Searching for the perfect place to pitch your tent near Lake Roosevelt National Recreation Area? The Dyrt can help you find the best tent campsites for your next trip. From remote to easy-to-reach, these Lake Roosevelt National Recreation Area campsites are perfect for tent campers.
Cloverleaf is a small, walk-in only campground near Gifford. Tent sites are tucked into the pines with lake shore access. This campground is great for those wanting a more rugged, primitive camping experience with standard amenities like fire rings and pit toilets. Although small, Cloverleaf Campground is not as popular as other campgrounds and doesnt often fill.
This campground is popular with families that enjoy a more primitive and private camping experience.
Beautiful campground tucked into a small bay on Lake Roosevelt. It's surrounded by a pine forest and shrubs with easy access to the water.
This location is unstaffed. To speak with our main office for general information, please call: (509) 754-7889.
Gifford campground, which has a nice boat launch is just 1.2 miles south.
All changes and cancellations need to be made through recreation.gov Late Cancellations or Cancellations within the Cut-off Window Individual Campsites: A customer who cancels a reservation the day before or on the day of arrival will pay a $10.00 service fee AND forfeit the first night's use fee (not to exceed the total paid for the original reservation). Cancellations for a one-night reservation will forfeit the entire amount paid and will not be subject to an additional service fee.
$23 / night
This pack it in/pack it out campground is a single large circular loop .25 miles from the highway on a dirt road with minimal traffic noise. Lodgepole pine provide ample shade and an understory of wild roses and other shrubs allow for good privacy between sites. A few campsites are adjacent to canyon creek which is hidden from view. A small meadow near the campground's entrance allows ample wildlife viewing opportunities such as deer and birds. Convenient for overnight campers it is also a nice location for a few days of relaxed camping. A one mile paved walking trail traverses along Sherman Creek between the campground and the Sherman Pass Log Flume Heritage Site. Facilities 12 campsites with picnic tables, fire pits, and tent pads No drinking water Two toilets No garbage disposal - Please pack it out
This Campground is equipped with picnic areas and 9 tent/trailer sites. Bathrooms are available. Some campsites are private. Facilities 10 campsites with picnic tables, fire pits, and tent pads Picnic area Toilets Garbage - Pack it in/Pack it out No drinking water is provided, make sure to bring your own.
Legend
We camped here mid May 2016 in site #16. The fee at the time was $18. There were 2 clean vault toilets. The available water was treated with iodine. The waterfall was about 30-40’ high and emerged from a rock crevice. The sites were t that private but only a few people were there. I believe now that this federal campground is by reservation only as are the others in the Lake Roosevelt National Recreation Area.
Ranger
We went here during the summertime and the cabins were just awesome they have a little AC unit in there which made it great to relax and after we had gotten home from hiking around in the rocks. You could also camp in a tent however with the quality of the cabins the price was well worth it especially during the summer time when it was sweltering hot highly recommended
Scout
Love it here! Kinda wish there was more spots but at the same time love how spaced out the camp sites are great for both campers, rv and tent sites. I love Stevens county camp grounds!
Guide
This place has showers and bathrooms which were great after a day floating on the river which is just a short drive away. Great tent camping with group camping available. Sites have a lot of room, table, fire pit, garbage can and easy walk to rest of campground.
Traveler
We had this place completely to ourselves when we stayed there...it was amazing! There is lake access with a small dock and boat launch, a common area consisting of covered picnic area with picnic tables, and a public vault toilet. We were camping in a tent trailer; easy access and ample space to turn around. Sites are fairly level and are back-in only...though there appeared to be a spot for RV parking (no hook-ups). There is a line of trees near the camp sites offering partial shade (depending on where the sun is), but the sun gets pretty brutal; other than the covered picnic area, shade is limited.
Note: There was no water available when we visited (locks on pipes & faucet handles removed), so be sure to bring your own!
Wildlife: We witnessed a confrontation between a giant heron and an osprey...it was pretty impressive! The heron made a noise that sounded a lot like what I'd imagine a pterodactyl would have sounded like. Also, we heard what must have been a pack of at least 6 or 7 coyotes a little after 11pm...and then heard wolves howling in the wee hours of the morning. Super cool!
Lake: We didn't have a boat or fishing poles...but I'd imagine that the lake would be great for both. It had a fair bit of algae...so probably not a lake you'd necessarily want to swim in. My husband, however, found the lake to be great for flying his RC float plane. Oh! And there was an old abandoned cabin on the opposite side of the lake...creepy cool.
