Best Campgrounds near Medical Lake, WA
Medical Lake, Washington sits within proximity to both established campgrounds and dispersed options, spanning both military and civilian facilities. The region includes Ruby's Resort & RV at Silver Lake, which provides tent sites, RV hookups, and cabins, while Clear Lake Recreation Area offers military personnel access to tent camping, cabins, and yurts. Northern Quest RV Resort and Riverside State Park's Bowl and Pitcher Campground round out the developed camping options, with Fishtrap Recreation Area providing free dispersed camping opportunities on BLM land approximately 30 miles southwest.
Camping seasons vary considerably among properties, with sites like Fairchild Air Force Base FamCamp operating mid-April through mid-September, while others like Fishtrap Recreation Area remain open year-round. The proximity to multiple bodies of water including Silver Lake and Clear Lake creates recreational opportunities for boaters and anglers. Military ID requirements apply at Clear Lake Recreation Area and Fairchild AFB FamCamp, restricting access to active and retired military personnel and their families. Most developed campgrounds provide water and electric hookups, though amenity quality varies significantly. According to one visitor at Ruby's Resort, "Sites are quite small, there is no designated pet area, and showers are .25 a minute."
Lakefront camping represents a significant draw for visitors to the Medical Lake region. Silver Lake and Clear Lake provide water access for fishing, swimming and boating during summer months. Willow Creek Retreat, a small private campground with only 7 sites, receives consistently positive reviews for its pastoral setting and spacious sites. A camper noted that it features "five acres in a lovely pasture by a creek with large trees" and offers 30-amp electricity service. Public lands like Fishtrap Recreation Area provide a more primitive experience with vault toilets but no water or hookups. Travelers should note that some campgrounds experience considerable noise from nearby airports and railroads, particularly the smaller private campgrounds situated closer to transportation corridors.
