Featuring fantastic recreational activities in 11 different areas, Lake Bryan is a very popular RV destination, and for good reason. Originally built by the U.S Corps of Engineers on the Lower Snake River in southwestern Washington, Lake Bryan is one of many lakes in the area under the Corps of Engineers umbrella, including Lower Granite Lake that provides flood control and drinking water for the surrounding townships.
The lake is extremely popular with recreation enthusiasts thanks to the 11 different recreation areas that are dotted along its shoreline. During the summertime, it is common to see many visitors out on the lake either in a watercraft, swimming, or using a stand-up paddleboard. If you want to get out on the water, bring your own watercraft as there is no guarantee rentals will be available. Off the lake, there are also nine picnic areas, including the well-known Boyer Park and Marina. This area is excellent for large group gatherings and features electrical, water, fire rings, and multiple picnic tables.
If you fancy staying the night at Lake Bryan, you can do so thanks to multiple RV friendly campgrounds on the shore of the lake. All of the campgrounds beside the Boyer Park & Marina KOA don't have any hookups, so if you want a little luxury, this should be the campground for you. Peak season at Lake Bryan runs from March until November.
Reaching Lake Bryan in your RV should be relatively straightforward, even for beginner drivers. There are roads all around the lake that will give you easy access to the lakefront, but if you want to reach the main area, you will have to take WA-127 from either the north or the south.
If you need to pick up any supplies before your trip to Lake Bryan, you should try to plan this in advance if possible, as the lake is in a relatively remote area. Some of the closest shops can be found in the towns of Pomeroy (around 18 miles away), Dayton (around 34 miles away), and Waitsburg (around 44 miles away). The closest cities to Lake Bryan are Pullman (around 49 miles away), and Moscow (around 59 miles away).
Driving in and around the recreation areas should be easy, and the roads are very well maintained by the local county and the U.S Corps of Engineers. There should be no obstacles that will disrupt your journey or damage your RV, but remember to slow down when entering the park.
All of the recreational areas will have plenty of parking available for your RV if you are just visiting the lake for a day trip.
Considering staying near Lake Bryan? If so, the campground at Boyer Park KOA is one of the most popular in the area. Well regarded as being a well maintained and family-friendly place to stay, there are 61 paved RV sites, along with four cabins and three tent sites if you want to get out of your RV. Some of the RV sites have full hookups, while others have water and electric.
This KOA campground has the most amenities within the area, with restrooms, showers, eight boat docks, Wifi, and a dump station all available for your convenience. The campground is suitable for RVs up to 45 feet in length, and you will also be in a great spot to throw out a fishing line during your stay.
Pets are allowed within the campground, and you should be able to get cell phone reception on all of the major networks. Boyer Park & Marina KOA is open all year round, and reservations are recommended.
For RV travelers who don't mind roughing it with no major amenities, you should consider staying at Illia Landing. This is a primitive campground on the banks of Lake Bryan that is open all year round for you to enjoy. There are no fees for staying at Illia Landing, but you will have to be okay with no showers, dump station, or flushing toilets.
Despite this, there are vault toilets and water collection points, so you will at least be able to get some fresh water and use some form of a toilet. There are no reservations available at Illia Landing.
Fishing is, without a doubt, one of the most popular recreational activities at Lake Bryan, and it's easy to see why. There are some great fishing spots for you to choose from if you are fishing from the shoreline, but if you have a boat, you can also take it out to the harder to reach spots. Some of the common species caught in the lake include crappie, walleye, catfish, and bass. Fishing can be done all year round, but it is most popular during the off-peak season.
No matter what time of the year that you visit Lake Bryan there will be plenty of hiking trails that you can check out. There are trails at nine of the recreation areas, including four that have multiuse trails that you can use for biking if you love to ride. Once the weather starts to change you can also use the trails for snowshoeing or cross country skiing if you want to do some exploring in the snow.
Although there is no visitor center at Lake Bryan, the nearby Lower Granite Lock and Dam has a great place for you to learn more about the area. Here at the Lower Granite Dam, there is a Visitor Center that details the history of the Lower Snake River and the future of the area. If you have any questions about Lake Bryan the visitor center staff are on hand to answer any questions and give you some general tips.
Another free camping option on the banks of Lake Bryan is the campground at Lambi Creek Recreation Area. Like Illia Landing there are little to no major amenities for you to choose from, but that should be expected for a free camping area. There are six sites that would suit smaller RVs and they do have some nice privacy thanks to the tall trees. Some of the amenities at the campground include picnic tables, fire rings, and vault toilets. All sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis only.
Within the Little Goose Lock and Dam area there are multiple first come, first served campgrounds that you can use for free. Operated and maintained by the U.S Corps of Engineers, these campgrounds are similar to the other primitive ones near Lake Bryan. There are great water views to be had, but not many amenities since they are free. Little Goose Landing is one of the more popular free camping spots as you will have great uninterrupted views of the surrounding area.
Located around 13 miles from Illia Landing, the Willow Landing Campground is great for RV lovers who are looking to get away from it all. This is usually the least busy of the primitive camping areas around Lake Bryan and yes, it is also free to stay at no matter the time of year.
Remember to pack any supplies you will need as the closest grocery store is 10 miles away. Some of the amenities at Willow Landing include picnic tables, vault toilets, and grills.
Another great way to enjoy all that Lake Bryan has to offer is to get out on the lake! The lake is a great spot to take out a watercraft and attracts locals and tourists alike to get some exercise or just enjoy being outside.
For the more nimble folk kayaking and stand up paddleboarding are great activities, but you will also see fishing boats out on the water quite regularly. If you don't have your own watercraft we recommend you rent one privately if possible as there won't be any at most of the recreation areas.
One of the most popular activities at Lake Bryan is to jump in the water and splash about during the summertime. There are two beaches on the shores of the lake at the Illia Dunes Recreation Area and Boyer Park that are also great for relaxing on once you have finished swimming.
You can also make use of the amenities at the recreation centers, such as restrooms, showers, and multiuse trails. Please note that there are no lifeguards on duty at any time during the year, so swim to your ability.
Once you are finished out on the lake, a great way to spend the afternoon is to have a peaceful picnic. Nearly all of the recreation areas have some picnic amenities that you can make use of, along with them also being the perfect place to throw down a picnic rug and relax by the water. None of the picnic areas have reservable areas, so anyone wanting to have a picnic can do so on a first-come, first-serve basis.
