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Map showing campground location near Lamont, Washington
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Cow Lake

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Fishing enthusiasts will find direct water access at this dispersed camping area managed by the Washington State Department of Natural Resources. Located about 10 miles east of Ritzville, Cow Lake requires navigating a dirt road with a particularly rough final mile, though most vehicles can make the drive.

The site offers no facilities or potable water, but campers report good cell service. Weekend crowds gather for fishing along the shoreline, and sound carries well across the water. Some visitors encounter noise from evening activities including gunfire. Campers can find spots directly next to the water, though previous visitors sometimes leave trash behind. Consider visiting on weekdays for a quieter experience, and pack out all waste to help maintain the area.

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Map & DirectionsCow Lake is located in Washington near Lamont

Detail location of campground
Dispersed Camping

Coordinates

47.1348042 N
118.1593001 W

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Connectivity

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    AT&TLTE
    Some Coverage

Connectivity

Presented byT-MobileT-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoors
  • signal strength bars
    T-MobileLTE
    Some Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    Verizon
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&TLTE
    Some Coverage

Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site

Features

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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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Reviews2 Camper Reviews - Cow Lake

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3.0

out of 5

2 Reviews

Reviewed Jun. 13, 2021

Welcome to the Wild West - Beautiful but Busy

At first glance, Cow Lake is a beautiful and secluded oasis tucked away in the scablands of Eastern Washington.

However, the area is a very popular local fishing and recreation spot and gets crowded on the weekends.

Cow Lake is about 10 miles east of Ritzville and is a free, dispersed camping area.

The road here is dirt and the last mile or so is pretty rough. But, most vehicles shouldn’t have any problems.

There are no services, facilities or potable water but cell service was good.

We arrived early Friday afternoon and there were just 2 other vehicles here. But, by evening there were over a dozen boisterous people fishing along the shore. Sound travels well over water and it was very noisy.

Luckily, the people fishing left and we basically had the area to ourselves until Saturday morning when family groups arrived for a day of fishing and fun.

By far the worst of it was the yahoos who came in later that evening to drink and shoot their guns. It was like we were camping in the middle of a shooting range.

We would not camp here again. Too crowded, too noisy & too many guns.

Month of VisitJune
  • Review photo of Cow Lake by jeremy B., June 13, 2021
  • Review photo of Cow Lake by jeremy B., June 13, 2021
  • Review photo of Cow Lake by jeremy B., June 13, 2021
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Showing results 1-2 of 2 reviews

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Cow Lake located in Washington?

Cow Lake is located about 10 miles east of Ritzville in Eastern Washington. This beautiful lake is nestled in the scablands region, offering a secluded oasis in this distinctive landscape. Its relatively remote location contributes to its appeal as a getaway spot, though it remains accessible enough to be popular with locals, especially on weekends.

Does Cow Lake have a swimming beach?

Cow Lake does have water access points where visitors can swim, though it lacks a formal, designated swimming beach with amenities. The lake is primarily known as a fishing and recreation spot. Campsites are available next to the water, allowing easy access for swimming and water activities during warmer months.

What do Cow Lake Campground facilities look like?

Cow Lake offers free, dispersed camping with minimal facilities. Expect a rustic camping experience without developed amenities like showers or flush toilets. Some campsites are positioned right along the water's edge, providing direct lake access. The access road can be somewhat rough, and campers should be prepared to pack out their trash as maintenance appears limited. The campground's natural setting in the Eastern Washington scablands creates a scenic backdrop despite its primitive nature.

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