. Fishing and boating on the Columbia River are popular activities.

Directions

From I-90, take Exit 136 (Huntzinger Road) and drive south for 3 miles to the entrance of the Wanapum Recreation Area and Campground near Vantage, WA. The campground is located on the banks of the Columbia River within the Ginkgo Petrified Forest State Park. Follow signs for Wanapum State Park Campground.

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