About Starbuck / Lyons Ferry Marina KOA Holiday 102 Lyons Ferry Rd., Starbuck, WA 99359
Description
Looking for an adventure-packed camping spot with both historical significance and natural beauty? You've gotta check out this KOA Holiday campground perched right on the stunning Snake River. Y'know, I've visited quite a few campgrounds in my time, but there's something special about watching the sunset over those dramatic cliffs while the river flows peacefully below. The place has this amazing connection to American history - Lewis and Clark actually passed through here during their famous expedition in 1805! But the area's story goes way deeper than that. Native American communities called this confluence of the Snake, Palouse, and Tucannon rivers home for thousands of years before that. Pretty cool to think about all the history under your feet while you're roasting marshmallows!Key Features
• Full-service marina with 84 boat slips • Choice of accommodation: RV sites, tent camping, and cozy cabin rentals • Prime fishing spots for bass, salmon, steelhead, walleye, pikeminnow, and catfish • Spectacular views of rock formations and river landscapes • Close proximity to the 200-foot Palouse Falls • Historic Joso Bridge nearby (stretching almost 3/4 mile!) • Clean, well-maintained restroom facilities • Family-friendly environment with activities for kids • Boat launch access • Modern amenities while maintaining a rustic feelBest Time to Visit
I'd say late spring through early fall is your sweet spot for visiting this gem. May through September offers the most reliable weather, with warm days perfect for water activities and comfortable nights for camping. Summer weekends can get pretty busy (especially holiday weekends), so if you're looking for a more peaceful experience, try visiting during weekdays or shoulder seasons. The fishing's particularly good in spring and fall when the salmon are running. But honestly? Even winter has its own charm here - just make sure to pack appropriate gear and check weather conditions before heading out.How to Get There
The campground sits in southeastern Washington, and getting there is part of the adventure! From the Tri-Cities area, you'll want to head north on US-395, then take State Route 261. The drive itself is gorgeous, winding through wheat fields and eventually dropping down into the river canyon. If you're coming from Spokane, take US-195 south, then follow State Route 261. The roads are well-maintained, but they do get a bit winding as you approach the river - just take it slow and enjoy those incredible views! Trust me, those first glimpses of the river valley are worth every mile.Tips for Visiting
Here's the real talk from someone who's spent their fair share of time here: Make reservations well in advance, especially if you're planning to stay in one of the cabins or want a prime RV spot. Those river-view sites go fast! Bring your fishing gear - even if you're not usually an angler, the fishing here's too good to pass up. And don't forget your camera! The sunsets over the river are absolutely incredible, and Palouse Falls is seriously photogenic. Pack layers - the weather can change pretty quickly in the river canyon. And if you're into history, grab some info about Lewis and Clark's expedition before you come. It makes exploring the area so much more meaningful when you know what you're looking at. Oh, and one more thing - make time to chat with the marina staff. They usually know all the best fishing spots and can tell you some pretty amazing stories about the area. Sometimes they'll even share tips about where the fish are biting that day! For the boat enthusiasts out there, the marina's a real treat. But even if you're not bringing your own boat, just watching the river traffic while enjoying a peaceful morning coffee is pretty special. And those rock formations? They're not just pretty - they tell the story of ancient lava flows and massive floods that shaped this whole region. Remember to stock up on supplies before you arrive - the nearest big stores are a bit of a drive. But that's part of the charm, right? Getting away from it all while still having the comforts of a well-maintained campground. Just the perfect balance of adventure and comfort, if you ask me!Description
Looking for an adventure-packed camping spot with both historical significance and natural beauty? You’ve gotta check out this KOA Holiday campground perched right on the stunning Snake River. Y’know, I’ve visited quite a few campgrounds in my time, but there’s something special about watching the sunset over those dramatic cliffs while the river flows peacefully below.
The place has this amazing connection to American history – Lewis and Clark actually passed through here during their famous expedition in 1805! But the area’s story goes way deeper than that. Native American communities called this confluence of the Snake, Palouse, and Tucannon rivers home for thousands of years before that. Pretty cool to think about all the history under your feet while you’re roasting marshmallows!
Key Features
• Full-service marina with 84 boat slips
• Choice of accommodation: RV sites, tent camping, and cozy cabin rentals
• Prime fishing spots for bass, salmon, steelhead, walleye, pikeminnow, and catfish
• Spectacular views of rock formations and river landscapes
• Close proximity to the 200-foot Palouse Falls
• Historic Joso Bridge nearby (stretching almost 3/4 mile!)
• Clean, well-maintained restroom facilities
• Family-friendly environment with activities for kids
• Boat launch access
• Modern amenities while maintaining a rustic feel
Best Time to Visit
I’d say late spring through early fall is your sweet spot for visiting this gem. May through September offers the most reliable weather, with warm days perfect for water activities and comfortable nights for camping. Summer weekends can get pretty busy (especially holiday weekends), so if you’re looking for a more peaceful experience, try visiting during weekdays or shoulder seasons.
The fishing’s particularly good in spring and fall when the salmon are running. But honestly? Even winter has its own charm here – just make sure to pack appropriate gear and check weather conditions before heading out.
How to Get There
The campground sits in southeastern Washington, and getting there is part of the adventure! From the Tri-Cities area, you’ll want to head north on US-395, then take State Route 261. The drive itself is gorgeous, winding through wheat fields and eventually dropping down into the river canyon.
If you’re coming from Spokane, take US-195 south, then follow State Route 261. The roads are well-maintained, but they do get a bit winding as you approach the river – just take it slow and enjoy those incredible views! Trust me, those first glimpses of the river valley are worth every mile.
Tips for Visiting
Here’s the real talk from someone who’s spent their fair share of time here: Make reservations well in advance, especially if you’re planning to stay in one of the cabins or want a prime RV spot. Those river-view sites go fast!
Bring your fishing gear – even if you’re not usually an angler, the fishing here’s too good to pass up. And don’t forget your camera! The sunsets over the river are absolutely incredible, and Palouse Falls is seriously photogenic.
Pack layers – the weather can change pretty quickly in the river canyon. And if you’re into history, grab some info about Lewis and Clark’s expedition before you come. It makes exploring the area so much more meaningful when you know what you’re looking at.
Oh, and one more thing – make time to chat with the marina staff. They usually know all the best fishing spots and can tell you some pretty amazing stories about the area. Sometimes they’ll even share tips about where the fish are biting that day!
For the boat enthusiasts out there, the marina’s a real treat. But even if you’re not bringing your own boat, just watching the river traffic while enjoying a peaceful morning coffee is pretty special. And those rock formations? They’re not just pretty – they tell the story of ancient lava flows and massive floods that shaped this whole region.
Remember to stock up on supplies before you arrive – the nearest big stores are a bit of a drive. But that’s part of the charm, right? Getting away from it all while still having the comforts of a well-maintained campground. Just the perfect balance of adventure and comfort, if you ask me!
Location
Places to Stay Near Starbuck / Lyons Ferry Marina KOA Holiday 102 Lyons Ferry Rd., Starbuck, WA 99359
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