Traveler
Great place for families and fishermen. 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. Showers and laundry on site, along with convenient store, where bikes, boats, kayaks and paddle boards can be rented. Marked swim area for kids.
Open almost all year round.
Scout
It's a relatively small loop campground along a creek, close to the Pend Oreille River. Gravel road, ideal for tent camping. When we camped there in September of 2017, there were 3 occupied spaces, all of whom left the next day so we had the whole campground to ourself. There were primitive bathrooms, and from my memory no running water. I also don't think we paid, because we couldn't find anyone to give money to. Maybe this is because it was fall, or maybe it's actually free. Either way, pleasant experience here!
LegendWe 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. Beautiful sunsets, the site's are large and the road is good.
There are large sites for trucks, trailers. Tent camping is nice in the upper loop, but nothe a lot of shade in the lower loop. $9 in off season and $18 in peak.
Bathrooms were clean and had toilet paper. The walking tour at this campground is also nice. Full of history.
Scout
Great family place, so much to do for everyone. Especially if you love the water. The campsite is butted up to the lake, which makes it great for sunsets and sunrises. There is hardly any shade at the campsite. The RV/camper sites have full or partial hook-ups. All back in. The campsite is clean and very friendly. You can rent kayaks, and paddle boards there. There are tent sites and have public bathrooms and showers. Make sure you have cash or check when you check in unless you made a reservation on the website. Definitely will be back, gorgeous place to stop and stay for awhile.
LegendThis campground has been around for awhile, but is under new ownership. It’s a really unique spot right on the shores of Loon Lake in Washington State. It’s a bit remote for one night, but if you’re planning a family reunion over a long weekend or something, this would be a great spot.
They’ve got a variety of accommodations — RV spots for those that use them, plus more permanent structures like “vintage cabins and retro apartments” (this sounds a little suspicious, but I swear, they’re good enough as long as you bear in mind that this is a campground. They even have a cafe and a little store so you only have to rough it solo as much as you want to.
They have a little marina with boat slips if you have your own, or you can rent from them and take advantage of everything the lake has to offer. Due to the remote location compared to other lakes closer to the Washington State metro areas, there aren’t a ton of people on the water here at any time of year, even during holidays.
I’m not sure how tent camping would work here, I’m sure they would find a way to accommodate it if you wanted to try, but if I was in a group sans RV I’d probably splurge on a cabin and call it a day.
RangerWe stayed a couple of nights in the cabins in this campground when they were brand new in 2013. Personally, I'd be wary of tent camping in the summer here because it gets very hot. Returning from a day hiking on the rock and chilling in the AC of the cabin was priceless.
The location is great, you can walk right from the camp area up the mesa which has incredible views, or go swimming in the lake or any other water based activity. It's a short drive to town where there's a grocery store and the Grand Coulee Dam, which is a must-see if you're in the area. At night they do laser light shows, which was a fun side trip.
The facilities are great, water tap nearby, picnic table and fire pit with grill at the site, and clean restrooms with showers (that you pay for). The bathrooms get pretty sauna like in the heat but are survivable. We had a blast trying our hardest to grill things on the fire pit, though we did break down and use the microwave in our cabin at least once... The minifridge in the cabin was also nice for that. Glamping at it's finest!
Legend
Ranger Review: GCI Outdoor Recliner chair at North Gorge Campground
Campground review:
North Gorge is a sleepy little place. Small campground with a small boat launch. There isn't a lot of parking so beware if you bring your truck and trailer here. The sites are small, seemed to be a decent amount of space between them. Vault toilets, well maintained. each site has your standard picnic table, and fire ring. There was a burn ban in August, no fires for us. They actually zip tied no fire signs to each fire pit. There are only a few sites, most for tent camping only, however there are a few that will fit a trailer or rv. It is $9 in the off season Nov 1st to May 30th, and $18 in the peak season
**Product review: **
**https://www.gcioutdoor.com/folding-recliners/outdoor-recliner/
**
As a Ranger for the Dyrt, sometime I get to test out awesome products in exchange for an honest review. The GCI outdoor Recliner is well built with quality materials. It is easy to slide in and out of the large storage back. easy to set up and take down. I love the mesh back, it helps to keep you cool in those hot summer days. The chair has 3 reclining positions and my favorite part was reclining the chair all the way to look at the stars, it gives the perfect angle. I also love the storage pocket on the back. just fold up the storage bag and put it in the pocket for a pillow. It has a cup holder, but I wasn't a big fan of the placement. I give this chair an 8/10.
