🌤 Weather at Potholes State Park by season
| Spring | Summer | Fall | Winter |
|---|---|---|---|
| 32–74 °F | 52–90 °F | 29–79 °F | 24–44 °F |
Each range runs from the coldest monthly average low to the warmest monthly average high in that season (1991-2020 climate normals), measured at Moses Lake Grant Co Airport, 16 mi away, elevation 1,196 ft. Conditions at the park can differ from the station, especially where elevation differs — check a forecast before you go.
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
| Accommodation | Details |
|---|---|
| ⛺ Standard Sites | 121 |
| 🔌 Full Hookup | 60 (RVs to 50ft) |
| 🏠 Cabins | 5 |
| 🚿 Facilities | Hot showers, dump station |
Fishing Paradise
| Fish | Notes |
|---|---|
| 🐟 Walleye | Year-round favorite! |
| 🐟 Largemouth Bass | Excellent structure |
| 🐟 Perch & Crappie | Abundant |
| 🌨️ Ice Fishing | Winter when frozen! |
Desert Lake Boating
5 boat launches + 60ft dock on the 14,000-acre Potholes Reservoir. 50,000 trout stocked annually!
FAQ
Nearby Attractions
Moses Lake — 20 miles northeast — provides services. Columbia National Wildlife Refuge — surrounding area — has world-class birding. Ginkgo Petrified Forest — 30 miles northwest — preserves 50 species of petrified wood. Sun Lakes-Dry Falls — 40 miles north — has the largest Ice Age waterfall site.
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 ($45/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.
More parks nearby: Wanapum Recreation Area is within about an hour’s drive, while Ginkgo Petrified Forest State Park lies within about an hour’s drive.
⛺ Camping at Potholes State Park: Campgrounds & Cabins
| Campsites | Maximum site length 50 ft with limited availability. No total count or per-type breakdown stated. Camping not permitted next to the reservoir. |
|---|---|
| Cabins & Lodging | Cabins available for rent (referenced as separate 'Potholes Cabins' listing); no counts, capacity, or amenities detailed on park page. |
| Pets | Dogs allowed on leash (general park rule; camping-specific policy not detailed). |
| Reservations | washington.goingtocamp.com or (509) 346-2759. Discover Pass required: Annual $45 / One-day $10. |
| Season notes | Open year-round for camping and lake access. Summer hours 6:30 a.m.-Dusk; Winter 8:00 a.m.-Dusk. Winter water supply at the trailer dump station area; campground and day-use restrooms remain open in winter. |
Camping questions about Potholes State Park
Can you camp at Potholes State Park?
Maximum site length 50 ft with limited availability. No total count or per-type breakdown stated. Camping not permitted next to the reservoir.
How do you reserve a campsite at Potholes State Park?
washington.goingtocamp.com or (509) 346-2759. Discover Pass required: Annual $45 / One-day $10.
Are there cabins at Potholes State Park?
Cabins available for rent (referenced as separate 'Potholes Cabins' listing); no counts, capacity, or amenities detailed on park page.
Are pets allowed at the Potholes State Park campground?
Dogs allowed on leash (general park rule; camping-specific policy not detailed).
Source: parks.wa.gov (verified July 2026). Details change seasonally — confirm when booking.
🐾 Dogs & Pets at Potholes State Park
- Pets allowed? statewide rule
- Pets are allowed in most Washington state parks but must be under physical control on a leash at all times.
- Leash rule statewide rule
- 8 ft maximum leash required; pets must be under physical control
- Beaches & swim areas statewide rule
- Pets are not permitted on designated swim beaches
- Cabins & lodging statewide rule
- Pets are not allowed inside vacation houses but are permitted in designated pet-friendly cabins and yurts (e.g. Grayland Beach, Seaquest, Ike Kinswa — Cape Disappointment does NOT allow pets in its yurts), typically up to two pets, with a pet fee
- Pet fees statewide rule
- No day-use pet fee; $15 per night pet fee in pet-friendly cabins/yurts
- Statewide exceptions statewide rule
- Director-designated off-leash areas are exempt from the leash rule and are conspicuously posted
Are dogs allowed at Potholes State Park?
Pets are allowed in most Washington state parks but must be under physical control on a leash at all times. Individual parks can post stricter rules — check signage on arrival.
Rules verified July 2026 via parks.wa.gov. More: Washington state parks guide · Dog rules in all 50 states compared
Park Location
Plan your gear for Potholes State Park
From our editorial guides, matched to this park’s activities:
