Camping areas around Malo, Washington include a mix of established campgrounds and dispersed sites within the Colville National Forest and along nearby lakes and rivers. Curlew Lake State Park Campground, located near Republic, offers tent and RV sites with amenities including drinking water, electric hookups, and showers from April to October. Several miles north, Bonaparte Lake Campground provides lakeside camping with tent sites, RV spots, and cabin accommodations. The region features multiple waterfront camping options, with Tiffany's Resort and Winchester RV Resort offering developed facilities for various camping styles, while more remote forest service campgrounds provide primitive experiences.
Road conditions and seasonal availability significantly impact camping access in northeastern Washington. Most campgrounds operate from late spring through early fall, with Curlew Lake State Park open April to October and Bonaparte Lake Campground available from Memorial Day to September 30. Winter conditions typically close higher elevation sites, while some lower elevation RV parks remain open year-round. Many forest service roads leading to dispersed camping areas require high-clearance vehicles, particularly after rain or snowmelt. Cell service is limited throughout the region, especially in more remote areas. A camper described Bonaparte Lake as "a beautiful trip in the early fall" with "lovely sites as well with some right on the lake."
Waterfront camping receives consistently positive reviews from visitors to the Malo area. Curlew Lake offers fishing, swimming, and boating opportunities, with campers noting the "gorgeous" lake and surrounding area. Wildlife viewing is frequently mentioned in reviews, with visitors reporting sightings of osprey, eagles, deer, and various waterfowl. Campgrounds near Republic provide convenient access to groceries and supplies, while more remote sites offer greater solitude. Tent and RV sites at mixed-use campgrounds like Winchester RV Resort accommodate different camping preferences with varying levels of amenities. Several reviewers mentioned the quality of fishing in area lakes, with one noting that "Bonaparte Lake is a lake gem in the mountains" offering "generous and private" campsites with ample space for vehicles and camping equipment.
"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. The lake and surrounding area is gorgeous."
"Nice, well kept state park on the southeast shore of the lake. Garbages emptied and bathrooms cleaned regularly."
$20 / night
"Highland Glenn Ranch is new to the Dyrt and offers an awesome spot with a great way to connect with the wilderness in this Northern US Border Ranch. "
"Lovely quiet spot, surrounded by birds and frog and other critters. Mountains and canyons around you. Amazing views of the terrain."
"Curlew Lake is known for its fishing, also boating, waterskiing, kayaking, etc. Resort has a variety of full service cabins and full RV hook up camp sites. Also tent sites available."
"A great place if you’re looking for a quick overnight stop with easy highway access. Water from a hand pump well and vault toilets available. Also a nice ADA trail at site."
$20 - $125 / night
"We found Bonaparte Lake Campground through Dyrt when sites were not available at Curlew State Park and we needed some place in that Okanagon/Ferry County area of Washington."
"Many lakes, hiking trails, fishing, wildlife viewing -- it really has it all. The sites are quite large and can definitely hold a large party. "
"We pull a 32’ Outdoors RV trailer behind a full size 6’ bed and quad cab Dodge truck. We would have fit in a few of spots and there was 8 total with tighter loop turn around at end. "
$55 / night
"There's also some good skiing near the cabin and at Sherman Pass proper near where you park, as well as plenty of conservative terrain options if the avalanche forecast dictates that for you."
RangerWe have family in town and stay here when we visit. Great access to town. Everything you need is nearby. Watch kids play soccer. Don’t try to stay here during Stampede. Stayed several times in 42’ 5th wheel.
RangerThe directions are right, except make sure you go beyond the Refuge sign. The gate was locked so I found a site next to a Road Grader. Not ideal. But it was quiet and pleasant. No services.
ScoutLovely quiet spot, surrounded by birds and frog and other critters. Mountains and canyons around you. Amazing views of the terrain. Thrilling thunder and lightning storm passed through on our trip giving a cool experience.
TravelerDecent facilities
ScoutWe pulled in and as soon as we got out the car a swarm of mosquitoes immediately started attacking. We tried to just look past it and set up, they were just really annoying we sprayed ourselves down with mosquito repellent and it almost didn’t work. We found ourselves almost using up a whole new can. Great spot for a big group but unfortunately we ended up leaving early.
TravelerLove this place been going here since I was a kid. Fishing on this lake in a little boat will always be special to me. It a shame that this place wont be free next year (2026) but its still beautiful
RangerThis campground is absolutely worth paying for, there are water hook ups, and restrooms, a laundry facility and cabins for rent if you don't want to stay in a tent or in a camper. They have boats for rent in this incredible saltwater lake and it's a wonderful place to bring kids. There is a water trampoline and a place to swim and paddle boat rentals and more. This trout fishing is world class.
