Chief Timothy Park Camping Guide 2025

Chief Timothy Park is one of those hidden gems that more campers should know about. Nestled on a small island in the Snake River in southeast Washington, this park offers a mix of quiet solitude, water access, and scenic views you don’t always get with more crowded campgrounds. Whether you’re in the mood for kayaking, fishing, hiking nearby, or just kicking back by the water, Chief Timothy offers a great mix of comfort and nature.

What makes it special is the unique island setting. You’re surrounded by water but still have easy access to nearby towns and basic amenities. It’s not backcountry camping, but it’s far enough from the daily grind to feel like a real escape. For those of us who want a peaceful night under the stars without venturing too far off the map, this spot hits the sweet spot.

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How to Get There

Chief Timothy Park is located off Highway 12, just west of Clarkston, Washington. It’s set on Chief Timothy Island, which is connected by a bridge, so you don’t need a boat to get there.

If you’re coming from Lewiston, Idaho, the drive takes about 10–15 minutes. From Spokane, expect around 2.5 to 3 hours depending on traffic and weather. The road signs along US-12 are clear—just keep an eye out for the turnoff about 8 miles west of Clarkston. You’ll cross the bridge onto the island, and the main entrance to the park is straight ahead.

There’s ample parking for day users and campers alike, including spots for RVs, trailers, and boats. If you’re staying overnight, make sure to park only in designated areas near your campsite or RV spot.

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Permits and Fees

As of the latest updates, a camping reservation is required if you’re planning to stay overnight at Chief Timothy Park. This applies to both tent and RV camping. You can book online in advance, which we highly recommend—especially during the warmer months when weekends fill up quickly.

Here’s what you should know about current fees:

• Tent Campsites: Around $25–$35 per night, depending on the location and season.
• RV Sites with Hookups: Typically $35–$45 per night.
• Day-Use Parking: $5 per vehicle
• Extra Vehicle Fee: Around $7–$10 if you have more than one vehicle per campsite.

No special wilderness permits or backcountry passes are required since this is a developed camping area managed by the Port of Clarkston.

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Camping Rules and Regulations

Camping at Chief Timothy Park is a bit more structured than dispersed wilderness camping, but that’s part of the appeal for many. It’s family-friendly, easy to access, and still gives you a close-to-nature feel.

Here are some current rules you’ll want to be aware of:

• Fires are only allowed in designated fire pits and grills. During fire season (usually late summer), open fires may be restricted altogether. Always check posted signs.
• Quiet hours are enforced from 10 PM to 6 AM. It’s a peaceful park, so most folks are pretty respectful.
• Group size for campsites is usually capped at 8 people unless you’ve reserved a group site.
• Pets are allowed, but they must be leashed at all times. And yes—please clean up after them.
• Stay limits are in place, usually around 14 days in a 30-day period.
• Leave No Trace principles apply here too. Even though this isn’t deep wilderness, trash, leftover food, and fire debris should all be packed out or disposed of properly in provided bins.

There’s no dispersed camping on the island itself—you’ll need to stick to designated campsites.

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Best Camping Spots and Recommendations

We’d suggest choosing your campsite based on what kind of experience you’re looking for. Chief Timothy has both tent sites and full RV spots, most of which are positioned along the Snake River shoreline. That means water views, easy boat access, and good morning light are all possible perks—if you book early enough.

Riverside sites are usually the most popular and tend to go first. They offer amazing views and are great for folks with kayaks or paddleboards. On the flip side, these can be a bit less private depending on the crowd and season. Expect to hear boat traffic and see more foot traffic during summer weekends.

If you’re after a little more privacy and quiet, the inland sites or those tucked into the trees toward the back of the island are better options. They offer shade, less wind, and feel more secluded—but you’ll be farther from the water.

Group camping areas are available too and can be reserved in advance. These are perfect if you’re camping with family or planning a gathering. They come with extra space, multiple fire rings, and picnic tables, but are limited in number—so plan ahead.

Crowd levels vary. Weekends in May through August are busiest, especially around holidays. Midweek trips tend to be much quieter, and early fall can be a beautiful, less crowded time to visit with cooler temperatures and fewer bugs.

If you’re camping in a tent, we recommend bringing extra stakes or sandbags—winds can pick up suddenly, especially along the water. Also, plan to bring a shade canopy or tarp. While there are trees, many campsites are open and sunny, which can be a blessing or a curse depending on the season.

