Map of Potholes Reservoir, Washington
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Potholes Reservoir

Bureau of Reclamation · Washington

data verified May 2026 (1 day ago)

Overview

Potholes Reservoir is a Bureau of Reclamation lake in central Washington, formed by O'Sullivan Dam as part of the Columbia Basin Project. The reservoir sits among glacial depressions in ancient sand dunes. This creates shallow basins and small islands that make it one of the state's premier birding destinations.

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You camp at developed sites around the shoreline in high-desert scrub. Birding peaks March through October. Sandhill cranes and waterfowl arrive in late February. April brings raptors. May brings Sage Thrasher, Lark Sparrow, Burrowing Owl, Long-eared Owl, and shorebirds. In August, the BOR drops the reservoir level and exposes mudflats. These mudflats attract sandpipers, stilts, plovers, and curlews. Fishing runs year-round for yellow perch, crappie, largemouth bass, rainbow trout, and walleye.

The BOR allows day-use and overnight camping on most of the shoreline. You can camp year-round. Reservations are handled through the Washington State Parks system. Call 888-226-7688 to book a site. Access to the west side is limited. Confirm current access points before you arrive.

The August drawdown is the main issue. If you time a trip for August birding, you are camping on a shrinking shoreline. Water levels drop fast, and your camp spot may be farther from the lake than expected. Bring extra water for dry camping conditions.

Data verified May 2026. Conditions change fast in central Washington. Confirm current access and camping status with the Bureau of Reclamation before you go.

Plan your visit

  • Shelter type
    Developed site
  • Stay limit
    Verify with agency
  • Fee
    Free
  • Best for
    RV and tent camping

Access

drive-in
regular vehicle access
walk-in
short walk from parking
hike-in
backcountry, multi-hour trek

Features

for campers
  • toiletsunknown
  • potable waterunknown
  • fire ringsunknown
  • picnic tablesunknown
  • trash serviceunknown
for vehicles
  • dump stationunknown
  • hookupsunknown
  • pull-through sitesunknown
  • rv length infounknown
  • paved accessunknown
Bureau of Reclamation camping rules
reservoir-area camping rules, usually fee-based.

Conditions and access

coordinates
46.97049, -119.36480
AgencyBureau of Reclamationreported May 2026TypeDeveloped sitereported May 2026StateWashingtonreported May 2026

Nearby sites

drive time from nearby cities

drive times from WA cities populate once the mapbox directions ingest runs in phase d. expect 5 nearest cities within 250 miles.

Questions about Potholes Reservoir

Is camping at Potholes Reservoir free?
No. Potholes Reservoir is a fee-based developed campground operated by the Bureau of Reclamation. You must pay a camping fee and make a reservation in advance. It is not a boondock site.
Do you need a reservation to camp at Potholes Reservoir?
Yes. Camping here is not first-come, first-served. You must book in advance by calling 888-226-7688 or through the online reservation portal.
How long can you camp at Potholes Reservoir?
The Bureau of Reclamation does not publicly list a stay limit in available materials. Contact the Bureau of Reclamation before you book, as length-of-stay rules vary by site and season.
Is Potholes Reservoir open year-round?
Yes. The area is open year-round for camping and fishing. Your chosen campground or site may have seasonal closures, so confirm with the Bureau of Reclamation before your visit.
What kind of birding can you do at Potholes Reservoir?
Potholes is one of Washington's best birding destinations. March through October is peak season. You'll see sandhill cranes and waterfowl in late February. Raptors arrive in April. May brings Sage Thrasher, Lark Sparrow, Burrowing Owl, Long-eared Owl, and shorebirds. The August drawdown exposes mudflats that attract sandpipers, stilts, plovers, and curlews.
What fish are in Potholes Reservoir?
The reservoir holds yellow perch, crappie, largemouth bass, rainbow trout, and walleye. Fishing is open year-round. Access across most of the shoreline is good, though the west side has limited access points.

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