sun lakes state park

As we changed direction, turning toward Oregon from a planned northerly passage through the Wenatchee Valley, Navigator noted Sun Lake State Park on the map. We stay in state parks often as we travel, due to cost consideration and more chances to view wildlife. The 2 lane highway was very scenic, as it winds downward from the high plains, to the river fed areas of eastern Washington, located in the Columbia River basin. We expected to be near the lake. As we passed an attractive, nearby commercial RV park camp and entered the State Park, we first noted less developed amenities.The initial impression was big cottonwood trees and an irrigated grassy common area along the main older part of the State Park. As we drove further back into the newly created back section loop, tents were more visible, spaces tighter, with very little to no shade from trees. Maybe some day saplings will be shade trees? Access to hiking/biking trails attract the hardy outdoors type.Returning to the entrance way, we consulted with a host, paid $42 for one night and settled into a spot under the large trees. Dirt/gravel, un-level, with strangely engineered dump facilities higher than the drain outlet on the coach and father away than the wet bay could accommodate. Extremely more pricey than many state parks. Our site required moving the coach, to drain holding tanks in the morning. Better and cheaper to park in the adjoining sister sites that share the power boxes.I rode the bike around to see what the attraction offered. A nice lake with several group facilities and swimming/fishing. This lake is apparently very popular during the hot summer months, although recreation area is slightly distanced from the RV park. Deer wander around the lake road, not disturbed by my bike passing through. The southeastern park road was closed to through traffic.Remote from any other attractions, this older section of the park is for solitude among the trees (or non trees) with it's tent area irrigated grass. Parking was plentiful and there were restroom facilities. New irrigated saplings portray an attempt to restore large shade trees in this desert like, low lying section of the Columbia basin. This state park is priced significantly higher than other state parks that offer far more. Scenery is always interesting all along the Columbia River. We cross to the Oregon side in the morning.

Sun Lakes - Dry Falls State Park, just outside Coulee City is a must if you like geology, especially if you like to understand what it is you're seeing as you drive across the country. Geologist were at a loss for years in explaining what they found in the 'scab land' of and the creation of the Grand Coulee itself. The Park provides the answer to a very perplexing problem that stumped geologists for decades. A drive to the park itself is not necessary to answer the question, go directly to the Visitors Center just off Highway 17. A geologic wonder awaits you.

I love Sun Lakes. My parents brought us here every year when we were kids. Fishing, swimming, exploring, walking to the gift shop, making new friends, riding bikes.. .the list could go on Now being married and having my daughter I can share it all with her. I introduced it to my husband also. He loves it as well. Thanks Sun Lakes ❤

This was my first and last camping trip to Sun Lakes State Park. I understand why a lot of people from the west side of the state come to this area. It's the sun, they say. Great, but did you notice how close the campsites are, how few trees there are and how the entire place looks like a refugee camp at the end of the day? We had a campsite with our small trailer at the end of a culdesac. Because we were at the end of the road, this is what made it tolerable. Our site was mostly dirt with one lonely tree providing much needed shade. To be fair, we normally camp at Priest Lake, Idaho, where the sites are big, beautiful and forested. Sun Lakes, by comparison, is a bit of a ratty experience in the middle of a desert. It's also a very windy place as so many of the regulars told us. Wi-fi service is spotty at best, so if you need to stay connected, this is not your place. On the upside, there are flushable toilets and a few shower stalls. A golf course and boating area is also connected to the park. Thankfully, the local geography made up for the less than stellar experience in our campsite. Visit the Dry Falls Visitors Center to get acquainted with the history of the ice age floods that carved the area. There's a prehistoric feeling to the land and some incredible hiking to many of the interesting rock formations and caves. Visit Lenore Caves and kayak on Deep Lake. If you kayak Deep Lake early in the morning, you'll probably have the lake to yourself. Totally worth it if the winds are calm. I'd go back to the area for further exploration, but would skip the camping.

