Lewis & Clark Trail State Park
RV Guide
Introduction
Located in southeastern Washington, Lewis and Clark Trail State Park is a riverside retreat with excellent fishing and boating. The 36 acres of alder, ponderosa pine, and maple trees give you plenty of shade as you relax along the cool waters of the Trouchet River. The river is packed with trout and steelhead, giving flyfishers plenty of opportunities. You can also swim and tube on the river during the summer.
The park, although small, has a well-maintained mile-long trail that takes you through the old growth forest. You’ll be able to spot bird species such as red-tailed hawk and orange-crowned warbler, as well as deer, coyotes, and foxes. There are a number of picnic tables along the water where you can relax and enjoy the shade, as well as a kitchen shelter that can be reserved in advance.
The park’s 24 RV campsites can be reserved in advance online, and offer shaded, secluded camping along the river. You’ll be near the park office, and have views of the water from your campervan.
RV Rentals in Lewis & Clark Trail State Park
Transportation
Driving
Located in the southeastern corner of Washington, Lewis and Clark Trail State Park can be reached from the state’s major cities, as well as Portland and Boise. The park is just off US-12, making it easy to access the RV campground. The only issue campers have is the occasional flooding in the area.
If you are driving from Seattle, take I-90 east and you will reach the park in around four and a half hours. From Portland, take I-84 east from the city and you’ll get to the park in just over four hours. Coming from Boise, take I-84 west out of the city, and you’ll arrive in just under five hours.
The park is small, so you won’t have to drive far past the main entrance to reach the campsites. However, the park is situated right on a river, so there is occasional flooding. If there is a storm before your visit, you should call the park and ask about current conditions on the roads and in the campground.
Parking
Public Transportation
Campgrounds and parking in Lewis & Clark Trail State Park
Campsites in Lewis & Clark Trail State Park
Reservations camping
Lewis and Clark Trail State Park Campground
The campground is open from April through October, and the sites can be reserved online running from May through September. The sites must be booked at least a day in advance, and can be booked up to five months before your visit. The campsite is fairly small, so there is limited availability when visiting during the summer. Try to book as early as possible if visiting during peak season.
There are 24 sites in the campground, all of them located near the river. The sites do not have hookups of any kind, but do come with a BBQ, fire pit, and picnic table. The campground is pet-friendly, as long as dogs are kept on a leash. There is also a group camp that can accommodate up to 50 people, although it can only fit a few RVs, and does not offer hookups of any kind. This site must be booked in advance.
The campground is located right on the Touchet River, giving you easy access to fishing and boating. The fish cleaning station is also located right on the edge of the campground, and the park office is just a short walk away.
Seasonal activities in Lewis & Clark Trail State Park
Off-Season
Hiking
The park is fairly small, but you’ll still find around a mile of trails taking you through the old growth forests. The trail takes you through the parks cottonwood, ponderosa pine, maple, and alder trees. You’ll be able to see many of the park’s bird species, as well as deer, mink, coyotes, and foxes. Hiking in the park tends to be best in spring and fall, when the weather is milder and the park’s colors come alive.
Birdwatching
Don't forget to pack your binoculars in your camper or trailer since southeastern Washington is home to hundreds of bird species, many of which can be spotted in Lewis and Clark Trail State Park. You’ll be able to spot red-tailed hawk, common merganser, and orange-crowned warbler, in addition to dozens of other birds.
There are a number of birdwatching groups in the area, many of which provide useful educational resources on the park’s birds. Check their websites for bird field guides and checklists.
Fishing
When you visit the park in your rig there will be plenty of angling opportunities along the Touchet River. Fly fishing for trout is excellent, as the shallow waters of the river make it easy to wade around in the water. You’ll find abundant trout and steelhead swimming around in the calmer areas of the river.
You can fish from the shore, or take a small boat out onto the river. The park does not rent any fishing gear, so pack everything you need with your RV. There are also a few local bait shops, should you need to pick up essentials.
In-Season
Swimming
The park is situated along a 1,300-foot stretch of the Trouchet River, giving campers plenty of space to swim and enjoy the water. There are shallow parts of the river where you can wade into the water, as well as deeper sections perfect for swimming.
The river is fairly rocky, so you may want to bring water shoes when going into the water. The current is mild, and the river is fairly shallow. However, the river is not monitored, so be careful when swimming with children.
Tubing
The shallow waters of the Trouchet River are also perfect for tubing during the summer. The current is generally mild enough to be safe, but you’ll still be able to move along at a brisk pace. The water is also fairly shallow, making it easy to move around. However, make sure to check water and weather conditions before you head out, especially after a storm. The river is not monitored by park officials, so do take caution with children. The park also does not rent tubes, so bring everything you need along with your RV.
Interpretive Opportunities
The park is situated on the spot where Lewis and Clark stopped on their return east. There are interpretive displays that walk you through the park’s history, highlighting the role of Lewis and Clark and the original homesteaders in the area. You can also find more information in the day use area about the park’s history. The park staff also offers additional interpretive programs in the summer when requested. Call the park or visit the park office for additional information.
