Bonaparte Lake Campground

SUMMARY PRESENTED BYT-Mobile

Reservations fill up fast at Bonaparte Lake Campground, and for good reason. Sites open from Memorial Day through September 30, with nightly rates running $20 to $125 depending on site type. The campground sits at the southern end of Bonaparte Lake within Okanogan National Forest, and the Forest Service manages it with a camp host on-site who keeps the vault and flush toilets in working order. RVs up to 48 feet can access the campground via drive-in roads, and the layout includes both reservable and first-come, first-served loops.

Site quality is one of the more consistent things reviewers mention. Many sites are deep and well-spaced, with some offering direct lake frontage and enough room for a trailer, truck, and additional vehicle. Water access varies by site. Some campers have direct shoreline proximity, while others report needing to cross through neighboring sites or navigate an embankment to reach the lake. A dock and boat launch are available for fishing and launching kayaks, and the lake is stocked. Loons have been spotted on the water.

The surrounding area gives campers a base for day trips. Beaver Lake Campground and Beth Lake Campground sit within a few miles to the northeast for anglers or paddlers wanting to explore additional water. Nearby trails include Strawberry Mountain, worth noting for its elevation views, though campers close to the Canadian border should be aware of cell service pinging foreign towers. Drinking water, firewood, picnic tables, and a camp store round out the on-site amenities.

Check AvailabilitySuggest an Edit

Warning 1 Alert is In Effect

There is 1 alert for this campground. Camp safely!

Air Quality at this campground may currently be unhealthy. Please check with the campground before making a reservation.

RV Road Trip Guides

Map & DirectionsBonaparte Lake Campground is located in Washington near Wauconda

Detail location of campground
Public Campground

Directions

From Tonasket, Washington, take State Route 20 East for 24 miles. Turn left onto the Bonaparte Recreation Area turnoff (Okanogan County Road 4953). Continue on Okanogan County Road #4953 for approximately 6 miles to the Bonaparte Lake Campground entrance on the left hand side of the road.

Address

1 West Winesap
Tonasket, WA 98855

Coordinates

48.7924639 N
119.0574194 W

Open in Google Maps

Connectivity

Presented byT-MobileT-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoorsLearn More
  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    Verizon
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T
    No Coverage

Is Bonaparte Lake Campground sold out?

Quickly grab cancellations!

Learn More
Presented byHershey's

Connectivity

Presented byT-MobileT-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoorsLearn More
  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    Verizon
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T
    No Coverage

Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • RV Sites
  • Standard (Tent/RV)
  • Group
  • Cabins

Features

For Campers

  • Market
  • Trash
  • Picnic Table
  • Firewood Available
  • Reservable
  • Drinking Water
  • Toilets
  • Alcohol
  • Pets
  • Fires

For Vehicles

  • Pull-Through Sites

Drive Time


2026 Explorer Giveaway

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win

Reviews5 Camper Reviews - Bonaparte Lake Campground

Add Review

5 Stars

4 Stars

3 Stars

2 Stars

1 Star

60%
20%
0%
0%
20%

4.0

out of 5

5 Reviews

Many campers appreciated the large, private sites and helpful camp host at this lakefront location. Facilities receive mixed feedback with some noting cleanliness while others found maintenance issues.

SUMMARY PRESENTED BYT-Mobile
Reviewed Jul. 23, 2021

Lake Gem in the Mountains

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. Part of Bonaparte Lake is available by reservation. We lucked out at the time and found what ended up being the perfect site. It had plenty of room for our A Frame trailer and truck and could have fit another vehicle on the site. The table/fire ring area was generous and private, with space for our dog to be on a 25 ft lead. In fact, the whole site was very private with the campers to the right of us at least 50 feet away from us and no one to the back of us or to the left of us directly. I guess I should stop saying how great our site was so we can get it again sometime! In our loop we only had pit toilets. In the non-reservation loop there was one restroom with flush toilets and then other pit toilets. No showers available. The non-reservation loop had lovely sites as well with some right on the lake. Our loop had lake sites, too. The camp host was amazingly helpful and friendly, giving us maps of things to do in the area. We took a loop to find old ghost towns and remnants in the area plus other loops. We tried to schedule our trip up this way in July to beat the smoke from forest fires but unfortunately due to early heat conditions and dryness forest fires started early this year. We ran into some smoke the 2nd day of our trip there but the third day was clearer. It never got bad while we were at Bonaparte Lake but just over the mountains in Oroville where we went to get gas, it was in the unhealthy range of the Air Quality Index. We will definitely go back to Bonaparte again sometime. It would make a beautiful trip in the early fall.

