Are you the owner for this storage? Make it a featured listing and be seen in the top search results!
Sun Lakes - Dry Falls
Overview
Sun Lakes - Dry Falls State Park offers a unique geological experience in the heart of Washington's desert landscape. This expansive park sits at the foot of what was once the largest waterfall on earth, a site that remains a marvel of natural history. It provides a stark contrast to the evergreen forests usually associated with the state, featuring dramatic basalt cliffs and a series of deep blue lakes. It is a premier destination for those looking to explore the Channeled Scablands while enjoying a comfortable stay with modern conveniences for recreational vehicles.
Location & Surroundings
Located just south of Coulee City, the park is situated within the majestic Lower Grand Coulee. The surrounding environment is characterized by massive rock formations carved by ancient glacial floods during the last ice age. Visitors are surrounded by high desert shrub-steppe terrain, where the sun reflects off the steep canyon walls throughout the day. The location serves as a primary gateway to the broader Columbia River Basin, offering wide-open skies and a profound sense of isolation from the busy bustle of urban life.
Amenities & Park Features
The park is well-equipped for RVers, featuring over 150 standard sites and full-hookup utility sites that accommodate many larger rigs. Essential services include modern restrooms, heated showers, and a convenient on-site dump station for guest use. For recreation within the grounds, travelers can take advantage of a golf course, a park store, and boat rentals. The park also maintains a dedicated swimming beach and multiple fishing docks, ensuring that water-based activities are always easily accessible from the primary camping loops.
Nearby Attractions & Things to Do
A visit here is incomplete without a stop at the Dry Falls Visitor Center, which offers breathtaking panoramic views and educational exhibits about the area's ice-age history. Fishing enthusiasts flock to the local lakes for rainbow trout and walleye, while hikers can explore miles of trails leading through the unique rock formations and coulees. Nearby, the massive Grand Coulee Dam provides impressive evening laser shows during the summer months, and the surrounding wildlife areas are perfect for bird watching and desert photography.
Who This Park Is Best For
This park is ideal for outdoor-loving families and geology enthusiasts who appreciate a blend of natural wonder and developed recreation. Because of its diverse amenities like mini-golf, playgrounds, and boat launches, it serves well as a multi-day basecamp for those wanting an active vacation. It is particularly well-suited for trout anglers and RVers seeking a scenic, sun-drenched escape in the eastern part of the state, providing a rugged yet comfortable environment for all types of travelers.
Amenities
- Recreational Facilities
- Policies
- Other Amenities & Services
- Recreation Nearby (within 10 miles)
- Facility
- On-Site Rentals
- Sites
User Reviews
Brian Hanford
Weekend well spent out at Dry Falls–Sun Lakes State Park! We camped under those big basalt cliffs, hiked the loop around Umatilla Rock, and soaked in the otherworldly views that make this place a treasure of Washington’s past and present. The interpretive ranger did an excellent job bringing the Ice Age floods to life—hard to believe all that water once carved this whole landscape! Campground was easy to get to, clean, and well cared for—bathrooms included (always a win). If you haven’t been out there lately, it’s worth the trip. Big skies, good trails, and a bit of geological wonder never hurt the soul.
Jacob Jaeggli
Gorgeous lakes. Deep lake was fairly clear even after this hot summer, and was an incredible paddle from one end to the other. Some waterfowl including a bald eagle, quail, some form of red headed duck. The water was clear enough you could see the shelf where the water drops off into the inky darkness below. Several small fish jumping, and spotted a catfish in the shallows. Paddle from one end to the other (of Deep Lake) is about 1.5 hours for a strong paddler at a leisurely pace. Boat ramp was very slippery, so I ended up entering from the sandy spot rather than falling on my... into the water.
Andrew Steele
Great park. Decently maintained. Amazing staff & rangers. Upper rv loops can get pretty windy .. can wreck your tent/sunshade/awning if left out. Beautiful scenery. Cell service is spotty at best.
Jennifer Pahlman
Great inexpensive way to visit this area. (**Deep Lake has a trail to cliff jumping!) Paddle boat, canoe and boat rentals are reasonably priced. Weekends during the summer need reservations in advance. Mid-week is usually available anytime. Picnic sites on the lake fill up quickly. Arrive early (before 9:30am) for a good choice. Can be over 100° at times during July and August.
humminghorse
It is very beautiful and amazing geology! Nice hiking, swimming fishing, camping and hot showers. There is also fly fishing lessons and boating. Visitor center is only open 3 days a week but hopefully more days soon. It has detailed exhibit explaining the remarkable geology of the breathtaking view. There is also a concession with reportedly the best huckleberry ice cream in Washington and I can vouch for that!