Campsites near Boyds, Washington sit at elevations around 1,300 feet within the Colville National Forest region. Winter temperatures can drop below freezing with summer highs regularly reaching the upper 90s in July and August. The surrounding terrain features pine forests and rocky landscapes, with most campgrounds offering direct access to Lake Roosevelt's 130 miles of shoreline created by Grand Coulee Dam.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Trout Lake Campground offers stocked lake fishing in a secluded setting. "The lake is beautiful and we took our canoe out on it a couple times. We also had great hikes on the local trails. We couldn't get the fish to bite but others told us the lake is stocked," notes one visitor who camped there in spring.
Waterfall viewing: At Douglas Falls Grange Park Campground, visitors can explore a 60-foot waterfall just steps from some campsites. "Saw eagles and deer right from our site. The very small hike to the falls was only steps away from our site, and one of the sites you could even see the falls!" reports a camper who stayed three nights before Memorial Day weekend.
Swimming: Summer water activities rank high for many visitors. "This campsite is very well priced and the water is very clear to swim in (somewhat cold). My only complaint is that there is a lot of mosquitoes but it's not a problem if you bring a lot of bug spray," notes a camper at Kettle Falls Campground.
What campers like
Off-season solitude: Many Lake Roosevelt campgrounds offer quieter experiences outside peak summer months. A visitor to Marcus Island Campground shared: "We had a campground all to ourselves in early April. It is full of birds and waterfowl. Rocky cliff side down to the lake. In April the water levels are low for flood control."
Spacious sites: Campers consistently mention the generous spacing between sites at many area campgrounds. "The sites are large and the road is good. There are large sites for trucks, trailers. Tent camping is nice in the upper loop," notes a Trout Lake visitor.
Cleanliness: Maintained facilities receive consistent praise. "Bathrooms were clean and had toilet paper. The campground itself is very clean. We saw rangers checking up and driving thru at least 6x throughout day and evening," observed a visitor at Kettle Falls Campground.
What you should know
Access challenges: Some campgrounds require high-clearance vehicles. A Trout Lake visitor warned: "I would recommend 4x4 getting here. The road to get there is dirt and gravel. It is uneven with a lot of potholes, also very narrow and no room for others to pass. Super sketchy in my Kia Soul."
Seasonal water levels: Lake Roosevelt's water level fluctuates significantly. At Kamloops Campground, one visitor noted: "In April the water levels are low for flood control," while others mention optimal water levels by early July.
Insects: Plan for mosquitoes and bees during summer months. "We had no problem getting around in our 50 ft rig. Be aware of bees during the day and mosquitoes at night," advises a North Lake RV Park visitor who stayed for a week in July.
Tips for camping with families
Best family-friendly sites: Choose campgrounds with amenities for children. "Clean bathrooms, no showers, fire pits, dispersed water spigots, limited access to the water for swimming," describes one family at Kettle Falls Campground, adding that while they prefer more remote camping, the maintained facilities worked well for their annual family gathering.
Kid-friendly activities: Look for campgrounds with recreational options. "There is a huge field with a backstop for baseball/softball, a covered picnic area, Horseshoes, hiking trails (with the main one being a 1.5 mile nature loop)," notes a Douglas Falls visitor.
Safety considerations: Be aware of terrain and water access challenges with young children. "The view was fantastic, and once the kids were settled in bed I thoroughly enjoyed a book while the sun set over the mountains and lake. Oh- and water access, considering that it is on the lake, was less than ideal, especially with small kids. The campground is 20 or so vertical feet above the water line and it is a steep path to the water," cautions a parent at Kettle Falls Campground.
Tips from RVers
Site selection: Choose RV sites carefully based on size and amenities. At North Lake RV Park & Campground, campers note: "We had no problem getting around in our 50 ft rig. We got 2 sites side by side for our camping partners. Nice grassy area for group activities."
Water access: For RVers seeking water activities, verify distance to shoreline. "Took my three young kids here for an overnighter. Water access, considering that it is on the lake, was less than ideal. Easier access is a drive or long walk away," explains a camper about Kettle Falls Campground.
Connectivity considerations: Cell service varies throughout the region. An RV camper at North Lake reports: "This place is great. Super rustic, tons of things for kids to get into, water was clean, power was solid. Heads up, your cell coverage will be spotty here. (Bring a book)."
