The best camping near Ginkgo Petrified Forest State Park

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Ginkgo Petrified Forest State Park adventure.

90% (5 reviews)

A petrified forest awaits the geologically curious at this state park and campgrounds.

Popular ways to camp

Community favorites near Ginkgo Petrified Forest State Park

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Public campgrounds in the park
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Stay at a public campground in Ginkgo Petrified Forest State Park

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Wanapum Campground

50 sites · RVs, Tents In Ginkgo Petrified Forest State Park

Top-rated campgrounds near Ginkgo Petrified Forest State Park

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River's Edge Escape & Fish Camp

8 sites · RVs, Tents4 acres · Ellensburg, WA

With 300ft of private waterfront river access across 4 acres, River's Edge provides easy access to the best fly fishing in Washington state. There are endless opportunities to relax, fish and enjoy a quiet stretch of the Yakima River. Complete with 4 RV hook-ups offering 30/50 AMP + water service and 4 tent only sites, you can enjoy this slice of unique Washington wonderland with your whole family. Rustic and remote, you will feel instant peace and relaxation as you arrive. Just over an hour east of Seattle sits our beautiful property. It's an easy and beautiful drive on I-90 all the way, then a short drive to the property. Being on the east side of the Cascades, this campground is almost always sunnier than the city, warmer in the summer, and snowier in the winter. But the riverfront is where the true magic is. Fly fishing and bird watching heaven! Many hours have been spent relaxing in, on, or near the river with friends, family, and dogs. It's always changing, always alive, and that's why we love it. If you need supplies, groceries or a restaurant, the town of Ellensburg is just 13 minutes away, and the fun town of Cle Elum/Suncadia resort with its restaurants and the Swiftwater Winery, is about 22 minutes away. Remote yet connected! Our property amenities include a shared, central fire pit & gazebo/table/chairs for all guests to use. There is a flush toilet available on site (however no shower or laundry access). Our site is intentionally rustic and we can't wait to share it with others who love being outdoors with nature. Suggested Packing list: River shoes, bug spray, sun hat, suncreen, camping chairs, binoculars, layers (it can go from chilly to blazing and back again), a good book, board games, s'more supplies, floaties/life jackets, leashes/poop bags.

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Fat Pony Farm

4 sites · RVs, Tents6 acres · Quincy, WA

We are a small husband and wife run hobby farm located minutes from I90 and The Gorge Ampitheater. We raise chickens, quail and occasionally larger livestock. We have horses and mini donkeys as well as a working LGD on site so although we are pet friendly, we do ask that your pet is leashed at all times. We have a large kennel, approximately 30' by 40' with an 8x10 shed that can be used for larger dogs who need some off leash time while on the property. This area is first come first served and no additional charge. We are surrounded by fields of farmland. "Quiet time" is difficult to put limits on because we have no control over when harvest for local crops needs to occur. Please be aware that farm machinery may be harvesting late into the night or start very early in the morning. For the summer of 2024 we have potatoes, mustard, corn and alfalfa in the surrounding fields. Local attractions include: Wild Horse Monument & Gingko Petrified Forest are about 15 miles west on I90. Several wineries within a 20 min drive, Moses Lake/Sand dunes 30-45 min drive east on I90 Leavenworth Bavarian Village 60-90 min depending on traffic

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Masabaje Camp

5 sites · Lodging, Tents20 acres · Ellensburg, WA

Purchased in 2013 after a fire came through the area. We've spent the last 7 years regenerating the land, planting trees, building our house and collecting places for people to rest their heads. Masabaje is the first two letters of each of our parents names (Margaret, Sandy, Barry, Jerry). We offer four listings - a converted schoolbus, an Airstream, retro trailer, and tent spot. Meet Birdy, a semi-converted Blue Bird school bus with a comfortable queen mattress, couch, two recliners, dry kitchen, cooking utensils, and camp stove. There is access to a toilet, shower and sink (clean up area) in back room of main house (about a 4 minute walk). Birdy sits at "Top Pond", farthest from the house in a super quiet and private spot. You must bring your own bedding or sleeping bags, pillows, etc. (available here for an additional fee). There is no electricity available in Birdy. Devices can be charged up at the house. There is also no heater in Birdy, overnight temperatures in September and October can dip down into the mid-low 40's or lower. Meet Tin Man, we found him after he had been in an accident. We bandaged him up and he became the first place to sleep when we bought our empty land. He has a comfortable double mattress, couch, chair, kitchen, cooking utensils, and two burner stove. There is access to a toilet, shower and sink (clean up area) in back room of main house (about a 30 second walk). Tin Man sits on our driveway round-a-bout and is closest to the house. You must bring your own bedding or sleeping bags, pillows, etc. (available here for an additional fee). Ellensburg is known for its wind and our land is just down from a wind farm. We cannot control the wind, but Birdy sits in a pretty wind protected oasis. We are less than 2 hours from Seattle, 1 hour to Yakima wine country, 40 minutes to Vantage, 40 minutes to Leavenworth, 50 minutes to Snoqualmie Pass, 15 minutes to Ellensburg, 25 minutes to Roslyn, 25 minutes to Yakima River Canyon for floating and hiking, and so much more!

