Priest Rapids Recreation Area

For Washingtonians, the Columbia River represents a magnificent playground, offering endless opportunities for recreation, relaxation, and connecting with our state's diverse landscapes. If you're a local seeking a straightforward, scenic, and secure camping experience right on the water, the Priest Rapids Recreation Area Campground in Desert Aire, Washington, is a highly recommended spot. Managed by Grant PUD, this area is known for its beautiful setting, practical amenities, and a welcoming atmosphere that makes it ideal for a family getaway or a boating adventure.

The Priest Rapids Recreation Area is often described as a "small family campground" that boasts "beautiful scenery" and a prime "river view." Visitors consistently praise the "friendly and welcoming" staff and the presence of "security," ensuring a peaceful and safe environment. At just "$20.00 a night," it's considered an excellent value, especially given its location and the quality of maintenance by Grant PUD, which keeps its parks "spotless!" While it offers a more rustic experience with no hookups at the campsites themselves, it compensates with other convenient features, including a large boat launch and ample parking.

Our aim with this article is to provide you, our fellow Washington residents, with a clear, engaging, and informative overview of the Priest Rapids Recreation Area Campground. We’ll delve into its convenient location in Desert Aire, detail the services it offers, highlight its unique features that draw campers, and provide essential contact information. Prepare to discover why this spot along the Columbia River could be your next favorite camping destination in Washington.

Priest Rapids Recreation Area is nestled in Desert Aire, WA 99349, USA, along the scenic shores of the Columbia River. This location places it in the semi-arid, sunny region of Central Washington, east of the Cascade Mountains. The area is part of a larger water playground created by the Wanapum and Priest Rapids hydroelectric dams, offering extensive opportunities for boating and water sports.

The campground’s accessibility is generally straightforward, located directly off local roads in Desert Aire. Desert Aire itself is a planned community known for its golf course and river access. The campground offers 14 campsites featuring picnic tables and year-round fire rings with grills. While larger RVs and trailers are allowed, it's important to note the gravel tent pads and that sites do not have individual water, sewer, or electrical hookups. However, a stand-alone potable water spigot is available on site.

The recreation area is open year-round, making it a flexible option for different seasons. The boat launch is operational from "dawn to dusk," with parking available until "10 p.m." for day users. Overnight parking for boats is available for registered campers only. The secure nature of the campground, with gates closing at night to keep the general public out while allowing campers to "come and go," adds an extra layer of peace of mind. Its location provides easy access to the Columbia River, making it a prime spot for those who want to be directly on the water for fishing, boating, or simply enjoying the river views.

Priest Rapids Recreation Area Campground, managed by Grant PUD, provides essential services designed to facilitate a comfortable and secure camping experience, particularly for those who appreciate a more self-sufficient approach:

• Campsites: The campground offers 14 campsites, each equipped with a picnic table and a year-round fire ring with a grill. While the sites feature gravel tent pads, they are suitable for both tents and RVs/trailers. It's important to reiterate that these sites do not have individual water, sewer, or electrical hookups.
• Potable Water Spigot: Despite no individual site hookups, there is a stand-alone potable water spigot on site, ensuring campers have access to fresh drinking water.
• Vault Restrooms: The recreation area includes two ADA-accessible vault restrooms, which are described by visitors as "clean and well kept," a crucial amenity for any campground.
• Large Boat Launch and Parking: A significant service at Priest Rapids is its "large boat launch" with "three lanes," allowing for efficient launching of watercraft. There is ample parking with "20 passenger vehicle parking spots" and "61 truck and trailer parking spots," catering to boating enthusiasts.
• Designated Swim Area: For those looking to cool off in the Columbia River, a designated swim area is available, ensuring a safer place for water activities.
• Sheltered Picnic Areas: Multiple sheltered picnic areas are available for day use, providing shaded spots for outdoor meals and gatherings.
• Onsite Security and Camp Host: The presence of "security" and a "very helpful Camp host" significantly contributes to the feeling of safety and a well-managed environment. This is a key benefit, especially in a small, family-oriented campground.
• Gated Access at Night: Gates close at night to restrict general public access, ensuring privacy and quiet hours for campers while still allowing registered campers to enter and exit.
• Irrigated Turf: The campground features "lush green grass" in areas, indicating irrigated turf, which is a pleasant feature in a typically dry desert environment.
• Payment System: Camping payment is typically made via a "cash/check only payment drop box" for drop-in camping, with online reservations available during certain periods.

