Ancient Lakes – Quincy Wildlife Area, Washington – Moquistang; one little mustang who does it all.

Ancient Lakes – Quincy Wildlife Area, Washington

Jun 27, 2026

Ancient Lakes is located in Central Washington outside of Quincy, WA. This area provides 17,724 acres of the Quincy Wildlife Unit Area for exploration. This is a great location for spring and fall riding when the higher elevation areas aren’t rideable. Enjoy the views long the scenic Columbia River Basin and enjoy unique geology including canyons, waterfalls, million year old lakes and basalt cliffs with columnar formations.

Camp Overview

Campsites: Dispersed, primitive.
Fees: Currently free at new dispersed area but may require Discover pass as it gets improved. Discover Pass required at Ancient Lakes Camping Area above Burke Lake.
Permits: None.
Popularity: Average.
Elevation: 1,051 feet
Season: October – April
Cell Service: Yes.
Notes: Use caution mid-May through Summer as rattlesnakes become more active.

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Getting There

Directions: From Quincy: Drive east on Highway 28 for 3 miles. Turn left at the traffic circle onto Road U NW/White Trail Road. After 1 mile, turn left onto Road 9 NW. Follow this for 2 miles, then continue onto Ancient Lake Road NW for 3.4 miles – camp will be on the right.

Google Directions: Map Link
GPS Coordinates: 47.16741, -119.98172
Road Conditions: Well-graded gravel.
Gas Station: A1 Stop – 710 10th Ave SW, Quincy, WA 98848

Amenities & Camp Details

Stock Containment: Bring your own corrals, trailer Hi-Tie or temporary fencing.
Stock Water: No.
Potable Water: No.
Manure Bin: No but okay to disperse manure.
Trash/Dumpster: No.
Bathroom: No. (Yes @ Burke Lake)
Day Use Parking: Yes.

Reserving Your Spot

Reservations: First come, first served.
Check In/Check Out: None specified.

Site Specifics:

The camping area is a large open field. No amenities and you need to bring your own corrals, Hi-Tie System or temporary fencing. There is no shade, water, manure dump, trash, etc. Backcountry Horseman are working with Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife to possible fence and add signage to the area.

You may also disperse camp above Burke Lake at the Ancient Lakes Camping Area however the road to this area is closed to vehicle traffic Oct 1 – Feb 28. This camp is located at 47.13337, -119.92430. Vault toilet available and stock water from lake.

Please note the former Camping & corral area near ancient lakes trailhead was sold.

Nearby Trails & GPX Tracks:

WHT: Ancient Lakes Folder (Courtesy of Starfish Pony Adventures)

Nearby Dispersed Camps

Burke Lake as described above.

Backcountry Camp Options

Likely none. The lakes in the area are not safe for stock due to high agricultural irrigation run-off, so backcountry camping would be difficult without a water source. If you have additional info please email adventure.equines@gmail.com