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.
Description
Overview
Bonaparte Lake Campground is located on the southern edge of Bonaparte Lake east of Tonasket, WA, in the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest. The setting of the campground is in a mixed ponderosa pine and Douglas fir conifer forest at the base of Bonaparte Mountain. This campground has a group site, multiple family and individual campsites available.
Recreation
Fishing is a popular activity on the lake, with anglers enjoying boat fishing for rainbow, brook, and cutthroat trout as well as using the accessible fishing dock. A boat launch area is available in the campground. Kayaking, canoeing, and swimming can also be enjoyed. Hiking around the lake or up the Pipsissewa Trail, which is accessed from the southern loop, are popular activities. Taking a bike ride on the surrounding roads is also available.
Facilities
The sites are equipped with picnic tables and campfire grills. All sites can accommodate tents and some sites feature tent pads. The group site is equipped with drinking water, picnic tables, campfire grills, a community fire pit, RV/Camper parking and room for tent sites. A group shelter is available at the site. Drinking water, vault and flush toilets are also available in the campground. Access to the lake and boat launch are within walking distance.
Natural Features
Bonaparte Lake's elevation is at 3,600 feet and is home to multiple waterfowl species including the rare northern loon. Mule deer, elk, moose, and the occasional black bear can be sighted in the area. Bonaparte, Spur, and Cumberland Mountains surround the lake.
Nearby Attractions
Pipsissewa Trail to Pipsissewa Point, which overlooks Bonaparte Lake, is a two mile hike from the campground. Continuing from there onto the South Side trail #308 for five miles will take you to the Bonaparte Mountain Fire Lookout. Lost Lake Campground is approximately 10 miles away on the 33 road. Beaver Lake and Beth Lake Campgrounds are approximately seven miles away on the 32 road. Within 10 miles visitors can explore accessible and interpretive trails, geologic attractions, scenic overlooks, and scenic drives.
Warning 1 Alert is In Effect
There is 1 alert for this campground. Camp safely!
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
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
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TNo Coverage
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TNo Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark 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
Contact
General Info
Reservations
Drive Time
- 2 hrs 41 min from Wenatchee, WA
- 3 hrs 3 min from Spokane, WA
- 3 hrs 24 min from Coeur d'Alene, ID
- 5 hrs 43 min from Mount Vernon, WA









