Wanapum Recreation Area

Sometimes Seattleites just need a quick hit of sun. That’s where Vantage—a manageable 133 miles southwest of Seattle—comes in handy. What this blink-and-you-miss-it town (population 70) lacks in the way of amenities it makes up for with a near guarantee of warm weather. Skip the desert (and all but deserted) town proper and head south to the Wanapum Recreation Area in Wanapum State Park, an astonishingly green oasis amid the dusty scrub, thanks to upkeep by the state. The 50 RV-friendly campsites (with boat ramp adjacent) sit on a bluff just above the Columbia River gorge. A grassy stroll leads to a verdant park with large shade trees, picnic tables and a sandy swimming beach—which during midweek you might just have all to yourself. The Wanapum recreation area has 50 full hook-up sites and two restrooms. All sites have full hook-ups. Maximum site length is 60 feet (may have limited availability). Tenters are allowed to use the sites but must pay full fee. The campground is subject to high winds, especially in the evening. Campers should secure tents and light-weight articles. The park is heavily used during Gorge concert season. Facilities fill early on weekends.