Ginkgo Petrified Forest State Park And Wanapum Recreation Area Washington (WA) RV Rentals

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Introduction

Ginkgo Petrified Forest State Park and Wanapum Recreation Area is a popular destination for RV camping due to its rich history, natural beauty, and abundant recreational activities. The park is home to one of the most diverse collections of petrified wood in North America, including the rare Ginkgo tree. The petrified wood formation dates back to the Miocene epoch, around 15 million years ago, when volcanic ash and lava flows buried and preserved the ancient forests.

The park holds significant cultural importance to the local Native American tribes who have lived in the area for thousands of years. Visitors can learn about the history and traditions of the Yakama, Wanapum, and Nez Perce tribes through interpretive exhibits and guided tours.

RVThereYet is an RV rental company, offering a diverse fleet of motorhomes, including Class A, Class B, and Class C Rentals, Travel, Trailers, and Motorhomes for unforgettable adventures in scenic RV parks and campsites in Ginkgo Petrified Forest State Park And Wanapum Recreation Area. Ensure early reservations for camper rentals at Ginkgo Petrified Forest State Park And Wanapum Recreation Area.

RV Rentals in Ginkgo Petrified Forest State Park And Wanapum Recreation Area

Transportation

Ginkgo Petrified Forest State Park and Wanapum Recreation Area is accessible by private vehicle and RV. The park has two main entrances one on the north side and one on the south side. Visitors can access the park via Interstate 90 and State Route 243. It’s important to note that there are restrictions on rig sizes with a maximum length of 60 feet and a maximum width of 12 feet. RV renters should check their vehicle’s dimensions before heading to the park. Additionally there are no public transportation options available so visitors will need to rely on private vehicles to get around.

Recreational vehicles (RVs) are welcome at the park but overnight parking is restricted to designated campsites. There are no RV hookups available so come prepared with your own power and water supply. The park offers several options for RV parking including pull-through sites and back-in sites. While RVs are allowed in the park it is recommended to consider alternative transportation methods for exploring the park’s many trails and attractions.

Visitors to Ginkgo Petrified Forest State Park and Wanapum Recreation Area can take advantage of several transportation options for getting around. While there are no shuttle buses available the park does offer walking paths that connect the main attractions. Additionally there are several scenic driving routes that provide access to the park’s many viewpoints and hiking trails. Biking is also a popular way to explore the park with several bike racks available at key locations.

Top Campsites in Ginkgo Petrified Forest State Park And Wanapum Recreation Area

Reservations Required

Top 4 Popular Campgrounds

Ginkgo Petrified Forest Campground

Boasting 50 campsites this campground is the most popular option in the area. Located within the Ginkgo Petrified Forest State Park it offers stunning views of the petrified forest and the Columbia River. Visitors can enjoy hiking fishing and picnicking. Amenities include water electric hookups and restrooms. Pets are welcome and the campground is open year-round. RVs and trailers up to 60 feet are permitted.

Wanapum Recreation Area Campground

This campground boasts 50 full-hookup sites making it an attractive option for RV travelers. Located along the Wanapum Reservoir it offers a variety of water activities including boating fishing and swimming. Additional amenities include restrooms showers and a playground. Pets are welcome and the campground is open from April to October. RVs and trailers up to 45 feet are permitted.

Vantage KOA

Just a short drive from the Ginkgo Petrified Forest and Wanapum Recreation Area this KOA campground offers 65 sites with full hookups. Amenities include a swimming pool hot tub mini-golf course and a convenience store. Pets are welcome and the campground is open from March to October. RVs and trailers up to 70 feet are permitted.

Sunland RV Resort

Located just outside of the Ginkgo Petrified Forest this RV resort offers 168 sites with full hookups. Amenities include a swimming pool hot tub fitness center and a clubhouse. Pets are welcome and the resort is open year-round. RVs and trailers up to 70 feet are permitted.

First-Come First-Served Campgrounds

Frenchman Coulee Campground

Located near the Ginkgo Petrified Forest this campground offers 67 sites on a first-come first-served basis. Amenities include vault toilets and picnic tables. Pets are welcome and the campground is open from April to October. RVs and trailers up to 35 feet are permitted.

Brooks Memorial State Park

Offering 35 first-come first-served campsites this state park is located just a short drive from the Wanapum Recreation Area. Amenities include restrooms showers and a playground. Pets are welcome and the park is open year-round. RVs and trailers up to 30 feet are permitted.

Soap Lake Natural Spa and RV Resort

This RV resort offers 78 sites on a first-come first-served basis. Amenities include full hookups restrooms showers and a laundry facility. Pets are welcome and the resort is open year-round. RVs and trailers up to 60 feet are permitted.

Alternative Camping Options

Silica Ridge Campground

Located just outside of the Ginkgo Petrified Forest this private campground offers 25 sites with full hookups. Amenities include restrooms showers and a laundry facility. Pets are welcome and the campground is open year-round. RVs and trailers up to 50 feet are permitted.

Backcountry Camping

For those looking for a more rustic camping experience the Ginkgo Petrified Forest State Park and Wanapum Recreation Area offer backcountry camping options. Permits are required and can be obtained from the park office. Please note that there are no amenities or facilities available in the backcountry.

