Charbonneau Pk
4.19263 reviews642 CAMPGROUND ROAD, BURBANK, WA, 99323, USA
Charbonneau Pk
$26.00 - $35.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$35.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Fees range between $26 and $35 for Standard Electric sites. Group shelters cost $110 per night. Fees do not reflect discounts, taxes, or incremental charges.
About this campground
Where history meets adventure on the banks of Lake Sacajawea, Charbonneau Park invites families to create lasting memories beneath towering shade trees and endless Eastern Washington skies. This U.S. Army Corps of Engineers gem offers 52 well-appointed campsites and two group shelters, all with convenient electric hookups. Whether you're casting a line at dawn, launching your boat for a day on the water, swimming in the refreshing lake, or exploring nearby hunting grounds, this beloved destination delivers the perfect blend of outdoor recreation and modern comfort.
Charbonneau Park supports RV, tent, and group camping, with varied options including waterfront sites.
Historical SignificanceCamp where legends once walked. This remarkable park honors Toussaint Charbonneau, the French-Canadian interpreter who helped guide Lewis and Clark on their epic journey, and husband to the legendary Sacajawea. As you explore these grounds, you're literally following in the footsteps of the Corps of Discovery, connecting your family's adventure to one of America's greatest expeditions.
Weather and SeasonsExperience the dramatic beauty of Eastern Washington's seasons, where summer days can soar past 100°F under brilliant blue skies. The region's signature dry climate and refreshing breezes create ideal conditions for water sports and evening campfires. While the park embraces visitors from spring through fall, winter finds the campground in peaceful hibernation, with reservations closed as nature takes its quiet rest.
ElevationNestled in the rolling terrain of Eastern Washington's Columbia Basin, the park offers gentle landscapes perfect for all ages and abilities.
Natural Features and SceneryWake to the calls of pelicans gliding over Lake Sacajawea's sparkling waters, where majestic hawks circle overhead and red-winged blackbirds sing from the cattails. Your campsite awaits among expansive grassy meadows dotted with mature shade trees that have watched over generations of campers. Waterfront sites offer front-row seats to spectacular sunrises and the ever-changing moods of this beautiful reservoir, while inland spots provide cozy retreats beneath leafy canopies.
Geological RegionDiscover the transformed landscape where the mighty Snake River now forms tranquil Lake Sacajawea, created by the impressive Ice Harbor Lock and Dam. This Eastern Washington oasis rises from the ancient Columbia Basin, where volcanic basalt flows once covered the land. Today, those dramatic geological foundations support a lush camping paradise of rolling grasslands, mature groves, and waterfront beauty that seems worlds away from the surrounding sagebrush steppe.
Campsite details
AccessibilityAccessible sites and parking are available, but additional details about accessibility features are not explicitly noted.
Sites SizeMany sites are described as spacious and able to accommodate large rigs, boats, and multiple vehicles.
Sites PrivacyPrivacy between sites is moderate, with decent space between most sites but limited visual barriers.
Total Campsites52 campsites
Recommended CampsitesAvoid Site 30 due to trail traffic; Site 5 recommended for privacy; choose outer loops for quieter experiences.
Best CampsitesSite 5: Long pull-through, private, good for tents; Site 30: Scenic but disturbed by trail visitors; Site 43: Full hookups with river view; Site 48: Waterfront site with limited lake access.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
2:00 PM
Check-out
12:00 PM
Stay Limit
Guests are limited to a maximum of 14 consecutive nights during a visit.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Sites allow up to 8 people.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutSites include pull-through and back-in options; outer loops offer quieter spaces.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen season: May 1 to September 29; closed out-of-season.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov online, contact center, or mobile app.
Walk-in AvailabilityLimited walk-up availability; highly recommended to reserve in advance due to popularity.
Cancellation PolicyChanges to reservation dates outside original stay incur a $10 change fee; cancellations incur a $10 fee and forfeit the first night's recreation fee in case of late cancellations. Day-use cancellations less than 14 days before arrival forfeit the full fee.
Amenities available
Showers
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Dump station
Cell phone service
Flush toilets
Electricity hookups
Water hookups
Camp Store
Activities you can enjoy
Charbonneau Park offers a variety of recreational activities including boating, fishing, swimming, and wildlife viewing. Additionally, the day-use area includes covered picnic areas, playgrounds, sand volleyball pits, and group BBQ areas.