Site29
Month of VisitJuly
Reviewed Jun. 25, 2021

Horrible

There was liquid poop on the floor, the camp host sign was so dilapidated so there was no where to checkin not to mention the leeches that were biting my son. Store hours were never mention,had to build my own fire pit,AFTER I had to acquire a grill , the water access is virtually nonexistent UNLESS, you go through other peoples sites/spaces and scale down an embankment.

Month of VisitJune
Reviewed Feb. 24, 2021

Amazing Campground gaining traction!

I stayed here 2 years ago and got a reservation less than a month before we left.  This year, 2021, I cant even book a site for the summer right now!  I love that people have discovered this hidden gem but I am bummed I cant go back this year.

With that being said... this area is wonderful.  Many lakes, hiking trails, fishing, wildlife viewing -- it really has it all.  The sites are quite large and can definitely hold a large party.  You can access the lake from most of the sites but there is also a dock there for fishing.

Hike Strawberry Mountain if you have the time its beautiful views - but turn your phone off to avoid pinging Canadian service towers.

Can't wait to come back!

Site27
Month of VisitJune
  • Review photo of Bonaparte Lake Campground by Marie L., February 24, 2021
  • Review photo of Bonaparte Lake Campground by Marie L., February 24, 2021
  • Review photo of Bonaparte Lake Campground by Marie L., February 24, 2021
  • (7) View All
Reviewed Nov. 24, 2020

Nice clean USFS campground

We have never camped here before so decided to try it out. The campground is sited on Bonaparte Lake’s southern end. It is stocked with fish and there are loons present. Some sites hav3 lake frontage and are deep sites. One couple across from us had a hammock between 2 trees with a great lake view. There are a few rustic cabins across the lake but they were unoccupied while we were there.

There was an amazing camp host while we stayed who made sure the vault and flush toilets were clean. There is a dock where you can fish plus a boat launch. A swimming area is also available. The fee is $12 or $6 with Senior Pass. We have a 24’ pop up truck camper and my sister’s small SUV fit in our site 17.

We will return.

  • Review photo of Bonaparte Lake Campground by Judy T., November 24, 2020
  • Review photo of Bonaparte Lake Campground by Judy T., November 24, 2020
Reviewed May. 18, 2020

Good

Good area but kind of tight at middle area has good food overall good experience

Frequently Asked Questions

What amenities and facilities are available at Bonaparte Lake Campground?

Bonaparte Lake Campground offers lakefront sites with water access, though the quality of access points may vary. Fire pits are available at campsites, though some visitors report needing to arrange their own grills. The campground has a camp host, though availability may be inconsistent. For supplies and food, there's a store nearby, but operating hours aren't always clearly posted. The campground is situated at the southern end of Bonaparte Lake, providing opportunities for fishing in the stocked lake and wildlife viewing, particularly loons.

What do reviews say about Bonaparte Lake Campground?

Bonaparte Lake Campground receives generally positive feedback for its beautiful lakeside location. Campers appreciate the deep sites, some with lake frontage offering excellent views. The lake is stocked with fish and visitors often spot loons. While many consider it a hidden gem worth discovering, some visitors have reported issues with cleanliness and maintenance in certain areas. The campground can get busy during peak season, with availability becoming increasingly limited as its popularity grows. The surrounding area offers wonderful outdoor experiences, though site quality may vary throughout the campground.

Are there photos available of Bonaparte Lake Campground?

Yes, photos of Bonaparte Lake Campground are available through various camping websites and platforms, including The Dyrt. These images typically showcase the lakefront sites, the beautiful Bonaparte Lake views, and the surrounding natural environment. Photos often highlight the deep campsites, some with direct lake access, and the scenic views that include loons on the water. For the most current and comprehensive collection of images, check official Forest Service websites or camping platforms where users regularly upload recent photos of their stays.

How does Bonaparte Lake Campground compare to Bonaparte Lake Resort?

Bonaparte Lake Campground is a more traditional outdoor camping experience with basic amenities, situated at the southern end of the lake with some lakefront sites. It operates on a reservation system for some sites and first-come, first-served for others. In contrast, Bonaparte Lake Resort likely offers more developed accommodations and amenities beyond basic camping. The resort would typically provide additional services, possibly including cabin rentals, boat rentals, a more extensive store, and dining options. The campground offers a more rustic, nature-immersed experience, while the resort caters to those seeking more comfort and convenience.