roadtripper410656

Scouted it, very small not level looking sites arranged in a circle so every camper can see every camper. There is no view from the sites. I was happy I didn't haul my camper up there, as it's like a mountain road that is steep with lots of switchbacks. Might make a suitable base camp for bikers and hikers, just not an attractive camping destination for an RV. Also they want to charge you AND demand a Discovery Pass for vehicles ...or something.

Anyway, iceclimber takes a pass.

Took a day trip to check it out. Once you leave the gravel road, as mentioned by other reviewers the road is rutted and challenging. I saw a big trailer in there, so clearly it's possible. There are a couple/three spots that will accommodate a trailer and still give you privacy if other campers beat you there. However we noted CLOUDS of mosquitoes before we beat a hasty retreat. The campers there either had a secret weapon or were impervious.

Although I have only stayed in Upper Johnny, I did scout everything Forest Service in the area. All camps are run by concession folk and all are dry with only water available. The camp hosts were very nice, but all business when it comes to fees such as extra cars and the like. Helpful hint, at both Upper and Lower Johnny you can park extra cars up on the road and save $12 a night. Lower is of course the most desirable spot because it's on the river itself. All the sites along the road are very, very busy in the summer and fill up - and stay full. People come early and stay long. Also there is plenty of "illegal" reserving of sites going on, although the rule is you have to occupy the night of and not be gone for more than 24 hours. Regardless, I think we all know how that game is played. 8 mile is the first site and it does take reservations, I have never seen it not full. Next is Upper/Lower and Upper is the last to fill up, but it fills on Friday for sure. Next is Ida Creek (always full) then Chatter Creek which is closed. I scouted and while it's gated shut, there were some campers in there that hiked in. I honestly could not see why it was closed, yeah there were big trees down but I suspect the concession folks didn't feel like opening it this year. Past Ida is Rock Island and the road gets bad, I would not take my big trailer down there. I was amazed at the amount of traffic and people down that far and will not return. There is also a popular horse camp down there, and lots of dispersed campers. Again, it's a very popular and simply stunning area...and overrun with people. For a relaxing and more standard RV or Tent experience, Upper Johnny suited us just fine, the sites are marvelous the way the brush has been allowed to create privacy. In the top loop, there is a secretive tent site that is walk in only and surprise, a story book little stream that runs down the hillside. I forget the number, but it's right as the road turns left and would make for a nice experience. Only double sites for $38 that are basically a small group site for up to 12 people. The upper loop is good for the longer trailers and also that means no one behind you....except maybe that black bear we saw....

Totally adequate state park directly on the Columbia. Perfect for traveling through the area which is beautiful driving. Pull through and back in sites, my pull though accommodated the 38 Class A and full size truck without unhooking which is always nice when you have been driving all day. It's winter so no water at the site, but available at the dump station - no sewer at the sites either. The interior road is very narrow, but no problems. As mentioned in other posts, there is a train track directly behind the campground, so the pull throughs towards the river are farthest away...but does it really matter. Between the highway across the river and the train, yes there is noise. It didn't bother us or wake us up. I would not camp here for peace and quiet and there are lots of other choices along the route, but we were happy to have power and a stress free stop over at zero cost thanks to Vet pass. The Maryhill winery and concert venue is a few minutes away up on the bluff with a bistro, pricey wines and a lovely view. Highly recommended and truck stop services are right across the river in sight - cheap diesel too. Great coverage on Verizon.

Disabled vet so $0, check web for actual price. I researched poorly and had to run into Republic to work. AT&T are the only towers around, but with my booster was able to get just enough Tmobile to text slowly. If you are looking for the textbook example of a spotless WA state park with something for everyone, this is it. We have a 40 DP plus toad, and could drive right into the pull through site. The site looked bigger in the picture but I think anything even a 45 tag could get in - if not there are plenty of back in sites. Coming over from Colville it's a 6% grade up and down, plenty of pull overs for us slow big rigs. You will get good driving practice. Little else to add, it's a lovely park that I am sure is swamped in the summer. The fishing seemed unfair, we could don't stop catching fish. Plus this lake has those monster tiger fish ( I am not a fisherman) that have teeth and you need the right gear to land them. Apparently they are highly prized, I prefer to catch an adult beverage and leave the scary fish to the experts. This is a destination-ish park bring your stuff with you, or Republic has a few restaurants and grocery and just the nicest people.

