Camping sites around Loon Lake, Washington, sit at an elevation of approximately 2,400 feet in the forested highlands of eastern Washington. The area experiences four distinct seasons with hot, dry summers reaching into the 90s and cold winters where temperatures often drop below freezing. The region features a mix of ponderosa pine and Douglas fir forests surrounding the 1,100-acre lake, which reaches depths of 100 feet in places.
What to do
Hiking trails year-round: Riverside State Park offers extensive trail systems along the Spokane River. "Tons of great hikes in the park. Sites are primitive, but there are bathrooms and showers available. Campsite is beautiful year round," notes a visitor at Bowl and Pitcher Campground.
Disc golf courses: The 18-hole course at Pend Oreille County Park provides free recreation alongside hiking trails. According to a camper, "Day Use, Hiking, Horseback riding, Over 7 miles worth of trails and Disc Golf all free. We just ask that you donate to the park, if able. All improvements are done by donations and are greatly appreciated," from Pend Oreille County Park.
Waterfall exploration: Hawk Creek Campground features accessible waterfalls that change with the seasons. One visitor explains, "The waterfall was about 30-40' high and emerged from a rock crevice. The sites weren't that private but only a few people were there," at Hawk Creek Campground.
What campers like
Wildlife viewing: Campers consistently mention abundant wildlife sightings. "There were deer in the campground every day, we saw moose, owls, pilated woodpecker, and hawks," reports a visitor at Liberty Lake Regional Park.
Suspension bridge: The unique bridge at Riverside State Park offers both recreation and photography opportunities. A visitor notes, "This is a nice little campground with plenty of tent sites and trails to check out. It is really close to Spokane but is nestled in such a way that you would not realize the city is there."
Lake swimming access: Round Lake State Park provides dedicated swimming areas for families. "The swimming area is nice with kind of sandy beach, but there is a bit of seaweed in the swimming area. There are also two docks perfect for fishing," according to a camper at Round Lake State Park.
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Most glamping close to Loon Lake, Washington requires advance booking. "Book early as this is a very popular place," advises one visitor to Gilmore Campground, while another notes, "We got there late and had to pay in the morning. Had we known the cost, we would not have stayed."
Cell service limitations: Connectivity varies widely between campgrounds. A camper at South Skookum Lake reports, "This is a perfect getaway for people looking to unplug as no cell service is available," while at Farragut State Park, a visitor mentioned, "We had limited Verizon connectivity — 2 bars at most."
Water level fluctuations: Lake Roosevelt experiences significant water level changes. "Was early season though and the water level was 60ft down due to the dams being open for the salmon and snow melt," explains a Hawk Creek visitor, adding that "the boat launch is only available during high water."
Tips for camping with families
Check playground availability: Liberty Lake Regional Park offers play areas near campsites. "This is a nice site that is known for its hiking trail. It is also close to play structure and small beach," mentions a visitor.
Wildlife education opportunities: Some parks provide educational resources for children. A camper at Round Lake notes, "The camp visitor center has a cool place for kids to learn about the wildlife in the area with foot prints in sand, bird calls, samples of the different types of trees and more."
Frog hunting adventures: Several campgrounds feature amphibian encounters kids enjoy. At South Skookum Lake Campground, a visitor shares, "The lake was great for a swim and to play fetch with our dog," while at Hawk Creek, another reports, "The last couple times there were literally 1000's of baby frogs that my son was catching and playing with."
Tips from RVers
Limited big rig access: Many campgrounds have size restrictions. "The largest site length is 45 feet, so large RVs won't fit," notes a Bowl and Pitcher camper, adding that reservations can be made online.
Site leveling challenges: Several campsites require additional equipment. A camper at Round Lake State Park remarked, "The end of the site (where we put our tent) is slightly slanted. So that was frustrating," while another at Albeni Cove recommends, "Bring your blocks."
Hookup availability varies: Electric and water connections differ between parks. While luxury glamping near Loon Lake offers full hookups, a visitor to Pend Oreille County Park explains, "We are a primitive (boondock) campground. If you enjoy hiking, trail riding (bicycle/horse), Disc Golf, or just kicking back and listening to the birds or the wind in the trees, this is the place for you."
