Fishing and kayaking opportunities draw campers to Kettle River Campground, where 12 sites sit along the banks of the Kettle River within Lake Roosevelt National Recreation Area. The campground provides water and sewer hookups for RVs up to 36 feet, though paved parking pads run tight for larger rigs. Sites spread out with reasonable spacing between neighbors, most positioned directly off the riverbank.
The Kettle River offers swimming and floating conditions from early July through late August when water levels reach their peak. Campers can launch watercraft at the on-site boat ramp, though dedicated swimming areas remain limited. Scott B. notes "beautiful river waters and some sandy beaches" along with frequent bald eagle sightings. A small store operates near the boat launch, and vault toilets serve the campground.
Access involves rough road conditions that some visitors find challenging. The campground sits surrounded by forest with open views between sites, offering limited privacy but expansive sightlines toward the water. Cell service provides 2-3 bars for basic connectivity. River levels drop significantly in winter and spring before returning to full capacity by early July. Those exploring the region can find campgrounds near Lake Roosevelt National Recreation Area for additional options along this expansive reservoir system.
Description
Overview
Kettle River is a shady campground on the banks of the Kettle River. Most of the sites are on the shoreline and have beautiful views of the Kettle River and surrounding landscape. Kettle River does not have a boat launch but does have a courtesy dock. This campground is a great place for birding, with a variety of waterfowl and raptors seen in the area. Kettle River Campground is typically quiet and doesnt often fill.
Recreation
Kettle River Campground is popular with families to camp. They can easily access the Kettle River for shoreline fishing or birding.
Facilities
Kettle River Campground is a reservation only campground with 13 sites. There are picnic tables, fire pits, and water access located within the facility.
Natural Features
Kettle River Campground provides ample shade with thick forests of ponderosa pine, and douglas fir trees. The lake area is abundant with wildlife, including moose, elk and deer. Quite a few bald eagles have been spotted around Kettle River, and dozens of species of fish inhabit the lake, such as walleye, bass, rainbow trout, salmon and sturgeon. Fishing for sturgeon is now allowed during a short season. Much of the water in the originates from glaciers and snow in the cold, high Canadian Rockies, though temperatures are pleasant to swim in during summer.
Nearby Attractions
The historic St. Paul's Mission, which is run by the National Park Service, is located about 7.4 miles south of the campground in the town of Kettle Falls. Also in the area are Fort Colville and the Hudson Bay Company Post on the Upper Columbia. St. Paul's Mission. Sherman drive, a scenic loop, is nearby.
Contact Info
This location is unstaffed. To speak with our main office for general information, please call: (509) 754-7889.
Charges & Cancellations
All changes and cancellations must be made through recreation.gov Late Cancellations or Cancellations within the Cut-off Window Individual Campsites: A customer who cancels a reservation the day before or on the day of arrival will pay a $10.00 service fee AND forfeit the first night's use fee (not to exceed the total paid for the original reservation). Cancellations for a one-night reservation will forfeit the entire amount paid and will not be subject to an additional service fee.
Fee Info
This is a reservation only campground at $23/night. Site must be reserved through recreation.gov. No first come sites available. Dump Station one time fee of $10 per reservation paid at pay.gov/public/form/start/1575878640 Weekly Boat Launch Fee $10/seven consecutive days. Paid online at https://www.pay.gov/public/form/entry/101/656441199/ Annual Boat Launch Fee $60/year available by vendor only.
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!
Limited trash services. Pack it in, pack it out.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsKettle River Campground is located in Washington near Boyds
Directions
Kettle River Campground is 80 miles north of Spokane as you travel on hwy 395. Continue north on hwy 395 through the town of Kettle Falls. Continue across the bridge taking you to the west side of the Columbia River/Lake Roosevelt NRA. After crossing the bridge travel north another 6.7 miles, turn right onto Waterview Drive. In 0.4 miles you'll arrive at Kettle River Campground. Kettle River Campground is 88 miles north of Davenport as you travel on SR 25. Travel 81 miles north on SR 25. At the intersection of SR 25 and hwy 395 at Kettle Falls turn left and travel north on 395. Continue across the bridge taking you to the west side of the Columbia River/Lake Roosevelt NRA. After crossing the bridge travel north another 6.7 miles, turn right onto Waterview Drive. In 0.4 miles you'll arrive at Kettle River Campground.
Coordinates
48.71003333 N
118.12821667 W
Connectivity
T-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoors
T-Mobile5GGood CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 5/10/26
VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 5/10/26- AT&TLTESome Coverage
Connectivity
T-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoors- T-Mobile5GGood CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 5/10/26
- VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 5/10/26
- AT&TLTESome Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
Features
For Campers
- Market
- Trash
- Firewood Available
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Drinking Water
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Sewer Hookups
- Water Hookups
Drive Time
- 1 hr 43 min from Spokane, WA
- 2 hrs 4 min from Coeur d'Alene, ID
- 3 hrs 27 min from Lewiston, ID
- 3 hrs 43 min from Wenatchee, WA
