Jameson Lake Site Information
looking north at the main camping area
looking south from the main parking area
Washington Discover Pass REQUIRED
A Washington Discover Pass is required to use the Jameson Lake site. We cannot provide passes nor does your registration for the event waive the requirement. Certain WA fishing and hunting licenses provide Discover Pass coverage - check your license if applicable.
Discover Passes may be purchased with your vehicle registration/renewal or through the state online at the Discover Pass website. Annual passes are $35, good for one year from the date of purchase.
Viewing Horizons
Even though the site is located in a coulee, the viewing horizons are still very good for most spots used for camping locations. The coulee rims to the east and west of the site are about 20° above true horizon in most locations, but more pronounced to the east. North and south views are relatively free from obstruction.
Cell Phone Coverage
Coverage for cellular phones is very limited at Jameson Lake and whether you get reception will depend on your carrier and phone. The nearest location with reliable phone service is Jack's Resort just down the road and should only be used for 911-type emergencies.
Jack's Resort
We have NO partnership or working arrangement with Jack's Resort for any services or amenities.
Other Site Information
Campsites & RV Parking
The main camping and telescope areas are located on graveled parking areas and are for the most part level. Staking tents and awnings can be difficult in some areas of the site (see Staking info below).
There is adequate room to allocate for RV's of all types and sizes that will be on level sites. As always, bring adequate blocking or levelers for your rig.
We will also be offering "dispersed camping" in areas under the purview of our permit in areas away from the primary event location. If you're more of a loner or want to be away from the larger group, please check with a Director when you arrive as to what options may be available for you.
Weather
Temperatures: expect warm temperatures during the day, in the 90's depending on the current trends. Night temperatures will cool, perhaps into the 40's, though we anticipate that it will be somewhere more in the 50's overnight. As such, we still recommend that you pack for all weather conditions, as weather is unpredictable and something that we have no control over (although we wish we did!).
Dew: being adjacent to the lake, dew is a possibility though relatively unlikely. Bring the dew shields for your telescope, just in case.
Winds: afernoon breezes and occasionally gusty winds are normal in the coulees in the summer. Make sure that your structures are well-anchored, and your campsite items secured if the wind picks up.
- Staking Your Gear -
Please bring sturdy stakes to secure down your tents, canopies, awnings or other items. We would recommend what's referred to as "gutter spikes" (check your well-stocked hardware store - they're like supersized nails) but these may not fit some loops or holes found in the anchor points of your equipment. The best option that should suffice is something like this 
that you can find in sporting goods stores or on Amazon. Normal "hook" tent stakes may be adequate if they are long, beefy and made of steel.
Aluminum or plastic stakes are NOT recommended.
Another option is 5-gallon plastic buckets that you can fill with the abundant rocks at the site to serve as anchors.
Insects
Flies and mosquitoes are a possibility given the proximity to the lake. It would be advisable to bring insect replellent. No repellent candles will be allowed due to the danger of fire.
Water
There is NO potable water available on-site. Please bring adequate water for your needs.
Shade
There is no shade at the site. It would be advisable to bring some sort of canopy or awning to provide shade during the day. We advise that you bring adequate staking and tie-downs for any structure. Any such awning or canopy must be contained within your campsite.
Stewardship
Jameson Lake is state-owned land. Please treat it as you would when camping anywhere. Treat the land and facilities with respect and clean up your site before leaving.
