Frenchman Coulee | Wild Camping

June 15th, 2024 by Fish and Kitty

Large area with spaces for at least a dozen rigs/tents, along a ledge overlooking Frenchman Coulee. Note that the ledge has no guard rails and drops at least a hundred feet straight down, but there are spots both along and away from the edge. The surface is part gravel and part hard basalt and can be sharp in places, so tents and tires beware. There are two entrances, both difficult for very low clearance vehicles, but the west entrance is navigable for almost anything if care is taken. We've been here several times in the past with a fairly low-clearance Promaster van, and most recently with a medium clearance Transit, and never had issues getting in or out or finding a beautiful level spot. No services, but there are pit toilets about half a mile further down the road (and more a couple miles further at the boat launch). Several fire pits scattered around the area. Cell service is variable but generally usable for basic streaming across the major carriers. (Starlink will generally work better here if you have it.) This area has zero shade and can get very hot in the summer, so best used during shoulder seasons. Also note that when it is windy (as it often can be—note the wind turbines lining the far side of the river), the wind funnels up the coulee and straight past this area, so wind gusts can be significantly enhanced. All that said, this place is one of our favorite boondocking areas, with great views down the coulee and across to a waterfall (a short hike away), unbeatable sunsets, and excellent access to rock climbing and boating. On good weekends, this place can get understandably packed. It was not hot but very windy this weekend, so we were one of only three rigs and two tents. Better weekends will see a good 3-4 times that number.

May 31st, 2024 by nursinggarbage71

we stopped by here and the spots nearby but all incredibly busy so decided to leave after a little while. hard to get a level spot in the van too. beautiful views, but you're very exposed and no shade so pretty hot.

November 1st, 2023 by champlake

Great views and several different pull outs to park. Lots of climbers in the area.

I originally parked in the lot area near the pit toilets but moved in the middle of the night as there were mice getting into my van. I didn't hear them further down the road, probably just a problem with that high traffic area.

March 8th, 2021 by wigglyroads

Area for wild camping, with fire pits but no other amenities. Very scenic. Discover pass required ($10/day or $30/year, closest availability is in Vantage). Space for about a dozen campers. Quiet and decent T-Mobile signal.

(will only let me leave 2.5 stars, but it deserves more!)