Browns Lake Campground
4.2018 reviewsLocated 25 miles northeast of Newport, WA
Browns Lake Campground
$27.00 - $29.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$27.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Overnight use for single sites ranges from $27 to $29 per night. Discounts are available for holders of certain passes such as Interagency Senior or Access Passes (50% off for single-site camping fees).
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About this campground
Tucked away in the heart of Colville National Forest, Browns Lake Campground beckons those seeking an authentic Pacific Northwest escape. Here, towering cedar trees create a natural cathedral above rustic campsites, while the pristine waters of Browns Lake reflect the surrounding forest like a mirror. The gentle splash of fly-fishing lines breaking the surface provides the soundtrack to your stay, as this motor-free sanctuary preserves the tranquility that drew outdoor enthusiasts here decades ago. A weathered Civilian Conservation Corps cabin stands as a testament to the area's rich history, its hand-hewn logs telling stories of the young men who helped shape America's wilderness legacy during the Great Depression.
Browns Lake Campground features 18 sites that accommodate tent and primitive camping. The campground does not have RV pull-throughs or glamping options. Group camping is not explicitly mentioned.
Historical SignificanceStep back in time as you explore the lovingly preserved Civilian Conservation Corps cabin near campsite #1, where young men of the 1930s once gathered after long days of building trails and fighting fires. This rustic structure stands as a living museum to the CCC's transformative work across America's public lands, its weathered logs and simple construction embodying the can-do spirit that helped lift the nation from the Great Depression. The cabin's proximity to modern campsites creates a unique bridge between past and present, allowing visitors to connect with the generations of outdoor enthusiasts who have found solace in these woods.
Weather and SeasonsThe rhythms of the seasons paint Browns Lake in dramatically different hues throughout the year. Spring arrives tentatively at this elevation, with wildflowers pushing through patches of lingering snow and crisp mornings giving way to pleasantly mild afternoons. Summer transforms the campground into a verdant paradise, where temperatures in the comfortable 70s and 80s make for perfect hiking weather and refreshing dips in the lake. As autumn approaches, the forest erupts in golden larches and crimson maples, while winter blankets the landscape in pristine snow, creating a wonderland for those hardy enough to embrace the freezing temperatures and solitude.
ElevationPerched at 3,400 feet above sea level, Browns Lake Campground offers a refreshing mountain retreat where the air is crisp and pine-scented year-round. This elevation creates a unique microclimate that provides blessed relief from sweltering valley summers, with temperatures often running 10-15 degrees cooler than lower elevations. The altitude also means winter arrives early and lingers late, transforming the landscape into a snow-covered wonderland that attracts cross-country skiers and snowshoers seeking pristine backcountry experiences. The thin mountain air adds an invigorating quality to every breath, reminding visitors they've truly escaped to the high country.
Natural Features and SceneryAncient cedar sentinels stand guard over Browns Lake Campground, their massive trunks and drooping branches creating intimate groves that shelter each campsite. The crown jewel of this natural sanctuary is Browns Lake itself, its glassy surface disturbed only by the concentric rings of rising trout and the occasional splash of a successful catch. While no campsites sit directly on the shoreline, several offer tantalizing glimpses of the water through the trees, creating picture-perfect views that change with the light throughout the day. The surrounding forest floor, carpeted in moss and ferns, provides endless opportunities for quiet contemplation and wildlife watching, where deer often browse in the early morning mist.
Geological RegionBrowns Lake Campground rests within the ancient geological tapestry of the Colville National Forest, where millions of years of tectonic activity and glacial carving have created a landscape of hidden valleys and pristine mountain lakes. The campground's setting among towering cedars speaks to the region's classification as inland temperate rainforest, a rare ecosystem that thrives in the unique convergence of Pacific moisture and continental climate. Browns Lake itself occupies a natural depression carved by long-vanished glaciers, its clear waters now providing a haven for native trout and a playground for fly-fishing purists who appreciate the challenge of this motor-free sanctuary.
Campsite details
AccessibilityVault toilets are wheelchair accessible.
Sites SizeSites are described as small and may not accommodate RVs longer than 30 feet, with overhanging branches presenting additional hazards.
Sites PrivacySome campers appreciated the space between sites: "Plenty of space between camp sites," while others mentioned that sites are close together: "Sites are pretty close together."
Total Campsites18 campsites
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
2:00 PM
Check-out
12:00 PM
Stay Limit
Maximum length of stay: 14 days.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutThe campground features a single loop layout, shaded by mature cedar trees. None of the campsites are directly on the water, and only a few have lake views.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen seasonally from Memorial Day Weekend to Labor Day Weekend. Official season is April 31 - October 31, but services are limited to Memorial Day through Labor Day.