Fishing
The lake is popular for salmon and steelhead fishing. Some reviews noted challenges due to crowded conditions and frequent boat traffic.Swimming
Designated swimming areas are available, although user reviews are mixed; some found the areas fun and refreshing, while others described them as small or inaccessible from certain campsites.Boating
Boating opportunities are excellent, thanks to the lake and marina. A boat ramp is provided for easy access.Wildlife viewing
Wildlife species frequently seen include pelicans, hawks, and red-winged blackbirds, as per user observations.Water Sports
Activities such as canoeing, paddleboarding, and kayaking are available and popular, as noted by user reviews.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfires allowed unless fire bans are in effect; all wheels must remain on pavement.
- Quiet hours are 10 PM to 6 AM.
Hazards
General hazardsReported spider infestations during late summer; occasional train noise; tack weeds and earwigs present in grass; limited water access for some waterfront sites.
Weather forecast
98
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 18%
Very dry conditions, stay hydrated
Wind: 5.1 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Overcast
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Closest hospital: Lourdes Medical Center in Pasco, WA (~20 miles); nearest police station: Burbank Sheriff’s Office (~12 miles); ranger station onsite.
Good to know
Peak season datesMay 1 to September 29.
Trash and recyclingTrash and recycling management has changed in recent years; all trash bins are now located at the entrance, requiring campers to walk their trash there. Some users find this inconvenient.
Proximity to water featuresLocated on Lake Sacajawea; several sites are waterfront with easy access to the beach and marina.
Common complaintsComplaints include train noise, spider infestations, grass maintenance issues, and proximity of septic caps to certain campsites causing odors.
HostHosts frequently mentioned as friendly and accommodating; onsite for emergencies during locked gate hours.
Campground Map
642 CAMPGROUND ROAD, BURBANK, WA, 99323, USA
Driving directionsFrom Pasco, Washington, take Highway 12 east. After crossing the Snake River Bridge, take the first exit and proceed to Highway 124. Continue east through Burbank, Washington. Turn north on Sun Harbor Drive and follow for 1.5 miles, then take a left on Charbonneau Road. The campground is on the right.
Roads are paved but reportedly have rough patches due to tree roots lifting the asphalt; no overflow camping available; park gate locked nightly from 10 PM to 6 AM.Nearby places
Pasco, WA (approximately 20 miles, about 30 minutes drive)
Walla Walla, WA (approximately 50 miles, about 1 hour drive)
Kennewick, WA (approximately 25 miles, about 35 minutes drive).
Nearby supplies
Closest grocery and camping supplies are in Burbank (~12 miles)
fuel stations also available in Burbank
small marina store onsite offering essentials like bait, ice, and snacks.
Camper Reviews
4.2
263 reviews
Charbonneau Pk is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews of Charbonneau Park are mixed. Positive feedback highlights spacious sites, scenic lake views, and a variety of family-friendly activities. Negative feedback includes complaints about bug infestations, sprinkler timing, and maintenance issues such as tall weeds or dry grass.
Review Summaries
Based on 263 reviews
What Campers Love
"Spacious campsites under a canopy of trees," "Beautiful view of the Snake River," and "Great family-friendly activities such as boating and swimming."
Based on 263 reviewsCommon Concerns
"Spiders infesting campsites," "Train noise at night," and "Sprinklers soaking tents."
Based on 263 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
"Bring bug spray and tarps for tent camping," "Choose waterfront sites for better views," and "Fill water tanks at the dump station before setting up."
Based on 263 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Late summer is noted for increased spider activity, while spring and early summer are more favorable with lush surroundings and fewer pests.
Based on 263 reviewsCamper Quotes
"Great RV park and really good daily rate," "Spiders everywhere, they fall from the trees," "Beautiful campground with views of the Snake River," "Day use area has a marina, covered picnic areas,...
Based on 263 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Site #5 is private and spacious but occasionally has sewer odors. Site #30 is noted for lack of privacy due to a trail running through it. Site #48, billed as waterfront, lacks direct water access.
Based on 263 reviewsAccessibility Features
Limited reviews on accessibility features, but some users noted accessible sites and parking.
Based on 263 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Mixed reviews: While pets are allowed, enforcement of leash policies is inconsistent, leading to safety concerns.
Based on 263 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025