The Ginkgo Petrified Forest State Park and Wanapum Recreation Area are popular destinations for RV campers who love the great outdoors. Here are some of the top recreational activities that attract them

Hiking Trails

With over 27 000 acres of land the Ginkgo Petrified Forest State Park boasts over 22 miles of hiking trails. The most popular trail is the Trees of Stone Interpretive Trail which offers a 1.5-mile loop that takes hikers past petrified wood and scenic views of the Columbia River.

Fishing

The Wanapum Recreation Area is a fisherman’s paradise with over 50 miles of shoreline along the Columbia River. Anglers can catch a variety of fish including walleye bass and sturgeon.

Biking

The park has over 6 miles of bike trails including the Trees of Stone Interpretive Trail which is also open to bikers. The trails offer stunning views of the petrified forest and the Columbia River.

Boating

The Wanapum Recreation Area has two boat launches that provide access to the Columbia River. Boaters can enjoy a variety of water activities including water skiing wakeboarding and swimming.

Horseback Riding

The park has over 12 miles of equestrian trails that offer beautiful views of the petrified forest and the Columbia River. Horseback riders can also enjoy camping in designated equestrian campsites.

Looking for a more laid-back RV camping experience? The Ginkgo Petrified Forest State Park and Wanapum Recreation Area offer plenty of activities that don’t require breaking a sweat. Here are some of the top alternatives

Sightseeing

The Ginkgo Petrified Forest State Park is home to one of the most diverse collections of petrified wood in the world. Visitors can take a self-guided tour of the park’s exhibits and learn about the history of the area.

Nature Watching

The park is home to a variety of wildlife including deer elk and bald eagles. Visitors can take a leisurely stroll through the park’s trails and observe the animals in their natural habitat.

Instagram-Worthy Photo Opportunities

The park’s unique landscape offers plenty of opportunities for stunning photos. The Trees of Stone Interpretive Trail in particular offers breathtaking views of the petrified forest and the Columbia River.

Picnicking

The park has several picnic areas that offer beautiful views of the surrounding landscape. Visitors can pack a lunch and enjoy a leisurely meal in the great outdoors.

Visitor Center

The park’s visitor center is home to a variety of exhibits and interactive displays that offer a glimpse into the history and geology of the area. Visitors can also purchase souvenirs and learn about the park’s ranger-led programs.

Season-specific experiences in Ginkgo Petrified Forest State Park And Wanapum Recreation Area

Springtime at Ginkgo Petrified Forest State Park and Wanapum Recreation Area is a wonderful time for RV campers looking for outdoor activities. One popular activity is hiking the Trail of the Petrified Forest which offers breathtaking views of the petrified wood and the Columbia River. Visitors can also explore the nearby Ginkgo Gem Shop to learn about the park’s geological history and purchase souvenirs.

Another popular spring activity is birdwatching. The park is home to over 200 species of birds including eagles hawks and songbirds. Visitors can take a leisurely walk along the Wanapum Dam Trail or rent a kayak or canoe to explore the area’s waterways.

For history buffs the park offers guided tours of the historic Wanapum Dam which was completed in 1963. Visitors can learn about the dam’s construction and the impact it has had on the local ecosystem.

Fishing is also a popular activity in the spring with the Wanapum Lake offering excellent opportunities to catch walleye bass and trout. The park offers several boat launches and fishing docks for visitors’ convenience.

Finally the park’s amphitheater hosts a variety of events and performances throughout the spring including ranger talks and live music. Visitors can check the park’s event calendar for a schedule of upcoming events.

Summer is an ideal time for RV campers to visit Ginkgo Petrified Forest State Park and Wanapum Recreation Area with warm weather and plenty of outdoor activities to choose from. One popular activity is swimming at Wanapum Lake which features a designated swimming area and a sandy beach. Visitors can also rent paddleboards kayaks and other watercraft to explore the lake.

Another popular summer activity is hiking the park’s many trails including the Ginkgo Petrified Forest Loop Trail which offers stunning views of the petrified wood and the Columbia River. The park also offers guided hikes led by park rangers which provide a wealth of information about the park’s history and geology.

For those interested in water sports the park offers jet skiing waterskiing and wakeboarding on Wanapum Lake. Visitors can rent equipment from local vendors or bring their own.

Fishing is also a popular activity in the summer with the park’s many lakes and rivers offering excellent opportunities to catch a variety of fish including salmon steelhead and sturgeon.

Finally the park’s amphitheater hosts a variety of events and performances throughout the summer including outdoor movies live music and theater performances. Visitors can check the park’s event calendar for a schedule of upcoming events.

Fall is a fantastic time to visit Ginkgo Petrified Forest State Park and Wanapum Recreation Area. Here are five recreational activities landmarks and famous historical places that RV campers can enjoy during this season

Hiking the Trees of Stone Interpretive Trail

This 1.2-mile loop trail takes you through a fascinating landscape of petrified wood including the famous Ginkgo tree fossils. The trail is well-maintained and offers stunning views of the Columbia River and the surrounding hills. Location

Ginkgo Petrified Forest State Park.

Fishing at Wanapum Lake

Wanapum Lake is a popular spot for fishing especially during the fall when the weather is cooler. Anglers can catch a variety of fish including rainbow trout walleye and smallmouth bass. Location

Wanapum Recreation Area.

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