Wenatchee / Campgrounds
Daroga State Park
Washington State Park campground on the Columbia River split between RV sites near the day use area and tent-only sites on a small island reached by a half-mile walk from the parking lot.
All Campgrounds →beExploring / Wenatchee
Overview
Daroga State Park is a Washington State Park campground on the Columbia River in Orondo, about 20 minutes north of Wenatchee along Highway 97. The park is tucked down a hill from the highway, and while some road noise carries to the camping areas, it is subdued — the Columbia River views and broad open sky do most of the talking. The park is split into two distinct camping areas: 28 RV sites in the northern section near the day use area, and a tent-only area on a small island to the south, connected to the main park by a pathway and bridge.
The RV section sits adjacent to the day use area, which has a playground, tennis and basketball courts, a grass playfield, a boat launch, and a dock on the Columbia. All 28 RV sites have partial hookups — water and electrical — and come in a mix of back-in and drive-through configurations. The day use facilities make this section a strong choice for families, and the Columbia River access adds options for swimming and boating.
The tent-only area is on an island you cannot drive to. From the parking lot near the south end of the park, the walk to tent sites is about half a mile. Carts are available at the parking lot to haul gear, and storage corrals at the tent area mean you do not need to make a return trip. Sites 29 through 45 are on the island, and the area has its own dock with moorage, making boat-in camping possible. At the southern edge of the main park are two group campgrounds, which must be reserved in advance through Washington State Parks.
Fit Snapshot
A quick read on who this campground suits — and where it falls short — so you can decide in under a minute.
At a glance
Key factsFit indicators
Out of 10beExploring / Lake Chelan
Campground Photos
beExploring / Wenatchee
Activities
Columbia River
The park sits directly on the Columbia River with a swimming area, a boat launch, and two docks giving easy water access. The Columbia at Daroga is wide and calm, well suited for swimming, boating, paddling, and fishing. The day use dock and boat launch are in the northern section; a second dock with moorage is at the tent-only island for boat-in campers.
Day Use Recreation
The day use area in the northern section of the park has a full set of facilities: a playground, tennis courts, basketball courts, a grass playfield, and picnic areas. Combined with the Columbia River access, it is one of the better-equipped day use parks on the river between Wenatchee and Chelan.
Island Tent Camping
Camping on the tent-only island is a genuinely different experience. The walk from the parking lot takes about 15 minutes with a loaded cart, and once on the island you have your own dock, Columbia River views, and separation from the RV section. Boat-in campers can tie up directly at the island dock.
Wenatchee Area Exploration
Daroga makes a good base for exploring the greater Wenatchee area. The Apple Capital Recreation Loop Trail, Sage Hills trails, and other recreation options are within 20 to 30 minutes. See the Wenatchee guide for more planning ideas.
beExploring / Wenatchee
Things to Know
Tent sites are not drive-in. From the parking lot, it is about a half mile to the tent-only island. Carts are available at the parking lot and a storage area at the tent sites means you do not need to haul them back.
Boat-in camping is allowed at the tent-only island. There is a dock with moorage at the island — sites 29 through 45 are the tent sites.
All 28 RV sites have partial hookups: water and electrical. There is no sewer hookup, so plan accordingly. Sites include a mix of back-in and drive-through configurations.
The park sits off Highway 97, down a hill from the road. Highway noise is present but subdued — it is not a quiet wilderness setting, though the Columbia River environment more than compensates.
The park address is in Orondo, about 20 minutes north of Wenatchee along Highway 97. Orondo has limited services — stock up in Wenatchee or East Wenatchee before arriving.
Group sites at the southern edge of the park must be reserved in advance through Washington State Parks. Individual RV and tent sites may also be reservable — check the Washington State Parks reservation system.
The day use area has tennis courts, basketball courts, a playground, a grass playfield, a boat launch, and a dock — all in the northern section of the park near the RV sites.
beExploring / Wenatchee
Compare Nearby Campgrounds
Five closest campgrounds to Daroga State Park.
| Name | Type | Hookups | Reservations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lincoln Rock State Park | State Park | Electric & Water | Reservable |
| Wenatchee River County Park | County Park | No | Reservable |
| Wenatchee Confluence State Park | State Park | No | Reservable |
| Squilchuck State Park | State Park | No | Reservable |
beExploring / Wenatchee
