Camping near Lake Roosevelt National Recreation Area
Lake Roosevelt National Recreation Area encompasses a variety of campgrounds along the 130-mile reservoir created by the Grand Coulee Dam. Established campgrounds like Hunters Campground and Fort Spokane offer tent and RV sites without electrical hookups, while providing amenities such as vault toilets and picnic tables. Several mixed-use campgrounds including Hartman's Log Cabin Resort and Rainbow Beach Resort feature cabin accommodations alongside traditional camping areas. Most campsites are concentrated along the shoreline, providing direct water access for boating, fishing, and swimming.
Reservation requirements vary across the recreation area, with many sites requiring advance booking through the National Park Service. Campground accessibility changes seasonally as water levels fluctuate in the reservoir. A visitor noted, "The water was tricky to get to because the water level was so low." Fort Spokane Campground operates from May through September, while other locations like Rainbow Beach Resort remain open year-round. Campgrounds at higher elevations may close during winter months. Cell service is limited throughout the area, particularly at remote sites like Hunters Campground where reviews indicate "no cell signal of any kind." Most campgrounds provide vault or flush toilets, but not all offer drinking water or showers.
Waterfront locations dominate the camping experience in this region, with numerous sites providing direct access to Lake Roosevelt. Campers consistently highlight the fishing opportunities, with one reviewer stating, "The lake is clean and full of fish!" Wildlife sightings include bald eagles, loons, and occasionally moose and bears. The landscape features a mix of open shoreline and forested areas, providing both sunny and shaded camping options. While most sites are spaced generously for privacy, some resort areas place RVs closer together. Noise levels vary by location and season, with holiday weekends attracting larger crowds. Several campgrounds include boat launches or docks, making them popular destinations for water recreation enthusiasts. The combination of lake access and forest setting creates diverse camping environments throughout the recreation area.