Guide
I have been coming here on and off for over 20 years. Coulee Playland Resort is on the short of Banks Lake. It is kind of a low budget KOA with a playground for kids.
Start off with, the service is excellent here. The whole area revolves around the store. They sell everything from ice cream cones to any type of fishing tackle you could possibly need. They also rent pontoon boats, jet ski’s, and 12 to 16 foot boats with engines. The fish and banks lake range from 8 foot sturgeon’s all the way down to rainbow trout. It’s a hotspot for walleye tournaments throughout the year. Do you need a fishing license to fish at banks lake, but you can also fish from right outside your tent if you would like.
All the tent sites are on grass, although the further out you are from the store the more the campsites are on a slope. They have restrooms, and showers, but not a lot of showers.
Coulee Playground revolves around the store. If you fish on Banks Lake, you will probably meet at the store to discuss what you caught, where, but never give away your secret tackle:).
There is a lot of things to do here. You can rent a boat and go out and see the miles and miles of banks lake. Maybe fish, or just enjoy the sun. Or, you can take your family down and watch the nightly laser light show from spring through fall that is projected on the side of Grand Coulee dam.
I have never gone to this place and not come away feeling refreshed and relaxed.
Lastly, I have never been there when I did not see a spectacular sunset on one of the nights. It is enough to take your breath away. I highly recommend a couple nights a year at this wonderful place. I got your dress is
Traveler
Based on visit in August of 2019. 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. If coming from the West I recommend taking Hwy 2 across the Cascades then take Hwy 21 north across the Columbia (via the free Keller Ferry) and all the way to the Lake. The whole stretch of Hwy 21 between the border and Columbia is one of the best in the PNW. Take Hwy 20 back from Republic for more splendor.
Decent-sized IGA for groceries, convenience stores, and a few restaurants in Republic nearby
This is a big campground on a big lake, but the three loops help to create three different experiences. We camped in #79, one of seven tent sites on the somewhat isolated lower loop. All of the sites on the lakeside of this loop are pretty large and nice. Save for a few trees there isn't a lot separating each site and all are visible from the lake, so not exactly private either. South of the park are cabins across the bay that you can see and hear. During the day there is a lot of activity on the water, including speedboats blasting Nickelback (it is close to Canada).
Over a little hill from the lower loop is swimming beach and day-use area. This area was pretty busy with locals as the temperatures hit 100 during our visit. The bathroom has pay showers, outlets, and was recently renovated. Plan your showers for the morning or evening.
The middle loop is on top of hill that has a wooded slope on the lakeside. There are two distinct areas here, one is literally a loop of sites on grass in classic WA State Parks fashion. The other section is series of 10 or so sites on the hillside and in the woods that you have to park and walk into. The sites were all different sizes and distances from each other. More privacy here, but there is a trail just above the shore that runs by many of them, so keep your shorts on.
The upper loop is the largest and has mix of RV and drive-up sites in a little valley ringed by walk-in sites on top of the hill. Note that from the sites in the valley you can't really see the lake but there are scattered trees to provide some shade. Not my cup of tea, but there is another shower area and a little store operated by the hosts that had ice, wood, and some frozen treats.
Back to our experience: the lower loop is on edge of a small bay and natural marshland. We had a clear view of an Osprey nest (see pictures) that the hillside trails goes right by.
In addition to the Ospreys we saw many birds drawn to the marsh and trees, several kinds of fish, turtles, and nutria in the water. In addition to a few red squirrels we also were visited by a tiny skunk who sauntered up through the reeds on the hillside to lick the griddle I left on the ground by our table (always clean up, folks). It left without incident, but I was glad we didn't have out dog with us or else things could have ended quickly.
In the area are hikes in the Kettle River Range, the Ferry County Rail Trail (which I want to check out next time), and numerous back roads to explore. Because of the heat we did some trips in the van up to the border, Ranald MacDonald State Park (smallest in the state), Swan Lake, the city of Curlew, and of course the ice cream serving establishments of Republic.
I wish the lake would have been more pleasant to be in, that's the only reason for the 4 star review. I'm not sure if it is like that every year, so I would contact the park office or check on social media to see.
Traveler
Awesome fireplace and picnic area, the tent area is a short walk from the covered area. A public path right through the camping area which was kind of annoying since the tent area wasn’t visible from the cooking area so there were strangers walking around our tents. Nice private beach area.