Walk-in AvailabilitySites may be reservable and reservations fees apply. No specific information about first-come, first-served availability is detailed.
Amenities available
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
The campground offers several recreational activities including fly fishing, hiking, and boating on the non-motorized lake. Browns Lake is noted for its cutthroat trout fishing. Boating is limited to non-motorized crafts, and there is a boat ramp available. The campground is adjacent to Browns Lake Trail #320, a one-mile trail suitable for hiking.
Hiking
The Browns Lake Trail #320 is a one-mile trail accessible near the campground.Fishing
Fishing is restricted to fly fishing only, with cutthroat trout being the primary catch: "The lake was nice, lots of big cutthroat and rainbows."Boating
Boating is limited to non-motorized options. Motorized boats are prohibited on Browns Lake. A boat ramp is available near the campground.Winter Activities
Winter activities are not explicitly mentioned.Water Sports
Water sports are limited to non-motorized boating activities such as canoeing and kayaking.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Fires are allowed in developed fire rings only.
- Quiet hours are between 10:00 PM and 6:00 AM.
Hazards
General hazardsThis is a bear country; proper food storage is mandatory. Overhanging tree branches and rough roads pose hazards for larger RVs. Users have also complained about bugs, particularly bees and mosquitoes.
Active alertsLogging in the area may impact accessibility.
Weather forecast
82
°F
Aug 26
Tuesday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 16%
Very dry conditions, stay hydrated
Wind: 5.7 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Clear sky
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Closest emergency services are not explicitly mentioned.
Good to know
Trash and recyclingBear-proof containers are available at each site. Campers must properly store food and wildlife attractants to comply with the campground's 'Food Storage Order.'
Proximity to water featuresThe campground is adjacent to Browns Lake, an 84-acre fly-fishing-only lake. A boat ramp is available for access.
Common complaintsUsers frequently mention bugs (bees and mosquitoes), rough roads, and unpleasant vault toilet smells. Recent reviews note tree cutting has changed the campground's ambiance from shaded to sun-exposed.
Campground Map
Located 25 miles northeast of Newport, WA
Driving directionsFrom Newport, WA: Follow State Highway 20 north for 15 miles to the town of Usk. Cross the bridge over the Pend Oreille River and follow the Kings Lake Road (County Road 3389) 4 miles to the junction of Forest Road 5030000 (Browns Lake). Travel north on 5030000 for 4 miles to the campground entrance.
The road leading to Browns Lake Campground includes a long, narrow dirt road with rough conditions. User reviews note that the road can be challenging, particularly for larger RVs or trailers, with one stating, 'The long rough road leading into this camp...keeps it uncrowded and quiet!'Nearby places
Newport, WA: 25 miles
Nearby supplies
Closest supplies information is not explicitly provided, but visitors are advised to bring all essentials, as the campground is remote and services are limited.
Camper Reviews
4.2
18 reviews
Browns Lake Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
Reviews for Browns Lake Campground are mixed, with users praising the quiet, remote location and beautiful lake but criticizing the poor condition of the vault toilets and recent logging operations that have significantly altered the landscape.
Review Summaries
Based on 18 reviews
What Campers Love
The campground is celebrated for its peace, seclusion, and scenic beauty. "Love camping here! it's quiet, remote, beautiful, and all around amazing." Many users compliment the fly fishing and the...
Based on 18 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Common complaints include the unpleasant smell of vault toilets: "The smell was so bad, it lingered on our clothing even after we were in the open air." Logging operations have also detracted from...
Based on 18 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Bring insect repellent, as bugs are prevalent. Campers should also be prepared for the narrow, rough dirt road leading to the campground. Additionally, visitors should bring their own potable water...
Based on 18 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
The campground sees its best conditions in the summer months, though visitors note an increase in bugs. Winter and late fall are not mentioned as popular camping times due to the campground's limited...
Based on 18 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
"Quiet, beautiful, large camping spots." "Very peaceful high lake (for the area)." "Plenty of space between camp sites." "It's ruined from what it was. You'll be camping in full sun and be looking at...
Based on 18 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Site #1 is notable for being near the historic Civilian Conservation Corps cabin. No other site-specific reviews were provided.
Based on 18 reviewsAccessibility Features
Accessibility for wheelchair users is limited to the vault toilets, which are designed to be wheelchair friendly. However, the poor condition of these toilets may pose challenges.
Based on 18 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are permitted, but they must be on a leash at all times.
Based on 18 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025