Priest Rapids Recreation Area Campground stands out for several key features that make it an attractive choice for Washingtonians seeking a specific type of outdoor experience:

• Stunning River Views: The "beautiful scenery" and direct "river view" from the campground are consistently highlighted. Being right on the Columbia River offers picturesque sunrises and sunsets, along with opportunities to watch boats and wildlife.
• Affordable Camping: At "$20.00 a night," the price is considered "a steal" by visitors, offering excellent value for a campsite on the Columbia River with basic amenities and a secure environment.
• Exceptional Cleanliness: Grant PUD's commitment to keeping its parks "spotless" is evident, with facilities like the vault restrooms described as "clean and well kept." This attention to detail greatly enhances the camping experience.
• Secure and Quiet Environment: The presence of security and camp hosts, coupled with gates that close at night, ensures a safe and "quiet" atmosphere, ideal for families and those seeking a peaceful retreat.
• Large Boat Launch and Parking: For boaters, the "large boat launch" and extensive parking area are major conveniences, providing easy and efficient access to the Columbia River for fishing, water skiing, and other activities.
• Family-Friendly Atmosphere: Described as a "small family camp ground," it fosters a welcoming environment suitable for children and families looking for a low-key outdoor adventure.
• Lush Green Areas: The "lush green grass for tents" provides a comfortable and aesthetically pleasing setting, a welcome contrast to the more arid surroundings.
• Accessible Shoreline Trail: A "3-mile shoreline trail" offers opportunities for walks and enjoying the river's edge, suitable for both leisurely strolls and more active pursuits.
• Year-Round Operation: The campground is open year-round, allowing for camping experiences across different seasons, from the warmth of summer to the quieter, cooler months.

For more information, current availability, or to make reservations at Priest Rapids Recreation Area Campground, you can utilize the following contact details. This campground is managed by Grant County Public Utility District (PUD).

Address: Priest Rapids Recreation Area, Desert Aire, WA 99349, USA

Phone: (509) 754-5085 (Grant PUD Recreation Information)

Mobile Phone: +1 509-754-5085 (Same as main phone for general inquiries)

Alternative Contact/Website: You can also find information and potentially make reservations through Grant PUD's recreation website, often found at 509river.org, which provides details on all their managed recreation areas. Reservations are accepted for stays between April 15 and September 30, with first-come, first-served camping welcomed year-round outside of the reservation period. It's always best to check their official site for the most up-to-date information on operating hours, current fees, and any seasonal notices.

For Washington locals, Priest Rapids Recreation Area Campground in Desert Aire is an excellent choice that perfectly aligns with our state's love for accessible outdoor recreation, particularly along our iconic rivers. It offers a no-frills, yet highly functional and charming, camping experience that caters to families and boaters seeking a serene getaway without a hefty price tag.

One of the strongest reasons this campground is suitable for Washingtonians is its incredible value. At just "$20.00 a night," coupled with "clean and well kept" facilities and stunning "river views," it's a truly affordable option for regular getaways. This makes it a sustainable choice for locals who want to frequent the outdoors without breaking the bank, fostering a healthier, more active lifestyle. The "spotless" maintenance by Grant PUD reflects a commitment to quality that Washington residents appreciate in their public spaces.

Furthermore, its practical amenities cater directly to common local activities. The "large boat launch and parking area" are invaluable for those who enjoy fishing, water skiing, or simply cruising the vast Columbia River. The presence of a designated swim area provides a safe spot for families to enjoy the water. While there are "no hookups" at individual sites, the availability of a central potable water spigot and clean vault restrooms ensures basic comforts are met, encouraging a more self-reliant style of camping that many Washingtonians are adept at.

Finally, the "small family camp ground" atmosphere, combined with the reassuring presence of "security" and helpful "camp host," creates a safe and welcoming environment. The unique feature of gates closing at night, allowing only campers to come and go, adds a layer of peace and privacy that enhances the overall sense of escape. Priest Rapids Recreation Area is truly a local gem, offering a straightforward, scenic, and secure base for enjoying the Columbia River and the beautiful Central Washington landscape, making it an ideal choice for Washington residents.

Priest Rapids Recreation Area

Priest Rapids Recreation Area, Desert Aire, WA 99349, USA