Tent camping options around Tonasket, Washington exist mainly on public lands within the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest at elevations between 1,200-4,000 feet. Many sites experience significant seasonal temperature variations, with summer daytime temperatures frequently reaching the 90s and dropping to the 40s at night. Forest Service and DNR roads providing access to these areas typically remain snow-covered until late April or early May, limiting the practical camping season.
What to do
Fishing access points: Green Lake provides productive fishing opportunities in a quiet setting. According to Tonia S., "I love this place no cell service, no power no water just my family and the lake."
Wildlife viewing: Palmer Lake Campground offers primitive camping with opportunities to observe local wildlife. Matthew H. notes it has a "pit toilet and no water or electricity, but the only place to camp on the lake other than that not a bad place at all."
Creek exploration: Oriole Campground provides creek access for wading and nature study. As Nanette C. explains, "Salmon Creek was right next to the campground for some great exploring. We will return."
Lake activities: Long Lake campsites provide access to a small lake with minimal crowds. Robin describes it as "Very quiet, small lake, boat launch, outhouse."
What campers like
Natural water sources: Cottonwood Campground has an on-site spring water tap, eliminating the need to transport drinking water. Nanette C. describes it as a "Very small campground" with "onsite spring water tap."
Disconnecting completely: Green Lake sites offer total digital detachment for those seeking to unplug. Tonia S. specifically values that there's "no cell service, no power no water just my family and the lake."
Budget-friendly options: Oriole Campground provides affordable tent camping at $8 per night. According to Nanette C., "This campground has 10 sites in it, with 2 of them being double sites. The nightly cost was $8."
Multiple access methods: Palmer Lake sites can be reached through various means depending on your equipment and preferences. The campground offers "boat-in, drive-in, walk-in" access according to the listing information.
What you should know
True primitive experience: Sinlahekin Creek offers very basic facilities with minimal development. Mike D. describes it as "Dry camp only with outhouse, that's an outside toliet for all you youngins."
Water availability issues: Most sites require you bring all necessary water. At Oriole Campground, "There was no water onsite but just a mile down the road at Cottonwood Campground was the fresh spring water tap."
Campsite spacing challenges: Cottonwood Campground has limited separation between sites. As one visitor notes, "This campground only has 3 sites and 2 of them are extremely close together."
Season limitations: Blue Lake South operates on a restricted schedule from "early May-late Oct" according to Forest Service guidelines.
Tips for camping with families
Low-risk water activities: Blue Lake South provides family-friendly fishing opportunities with specific regulations. Robert T. mentions, "Fishing is barbless only. Several camp sites have approved fire rings."
Stream exploration: Sites along Salmon Creek offer natural play areas for children to wade and discover aquatic life. Nanette C. highlights this feature at Oriole Campground, noting "Salmon Creek was right next to the campground for some great exploring."
Bathroom considerations: Toilet facilities vary widely between sites. Long Lake has an "outhouse" while Oriole features "a male & female vault toilet" which may be preferable for families with small children.
Site selection strategy: Arrive midweek during peak season to secure preferred sites. As one camper observed at Cottonwood, "the current campers looked to have setup long term residency."
Tips from RVers
Spacing limitations: Palmer Lake Campground offers primitive camping but limited maneuvering room for larger vehicles. Matthew H. describes it as a "Primitive campground" that's "the only place to camp on the lake."
Road condition awareness: Forest roads accessing many Tonasket area campgrounds deteriorate significantly after rainfall. Several campgrounds are listed as "NO big-rig-friendly" in their features.
Site availability challenges: Small campgrounds fill quickly during peak season. Cottonwood Campground has only "3 sites and 2 of them are extremely close together," making advanced planning crucial.
Water access planning: No hookups are available at any listed campgrounds. At Green Lake, campers must be entirely self-sufficient as there is "no power no water" according to recent visitors.