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Hiking Trails and Routes

While Chief Timothy Park isn’t a major hiking destination, it’s still worth bringing your walking shoes. There are short, scenic paths on the island itself, plus nearby hikes that offer more of a challenge if you’re up for a quick drive.

Around the park, you’ll find casual walking trails that loop along the shoreline and lead to different viewpoints. Most are under a mile, making them great for early morning walks or evening strolls. The terrain is mostly flat with a mix of packed dirt, gravel, and sandy sections near the water’s edge. The views of the Snake River and rolling hills are calming, especially during golden hour.

If you want to stretch your legs a bit more, Hells Gate State Park is only about 15 minutes away and offers several miles of designated hiking and biking trails. The Asotin Creek Wildlife Area and Lewis-Clark Discovery Trail are also nearby and worth checking out if you’re up for a half-day trip.

We recommend bringing a simple map or downloading offline maps to your phone before your trip. Trails in the park are not heavily marked, and service can be spotty in some areas.

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Packing List and Gear Guide

Even though this isn’t a deep-backcountry site, you’ll still want to come prepared with gear that suits the conditions. Wind, sun exposure, and fine sand can catch you off guard if you’re not ready.

Here’s what we’d include in your Chief Timothy camping kit:

• Sturdy tent with good stakes – Some campsites are exposed to wind. Ground can be a mix of sand and packed dirt, so bring extra stakes or sandbags.
• Shade tarp or pop-up canopy – Midday sun can be relentless, especially in summer. Some sites lack tree cover.
• Lightweight sleeping bags – Evenings can cool down fast, especially near the water, even in July and August.
• Camping chairs and table – There are picnic tables at most sites, but having your own setup makes meals easier.
• Headlamps or lanterns – It gets very dark at night on the island. Bring extra batteries.
• Water jugs or containers – You’ll need to haul in your own water (more on that below).
• Coolers with ice blocks – There’s no food storage at the sites, so a good cooler is essential in the warmer months.
• Bug spray and sunscreen – Don’t skip these. Shade is limited and mosquitos can sneak up on you at dusk.

If you’re planning any nearby hikes or trail walks, lightweight daypacks, breathable clothing, and trekking sandals or shoes are helpful.

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Water and Food Tips

There are no potable water sources at Chief Timothy Park. This is really important to plan around. You’ll need to bring all your own drinking and cooking water. If you’re staying one or two nights, plan on at least one gallon per person per day, and more if it’s hot or you’ll be active.

We’d recommend:

• Large refillable water jugs – easier than dealing with lots of individual bottles.
• Backup water treatment – a portable filter or purification tablets can be useful if you end up needing to draw from the river in a pinch. Just know that Snake River water should be filtered and treated due to runoff and algae concerns.

When it comes to food, pack with care. There are no food lockers or bear boxes, but you should still store everything securely. Raccoons and rodents are active in the park—especially at night.

• Lock your food in a cooler or your car when not in use.
• Avoid leaving snacks or wrappers out—they’ll attract critters quickly.
• Bring simple, easy-to-cook meals. Freeze-dried meals, sandwiches, and cold pasta salads work well here since conditions can be warm and windy.

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Best Time to Visit and Weather Tips

Chief Timothy Park is open year-round, but the best months for camping are typically April through October. Summer brings the most visitors and the warmest weather, but spring and early fall are often overlooked and can be ideal for quiet weekends.

Here’s a quick breakdown of seasonal conditions:

• Spring (April–May) – Cool, breezy, and blooming. Fewer bugs, but nights can dip into the 40s.
• Summer (June–August) – Warm to hot during the day (often in the 80s–90s), with cool nights. Expect more wind in July. Bug activity increases, especially near the water.
• Fall (September–October) – Crisp mornings, mild afternoons, and fewer crowds. Great time to camp if you want peace and cooler air.

Storms are rare but not unheard of, especially early in the season. Wind is the more frequent issue—gusts can sweep across the water, knocking over tents and kicking up dust.

A few weather tips:

• Always stake your tent securely and weigh down light gear.
• Bring layers—you’ll want to strip down during the day and bundle up after dark.
• Have an emergency tarp or rain fly ready even if the forecast looks clear.

