Parks

NOTICE

Horn Rapids Park Campground

(Updated February 2025)

The Horn Rapids Park Campground is no longer open for drop-in or individual camping.

We still accommodate large groups at Horn Rapids.  Groups wishing to use the campground must rent a minimum of 10 campsites ($30 per site, per night), must schedule and confirm in advance, and must pay in advance. Please make arrangements by emailing parks@co.benton.wa.us.

The change in operations is due to the demands put upon the park and our staff by vandalism, transience, and non-payment of fees.  This behavior has increased in recent years and has overwhelmed our staff’s abilities to manage the system and to provide a safe and pleasant experience for recreational campers.  This change in operations applies until further notice.

MISSION

The mission of Benton County's parks system is to provide recreational, educational, and conservation venues for the health, enjoyment, and enrichment of the community. The Parks Department works at the direction of the County Commissioners and at the advisement of the Benton County Park Board.  Benton County maintains park facilities only, and conducts no recreational programming. Benton County operates ten park units comprising over 2,000 acres of recreation and conservation area. Seven of the parks are owned outright by the County, while the other three are properties leased from federal or state government agencies.

Benton County focuses on destinations and venues, and the Department is project and development oriented.  While the Parks Department does organize a few specific events throughout the year, there is no recreational programming on a larger scale.  We are heavily reliant upon our “Partners in Parks” groups that perform many functions in the parks, and our volunteer corps that participate in various types of work parties throughout the year.

PARKS DEPARTMENT 

The Benton County Parks Department consists of a few key staff members, including two (2) park rangers. Contact information for each park, as well as our Sustainable Development Manager and Facilities Manager, are provided below.