Traveler
My family and friends go camping here at least three times every summer. The sites are a good size we normally have 3 tents on each site and our tents are big tents. It's not far from home and the host is awesome:) There's a nice swimming area and I hear that the fishing is great although I haven't done it myself. They also have ice and firewood available just in case you forget to bring it.
Traveler
Love JOJ, I have been coming here since I was 5 or so, beautiful location, fishing, camping; cabins, tents or RV. Swimming with floating dock, and playground area.
Guide
A nice little campground that I used to go to with my Grandparents. It’s mostly set up for RV camping but works well with tents too. No hookups for RVs. Longest space is probably 20-25 ft. Beautiful view of the river!
Traveler
We camped here for a girls weekend and were really happy with our double site (35 a+b). We had a tent trailer, 2 tents, 4 cars, and 10 adults and had plenty of space in our site. Many spots are packed in tight, but this one has nice privacy and isn’t too far from the restroom or the lake. The 4 star review is mostly due to the location rather than anything with the campground or owners. It’s right on highway 12 and those giant military fighter jets fly through the canyon every once in awhile. But the staff is great, there’s a restaurant and coffee stand on site, and the campground was pretty clean. The lake is BEAUTIFUL - a bit windy but great to paddle around on when the wind is calm. You can grab wifi while standing at the motel, but there’s otherwise no cell service.
Traveler
FIRST COME, FIRST SERVE
Lake Ellen East Campground is one of two campgrounds located on each end of the good sized lake. There are 11 campsites with picnic tables, fire pits, and tent pads. It doesn't get super busy during the camping season. When we stayed the cost was 6$ for a sight. Dogs were allowed on a leash. Driving through the campground is a one way single lane gravel road loop. Campsites have good separation with lots of vegetation for privacy. Access to the lake for fishing and swimming is a short walk. Wildlife viewing is great: water fowl mostly andfishing for Rainbow Trout is good. Best for tents and small campers. Toilets available. No drinking water. Boat ramp is at the other end (west) of the lake. The nearest town is Kettle Falls, WA. Operated by the Forest Service.
If you want a low key, quiet place to camp this is a good choice.
Scout
I love to camp at steamboat! It’s great for tent or RVs. There’s some awesome hikes near by. Right on the lake and a great play ground. Great for bike riding. Great for pets!
GuideThis is a good spot if fishing, boating, or water sports. Pull through sites with full hookups or grass sites for tents and all in between. Close to grand Coulee dam and all the attractions and right on banks lake.
Guide
Amazingly relaxing quiet camping spot. Tent and RV sites available. Great area to explore, enjoy the water, and hike. Steamboat Rock Trail will take you to amazing 360° views of Banks Lake. Watch for snakes during the summer though.
Traveler
This was a beautiful spot, mostly frequented by anglers. It had the potential to be a great stay but it was so windy. Our tent is large so the flapping kept us awake all night. We only stayed one night. Maybe it’s always windy here?
Legend
Jake from the Dyrt here! Brown Barrel is new to the Dyrt but they have an awesome spot in northern Washington, the trees are plentiful, and several mountains are nearby ready to explore. Check them out and share your favorite pics of your stay!
Scout
Spent four days camping here for the first time even though I grew up in the area. Didn't bother with a tent since the weather was so nice and just slept in my hammock. The water was tricky to get to because the water level was so low. Site 51 on the back loop was perfect. Nice fire ring and picnic table and the bathrooms were clean but not well stocked having no TP by Sunday afternoon.
Scout
This camp ground has everything... Group camping, cabins, tent and RV. Nestled at the base of steamboat rock which provides trails for hiking. The top provides some amazing views. Sun rise at the top is breathtaking, sunset may be a challenge to scale back down for less experienced hikers. Worth the trip to the top.
My favorite is boating it even just floating on the lake.
Enjoy!
Tent camping near Lake Roosevelt National Recreation Area in Washington offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in nature, with various campgrounds providing access to stunning landscapes and recreational activities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Lake Roosevelt National Recreation Area?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Lake Roosevelt National Recreation Area is Cloverleaf Campground — Lake Roosevelt National Recreation Area with a 4.5-star rating from 2 reviews.
What is the best site to find tent camping near Lake Roosevelt National Recreation Area?
TheDyrt.com has all 46 tent camping locations near Lake Roosevelt National Recreation Area, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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