119 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
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."
"The best sites are tent sites, gorgeous views of the lake at most of them. Our 30’ trailer fit easily into our site and would fit in most."
from $23 - $46 / night
Check Availability"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."
from $36 - $85 / night
Check Availability"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."
"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. "
from $20 - $125 / night
Check Availability"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. "
"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."
from $75 / night
Check Availability"Access to the water is limited to the boat launch and there isn’t much of a water play area. The little store at the boat launch was nice, and the person working there was friendly."
"Nestled in the trees, this spot is wide open between sites (little privacy), but surrounded on three sides by water making. Expect warm temps in July (it reached 99F when we were here)."
from $23 / night
Check Availability
TravelerMultiple free camp locations with 5 or 6 sites each throughout the refuge. Camping in designated sites only. This is one of the few NWR you can camp in and its beautiful. Fire rings and vault toilets. Obey burn restrictions as some other campers were not. Very remote with no cell service, great wildlife viewing. Also grizzly bears in the refuge.
ScoutWe have been coming to this park for over 10 years, we travel with a group of 5 RVs. The cost has doubled over the last couple of years to $50.00 a night. The park is mostly empty now.
GuideNot a bad Campground bathrooms are a little outdated reservation always A issue no first come first serve, and unfortunately a fire ban
ScoutIt’s a bit back from the road which is nice. Seems to be 2 camp spots separated by logs. We didn’t see access to water, but we didn’t stay to explore. Great views of the lake.
ScoutGood size lake, although quite shallow--good for fishing, apparently. There are 2 areas for camping separated by the lake's dam. Half a dozen right on the lake and the rest are a little further from the shoreline. Clean vault toilets. I didn't see potable water or trash receptacles. Host was friendly and said the camping is free for the time being but will eventually be pay. 16 day limit.
TravelerWe spent a long weekend here and we will be back! The best sites are tent sites, gorgeous views of the lake at most of them. Our 30’ trailer fit easily into our site and would fit in most. If staying with friends, there are several sites close to each other. There are few sewer sites (most are water and electric only) but the dump station is clean and well maintained.
Since we didn’t have a sewer hookup, we used the showers on site. Pretty nice as state parks go. No frills but clean.
The staff were friendly and helpful! And fun to chat with.
We had ZERO cell coverage. Our AT&T (Pure Talk) coverage ended several miles before the park so plan ahead! Bring a book and games to enjoy your time here.
ScoutAbout 10 RV sites plus 30 seasonals. Reservation is a must. Excellent Atv and SxS trails are many hundreds of km's. Trans Canada Trail is a 25 minute ride from campground .
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.
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 119 campgrounds and RV parks near Malo, WA and 7 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 4.4-star rating from 5 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Malo, WA?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 7 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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