Offering a wide range of recreational activities across over two dozen recreation areas, there is plenty to see and do at Lower Granite Lake. Located mostly in the counties of Garfield and Whitman, Lower Granite Lake is a very popular place with people of all ages. The construction of Lower Granite Lake occurred when Lower Granite was built. However, it was not straightforward. Work started in 1965, but was stopped less than two years into the project. After a hiatus, work again started in 1970 and the lake was completed in 1975. Lower Granite Lake is massive and takes up around 8,900 surface acres, so you won't have to worry about staying entertained during your visit.
Originally built for flood control and power generation purposes, the lake, and surrounding area offers visitors some of the best recreational activities in southeast Washington. There are five swimming areas, 12 boat ramps, four areas with fishing facilities, and three marinas. Off the lake, there is also so much fun to be had thanks to the 23 trails, 19 picnic areas, and three playgrounds. If you want to learn more about the park you can also check the Lower Granite Dam South Shore Visitor Center, which is open all year round.
Lower Granite Lake has three RV friendly campgrounds with electrical hookups, as well as another six primitive campgrounds for you to enjoy. Peak season at Lower Granite Lake is from April through to October.
Since Lower Granite Lake is so large and consists of many different recreational areas and campgrounds there will be plenty of different places that you can drive to during your visit to the area. The most common place for visitors to the lake to go to first is the Visitor Center, which is located at the northernmost portion where the lock is. You can reach it by either taking Lower Granite Road Almota Ferry Road.
If you want to pick up any supplies for a picnic or your camping trip, the main places to visit are on the Washington and Idaho border cities of Clarkston and Lewiston. Both of these cities are located directly on the lake, so for those staying near this area, you won't have to drive too far. For visitors to the northern end of the lake, you could also stop at Pullman and Colfax.
Due to the park being operated and maintained by the U.S Corps of Engineers and the roads in and around the lake being maintained by the local counties, you should have no trouble with driving to and from each area. Trees do not surround a lot of the roads near the lake, so there will be little to no chance of you damaging your RV on overhanging branches. During the wintertime, the lake area is known to get a lot of snowfall, so be prepared for these conditions if you plan to travel here during this time.
Since there are so many recreational areas under the 12,000 acre Lower Granite Lake umbrella there will be plenty of parking spots for you to choose from if you are just visiting for the day.
Operated and maintained by the U.S Corps of Engineers, Chief Timothy Park Campground is an RV friendly spot for you to call home during your visit to Lower Granite Lake. Located on a 282-acre island, the campground has a unique feel about it since the land is surrounded by water.
The campground isn't huge, with a total of 33 RV sites, including 25 full hookup sites and eight that are electric and water only. If you have an RV under 40 feet in length, you will be able to stay here. Other amenities within the campground include flush toilets, showers, a swimming area, playground, public phone, and a dump station. Some of the sites will also be on the lakeshore, and pets can be brought to the campground, as long as you keep them leashed.
If you would like to stay at Chief Timothy Park Campground reservations can be booked all year round. Peak season is during the summertime, but the campground is open throughout the year.
Another excellent option for a public campground along Lower Granite Lake is the Hells Gate State Park Campground. Consisting of three loops, the campground is on the larger side compared to the Chief Timothy Park Campground and can accommodate RV's up to 72 feet in length.
Along with being able to handle larger RVs, Hells Gate State Park Campground has 87 sites for you to choose from, including ten full hook-up sites and a further 49 that have water and electric only. All three of the campground loops have some great amenities available, including shady areas, flushing toilets, showers, and a central dump station. You will also be close to some great hiking trails, and there is a playground for the little adventurers.
Hells Gate State Park Campground is open all year round, and reservations can be made online. You can bring leashed pets into the campground.
The other option that RV travelers have who are wanting to stay in a campground with services is a private RV resort within Clarkston. Owned and operated by a chain resort company, this campground is known for being extremely clean, helpful staff, and is located near stores within the city.
There are 75 RV friendly campsites to choose from, including 50 sites that are paved. There are full-hookup sites available, as well as more expensive lakefront sites if you want to be right on the water's edge. You can also stay at pull-through sites if you have a larger rig, and all sites come with a picnic table. Other amenities within the resort include WiFi, restrooms, showers, laundry facilities, fishing supplies, and a dump station.
Reservations for the private RV site are recommended if you would like to stay here as it is a very busy park. They can be made online or by calling the park office. Camping can be done all year round.
During the summertime, Lower Granite Lake is a hub of activity due to locals and tourists alike wanting to cool off in the water. There are four different swimming areas for you to choose from, including the sandy Chestnut Beach in the city limits of Clarkston.
Most of the swimming areas will also be accompanied by some other amenities to enhance your day out, such as restrooms and drinking water collection points. Be prepared to swim in unguarded areas as there are no guarantees that lifeguards will be present at each of the four swimming areas.
Another benefit of having so many developed recreational areas on the banks of the lake is that the picnicking opportunities are aplenty. In total there are 19 (yes, 19) picnic areas for you to choose from, including five that have group shelters that are suited to larger parties. If you are interested in booking a group shelter there is no lakewide reservation system, so its best to explore your options and contact the areas directly.
Interested in learning more about the history of the dam and the lake? Lower Granite Dam South Shore Visitor Center is the place to be to get informed on what happened in the past, what is happening in the present, and what's to come in the future for Lower Granite Lake.
Staff at the visitor center will be able to answer any question you may have, and it is a great chance to ask for some tips to make the most out of your visit. The Visitor Center also offers tours, has educational movies on display, and some small exhibits.
There are no public transport options that will take you to Lower Granite Lake.
For RV lovers who don't need the more luxury amenities, there are also six primitive campgrounds that you could stay at. All of the campgrounds are located near the edge of the lake and vary between being first-come, first-serve, and reservation-only sites. All but one of the primitive campgrounds are managed by the U.S Corps of Engineers, so you can expect a high-quality experience when you are staying within these areas.
If you are a keen angler, you must pack your rod and reel before departing for Lower Granite Lake. Fishing can be done down the 39 mile stretch of the lake, and there are also adult-sized fish ladders so that salmon and steelhead can navigate upstream.
Along with being able to fish from boats and the shoreline, there are also three fishing docks and one pier that you can also use to try and catch the big one. If you need any fishing gear, you can buy some in either Clarkstown or Lewiston.
Lower Granite Lake is one of the best destinations in Washington for hiking lovers. Twenty-three of the recreational areas that dot the shoreline of the lake have trails available, including some suitable for multipurpose use. If you want to learn while out on a hike, check out the Wawawai County Park Interpretive Trail. This half-mile trail is suitable for all ages and features signs that detail the natural features, history, and geology of the area.
Looking for something a little different to do during your visit to Lower Granite Lake? Within Hells Gate State Park is a great disc golf course that is suitable for people of all ages. The course is nine holes in length and is set in an area featuring trees and dry weeds near the marina. If you plan to have some fun on the course, you will need your own discs and to pay the small course-use fee.
