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Wanapum State Park RV & Campground Guide

Washington

Wanapum State Park is a waterfront recreation area in the town of Vantage, two hours east of Seattle. As part of the Ginkgo Petrified Forest State Park, Wanapum is nestled against the Columbia River banks. Visitors find the park to be a peaceful paradise for hiking, enjoying water activities, camping, and appreciating the area's breathtaking scenery and history. The towns of Renslow, Wanapum Village, and George are nearby locations where you can find dining, shopping, and attractions.

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Weather
Spring 26-66 F
Summer 52-91 F
Fall 29-80 F
Winter 22-46 F
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RV Resorts & Campsites in Wanapum State Park

Traveling in an RV is the best way to immerse yourself in the Wanapum Lake-area campgrounds. If you don't have your own RV, you can find the perfect rental through RVshare. In addition, RVshare offers peace of mind with 24/7 roadside assistance and nation-wide insurance coverage, which is especially helpful for first-time RVers. 

Wanapum State Park

Wanapum State Park has a convenient on-site campground that offers 50 sites for tents or RVs with electrical, water, and sewer hookups. Each campsite includes a table and a grill for cooking. Guests can enjoy hiking and boating during the campground's operation from March to October. Some campsites offer direct views of the Columbia River. Nightly rates range between $30 and $50.

  • Water hookup: Yes

  • Electrical hookup: Yes 

  • Sewer hookup: Yes

  • Wi-Fi: No

  • Pet-friendly: Yes 

  • Other amenities: Two vault toilets, boat ramp, sandy beach, dump station, showers

Sage Creek Campground

A short jaunt across the Columbia River is the Sage Creek Campground in Quincy, Washington. The campground is popular for concertgoers to the nearby Gorge Amphitheater and offers on-site food and free shuttles to the arena. Three levels of camping sites are available: full hookups, partial hookups, and no hookups with generators allowed. Rates range between $110 and $270 nightly.

  • Water hookup: Yes

  • Electrical hookup: Yes

  • Sewer hookup: Yes

  • Wi-Fi: No

  • Pet-friendly: Yes

  • Other amenities: Outdoor showers, ice machines, horseshoe pit

Vantage Riverstone

The Vantage Riverstone campground in Vantage, Washington, offers spacious campsites on the river's edge or inland. Most sites include a fire pit and picnic table to make your stay more comfortable. Nightly rates range from $36 to $55.

  • Water hookup: Yes

  • Electrical hookup: Yes

  • Sewer hookup: Yes for inland, no for riverside

  • Wi-Fi: No

  • Pet-friendly: Yes

  • Other amenities: Laundry, showers, dump station

RV Rentals Near Wanapum State Park

Nearby RV Rentals

Restaurants

What to Do at
Wanapum State Park

Inside Wanapum State Park

Wanapum State Park features shoreline on the Wanapum Reservoir along the Columbia River. Visitors can take part in swimming, boating, fishing, camping, hiking, and bird watching. Three miles of hiking trails provide ample opportunity to observe local wildlife while water activities give you a chance to cool down. Stop at the Interpretive Center to see exhibits where you can learn about the area's history and geology.

Outside Wanapum State Park

The region around Wanapum State Park is an outdoor sports enthusiast's dream. You'll find space for activities like ATVing, rock climbing, water skiing, golf, hiking, fishing, and hunting. If indoor time is more your speed, you can visit plenty of museums, shops, and dining establishments.

Restaurants

Blustery's Burger Drive-in

Enjoy a great burger with fries and delicious milkshakes at this small eatery that offers friendly service. The menu is limited, but there is something for everyone. It's open for lunch and dinner.

Type: American

Location: 301 Main St, Vantage, WA 98950

Sage Coffee House & Bistro

Open for breakfast and lunch, this bistro brews up delicious coffee and offers an upscale take on typical breakfast items, salads, and sandwiches that include vegetarian-friendly options.

Type: American Bistro

Location: 1099 State Route 283 N, Quincy, WA 98848

The ScaleHouse Cafe

Serving breakfast and lunch, this trucker-friendly establishment offers hearty portions of home cooking. The staff delivers top-notch customer service with menu changes to suit various dietary needs. The old-school Americana decor is a bonus.

Type: American, Diner

Location: 300 N Washington Way, George, WA 98824

Tendrils Restaurant

Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, this restaurant in the Cave B Inn & Spa Resort is the place to go for surf and turf. Stop in for an American Kobe burger or Cedar Planked Steelhead Trout.

Type: American

Location: 344 Silica Rd NW, Quincy, WA 98848

Tijuana Family Mexican Restaurant

This restaurant is known for large portions and tasty authentic fare that pair well with superb margaritas. An affordable and casual dining experience that offers vegetarian-friendly meals, it's open for lunch and dinner.

