Republic is an ideal place for camping adventures of all kinds. There's so much to see and do, from exhilarating hikes or bike rides to exploring the local dining and shopping. Discover great camping spots near Republic, reviewed by campers like you.
"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."
"Nice, well kept state park on the southeast shore of the lake. Garbages emptied and bathrooms cleaned regularly."
"Awesome fireplace and picnic area, the tent area is a short walk from the covered area."
"Great campground with easy access to the woods and a beautiful lake with views and fishing. Paved road, clean drinking water, vaulted toilets, locking dumpsters for trash, no motorized boats allowed."
"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."
$20 / night
"Highland Glenn Ranch is new to the Dyrt and offers an awesome spot with a great way to connect with the wilderness in this Northern US Border Ranch. "
$55 / night
"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."
"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."
$20 - $125 / night
"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. "
TravelerBased 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.
GuideA comfortable park on the banks of the Okanagan River at the stampede grounds..... Well maintained with large shade trees. And, a great dog park for your pups...
TravelerUnfortunately we had to leave early but lesson learned. I was camping with my 4 sons and at 1255 am a big cougar walked right into our camp. I was fully prepared for bears but not a big cat. Next time I camp here I'm bringing a solar strobe to deter the cats
ScoutNice, well kept state park on the southeast shore of the lake. Garbages emptied and bathrooms cleaned regularly. The designated swimming area had a lot of geese poo so we opted to find other areas to swim. Zero reliable cell service in the park. Had to drive back towards Republic to make a call.
TravelerFIRST 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.
GuideWe actually camped roadside pullout to be closer to kayaks. Great camp spots between the two lakes but quite walk to launch kayaks. Nice turn around loops among camp spots. Beth lake had more algae so less appealing. Beaver lake has rope swing and is popular with several locals!
LegendNice park beside very slow river adjacent to busy road. No dogs on grass. Garbage. Picnic tables. Shaded. Stay 72 hours. Warm shower. Flush toilet. $10/night/vehicle or tent
LegendColville has a sweet small town vibe though your time may be better spent downtown. Sites are a bit run down and the heat really colored our experience at this location. But it might be a useful place to stop as it’s positioned between long stretches from Spokane to the Canadian border
TravelerThe drive into this area is absolutely beautiful. Campground is large, with at least 3 loops. The campground itself is very clean. We saw rangers checking up and driving thru at least 6x through out day and evening. There are flush toilets and spigots throughout the loops. Bathrooms had toilet paper and hand sanitizer.
We stayed in loop 3, spot 61. It was smaller compared to other spots. This campground is big so there isn’t a ton of privacy and spots are close together. You can hear pretty much everyone’s conversations around you. Lots of RVs and families with kids. Lots of sites with dogs, so anytime people did walks with their dog, a symphony of barking dogs would start. Bring earplugs.
First night in, mosquitos were absolutely terrible. Literally swirling around us as we put up the tent. Neighbors were loud past midnight, and there was construction noise over night (woke us up around midnight and 2am).
Second night, still had noisy neighbors but these didn’t stay up as late as the ones from previous night. Mosquitos were not as bad. There was no overnight construction noise.
There are some nice hikes nearby, just be sure to plan accordingly as it gets quite warm.
Overall, while the lake was nice, it was not a place for me considering how busy and noisy it was. I did appreciate how well maintained it is though.
Discover the perfect spots for pets-allowed camping near Republic, Washington, where you and your furry friends can enjoy the great outdoors together.
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Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Republic, WA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Republic, WA is Curlew Lake State Park Campground with a 4.3-star rating from 4 reviews.
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