Camping near Republic, Washington offers access to high-elevation sites that provide respite during summer heat. Most sites sit above 3,000 feet, creating cooler night conditions even when valley temperatures soar. Winter snowfall typically blocks access to forest service campgrounds from October through May, though some lower elevation sites remain accessible year-round.
What to do
Fish for bass and trout: Curlew Lake State Park Campground offers excellent bass fishing opportunities with direct lake access. One camper noted, "Nice grassy areas and hookups available - lake has excellent bass fishing and bird watching." Meanwhile, Swan Lake Campground is known for abundant trout fishing, though they can be challenging to catch. A visitor mentioned, "The trout are in abundance but are some what if a challenge to keep hooked."
Non-motorized boating: Swan Lake restricts motorized watercraft, making it perfect for peaceful paddling experiences. According to a reviewer, "Great lake for fishing and kayaking, great spot for birding." At Bonaparte Lake Campground, visitors can access the water via a dock and boat launch, with one camper sharing, "The campground is sited on Bonaparte Lake's southern end. It is stocked with fish and there are loons present."
Wildlife viewing: The wetlands around Republic's lakes create habitat for diverse bird species. A visitor to Bonaparte Lake observed, "It is stocked with fish and there are loons present." Osprey nests can often be spotted near lakeshores, particularly at Curlew Lake where one camper spotted "an Osprey nest that the hillside trails goes right by."
What campers like
Lake views: Many sites at Tiffany's Resort offer direct views of Curlew Lake. A visitor commented, "The only positive was the lake view." At Bonaparte Lake, campers appreciate the waterfront access with one noting, "Some sites have lake frontage and are deep sites. One couple across from us had a hammock between 2 trees with a great lake view."
Dark night skies: The minimal light pollution around Republic provides exceptional stargazing opportunities. At Swan Lake Kitchen, visitors experience remarkable celestial views, with one camper remarking, "The night sky like you only see in movies!!"
Rustic cabins: Snow Peak Cabin offers a unique lodging option accessible by hiking or driving. One visitor described it as "cozy and well stocked with cots, chairs, pots and pans, firewood, and solar lights!" For winter visitors, the cabin serves as a ski touring destination, with a camper noting, "All you really need to pack in besides the basic necessities are your sleeping bag, ski apres, and a good water filter."
What you should know
Limited cell service: Connectivity is spotty throughout the area, particularly at Curlew Lake State Park. One camper reported, "Zero reliable cell service in the park. Had to drive back towards Republic to make a call." Canadian towers sometimes provide signal near the border, but one hiker advises to "turn your phone off to avoid pinging Canadian service towers" while exploring nearby mountains.
Water conditions vary: Lake quality can change seasonally. A Curlew Lake visitor noted, "The lake had a pretty significant bloom of algae and a lot of mill weed at this time, but it was still a great visit." Check current lake conditions before swimming.
Site privacy varies: Sherman Pass Overlook Campground offers highway-accessible camping but limited privacy between sites. A camper observed, "Most spots can fit trailers but some more private than other spots." At Curlew Lake State Park, a visitor commented, "The campsites are pretty close together though, so there isn't much privacy."
Tips for camping with families
Swimming beaches: Some campgrounds offer designated swimming areas for safer water access. At Curlew Lake State Park, "Over a little hill from the lower loop is swimming beach and day-use area. This area was pretty busy with locals as the temperatures hit 100 during our visit."
Loop selection matters: At Curlew Lake State Park, different camping loops offer varied experiences. One visitor explained, "The three loops help to create three different experiences," with some areas offering more privacy and others providing better facilities like showers.
Group site options: Swan Lake Kitchen offers a specialized group camping area with excellent amenities. A camper described it as a "Sweet group site with outdoor woodfired stove/fireplace under shelter with picnic tables. Includes two freshwater sources and a private beach with swim dock as well as plenty of camping room for the whole crew."
Tips from RVers
Full hookup options: Gold Mountain RV Park provides year-round access with complete services. According to a visitor, "There are 21 sites available, each with full hook-ups." This makes it one of the few options for winter RV camping near Republic.
Tight turnarounds: Some forest service campgrounds have limited space for larger RVs. At Bonaparte Lake, one camper with a 24-foot pop-up truck camper found their site accommodating but noted space constraints. At Sherman Pass, a visitor warned, "Turn around loop is tight but doable with full size Dodge and 32' trailer."
Seasonal limitations: Most developed campgrounds close after Labor Day, with limited winter camping options. Winchester RV Resort remains open year-round with full hookups, providing an alternative for cold-weather camping while forest service sites are snowbound.
