Camping near Colville National Forest
Colville National Forest provides camping options along Lake Roosevelt and the Kettle River with several established campgrounds offering varied accommodations. Lake Roosevelt National Recreation Area encompasses multiple camping areas including Kettle Falls, Kettle River, Marcus Island, Evans, and Kamloops campgrounds, all featuring basic amenities for tent and RV camping. North Lake RV Park & Campground and North Lake Roosevelt Resort offer more developed sites with amenities like electric hookups, showers, and cabin rentals, while Trout Lake Campground provides free primitive camping.
Access to campgrounds in the Colville area varies seasonally, with most sites operating from Memorial Day through Labor Day. During peak summer months, reservations are recommended at popular water-access sites. "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," noted one visitor about Marcus Island. Water levels fluctuate significantly throughout the year, with the lake drawn down in February and rising to peak levels by early July. Summer temperatures can reach the high 90s, while spring camping offers solitude but with lower water levels. Many campgrounds offer both standard drive-in sites and walk-in options, with some requiring hiking gear down to the camping area.
Waterfront access represents a primary attraction for campers in the area, with sites along Lake Roosevelt and the Kettle River receiving consistently positive reviews. Several campgrounds provide direct water access with beaches and boat launches. Visitors particularly value the spacious sites and relative privacy at Kamloops Campground, describing it as feeling "like our own private lake." Wildlife viewing opportunities abound, with campers regularly spotting bald eagles and deer. While most campgrounds have vault toilets that are regularly maintained, shower facilities are limited to the private resorts and RV parks. Cell service varies throughout the region, with some areas offering slow but functional connectivity. For those seeking more solitude, campgrounds in Colville National Forest tend to be less crowded than those along the main recreation areas of Lake Roosevelt.
