Charbonneau Park
Burbank, Washington · on Lake Sacajawea
Verified · 3 independent sources
- WATER
- reservoir
- ACCESS
- Designated swim area
- FEE
- No fee found
- SEASON
- May
About Charbonneau Park
Charbonneau Park is a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers campground and day-use area on Lake Sacajawea, the Snake River reservoir formed by Ice Harbor Lock and Dam, about 8 miles east of Burbank, Washington. Its official designated swim beach, complete with a life jacket loaner board, makes the reservoir an easy lake to swim in, and the swimming hole sits alongside a marina, boat ramp, and campground; the park has been recognized as one of America's Top 100 Family Campgrounds.
The park sits on the shoreline of Lake Sacajawea amid open grassy areas dotted with shade trees, contrasting with the surrounding rolling desert hills of the Snake River canyon in southeastern Washington; waterfront campsites and day-use shelters overlook the reservoir.
Swimming at Charbonneau Park
Swimming is at an official, sheltered swim beach marked with buoy lines and backed by sand, offering calm, protected water suited to families with young children; a life jacket loaner board is provided on-site. Additional small sand beaches near the boat launch area are also used for wading and swimming.
How to get to this swimming hole
Located at 642 Campground Road, Burbank, WA, approximately 8.3 miles east of Burbank on Highway 124, along the shore of Lake Sacajawea near Ice Harbor Lock and Dam.
The walk in
No real hike here. The water is a short walk from where you park. This is a drive-up Army Corps of Engineers park; the designated swim beach is a short walk from the paved parking area/campground, not reached by a trail.
Plan your visit
Bringing kids
Good for kids
Official swim beach is buoy-lined and backed by sand with calm, sheltered reservoir water; a life jacket loaner board is provided on-site. The campground has been recognized as one of America's Top 100 Family Campgrounds, and reviewers describe the park as clean, quiet, and family-oriented with a nearby playground.
Parking
Lot
Paved campground/day-use parking is available (52 paved campsites plus day-use picnic shelter parking per aggregator data), but no source found specifies whether a separate day-use parking or beach-access fee applies outside of camping/reservation fees.
Restrooms
Yes
Flush toilets and a central bathhouse with hot showers serve the campground/day-use area (visitor review: 'bathrooms were super clean,' though one noted low water pressure). Exact restroom location relative to the swim beach specifically was not documented in sources found.
Hours
Gate hours run 6 a.m.-10 p.m. (quiet hours 10 p.m.-6 a.m.); campground and full facilities operate seasonally May-September, though the boat ramp is open year-round per the official Army Corps page.
On the water
Restrictions: Power loading of boats at the ramp is prohibited (boats must be winched/loaded without engine power) per the official park regulations. The swim beach is separated from boat traffic by buoy lines.
The park has a paved boat ramp and marina, and water skiing is listed among recreational activities by an aggregator source. No source explicitly confirmed or restricted kayak, canoe, or paddleboard use, so those are left undetermined rather than assumed.
What regulars say
Visitors describe Charbonneau Park as very clean and well-maintained, quiet, and scenic ('gorgeous sunsets,' 'loveliest parks/campgrounds we've ever stayed in'), with multiple small sand beaches beyond the main designated swim beach near the boat launch area. Noted downsides in the same reports: bugs, no Wi-Fi, a 10 p.m. gate closure, and no direct walking access from the RV loop to the marina/day-use area. No visitor commentary specific to this park's water clarity or crowd levels has surfaced yet.
Backstory
The park is named for Toussaint Charbonneau, husband of Sacajawea and interpreter for the Lewis and Clark Expedition; Lake Sacajawea itself is named for Sacajawea and was formed by the construction of Ice Harbor Lock and Dam on the lower Snake River.
Charbonneau Park: FAQ
Is Charbonneau Park kid friendly?
Official swim beach is buoy-lined and backed by sand with calm, sheltered reservoir water; a life jacket loaner board is provided on-site. The campground has been recognized as one of America's Top 100 Family Campgrounds, and reviewers describe the park as clean, quiet, and family-oriented with a nearby playground.
Do I need to hike to reach Charbonneau Park?
No significant hike is required. The swimming area is close to parking and access.
Where do I park for Charbonneau Park?
Paved campground/day-use parking is available (52 paved campsites plus day-use picnic shelter parking per aggregator data), but no source found specifies whether a separate day-use parking or beach-access fee applies outside of camping/reservation fees.
Can I bring a kayak or paddleboard to Charbonneau Park?
The park has a paved boat ramp and marina, and water skiing is listed among recreational activities by an aggregator source. No source explicitly confirmed or restricted kayak, canoe, or paddleboard use, so those are left undetermined rather than assumed.
When is the best time to visit Charbonneau Park?
Campground and full facilities operate May through September; the boat ramp is open year-round.
What are the rules at Charbonneau Park?
Alcoholic beverages are prohibited; pets must be leashed at 6 feet; power loading of boats is prohibited; vehicles must stay on pavement; fire restrictions (no wood-burning fires, charcoal/gas grills allowed in designated areas) are in effect seasonally; gate closes and quiet hours run 10 p.m.-6 a.m.; campground check-in after 2 p.m., check-out by noon with no exceptions.
What water body is Charbonneau Park on?
Charbonneau Park is on Lake Sacajawea, a natural reservoir verified in USGS hydrography data.
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