Sullivan Lake and the surrounding forest areas provide several glamping options near Orient, Washington at elevations ranging from 2,000 to 3,500 feet. The northeastern Washington terrain features diverse camping environments from lakeside accommodations to mountain forest settings. Summer temperatures typically range from 45°F at night to 85°F during day with limited rainfall between June and September.
What to do
Fishing at Sullivan Lake: The lake offers excellent trout fishing opportunities with clear water conditions. "Amazing. Beautiful view very nice sites. Bathrooms well keeped. Lake is right there. It's super warm water very clear water," notes a camper at Sullivan Lake Campground.
Hiking the lakeshore trails: Several glamping spots provide access to scenic trails around Sullivan Lake. "We did about half of the lakeshore trail and found some beautiful views and even a rope swing. Loved the campsite and will definitely be coming back," shares a visitor at Sullivan Lake's west side.
Bird watching: Swan Lake provides ideal conditions for viewing local bird species. "The nightly call of the loons sing you to sleep as they howl to one another," reports a camper at Swan Lake Campground, highlighting the natural sounds that accompany the camping experience.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Many campgrounds in the area provide well-separated camping spots. "Each site has space, privacy & bear enclosure for foods," notes a visitor at Edgewater Campground. The vegetation between sites creates a sense of seclusion even in established campgrounds.
Night sky viewing: The minimal light pollution creates exceptional stargazing conditions throughout the region. "The night sky like you only see in movies!!" enthuses one camper at Swan Lake Campground.
Lake swimming opportunities: Multiple locations offer water access for cooling off during summer months. "The lake is right there. It's super warm water very clear water. Hint there is a rope swing on the left and side of the lake," shares a Sullivan Lake visitor, pointing out specific water recreation features.
What you should know
Early arrival recommended: First-come, first-served sites fill quickly, especially on weekends. "Stayed here Friday night and you really had to get here by 5 pm to get one of the few first come, first serve spots," advises a visitor at Sullivan Lake.
Bear safety precautions: Bear encounters are possible in this region. "Each site has space, privacy & bear enclosure for foods. Tons of bugs & mosquitos," notes an Edgewater Campground camper, highlighting both wildlife considerations and insect conditions.
Service limitations: Cell coverage is minimal at most glamping locations near Orient. "Limited to no cell service to get away from it all," reports a visitor at Beaver Lodge Resort, describing the disconnected nature of the experience.
Tips for camping with families
Kayaking options: Non-motorized lakes provide safer water recreation for children. "Great lake for fishing and kayaking, great spot for birding," notes a camper at Swan Lake Campground, mentioning the no-motorized-boats rule that creates a quieter lake environment.
Site selection for lake access: Choose sites strategically for proximity to water. "Expect to walk several hundred feet to the water. Each site has a fire ring and picnic table with space for 2 cars," advises a Sullivan Lake visitor, providing specific distance information.
Group site considerations: Some locations offer designated group camping areas with special amenities. "Awesome fireplace and picnic area, the tent area is a short walk from the covered area," explains a Swan Lake camper, though noting that "A public path right through the camping area which was kind of annoying since the tent area wasn't visible from the cooking area."
Tips from RVers
Site dimensions and access: Many campgrounds can accommodate moderate-sized RVs but have limitations. "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," shares a visitor at Sherman Overlook Campground.
Hookup placement challenges: Some glamping sites have inconveniently positioned utility connections. "The hookups were not in good spots. The electric was at the front and shared, only one 30 and one 50, and the water/sewer was at the back end. We needed a 50' hose to reach and the electric was tight," explains a visitor at Beaver Lodge, providing specific equipment requirements.
Weather considerations: Higher elevation campgrounds offer cooler conditions during hot weather. "Cool sleeping at this elevation when hot weather persists in lower lands," notes a Sherman Overlook camper, highlighting the temperature advantage of mountain glamping locations near Orient.