Absolutely wonderful experience! The people were fantastic the campsite was great. There was tons of things to do and the scenery was absolutely breathtaking. Lots of hiking, fishing, and swimming. There are caves, multiple lakes and sightseeing all around the camp. Wildlife everywhere! We have stayed in many state parks and this has been out favorite so far.

Visited Park and great location and facilities. Golf course, camping and cabins of various sizes to rent.

If you're looking to stay connected to the digital world, this may not be the place for you. We have come to Sun Lakes for years. We enjoy to the opportunity to unplug and relax in the sun. We even enjoy staying in the older cabins and send in our reservation early to make sure we get the one we want! Swim in the lake, rent one of the canoes or paddleboats, enjoy a fire in the fire pits available for rent, ride bikes on the paved and gravel roads...there's just a lot to do! However, there are no televisions, radios, etc. Bring DVD's and a player if you need video entertainment. It's a great place to spend time as a family. We always come with a couple of other families and have a great time. The staff is always friendly and helpful. A warning...the beds can be uncomfortable depending on the last time the accommodations were undated. If you call the staff, they can advise you on the type of rental that will work for you.

This place has a great playground! We all had fun playing on it. The beach here is pretty good. A little rocky, but has a good swim area and you can tell they try to groom it. Stayed at sun lakes resort and the park is a great location bonus.

I have loved this state park for years. The best time is in the early season, May and June before all the kids are out of school. It is an amazing desert oasis with fantastic geological features, birding and spring flowers in the spring. Just returned from a botanical workshop there and was reminded of the beauty and the uniqueness of this special spot. Site of one of the largest "extent" waterfalls in the world, much bigger in its day than present day Niagra Falls.

If you read the bulletin board you would wonder why you came - rattlesnakes, ticks, hot weather, swimmer's itch, bees and Poison Ivy/Oak. If you go in March or early April the snakes, bees and ticks are asleep, weather is good for hiking, too cold to swim anyway. This is a wonderful geological area. Visit the Dry Falls visitor center first to understand the landforms and how they got that way and then take the Boy Scout Trail to the Umatilla Rock Trail and enjoy views of basalt cliffs, Rainbow, Perch, Dry and Green Lakes. Look for early wildflowers. The campsites are too close but not so much in early Spring when there is hardly anyone there. Take a drive or walk to Deep Lake - beautiful setting and walk the trail there and the Caribou trail on the way or go for an easy walk along Park Lake. There is a playground for kids too. Dogs are ok on leash.Discover Pass needed if you don't camp. While you are there visit Lenore Caves south on 17.

I wholly agree with the gentleman who likened to this place to a refugee camp. Small hot dusty gravel campsites PACKED with partying teens/20-somethings. No privacy whatsoever. We were a group of 4 families and all of our faces just dropped as we drove into the campground. We stayed for 2 days in late July until the winds blew our campsite equipment all over the place and we discovered the kids had chiggers. We couldn't wait to leave. Worst campground I have ever stayed in. There was a reason it was so easy to get a last-minute reservation there as opposed to all the other campgrounds in the state.

My family has been coming to Sun Lakes State Park for 30+ years because it's such a great family vacation location. We bring our kayaks and bikes for an active weekend away.

Sun Lakes, looks like an oasis from far away. But right where we got out of our car we were attacked by mosquito's so were your bug spray before you get there. Its probably because the campsites are right by a swamp. But it has an awesome play area for kids and there's a water park one city over and the dam is not to far too and they do a light show there at night. Second thing I did not like there was the wind at night was so strong our tent collapsed on us. We go camping a lot I was out of the car for 5 minutes while looking for bug spray was bit over 20 times and a few were right on top of others is was bad compared to many other parks.

A great place to hang out for the day and go swimming, that is if you can afford the ever increasing state fees. If you already have a Discovery Pass, definitely stop in for the day.

We have our family reunion here every year. Great location, great skiing, and the cabins are nice to stay in.