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Eagle Rock Resort Campground

5 sites · Tents7 acres · Naches, WA

This property has so much to offer. Located on the banks of the Naches river and views of the surrounding mountains. Onsite there is a grocery store, restaurant, lounge, gas station and so much more. Nearby there is hiking, fishing, hunting, jeeping, snow mobiling, etc. Always something to do at the Eagle Rock Resort.

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Earthlight Camping

8 sites · RVs, Tents180 acres · Entiat, WA

!!!ROAD IMPROVEMENT READY!!! Come enjoy our land with a new road. After months of waiting for our road to be improved we finally did it! No need to drive on bumpy roads no more ;) WE GUARANTEE YOU THERE WONT BE ANY OTHER CAMPERS AT YOUR DESIGNATED CAMPGROUND, 20 ACRES JUST FOR YOU. This is a camper's dream with 100% privacy and no other "camp site neighbors". From the moment you turn off from the main road, you will experience magic, as the colorful fields on either side lead you to one of the best views of Columbia river, the snowy mountain tops behind, and the vast valley beneath. Once you reach the land, the views are meant just for you, as there is peace and tranquility of pure nature all around. Sit on our swing, or in your RV, hike the 180 acres of land, or just soak in the amazing 360 degree views of mellow sunrises, all the way to the fiery sunsets, as the wildlife around you joins your day.Short ride away, you can also visit numerous award-winning wineries, swim in lake Chelan, hike the vast nature, golf, and enjoy all what the Columbia River Valley has to offer. Over 180 acres of land on top of the canyon, you will hardly get better views anywhere else in the state. Completely unobstructed views of the Columbia River the the furthest horizon you can imagine. One of the most magical places to find tranquility and a lot of activities to do. Disclaimers: - Drone flying is allowed inside our property. If you wish to fly a drone please let me know so I can send you a full map of all of our property. You will have 180 acres to fly it.

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River Recreation's Basecamp

3 sites · Tents1 acre · Monitor, WA

Ask about Leavenworth Octoberfest transport to and from the Octoberfest! Come stay at a fully-functioning whitewater rafting riverside basecamp! We offer tent camping on-site and group sites as well. We have a small area, but most of it is shaded and right by the river. Learn more about this land: Come camp near the river at a fully-functional whitewater river rafting basecamp!! Our group-style camping area is great for small groups of people or small, two-somes too. We have a total of 4 spots,; 1 is suitable for 2 large, or 3 small tents, 2 are suitable for 2-averags-sized tents, and one is a small tent spot only. Camp spots are next to each other, so not alot of "Wild forest-camping" here. We refer to it as urban camping. Please be aware that there is some traffic noise here, as we are close to Highway 2. Weekend camping is limited, and you may hear the occasional train whistle. WiFi and fire pit included as well as on-site port-a-potties. There is a large communal firepit, but no individual camp firepits, with the option of bringing a propane stand-alone firepit. Small fires only in June, fire ban starting July 1st due to wildfire concerns. No smoking and children are OK as long as they are kept under control. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, we are spacing camps out more, we have a foot-operated handwash station, and 2 hand sanitizing stations. Per the CDC, we are unable to offer any potable water to anyone this year. Our camping area is somewhat small, does NOT have grass, but area has bark. Please be ready to be respectful of our neighbors and other campers by keeping your music to a low-to-medium volume. Please bring photo ID and a credit card to complete our camper registration form with. In addition, we are a river rafting company, so we may not have anyone present when you show up - don't worry, we are probably on the river and will be back soon! *** Please message before booking to insure we are a good match***

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Del Rosario Family Vineyard

3 sites · RVs, Tents80 acres · Palisades, WA

Vineyard nestled in the valley of the Palisades Road in Palisades, Washington. The Vineyard has a personal touch which includes wine tasting in a secluded yet open farm environment. The Vineyard is open for on site tours and wine tasting. Campers have the option to camp on the premises. Water access available and electrical hoop ups. Note: Access the camp site off Palisades road thru the main entrance gate.

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HDH Orchards

20 sites · RVs, Tents130 acres · Buena, WA

Beautiful apple/ cherry orchard with BLM land on 2 sides. Lots of wildlife, ORV trails and more. Enjoy the peace and quiet and all that Yakima Valley has to offer. Closes by is the Beautiful city of Zilla Washington, where you can enjoy great meals at local restaurants and shopping. Come stay and play any day of the week.

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Buck Meadows

3 sites · RVs20 acres · Thorp, WA

This property has been in the Buck family for 70+ years and has always been a great place for our family to come and work, relax and enjoy ourselves. We decided to start sharing this beautiful land with people wanting to “get away from it all”. This land has great sentimental value and is shared with an abundance of wildlife. Please enjoy your stay but respect our family home.

