POTHOLES STATE PARK
Potholes State Park is a 640-acre camping park with 6,000 feet of freshwater shoreline on Potholes Reservoir (also known as O'Sullivan Reservoir). Potholes Reservoir is often confused with the Pothole Lakes themselves, which are a 30- to 45-minute drive from the park. The terrain is desert with freshwater marshes.
A Discover Pass is required for vehicle access to Washington state parks for day use. For more information about the Discover Pass and exemptions, please visit the
Discover Pass web page.
Camping Fees : Please note that the following general fee information is not customized for each individual park, so not all fees will apply to all parks (for example, primitive campsite and dump station fees listed apply only to parks that have primitive campsites and dump stations). An additional $1 per night is added to the basic camping fees listed below at this high-use park. Basic camping fees are:
Standard campsite, $15.
Utility campsite, $21.
Primitive campsite (accessible by motorized/non-motorized vehicles) and for water trail camping, $10
An additional $3 fee (standard) or $5 fee (utility) may be charged for select premium campsites at some parks.
Maximum eight people per campsite.
Second vehicle: $10 per night is charged for a second vehicle unless it is towed by a recreational vehicle. Extra vehicles must be parked in designated campsite or extra vehicle parking spaces.
Dump stations (if available): Year-round dump station fees are $5 per use. If you are camping, this fee is included in your campsite fee.
More about park hours : Check-in time is 2:30 p.m., and check-out time is 1 p.m.Quiet hours are from 10 p.m. to 6:30 a.m. Length of stay: you may stay up to ten consecutive days in any one park during the summer; the stay limit is extended to 20 days between Oct. 1 and March 31.
Campsite Information : The park has 61 tent spaces, 60 utility spaces, one dump station, four restrooms (two ADA) and four showers (two ADA).
Any camping unit tent or RV may use either site type. However, any unit camped in a hookup site must pay the hookup-site fee. Maximum site length is 50 feet (may have limited availability).
There is no camping next to the reservoir.
To reserve a campsite, call (888) CAMPOUT or (888) 226-7688.
Group Accommodations : The park provides a group camp that accommodates up to 50 people. It is located near the tent camp area. The group camp has a grassy section and is well-shaded. Restroom facilities are nearby. There is a year-round creek adjacent to the group camp that provides excellent trout and bass fishing. Fees vary with size of the group. To reserve, call (888) CAMPOUT or (888) 226-7688.
1. Potholes State Park offers a 6, 000-foot freshwater shoreline for swimming.
2. The park's main beach area is sandy and suitable for swimmers of all ages.
3. Lifeguards are not on duty at the park; swim with caution.
4. Swimming areas can be found near campsites as well as day-use picnic spots.
5. Water temperatures vary throughout the year but tend to warm up in summer months.
Four boat ramps and 100 feet of dock are provided by the park. Water levels in O'Sullivan Reservoir (Potholes Reservoir) fluctuate dramatically from spring to fall.
A daily permit is available for watercraft launching, vehicle parking and trailer dumping at the park for $5. Annual permits also may be purchased at State Parks Headquarters in Olympia, at region offices, online, and at parks when staff is available.
Fishing enthusiasts can enjoy the abundant waters filled with largemouth and smallmouth bass, rainbow trout, crappie, yellow perch. Walleye is also a popular catch here. The park's reservoir offers excellent fishing opportunities year-round for anglers of all skill levels.
Potholes State Park is located near Moses Lake, Othello and Pasco
The park provides two picnic shelters with two tables each, plus 73 unsheltered picnic tables in a lawned, well-shaded area. All day-use facilities are first-come, first-served. Restrooms are available in the day-use area, located on the banks of the reservoir.
While exploring the area, be aware that there are no designated biking trails available. Exercise caution when cycling on park roads due to traffic and wildlife presence. Be mindful of pedestrians as well while riding around campsites or picnic areas. Always wear a helmet for safety purposes during your ride in this location.
1. O'Sullivan Dam Trail: This is a 2-mile trail that offers stunning views of the reservoir and surrounding landscapes.
2. Potholes Pillars Loop: A short, easy loop around some unique geological formations known as "pothole pillars".
3. Frenchman Hills Hike: An intermediate level hike with panoramic vistas over the park's sand dunes and water bodies.
4. North Reservoir Viewpoint Trail: A scenic route leading to an elevated viewpoint overlooking the northern part of O'Sullivan Reservoir.
5. South Scenic Drive Pathway: It's not technically a hiking trail but many visitors enjoy walking along this road for its beautiful scenery across southern parts of State Park.
6. Sand Dune Nature Trail: Short interpretive walk through desert:like terrain featuring local flora & fauna information boards throughout.
7. Park Perimeter Walk: Longest in-park option combining several trails into one large circuit offering diverse landscape experiences from forested areas to open sandy expanses near lake shores.
8. Wildlife Observation Route: Ideal for birdwatchers or wildlife enthusiasts; passes by various habitats where different species can be spotted especially during migration seasons.
9. Campground Trails: Several small paths connecting campgrounds providing convenient access points towards main attractions within state park.
10. Fishing Access Paths: Numerous smaller offshoots from primary routes lead directly down to popular fishing spots on lakeshores.
Birdwatchers can spot a variety of species such as the American White Pelican and Sandhill Crane. The park is home to over 200 bird species including Red-tailed Hawks, Great Horned Owls, and Western Meadowlarks. Other notable birds include Yellow-headed Blackbirds, Marsh Wrens, Sage Thrashers and Loggerhead Shrikes.
Located 17 miles southwest of Moses Lake, Wash., just east of the Cascades.
From I-90 : Take exit 179 at Moses Lake and follow signs to park.
From the south : Take Hwy. 17 and turn west on Hwy. 262 (O'Sullivan Dam Rd.). Or take Hwy. 26 and turn east onto Hwy. 262 (O'Sullivan Dam Rd.). Each direction is well signed.