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Safety and Navigation

Chief Timothy Park is relatively safe and beginner-friendly, but it still pays to be prepared. Since it’s on an island, there’s only one way in and out. Cell service is usually available but inconsistent, especially near the western edge of the park.

Here’s how we’d stay safe and ready:

• Download maps and save directions before you leave town.
• Keep a fully charged phone and a battery pack in your day bag.
• Let someone know your plans—even for a short trip.
• Carry a small first aid kit with essentials like band-aids, pain relievers, and allergy meds.
• Know your surroundings—look around when you arrive and locate emergency exits, ranger stations, or posted information boards.

Wildlife encounters are rare, but always keep a safe distance if you spot deer, coyotes, or snakes. Most important: pack out all your trash and don’t leave food out—it’s the fastest way to attract problems.

If a real emergency happens, Clarkston is less than 15 minutes away, and there are hospitals and supply stores there. Local rangers or Port of Clarkston staff can also help in non-emergency situations.

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Leave No Trace Principles

When camping at Chief Timothy Park, we always recommend following the Leave No Trace principles—not just because it’s the responsible thing to do, but because this place is worth preserving. The island’s natural setting, wildlife, and river views deserve to be enjoyed by everyone, now and in the future.

Here’s how we’d apply Leave No Trace here:

• Plan and prepare well. Know the park rules ahead of time, pack efficiently, and bring reusable supplies to cut down on waste.
• Travel and camp on durable surfaces. Stick to designated campsites and avoid trampling the grass or setting up near sensitive shoreline areas.
• Dispose of waste properly. Bring trash bags, and always pack out everything—this includes food scraps, wrappers, and even biodegradable items.
• Leave what you find. Don’t take rocks, driftwood, or plants as souvenirs. Enjoy them in place.
• Minimize campfire impact. Only build fires in the provided rings. Keep fires small, and fully extinguish them before leaving your site.
• Respect wildlife. Watch from a distance, don’t feed animals, and secure all food properly.
• Be considerate of others. Keep noise low, especially at night. Respect quiet hours and give other campers space.

Even though Chief Timothy is more developed than some backcountry spots, these principles still matter. We’ve seen what a difference it makes when campers treat the land with care.

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Nearby Attractions

If you have some extra time while staying at Chief Timothy Park, there are a few local spots worth checking out:

• Clarkston, WA & Lewiston, ID – Just a short drive from the park, these twin cities offer local shops, restaurants, grocery stores, and fuel if you need to restock or grab a hot meal.
• Hells Gate State Park – Located about 15 minutes away, this park has more hiking, biking, and river access. It’s a great option for a day trip.
• Snake River Adventures – If you’re interested in guided jet boat tours or fishing charters on the Snake River, this can be a fun add-on to your trip.
• Asotin County Historical Society Museum – A small but informative stop if you enjoy local history.
• Lewiston Hill Lookout – Head here for panoramic views of the Snake and Clearwater Rivers. It’s especially stunning at sunset.

All of these attractions are within a 20–30 minute drive from Chief Timothy, so it’s easy to explore the area without straying too far from your campsite.

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Suggested Itineraries

We know it can be tough to plan the perfect camping trip when you’re short on time or unfamiliar with the area. Here are a couple of simple itinerary ideas based on different trip lengths:

Quick 1-Night Getaway

• Arrive: Mid-afternoon on a Friday or Saturday
• Camp: Choose a riverside site on the north or east side of the island for easy access to views and facilities
• What to Do: Set up your tent, enjoy a walk along the shoreline trails, cook dinner by the fire, and stargaze after dark
• Pack Essentials: Tent, sleeping bag, cooler with pre-made dinner, headlamp, water jugs, bug spray
• Leave by: Late morning the next day after a slow breakfast and a bit of quiet time by the water

2–3 Night Adventure

• Arrive: Early afternoon on a Thursday or Friday
• Camp: Book a more secluded site near the south end if you want extra privacy
• Activities: Explore nearby Hells Gate State Park one day, relax on the island another, maybe rent a kayak or canoe locally
• Pack Essentials: Extra clothes, sunshade or canopy, games or books, fishing gear if you’re interested, extra water
• Meal Plan: Breakfast sandwiches, grill kits, and snacks like trail mix or fruit cups work well

This longer stay gives you time to really unwind and experience more of what the area offers.

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Frequently Asked Questions