Know Before You Go-Camping on the Columbia River 

Spending time along the Columbia River is a great way to escape, unwind, and connect with nature. Know important details before you book, or before you go camping on the Columbia. With several beautiful campgrounds to choose from—Crescent Bar, Sand Hollow Recreation Area, Priest Rapids Recreation Area, Rocky Coulee Campground, and Jackson Creek Fish Camp—there’s a spot for everyone. Read on for important reservation details, rules, and helpful tips to ensure you have a safe, fun, and memorable stay! 

 Reservation Information 

Priest Rapids Recreation Area & Sand Hollow Recreation Area 

  • Reservation Window: Opens January 15 for stays between April 15 through September 30. 
  • Payment: A valid card is required at the time of reservation. 
  • Advanced Booking: Must be made at least 48 hours in advance. If you miss that window, drop-in camping may be available for any unoccupied sites. 

Crescent Bar 

  • Year-Round Reservations: Reservations accepted on a rolling 9-month schedule. 
  • Book Early: Sites at Crescent Bar fill up fast, so we recommend reserving as early as possible. 
  • Payment: A valid card is required at the time of reservation. 

 

Drop-In Camping 

Where You Can Drop In 

How It Works 

  • Year-Round Availability: Drop-in camping is open all year (subject to space availability). 
  • Payment: Cash or checks accepted on site. Find the brown cash boxes and drop your payment. 
  • Site Availability: Check the kiosk near the payment box for current site availability. 

 

Amenities & Important Notes 

  • Crescent Bar: The only campground with RV hookups and showers. 
  • No power or running water—be prepared with charged devices and plenty of water. 
  • Look for pink “RESERVED” tags at Priest Rapids and Sand Hollow upon arrival to identify occupied sites. 
  • Reservation Websites: Check out detailed photos of each campsite—including parking space numbers and lengths—when booking Priest Rapids Recreation Area, Sand Hollow, or Crescent Bar. 

 

Campfire Rules

  • Crescent Bar & Priest Rapids: Campfires allowed year-round in designated fire rings. 
  • Sand Hollow & Rocky Coulee: Campfires allowed October 1 – May 31 in designated fire rings. 
  • Summer Fires: If you want that cozy campfire feel during the summer months, bring a propane fire pit—they are allowed year-round. 

 

Nearby Stores & Services 

If you forgot something or need a snack, here are nearby towns that can help you out for ice, propane, and other supplies: 

  • Sand Hollow & Rocky Coulee Campers nearby town-Vantage WA 
  • Nearby gas stations and espresso  
  • Priest Rapids & Jackson Creek Campers nearby town-Mattawa, WA 
  • Nearby gas stations, grocery stores, and restaurants 
  • Crescent Bar Campers nearby town-Quincy, WA 
  • Nearby gas stations, espresso, restaurants, grocery stores 

 

Grant PUD Park Rules 

For a safe and memorable visit, please review our Grant PUD park rules. These guidelines help protect both our natural areas and fellow campers. 

 

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) 

  1. When can I make reservations for Sand Hollow and Priest Rapids?

Reservations open January 15 for stays between April 15 and September 30. You must reserve at least 48 hours in advance. 

  1. How far in advance can I reserve Crescent Bar?

Crescent Bar takes reservations year-round on a rolling 9-month schedule. We recommend booking as soon as you can, as it fills up quickly. 

  1. What if I’m already on the road and forgot to make a reservation?

You can try drop-in camping! If a site is not reserved (no pink “RESERVED” tag) and is unoccupied, you can camp on a first-come, first-served basis by paying at the brown cash boxes on site. 

  1. Which campgrounds have RV hookups or showers?

Only Crescent Bar has RV hookups and showers. All other campgrounds are more primitive and do not offer these amenities.  

  1. Are campfires allowed during the summer?

At Crescent Bar and Priest Rapids, campfires in designated fire rings are allowed year-round. At Sand Hollow and Rocky Coulee, campfires are only allowed between October 1 and May 31. However, you can bring a propane fire pit any time of year. 

  1. What about power and water?

Priest Rapids, Sand Hollow, Jackson Creek, and Rocky Coulee do not have power or running water. Bring plenty of water and charge devices in advance. 

  1. Do I need to have an RV to camp?

Nope! All campgrounds are tent-camper friendly, especially Rocky Coulee which is tent camping only—no trailers or RVs. 

  1. Who can I contact if I have more questions?

Our friendly staff is available Monday–Friday, 8am–4pm. You can call (509) 754-5085 or email [email protected]. We’ll return your call if you leave a message! 

 

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Jeff MSand Hollow Campground
Beautiful Riverside Camping... In the Columbia Basin with river access and a nearby designated swimming area. Campsites are close together, but very well maintained and easily accessible from the highway. No potable water, but there are restrooms that were clean and seemed to be well maintained. Can be a bit windy, but the views, river access, convenience and low price made up for any of the other concerns for me.
John Doe@username
Beautiful Secluded Desert with Wide Open Sky...It’s a nice, secluded desert with wide open sky. Nice place for the dogs. A few people came and went throughout the day to walk around a bit but it’s very quiet. It’s just a few miles from where I live so I tried it to practice using solar etc. great cell service but I couldn’t figure out my wi fi ranger. No firepits but we used the standing grill and it was fine.
On Key

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