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)
90% (5 reviews)

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

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Community favorites near Ginkgo Petrified Forest State Park

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

Top-rated campgrounds near Ginkgo Petrified Forest State Park

96%
(574)

Willow Barn Ranch

17 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents25 acres · Wapato, WA
This small 25-acre ranch is just in the early stages of development. We are repairing fences and watering. I just added solar power and several electrical upgrades for RV's. The property has a 2000 feet of grass runway with an airplane hangar, so you could fly it if you have a STOHL airplane. The irrigation pond/pond yard area is currently available for camping. Many wineries, brewies and outdoor activities available in the area. Children can help feed or water the pigs and perhaps the chickens. Be aware though when piglets are around at times they are very small and are amazing escaped artists so do not keep food out unless you want to try and pet one they are friendly. We are more than happy to help suggest wineries and brewies in the area or enjoy the bar area we have! We offer several campsites as well as an in-ground greenhouse as listings. Guests love staying with us: "The pond at Willow Barn Ranch was picturesque. Show us around the property. It's very quiet and peaceful, and you can tell you take good care of your land. Wide open spaces." Please be aware that we do not allow parking on grass without explicit permission which is always handled on site. Vehicles will most likely not be permitted on the grass itself with rare exceptions.
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from 
$24
 / night
97%
(223)

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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from 
$70
 / night
97%
(201)

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 five listings - a converted schoolbus, an Airstream, retro trailer, truck bed glamp pod 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. Masabaje is a clothing optional space. 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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from 
$24
 / night
94%
(27)

Cottonwood Country Camp

8 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents2 acres · Yakima, WA
Rural farm camp in Yakima's west valley. This relaxed campsite is bordered by fruit orchards and farms on a very quiet dead end road. Over two acres of field grass surrounding by rolling hills with views of farms, cows, horses, and the eastern foothills of the Cascade mountains. There is a 1/2 acre pond on the camp property with frogs, turtles, wild birds and wild ducks and geese drop in all the time. Very quiet and peaceful out here, the frogs will sing you to sleep and that's about the only sound you will hear. There is power and water hooks up at 2 of 3 camp sites. Multiple tent sites , restroom available Two large and level RV spots are graveled and can accommodate your 5th wheel, diesel pusher, trailer or toy hauler. The third RV/camp spot is grass but also large and level. This grass spot is dry camping but water is available from nearby spigot and a generator is also available for rent at $20/night. Forgot your wood? No problem, firewood is always available $ 5.00/bundle. There are fire rings at each site for your use (unless burn ban in effect) Camp host always has plenty of S'mores supplies (complimentary of course) for that campfire treat. :) Visit our hen house! We have laying hens with fresh eggs daily for your breakfast. Bring the kids, wooden play structure and swing set are ready for family fun. Plenty of fun activities are only a short drive from the campsite! For a detailed list of everything Yakima has to offer go here www.visityakima.com Easy access to nearby award winning wineries and craft breweries. Check out the map and guide to local wineries and breweries at the link below https://www.yakimavalleytourism.com/travel-maps/yakima-valley-wineries-map-web.pdf Yakima's local fresh fruit is always available in summer. For a list of whats ripe and being harvested locally check out the link below. https://www.visityakima.com/yakima-valley-produce-schedule.asp Lots of water sports in the area with river and lake fishing, and swimming. Yakima is well know for the amazing fly fishing throughout the region. For current fly fishing conditions check out the report from Red's Fly Fly Shop at the link below https://redsflyfishing.com/blogs/yakima-river-fishing-report/yakima-river-report Kayaking, paddle boarding, river rafting, and jet skiing all easy drive from this camp. Own a boat or jet ski? bring it, plenty of space to park your boat and watercraft trailer. If you are into quads, motorcycle riding or 4x4 off-roading this place is perfect. There are forest service roads and trail riding nearby. Jeep and off road groups come from all over the state to ride in the foothills, just 30 minutes away. Winter time campers are welcome too! Winter access is easy, county road to entrance of Hipcamp is plowed by county road crews and as host I have tractor 🚜 to plow the camp area prior to your arrival. Snowmobiles are welcome in winter and you get a reduced nightly rate. Ride and play in the snow around the camp property or drive 20 minutes to foothills with trails and forestry roads open to sleds. Bring the whole group, plenty of room on this property for as many as 20 rigs and trailers.
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from 
$30
 / night
97%
(131)

Whimsy Rock Homestead

4 sites · RVs, Tents6 acres · Moses Lake North, WA
Learn more about this land: Horses Welcome with no extra charge (bring your own corral). Plenty of space to ride. Come and enjoy the big sky and open spaces on our Central Washington homestead. From your campsite, you will be able to sit and enjoy the breathtaking sunsets and view of the Cascade Mountains to the West. At night you will only need to look up into the sky to clearly spot millions of stars. You will also be given farm fresh eggs to enjoy with a meal. On our homestead, you will see chickens and goats. If in season, you can explore the garden. Enjoy the walking trail right on our property or ride your bikes. Kids will have plenty of room to run, play, and picnic. Children are also welcome to set up their own tent for a night of parent-free fun. Make sure to check out all the extras we offer by clicking on a campsite for those details. From feeding and cuddling goats to star gazing with cocoa. There is plenty of space if you bring your equestrian friends with you. Just bring your portable corral with you. :) With a short drive, you will find seasonal hunting, fishing, biking, hiking (Beezley Hill) , lakes, golf, mini golf, water park, bowling, and a good selection of restaurants. There are also two Walmarts nearby for any of your needs. A little farther and you will find natural pools at Potholes State Park, Soap Lake, Coulee Dam, and Lake Lenore Caves. Interesting fact: Our homestead is located on the McConihe Flats. 1200 years ago the Sinkiuse Indians would meet on the McConihe Flats and trade. They would also collect things along the shore of the lake such, as duck eggs and reeds, which are still around today. We are conveniently located between Moses Lake and Ephrata Washington. Only 12 minutes from either town where you can find Walmart, other stores, and resturants for all your needs.
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from 
$37
 / night

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.

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