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Bonnie Lake Island

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SUMMARY PRESENTED BYT-Mobile

BLM-managed land along Bonnie Lake in Eastern Washington includes this free, boat-in dispersed site on a small island roughly 1.5 miles from the put-in. Access requires paddling up Rock Creek for about a mile, then continuing half a mile up the lake itself. The creek runs seasonally shallow, and at least one beaver dam requires a portage. The island is rocky and brushy, with limited flat tent space and trees suitable for hammocks. Soil depth is insufficient for waste burial, so sanitary pack-out bags are required. Coyotes are frequently audible in the canyon. Paddlers looking for campgrounds near St. John or a more developed base camp may want to consider Klink's Williams Lake Resort to the northwest.

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Map & DirectionsBonnie Lake Island is located in Washington near St. John

Detail location of campground
Dispersed Camping

Coordinates

47.26875362 N
117.57368828 W

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Connectivity

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Connectivity

Presented byT-MobileT-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoorsLearn More
  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    Verizon
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T
    No Coverage

Access

  • Boat-In
    Sites accessible by watercraft.

Site Types

  • Dispersed

Features

For Campers

  • Pets
  • Fires

DISPERSED CAMPING

Enjoy dispersed camping on government land and leave no trace. Pack in and pack out. No (or limited) services at this camping area. Permit may be required.

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Reviews1 Camper Review - Bonnie Lake Island

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1 Review

Reviewed Apr. 1, 2020

Bonnie Lake Island. Boat in island campsite in scab-land canyon lake

This is a primitive site on an island in Bonnie Lake in Eastern Washington. Bonnie lake is a canyon lake, about 4 miles long and narrow. The island and surrounding sq. mile of land is owned by the BLM. Access is by paddling up Rock Creek about a mile and another 1/2 mile paddle up the lake. The creek can be seasonally shallow and you'll have to portage across at least one beaver dam. The island is rocky and brushy with enough flat spaces for a tent or two and trees for hammocks. The steep canyon walls provide a stage for coyotes to sing back and forth. Please use sanitary bags to pack out your waste (poop). The island's soil isn't deep enough for proper burial.

There is a spit of land on shore where you can camp too, but I've not done that.

Month of VisitOctober
  • Review photo of Bonnie Lake Island by Brian L., April 1, 2020
  • Review photo of Bonnie Lake Island by Brian L., April 1, 2020
  • Review photo of Bonnie Lake Island by Brian L., April 1, 2020
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Showing results 1-1 of 1 reviews

Frequently Asked Questions

What activities can I enjoy while camping at Bonnie Lake?

Bonnie Lake offers excellent paddling opportunities along its narrow, 4-mile canyon lake. Kayaking and canoeing are ideal ways to explore the area's natural beauty. The lake provides a peaceful environment for fishing, wildlife watching, photography, and bird observation. Hiking opportunities exist around the BLM-owned land surrounding the lake. Stargazing is exceptional due to minimal light pollution in this remote setting. Swimming is also possible during warmer months. The secluded nature of the island makes it perfect for those seeking quiet contemplation and immersion in Eastern Washington's unique landscape.

What are the camping options at Bonnie Lake in Eastern Washington?

Bonnie Lake Island offers primitive camping on an island located in Bonnie Lake, a narrow canyon lake in Eastern Washington. The island is owned by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), providing a true backcountry camping experience. There are no developed facilities, making this an ideal spot for those seeking a wilderness experience away from crowds. Since this is primitive BLM land, be prepared to pack in all necessary supplies and pack out all waste. There are no designated campsites, reservation systems, or fees, but camping follows standard BLM dispersed camping regulations.

How do I access Bonnie Lake campground from Spokane?

From Spokane, you'll need to travel to Rock Creek access point. The island campground is only accessible by water, requiring a paddle trip of approximately 1.5 miles total - about a mile up Rock Creek followed by another half mile across Bonnie Lake itself. There are no road connections directly to the campsite, making this a true boat-in only camping destination. Be prepared with appropriate watercraft (canoe, kayak, or small boat) and gear transportation solutions. The paddle approach adds to the remote wilderness experience but requires planning and preparation before departing from Spokane.

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