High-desert Columbia River park with 50 full-hookup RV sites, a National Natural Landmark petrified forest with 50+ tree species, and ancient Native American petroglyphs.
Ginkgo Petrified Forest sits on the Columbia River at Vantage, offering 50 full-hookup campsites on the Wanapum Recreation Area. A National Natural Landmark petrified forest preserves 50+ species of ancient trees transformed to stone 15 million years ago, including rare ginkgo specimens. An interpretive museum displays petrified wood and Native American rock carvings, while the Wanapum Reservoir offers river boating and fishing. The high-desert setting is hot and sunny in summer with dramatic basalt canyon scenery.
Ginkgo Petrified Forest State Park preserves one of the world's most diverse petrified wood deposits — ancient logs transformed to silica by volcanic ash 15 million years ago, representing over 200 species of Miocene forest trees that no longer grow anywhere in Washington State. The park sits on the Columbia Plateau above Wanapum Reservoir, where the Wanapum People have lived and fished since time immemorial — the surrounding basalt canyons contain some of the most significant petroglyph sites in the Pacific Northwest. The Channeled Scablands visible across the Columbia from the park's overlooks were carved by the same Missoula Floods that carried petrified logs down ancient river channels, and the basalt escarpments above the river provide nesting habitat for prairie falcons and golden eagles.
Sourced from first-hand visits, park ranger notes, and RV community reports. Updated when conditions change.
All sites at this Wanapum Reservoir park are in a high desert setting with minimal shade — a canopy, EZ-Up, or sun shade is essential for any site. Sites 1–30 near the waterfront have the best Columbia River views. This park is best enjoyed in spring or autumn; summer daytime temperatures regularly exceed 100°F. The interpretive museum is free and genuinely fascinating — plan 2 hours.
| 📍 Nearest Town | Vantage, WA |
| ⛽ Gas Station | 2 mi |
| 🛒 Grocery Store | 40 mi |
| 🏪 Costco | 52 mi |
| ☕ Starbucks | 40 mi |
| 🏕️ Nearest State Park | 45 mi |
Stock up in Vantage, WA before heading out — services get limited near the campground.
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Check availability online. Reserving 6 months in advance.