Best Campgrounds near Wauconda, WA

Public campgrounds in the Wauconda area of north-central Washington include several National Forest sites situated around lakes and wooded areas. Campgrounds like Bonaparte Lake, Lost Lake, and Beaver Lake provide options for tent camping, RV sites without hookups, and some cabin accommodations. The landscape features pine forests and mountain lakes within Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest, with developed campgrounds clustered near Republic and Tonasket. Most Forest Service campgrounds maintain primitive facilities with vault toilets and picnic tables, while private resorts like Tiffany's Resort and Winchester RV offer full hookup options for those seeking more amenities.

Access to many campgrounds is seasonal, with most Forest Service sites operating from Memorial Day through September. Road conditions vary considerably, with some areas requiring high-clearance vehicles to navigate the forest roads. "This area is wonderful. Many lakes, hiking trails, fishing, wildlife viewing -- it really has it all," noted one visitor to Bonaparte Lake. Cell service is unreliable throughout the region, particularly in campgrounds situated between ridgelines. Visitors should check current fire restrictions, as summer fire bans are common. The Curlew Lake area provides more accessible options with state park facilities and nearby amenities in Republic, while remote forest campgrounds offer greater solitude but fewer services.

Water access represents a major draw for campers in the region, with multiple lake-based camping options providing opportunities for fishing, kayaking, and swimming. Several campers highlighted the presence of loons on Swan Lake, with one noting that "the nightly call of the loons sing you to sleep as they howl to one another." Fishing is popular at most lakes, with Curlew Lake known for bass fishing and Bonaparte Lake offering trout. Wildlife viewing opportunities include ospreys, various birds, and occasional smaller mammals. Most forest campgrounds maintain modest facilities with drinking water, vault toilets, and fire rings, though visitors seeking showers should consider Curlew Lake State Park. Campsites on the lakeshores tend to fill quickly during summer weekends, while more isolated forest sites typically remain available even during peak season.

Best Camping Sites Near Wauconda, Washington (133)

    1. Bonaparte Lake Campground

    5 Reviews
    Wauconda, WA
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (509) 486-2186

    $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. "

    2. Lost Lake Group Unit

    3 Reviews
    Wauconda, WA
    9 miles
    Website

    $75 / night

    "A few open spots with fire rings around the base of the lake. Quite and very peaceful! The only thing you can hear is the sound of lost lake river running and echoing threw the surrounding hills."

    "Most of the toilets are vault with one near the beach that has running water. The sites are mostly level and clear of brush. There are single and double units available too."

    3. Long Lake

    1 Review
    Wauconda, WA
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (509) 754-4624

    "Very quiet, small lake, boat launch, outhouse"

    4. Curlew Lake State Park Campground

    4 Reviews
    Malo, WA
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (509) 775-3592

    "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."

    5. Lake Beth & Beaver Lake

    1 Review
    Wauconda, WA
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (509) 664-9200

    $6 / night

    6. Swan Lake Campground

    3 Reviews
    Republic, WA
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (509) 775-7400

    "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."

    7. Beaver Lake Campground

    1 Review
    Wauconda, WA
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (509) 486-2186

    8. Winchester RV Resort & Campground

    1 Review
    Republic, WA
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (509) 775-1039

    9. Tiffany's Resort

    2 Reviews
    Malo, WA
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (509) 775-3152

    "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."

    10. Gold Mountain RV Park

    1 Review
    Republic, WA
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (509) 775-3700

    $36 - $85 / night

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Recent Reviews near Wauconda, WA

154 Reviews of 133 Wauconda Campgrounds


  • Rose H.
    Sep. 23, 2025

    Highland Glenn Ranch

    Quite mountain retreat!

    Lovely quiet spot, surrounded by birds and frog and other critters. Mountains and canyons around you. Amazing views of the terrain. Thrilling thunder and lightning storm passed through on our trip giving a cool experience.

  • V
    Aug. 15, 2025

    Kettle Falls Locust Grove Group Site — Lake Roosevelt National Recreation Area

    Mosquito infestation

    We pulled in and as soon as we got out the car a swarm of mosquitoes immediately started attacking. We tried to just look past it and set up, they were just really annoying we sprayed ourselves down with mosquito repellent and it almost didn’t work. We found ourselves almost using up a whole new can. Great spot for a big group but unfortunately we ended up leaving early.

  • Katie S.
    Aug. 14, 2025

    Shady Pines Resort

    This place is a hidden gem!

    Relaxing stay, great panoramic water view and excellent customer service. Our dogs were happy playing in the water and watching the deer, geese and herons. Good WiFi. I really liked the bistro lights in the evening. We drove through the other 2 campgrounds in the area to compare - Shady Pines was definitely the best choice!

  • V
    Aug. 5, 2025

    J R Campground

    Campground

    Several car sized pull outs along a dirt road, very close to the main road. Has a bathroom. In a very wooded area, not many views.

  • Paige P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 15, 2025

    Sun Cove Resort

    Beautiful Resort, Incredible People, Great Fishing

    This campground is absolutely worth paying for, there are water hook ups, and restrooms, a laundry facility and cabins for rent if you don't want to stay in a tent or in a camper. They have boats for rent in this incredible saltwater lake and it's a wonderful place to bring kids. There is a water trampoline and a place to swim and paddle boat rentals and more. This trout fishing is world class.

  • Les G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 1, 2025

    Carl Precht RV Park Eastside Park

    Clean and Green

    A 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...

