Steamboat Rock State Park

Rising 800 feet and spanning 600 acres, Steamboat Rock will impress the most seasoned of travelers.

Carved by Ice Age floods into a dramatic, lake-dotted canyon, Steamboat Rock State Park's landscape dates back at least 13,000 years. Known as "scabland," the area appears barren, but it is teeming with shy (and not-so-shy) wildlife, spring flowers and sagebrush.

The hike up the columnar basalt butte (a 650-foot vertical gain) is a must for anyone who is able. Atop Steamboat Rock, the trail meanders over flat ground to viewpoints of Grand Coulee and the craggy peaks of the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest. Below the rock, the lake reflects big desert skies.

Do you prefer water to trail? The park features 320 feet of dock and seven watercraft launches on Banks Lake. Anglers, swimmers, paddlers and water sports fans will find respite on a hot summer day. Mountain bikers and equestrians can take off on the trails of Northrup Canyon, and the Grand Coulee Dam makes an interesting side trip.

After a day of discovery, your tent, RV or cabin site will be a welcoming place to watch the evening glow. By the end of your stay, you will not only be impressed, but will likely be so sun-warmed and rested, you won't want to leave.

PARK FEATURES Steamboat Rock State Park is a 5,043-acre camping park with 50,000 feet of freshwater shoreline at the north end of Banks Lake and a columnar, basaltic rock with a surface area of 600 acres. Three campground areas and a large day-use area are protected from winds by tall poplars.

ADA AMENITIES/FACILITIES

Campground
Fishing pier
Restroom
Hiking trail

ACTIVITIES

In the midst of desert, the park offers both lush green lawns and rocks for climbing. Miles of horse trails are open for day use. A hiking trail leads to Northrup Lake, a natural forest area.

TRAILS
13.1 miles of hiking trails
13.1 miles of bike trails
10 miles of horse trails

WATER ACTIVITIES & FEATURES
320 feet of dock
Boating
Fishing (freshwater)
Fish cleaning stations (5)
Fishing pier
Personal watercraft use
Swimming
Watercraft launches (7)
Waterskiing

WINTER RECREATION
Bald eagle viewing
Ice climbing
Ice fishing
Nordic skiing
Snowshoeing

OTHER ACTIVITIES
Amphitheater
Basketball court
Bird watching
Mountain biking
Rock climbing
Volleyball court (sand)
Wildlife viewing
Playground

BOATING FEATURES
Located on Banks Lake in Grant County, Steamboat Rock State Park has seven watercraft launches at three locations and 320 feet of dock for boat handling only. A marine portable toilet station is available.

Launching a boat at a state park requires one of the following:

An annual launch permit (Natural Investment Permit); or
An annual Discover Pass and a daily launch permit; or
A one-day Discover Pass and a daily launch permit.

CAMPSITE INFORMATION

The main park has 26 standard campsites, 136 full-hookup sites, three cabins, one dump station, six restrooms (four ADA) and six showers (four ADA). The park also has 12 primitive non-reservable boat-in campsites with vault toilets and water. There is no longer a group camp available at this time.

Individual campsites are reservable May 15 to September 15. Campsites are available on a first-come first-served basis from September 16 to May 14. Maximum site length is 50 feet (may have limited availability). Tents must be placed within the designated tent pad. Vehicle tires must remain entirely on the pavement at all times. Boat trailers may be parked on the lawn, provided the towing vehicle does not back onto the lawn. All lawns are irrigated daily. Mosquito control occurs as required by the Grant County mosquito district evenings when weather permits. Two vehicles are allowed per campsite; campsite fee includes payment for one vehicle. Extra vehicle fees are due upon arrival. There are 44 primitive campsites with vault toilets 7 and 9 miles north of the main park at Jones Bay (no water available). There are also 36 primitive campsites with vault toilets at Osborn Bay (no water available). All primitive sites are first come, first served. Northrup Point watercraft access is available 24 hours a day. Northrup Canyon has five campsites for equestrian campers. These sites require a reservation. To reserve, call (509) 633-1304.

Check-in time is 2:30 p.m.
Check-out time is 1 p.m.