TravelerVery nice campground,bathrooms clean.
GuideA comfortable park on the banks of the Okanagan River at the stampede grounds..... Well maintained with large shade trees. And, a great dog park for your pups...
Camping near Malo, Washington centers around the Colville National Forest, where elevations range from 1,300 to 7,000 feet across diverse terrain with mixed coniferous forests. Summer temperatures typically reach 70-90°F during the day, dropping to 40-50°F at night, while spring and fall camping requires preparation for overnight temperatures that can dip below freezing. Access to many dispersed sites requires high-clearance vehicles, especially after periods of rain.
Fishing at Bonaparte Lake: Cast for rainbow trout, kokanee salmon, and smallmouth bass at Bonaparte Lake Campground, located 24 miles west of Malo. "We found Bonaparte Lake Campground through Dyrt when sites were not available at Curlew State Park. The camp host was amazingly helpful and friendly, giving us maps of things to do in the area," reports Patti C.
Wildlife viewing: Scan the skies and shorelines at Curlew Lake State Park Campground for diverse bird species. "Nice grassy areas and hookups available - lake has excellent bass fishing and bird watching," notes Scott B. The park's natural marshland attracts osprey, eagles, and waterfowl.
Hiking the wheelchair-accessible trail: Explore the ADA trail at Sherman Pass Overlook Campground, which sits at the summit of Sherman Pass. "Nice trail to go hiking out back of campground and simple walking wheelchair loop at Overlook parking lot," shares Teresa H., adding that the elevation provides "cool sleeping when hot weather persists in lower lands."
Private, spacious sites: Many campsites at Bonaparte Lake Campground offer ample room and separation. As Judy T. describes, "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."
Clean facilities: Campers frequently mention well-maintained amenities. "The camp host was amazingly helpful while we stayed who made sure the vault and flush toilets were clean," reports Judy T. about Bonaparte Lake Campground.
Free riverside camping: Budget-conscious campers appreciate Lone Ranch Park for its no-cost waterfront sites. "Undeveloped and rather unkempt, but a lovely view of the river. Quiet and free! There is a porta-potty that was clean when we visited," shares Emily B.
Reservation requirements: Popular campgrounds fill quickly during summer. One camper noted about Bonaparte Lake: "I stayed here 2 years ago and got a reservation less than a month before we left. This year, 2021, I can't even book a site for the summer right now!"
Water conditions vary: Lake quality can change seasonally. At Winchester RV Resort & Campground, visitors appreciate the "very nice campground, bathrooms clean" according to Jodi S., but water quality in area lakes fluctuates.
Limited cell service: Prepare for connectivity gaps throughout the region. Jamie C. reports about Curlew Lake State Park: "Zero reliable cell service in the park. Had to drive back towards Republic to make a call."
Seasonal operations: Most campgrounds operate on limited schedules. Sherman Pass Overlook Campground only operates from Memorial Day to Labor Day, while Bonaparte Lake Campground runs from Memorial Day to September 30.
Swimming areas: Tiffany's Resort offers family-friendly water activities. "Great place for families and fishermen. Resort has a variety of full service cabins and full RV hook up camp sites. Also tent sites available. Marked swim area for kids," notes Jana J.
Rental equipment: Some locations provide recreation gear on-site. At Tiffany's Resort, Jana J. mentions they have a "convenient store, where bikes, boats, kayaks and paddle boards can be rented."
Avoid peak season crowds: For quieter family trips, consider visiting before or after July-August. As one camper suggested about Bonaparte Lake, "It would make a beautiful trip in the early fall."
Site sizes and configurations: At Sherman Overlook Campground, Teresa H. found that "We pull a 32' Outdoors RV trailer behind a full size 6' bed and quad cab Dodge truck. We would have fit in a few of spots and there was 8 total with tighter loop turn around at end."
Year-round options: For winter camping, consider Gold Mountain RV Park, which operates "All year" according to its listing, offering "21 sites available, each with full hook-ups."
Level parking pads: Sherman Overlook Campground features "near level parking pads" according to Teresa H., making setup easier for RVers with trailers or larger vehicles.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Malo, WA?
According to TheDyrt.com, Malo, WA offers a wide range of camping options, with 118 campgrounds and RV parks near Malo, WA and 6 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Malo, WA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Malo, WA is Curlew Lake State Park Campground with a 4.3-star rating from 4 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Malo, WA?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 6 free dispersed camping spots near Malo, WA.
What parks are near Malo, WA?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 10 parks near Malo, WA that allow camping, notably Colville National Forest and Lake Roosevelt National Recreation Area.
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