  • J
    Jun. 30, 2025

    East Omak RV Park

    Shady on a Hot Day

    Found this on the way up to North Cascades on an unusually hot day. It hit the spot, easy, paved pull-thru sites with plenty of shade and hookups for electric and water. Apparently there have been some issues with homeless folks also enjoying the shade so be advised.


Guide to Wauconda

Camping near Wauconda, Washington offers numerous options within the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest at elevations between 3,000-4,000 feet. The camping season typically runs from late May through September, with summer temperatures averaging 75-85°F during the day and dropping to 45-55°F at night. Most sites in this remote region don't accept reservations, operating on a first-come, first-served basis.

What to do

Strawberry Mountain hiking: Located near Bonaparte Lake Campground, this trail offers mountain views. "Hike Strawberry Mountain if you have the time its beautiful views - but turn your phone off to avoid pinging Canadian service towers," suggests Marie L.

Kayaking on tranquil waters: Swan Lake restricts motorized boats, creating ideal paddling conditions. "Great lake for fishing and kayaking," notes Jana J. about Curlew Lake, while Teresa H. mentions that at Beaver Lake, "We actually camped roadside pullout to be closer to kayaks."

Ghost town exploration: The area contains several abandoned mining settlements accessible via forest roads. "We took a loop to find old ghost towns and remnants in the area plus other loops," shares Patti C. who stayed at Bonaparte Lake Campground.

Rope swinging: Local swimming spots feature rope swings for summer fun. "Locals use rope swing off highway into Beaver Lake," reports Teresa H., while another camper noted Beaver Lake "has rope swing and is popular with several locals!"

What campers like

Loon watching: The calls of these distinctive birds enhance the camping experience. At Swan Lake Campground, "The nightly call of the loons sing you to sleep as they howl to one another," writes Ethyn G.

Fishing opportunities: Many lakes offer productive fishing without crowds. "The trout are in abundance but are somewhat of a challenge to keep hooked," mentions Ethyn G. about Swan Lake, while Scott B. notes Curlew Lake "has excellent bass fishing."

Dark night skies: Limited light pollution creates stellar viewing conditions. Swan Lake offers "the night sky like you only see in movies!!" according to Ethyn G.

Clean facilities: Several campgrounds maintain well-kept amenities despite remote locations. At Bonaparte Lake Campground, "There was an amazing camp host while we stayed who made sure the vault and flush toilets were clean," reports Judy T.

What you should know

Cell service limitations: Connectivity is virtually nonexistent throughout the region. "Zero reliable cell service in the park. Had to drive back towards Republic to make a call," notes Jamie C. about Curlew Lake State Park.

Lake conditions vary: Water quality changes throughout the season. Nathan H. reports that at Curlew Lake State Park, "The lake had a pretty significant bloom of algae and a lot of mill weed" during August, while Teresa H. notes "Beth lake had more algae so less appealing" compared to Beaver Lake.

Fire restrictions: Check current regulations as bans are common. "The only bummer this time was of course the burn ban, but we all still had a great time," mentions Adrian B. about Lost Lake Group Unit.

Road quality concerns: Access requires careful driving on forest roads. "The road coming in is much less bumpy than it was earlier in the year," notes Adrian B. about Lost Lake.

Tips for camping with families

Swimming areas: Some lakes have designated spots for safer water play. At Tiffany's Resort on Curlew Lake, there's a "Marked swim area for kids," according to Jana J.

Group camping options: Several campgrounds offer special group sites. Swan Lake has a "Group Site" with an "Awesome fireplace and picnic area," though Stacy A L. notes "A public path right through the camping area which was kind of annoying since the tent area wasn't visible from the cooking area."

Wildlife viewing with children: Kids can observe various species from safe distances. Shawna P. calls Swan Lake "a great spot for birding," while multiple visitors report seeing fish jumping, loons, and small mammals.

Tent site selection: Choose locations based on privacy needs. At Gold Mountain RV Park, "Check out the Ti-Pi's too!" suggests Ashley F., offering unique accommodation options for families wanting something different.

Tips from RVers

Hookup availability: Full-service options are limited to specific locations. "There are a few rustic cabins across the lake" at Bonaparte Lake, according to Judy T., while at Winchester RV Resort, sites come with full hookups and "bathrooms clean," according to Jodi S.

Site dimensions: Many forest campgrounds accommodate smaller rigs only. At Bonaparte Lake, "We have a 24' pop up truck camper and my sister's small SUV fit in our site 17," notes Judy T.

Turn-around loops: Some campgrounds have easier navigation. Teresa H. mentions Beaver Lake Campground has "Nice drive thru loops between camp spots between 2 lakes even for larger rigs."

Year-round options: A few campgrounds remain open during winter. Winchester RV Resort operates "All year," providing camping near Wauconda during off-season months when forest service sites are closed.

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Wauconda, WA?

According to TheDyrt.com, Wauconda, WA offers a wide range of camping options, with 133 campgrounds and RV parks near Wauconda, WA and 5 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Wauconda, WA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Wauconda, WA is Bonaparte Lake Campground with a 4-star rating from 5 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Wauconda, WA?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 5 free dispersed camping spots near Wauconda, WA.

What parks are near Wauconda, WA?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 9 parks near Wauconda, WA that allow camping, notably Colville National Forest and Lake Roosevelt National Recreation Area.