Potholes State Park
Washington

Potholes State Park

Available Activities
  • Hiking
  • Camping
  • Swimming
  • Fishing
  • Boating
  • Bird Watching
  • Paddling
  • RV
  • Cabins
  • Winter Sports
Verified by America’s State Parks Editorial Team – Updated February 2026

Potholes State Park is a desert oasis—181 campsites, 5 cabins, and a massive 14,000-acre reservoir teeming with walleye, bass, and perch in eastern Washington’s sagebrush landscape!

Camping & Cabins

AccommodationDetails
Standard Sites121
🔌 Full Hookup60 (RVs to 50ft)
🏠 Cabins5
🚿 FacilitiesHot showers, dump station

Fishing Paradise

FishNotes
🐟 WalleyeYear-round favorite!
🐟 Largemouth BassExcellent structure
🐟 Perch & CrappieAbundant
🌨️ Ice FishingWinter when frozen!

Desert Lake Boating

5 boat launches + 60ft dock on the 14,000-acre Potholes Reservoir. 50,000 trout stocked annually!

FAQ

Is this really a desert?

Yes! Eastern Washington’s high desert—sand dunes, sagebrush, and a massive oasis lake!

🏜️ Washington’s Desert Oasis

Reserve at WA State Parks.

Location & Getting There

Potholes State Park is located in Washington. The park’s coordinates are 46.9833, -119.3333. Check the park’s official website or your state parks app for detailed driving directions and GPS navigation tips.

Quick Facts

  • Location: Washington
  • Coordinates: 46.9833, -119.3333
  • Activities: Hiking, Camping, Fishing, Wildlife Viewing
  • Pets: Allowed on leash in most areas (check local rules)

Things to Do

Washington state parks offer incredible diversity — from rain-soaked old-growth forests and volcanic Cascade landscapes to arid canyonlands and island-dotted Puget Sound waters. Popular activities include hiking through temperate rainforests, beachcombing on wild Pacific shores, kayaking the San Juan Islands, camping beneath towering Douglas firs, fishing for salmon and steelhead, and cross-country skiing in winter.

Best Time to Visit

Western Washington is driest June through September. Eastern Washington enjoys more sunshine year-round. The San Juan Islands are best May through September. Mountain parks open as snow melts, typically July through October. Always carry rain gear west of the Cascades.

Visitor Tips

A Discover Pass ($30/year or $10/day) is required for vehicle access. Popular parks like Deception Pass book months ahead. Many island parks are accessible only by ferry — check schedules in advance.

Explore More Washington State Parks

Potholes State Park is one of many outstanding state parks in Washington. Discover more parks in our Best State Parks in Washington guide, or use our Park Finder to search by activity, location, or features.

Sarah Mitchell

About the Author

Outdoor Editor & Trail Expert

Sarah Mitchell is an outdoor writer and trail researcher with over 8 years of experience exploring state parks across America. As the lead editor at AmericasStateParks.org, she has personally visited more than 200 parks in 42 states, logging thousands of trail miles and hundreds of campground nights. Sarah specializes in detailed park guides, accessibility information, and family-friendly outdoor planning. Her work focuses on helping first-time visitors feel confident and well-prepared for their state park adventures.

200+ state parks visited across 42 states | 8+ years of outdoor writing

Last updated: February 20, 2026

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