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Cloudview Farm

6 sites · RVs, Tents10 acres · Ephrata, WA

We are a small non-profit farm offering fresh produce and nature based experiences. We are open to the public Spring-Fall for Farm Explorations. Visitors have a chance to shop our Farm Store, visit with the animals, do Goat Yoga, explore the farm and gardens with a self guided walking tour and scavenger hunt, and attend our seasonal events and workshops. Shop for fresh produce, locally harvested honey, locally made fresh salsa, local artisan gifts, book private farm tour experiences such as hayrides, animal interactions, Goat Yoga, simply wander the farm at your leisure. We have some free ranging chickens, ducks, and cats, so for the safety of our farm animals and pets, any visiting pets must remain in the parking area and may not free roam. We also have a super friendly dog (Barley) who will want to hang out and be your new bestie. We are in the middle of the Coulee Corridor with desert hiking, the Columbia River, and several lakes nearby. We are 5 miles from Soap Lake, where you can enjoy the healing waters and dine at Cloudview Kitchen. There are also amazing small shops and restaurants to enjoy in Ephrata just a couple miles away.

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Ricks Exercise Farm

1 site · RV, Tent80 acres · Sunnyside, WA

Our farm is located in the center of the Yakima Valley in Southeastern Washington State. The Valley is known as the fruit bowl of the nation. The site is located on a farm that has been in production on the Roza slope 4 miles north of Sunnyside since 1945. Surrounded by fields of peppermint, Concord grapes, and a variety of crops within walking distance it is a fertile paradise. The Yakima Valley has thousands of acres of wine grapes, hops, apples, cherries, pears, peaches, and vegetables. Wineries are located up and down the Valley and people drive 100s of miles to do wine tours. Several microbreweries are also accessible and within 50 miles to the west you’ll be in premier hiking in the Cascade Mountains.

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Flussfelsen Campground

3 sites · RVs, Tents3 acres · Peshastin, WA

Two RV sites with power and water hookups located on two and a half acres of beautiful creek-front land within minutes of Leavenworth. The two sites are adjacent to each other so renting both is a great option for large groups. Let the sound of Peshastin Creek lull you to sleep at night after a long day of fun in the Leavenworth area. Area attractions include tubing, hiking, climbing, mountain biking, whitewater rafting, skiing, and shopping. The campground is a quick 15 minutes from downtown Leavenworth on year-round plowed roads. Both campsites are complete with water as well as 30A power hookups, and a fire pit. Feel free to take a dip in the creek to cool down! A port-a-potty is also available for use by guests and is refreshed weekly.

The best camping near Ginkgo Petrified Forest State Park guide

Overview

About

Over 15 million years ago, this fossilized forest was covered in lava and volcanic ash. Barren yet beautiful, the park is home to over 50 species of petrified trees.

Three miles south, the Wanapum Recreation Area has 50 full hook-up sites, plus two sites for hikers and bikers. All sites have full access to bathrooms, picnic tables, and a boat ramp.

The 7,470-acre park is named for its rarest species--the Ginko tree. A museum stands on the bluffs overlooking the Columbia River, offering panoramic views. Inside, visitors tour more than 30 samples of petrified wood. But it's more fun to go looking for yourself.

Two miles west, the Trees of Stone Interpretive Trailhead offers more of these geologic oddities. The 3-mile trail network winds through windswept hills, passing by petrified logs in their original setting. Metal cages protect the specimens, making them easy to spot. The trails are a great place to spot birds, as well as rattlesnakes.

Notable campgrounds

Wanapum Recreation Area: Offers full-hookup sites for a comfortable stay amid frequent high winds.
Hiker/Biker Sites: Catering to the adventurous spirit, these sites provide a rustic camping experience.

Tips for snagging a campsite

Book early, especially during concert season at The Gorge Amphitheatre when the park is heavily used.
Weekends fill up quickly, so consider a mid-week stay to increase your chances of securing a site.
Be prepared for high winds by securing all lightweight items and opting for a full-hookup site over a tent.
Explore nearby camping options if Wanapum Recreation Area is fully booked.

When to go

The best time to visit Ginkgo Petrified Forest State Park is during the summer months, from 6:30am to dusk, when the weather is warm and all facilities are open. Winter visits, from 8am to dusk, offer a quieter experience, though some areas may be closed due to early freezing temperatures.

Know before you go

Always keep dogs on a leash and fires contained to designated areas for safety and preservation of the park.
Be aware of seasonal closures, such as the campground and day-use areas at Wanapum Recreation Area closing on October 24 due to freezing temperatures.
Check the status of amenities like the solar-powered charging station, which may be out of service.
Remember, there is no lifeguard on duty at the Wanapum Recreation Area swim beach, so swim with caution.
Ensure you have a Discover Pass for park access, available for $30 annually or $10 for a one-day pass.