Type: Mexican

Location: 709 1st Ave SE, Quincy, WA 98848

Shopping

Ginkgo Gem Shop

Browse through a stunning collection of gems, petrified wood, fossils, shark teeth, and more in this unique gift shop that doubles as a museum. Bring home a unique souvenir and art piece to remember your trip.

Location: 330 Ginkgo Ave, Vantage, WA 98950

Chartreuse Gifts

Stop in for an ever-changing selection of gifts, toys, and interesting items. The friendly and knowledgeable staff is at hand to assist you in making the perfect purchase.

Location: 107 E 3rd Ave, Ellensburg, WA 98926

Don Bacon Leather Shop

When you want to bring home something unique, take the time to visit this family-owned and -operated tack shop that's been open since 1968. Only the highest-quality handmade riding equipment and western wear are for sale here, and the staff can even custom-make items for you.

Location: 1492 Thomas Rd, Ellensburg, WA 98926

Thorp Fruit & Antique Mall

Come by to get your fill of fruit, specialty items, and wine. After that, pop over to the mall side to browse through a vast selection of antiques, collectibles, and vintage items.

Location: 220 Gladmar Rd, Thorp, WA 98946

Trinity Gardens Lavender Farm

Visit this unusual setting to purchase dried lavender in various forms, such as essential oils, body care products, sachets, and mists. The farm is open seasonally with fun U-pick lavender events.

Location: 20530 Rd 5 SW, Quincy, WA 98848

Sightseeing

Ginkgo Petrified Forest State Park

Explore the neighboring Ginkgo Petrified Forest State Park that offers a peek into the history of the region. The Interpretive Center is where you can see examples of petrified ginkgo trees along with other artifacts. Outside, you will find trails that take you past petrified logs and possible elk and bighorn sheep in their natural settings.

Location: 4511 Huntzinger Road, Vantage, WA 98950

Gorge Amphitheatre

Visit this outdoor concert venue to see legendary musical icons or up-and-coming artists. Shows range from single-night events to multi-day music festivals that everyone can enjoy.

Location: 754 Silica Rd NW, George, WA 98848

Wanapum Heritage Center

This museum makes a striking statement about our nation's history and the treatment of its native people. Thoughtful exhibits explain the history and work to preserve the culture of the Wanapum people.

Location: 29086 WA-243, Mattawa, WA 99349

Frenchman Coulee

Rock climbers will love this large coulee carved by floodwaters over centuries. Climbs can range from easy to challenging, and day hikers will find plenty to explore as well.

Location: Old Vantage Hwy, Quincy, WA 98848

Jones of Washington Quincy Tasting Room

Visit this family-owned winery that makes artisan batches of wine grown from vineyards set along the Columbia River. Knowledgeable employees will guide you through tastings of their award-winning wines and take the time to answer any questions.

Location: 1004 F St SW, Quincy, WA 98848

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How to Get to
Wanapum State Park

From I-90, take Exit 136, Huntzinger Road. Turn south of Huntzinger Road and travel three miles to the Wanapum Recreational Area and Campground entrance at 4511 Huntzinger Road, Vantage, WA 98950.

Entering Wanapum State Park

Wanapum State Park is open March 1 through Sept. 30 with hours that vary seasonally. You can make all Discover Pass payments via automated pay stations on-site. 

Wanapum State Park One Day Pass (per vehicle) : $10.0

Wanapum State Park Annual Pass : $30.0

valid for all Washington state parks

An RV trip to Wanapum State Park brings all of nature's beauty and wonder directly to your doorstep. Enjoy time with your family and create fun memories while exploring everything this area of the country has to offer. Don't forget to tag RVshare on social media during your adventures. Also, take the time to email us at [email protected] with your favorite trip photos and helpful tips. We may feature you on RVshare social media or blog posts.

Frequently Asked Questions About Wanapum State Park

What is the best time of year to visit Wanapum State Park?

Summer is the ideal season to experience what Wanapum State Park has to offer. The 27,000 feet of Columbia River shoreline offers a great spot to enjoy water activities when it's hot out.

What is the climate of Wanapum State Park?

Wanapum State Park experiences four distinct seasons, with summers reaching over 90 degrees Fahrenheit and winters dipping into the 20s. The spring and fall months are generally mild and hover in the 60s.

What kind of wildlife can be found in Wanapum State Park?

Badgers, bobcats, deer, muskrats, and marmots populate the Ginkgo Petrified Forest section of this park. If you prefer bird-watching, you can catch a glimpse of quail, snipes, and herons.

Are there designated RV camping spots in Wanapum State Park?

Wanapum State Park includes 50 RV camping sites spread out between two camping loops. Each site has full hookups and is well-maintained. Fire pits and picnic tables are available at each site as well.

Do you have to reserve a camping spot at Wanapum State Park and what is the cost?

During the off-season, campsites are given out on a first-come, first-served basis, but reservations are recommended from April to October. Full-hookup sites run from $40 to $50 per night during peak season.