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Lewis & Clark Trail
Overview
Lewis & Clark Trail State Park is a verdant oasis located along the Touchet River between Dayton and Waitsburg. This 37-acre park is famous for its rare stand of old-growth ponderosa pine and cottonwood trees, providing a cool canopy for travelers. It serves as a living tribute to the Corps of Discovery, who camped in this immediate vicinity in 1806. Unlike many of the more arid, desert-like areas found in Eastern Washington, this park offers a unique, lush, and deeply forested sanctuary for weary travelers.
Location & Surroundings
Situated in the rolling hills of the Palouse region, the park is easily accessible via Highway 12. It sits directly on the banks of the Touchet River, where the sound of flowing water creates a peaceful backdrop for campers. The surrounding landscape features the fertile agricultural land characteristic of Columbia County, punctuated by the dramatic Blue Mountains rising in the distance. The park’s natural seclusion offers a quiet escape from modern noise while remaining close to small-town services.
Amenities & Park Features
The park accommodates RVers with a mix of standard and utility campsites. Several sites offer electricity and water hookups, though many are intentionally primitive to preserve the natural, historic setting. Essential amenities include clean restrooms, coin-operated showers, and a convenient RV dump station located near the park entrance. For recreation, visitors will find stone kitchen shelters built by the Civilian Conservation Corps, horseshoe pits, and designated swimming areas in the shallow, refreshing river.
Nearby Attractions & Things to Do
A short drive brings visitors to the historic town of Dayton, known for the Dayton Depot and its beautifully preserved Victorian architecture. Nature enthusiasts can explore the nearby Blue Mountains for hiking or take a scenic day trip to the stunning Palouse Falls State Park. For those interested in local flavors, the world-class wineries and fine dining restaurants of Walla Walla are less than 30 minutes away, making the park a perfect home base for regional touring.
Who This Park Is Best For
This destination is ideal for RVers seeking a quiet, rustic experience rather than a paved commercial resort. It is a top choice for history buffs wanting to walk in the footsteps of the famous 1806 expedition. Families will enjoy the safe, shallow river access and grassy play areas, while those traveling in smaller rigs or camper vans will appreciate the intimate, shaded campsites that offer significantly more privacy and natural beauty than typical highway stopovers.
Amenities
- Recreational Facilities
- Policies
- Other Amenities & Services
- Facility
- On-Site Rentals
- Sites
User Reviews
Amanda Whalen
The frogs at night are incredible!!! The trees and bushes are so lush and dense and beautiful! The park is clean and well maintained. You can barely hear any noise from the highway, thanks to all the vegetation. Bathrooms were good. There is a bird watching trail that starts behind the bathroom. Sites are all very flat, great for tent campers, but large enough for campers too. Fire pits have metal grates over them. There was a burn ban while we visited, so we couldn't use the fire pit, but we brought our propane stove, so no issues there. Little town just a few minutes up the highway for anything you may have forgotten. The wildlife is no joke! First the frogs. Then on the way back from the bathroom at 2:30am I ran into a opossum! We surprised each other and he just turned and walked of the road and into the bushes. And all the birds in the morning. 100% recommend 👌
Forrest Mewes
This is my family's go-to on a hot day. With just a short 20 minute drive from W² and a 5 to 10 minute drive from Dayton or Waitsburg we love to float the Touchett River here. The water is cool and has shallow and deep parts to keep our kids entertained. The Parks restrooms are clean and right there next to the river. If your looking to camp here just know its a dry site, although there is an RV dump and potable water filling station on the property.
Dan Huber
Hot showers are FREE now. This campground is like a bird sanctuary. Over 15 birds identified and calming to listen to. Trees are tall and the brush provides good privacy for each campsite.
zach r
Stayed in the teepee and it was a blast, nice little park, has the river running behind it, nice area, Dayton is a cool little town with fun stuff to see downtown.
Crash_Test
Pretty nice shady campground, you can hear the river from some sites, and most sites are very secluded. There were rowdy teens floating the river and being generally obnoxious, but the camp ranger was on the ball, keeping the park tidy. Very old bathrooms (but toilets, not pits) and no hookups, but because of this, we were able to get a next day reservation. We had a great time. Unlike other campgrounds, there were few bugs and no spider infestations.