Ended up here after nearly getting stuck at Osborne Bay. It's a parking lot but dead quiet and had it all to myself. Backed up to the stunning frozen lake and had literally, the Million Dollar view. The cliffside water falls across the road (very few cars) are amazing and created a background soundtrack for a pleasant stay. This spot is right down the road from the classic Steamboat Rock State Park at $45 a night if you don't want to boondock.

This spot = $0. Other people = 0

It's awful. Don't stay here :)

Used AT&T hotspot to post this.

Middle of nowhere seep lake that has a primitive boat launch. Camping spots seem very compact and tent oriented, but you could get a trailer in, or somewhere around the well cared for BLM facility. Here is the possible snag, the road in and out is pretty darn steep. I would not attempt it with a big rig. Fishing, yes. Awesome remote camp spot....not our speed. Also near another BLM area called Lakeview Ranch that is also middle of nowhere scabland hiking or horse riding places that may interest those folks. Not us. AT&T only out this way.

This campground is huge, like a small city. Folks seem to prefer the B loop due to the proximity to the beach, but honestly if I had to do it over, I'd pick one of the back loops on the creek; the sites are private (and dark if you need solar) thanks to expertly maintained trees and foliage. B loop is close to the entrance, the traffic and the highway bridge noise - which you walk under to reach the huge and deserted beach. We spent lots of time on long walks or cruising our bikes through the site loops checking out the population.
Iceclimber recommended.

If you look at the map, Washington Fish and Wildlife manages a bunch of these seep lakes, but be aware this area borders a national refuge that allows no overnight camping. The West side of this lake is in the refuge. The roads are excellent with good signs, cattle guards everywhere cause...cows. Everywhere. They don't bother you and are amusing to watch but I have a philosophical issue with it on public land..cows poison everything. Anyway. We bailed on Potholes State Park because they opened reservations for the season and overnight it's like wall to wall people. So, while Potholes is lovely in the late winter/early spring for a dead quiet getaway, that's over until next fall. We scouted Long Lake and said yes please. There are 3 or so "pull through" sites next to the lake on the east side, you need to be good at leveling. Also important point, a good turn around loop where the road ends next to the canal. Trying to turn around in your site could be a challenge for us longer rigs, but no matter the turnaround made departure easy. People seem to camp anywhere out here, which is nice for the solitude. I am guessing this area with all the stocked lakes gets popular. We drove past a couple lakes that were camper full, but Long Lake was empty upon arrival. Other campers showed up later but didn't alter our experience. I think the fishing season doesn't open until April 1 on this lake which may explain the ease of getting a site. Some guy in a bass boat roared around the lake and then flew down the tiny canal like he was filming miami vice or something lol. Speaking of locals, expect some garbage, bullet hole in signs, graffiti on the pit toilets - the usual. We are always vigilant and stayed hooked up for a quick departure, I don't want to sound paranoid, everyone in the local stores were very friendly but this place feels "out there" which is kinda what we are after, right ? That being said I am selfishly reluctant to share this site as it was a top notch experience, and there are quite a few choices in the area as well. We were able to get slow Verizon data here, voice and text worked. Free with Discover Pass.

It's closed and they are working it. I've driven through in years past, this campground has a sort of middle earth feeling. I walked through and expected a hobbit to say hello. Looks to be on the small side, I'd probably pass it by with my size trailer, but looks to be a nice quiet spot as it's pretty far off 20. Saw a few pull through sites right on the creek that looked quite attractive. Tacoma Creek road runs by, which will take you to some neat places. There is a hand water pump.

Zero cell signal.

Calling it a 4 based on a scout.