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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.
Discover Pass: A Discover Pass is required for vehicle access to state parks for day use. For more information about the Discover Pass and exemptions, please visit the Discover Pass web page.
Automated pay stations: This park is equipped with automated pay stations for visitors to purchase a one-day or annual Discover Pass and boat launch permit.
ADA amenities/facilities
- Campground
- Fishing pier
- Restroom
- Hiking trail
Use our interactive ADA recreation map to search for other state parks with ADA amenities and facilities.
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
Concessions
- Chimes Concession is located in the day use area of the park and offers prepared food, beverages, ice cream, snacks and a variety of camping necessities. In addition, they also offer kayak and SUP board rentals. Chimes is open weekends only in May and daily from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Hours are 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Additional information
- Mosquitos are prevalent in summer. Grant County has a mosquito-control program in the park.
- Northrup Point watercraft access is open 24 hours a day.
- The Northrup Canyon day-use area offers hiking, biking and equestrian opportunities.
- Crown Point remains open until after the laser light show at Grand Coulee Dam concludes in the evening. Crown Point Vista near Grand Coulee overlooks the Grand Coulee Dam, the cities of Coulee Dam and Grand Coulee, and the Columbia River.
- Castle Rock Natural Area Preserve is on the butte nearby.
- A recreational license is required for fishing and shellfish harvesting at Washington state parks. For regulations, fishing season information, or to purchase a recreational license, visit the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife website.
- Printable park brochure (PDF).
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. A daily watercraft launching permit for $7and a trailer dumping permit for $5 is available at the park. Annual permits also may be purchased at State Parks Headquarters in Olympia, at region offices, online, and at parks when staff is available.
Boat Launch
Latitude: 47° 50' 26.16" N (47.8406)
Longitude: 119° 8' 26.52" W (-119.1407)
Campsite information
The main park has 26 standard campsites, 164 full-hookup sites, three cabins, one dump station, seven restrooms (seven ADA) and twenty showers (sixteen ADA). There is no longer a group camp available at this time.
Individual campsites are reservable April 1 to Oct. 31. Campsites are available on a first-come first-served basis from Nov. 1 to March 31. 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 26 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.
Reservations & fees
Reservations can be made online or by calling 888-CAMPOUT (888-226-7688). For fee information, check out our camping rates page.
Services & supplies
Steamboat Rock has a concession-operated store, located in the day-use area, with fast food, basic groceries, firewood, ice, and fishing supplies. Grand Coulee Dam provides tours, a visitor's center, and a nightly laser-light show.