Crawfish Lake Campground
4.5117 reviewsCrawfish Lake Campground, Tonasket Ranger District, Okanogan National Forest, Washington
Crawfish Lake Campground
$0.00 - $0.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$0.00
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
Fee pending garbage pickup and camp host, to be established later in the season.
About this campground
Nestled along the pristine shores of an 80-acre mountain lake, Crawfish Lake Campground offers an intimate escape with 19 rustic campsites that invite you to disconnect and immerse yourself in nature. Eleven coveted lakefront sites place you just steps from the water's edge, where the gentle lapping of waves provides a natural soundtrack to your camping experience. The peaceful, electric motor-only lake ensures tranquil mornings perfect for paddling or fishing, while each campsite comes equipped with the essentials for memorable evenings around the fire ring. Whether you're arriving with a small trailer or tent camping under the stars, you'll find just enough amenities to be comfortable while maintaining that authentic, back-to-nature feel.
Crawfish Lake Campground accommodates tent camping and small RVs, with rustic sites offering lake views. It lacks RV hookups and group camping facilities but offers single and double campsites.
Historical SignificanceWhile Crawfish Lake may not boast ancient ruins or historic landmarks, its untold stories lie in the pristine wilderness that has remained largely unchanged for generations. This unspoiled corner of the forest invites modern explorers to create their own history and forge personal connections with the natural world.
Weather and SeasonsExperience the full spectrum of mountain weather at Crawfish Lake, where each season paints the landscape in dramatically different hues. Early season adventurers and autumn visitors should come prepared for crisp, freezing temperatures and the possibility of snow dusting the evergreens. As summer unfolds, the campground transforms into a haven of mild, dry days perfect for hiking, swimming, and lounging by the lake. The elevation ensures that even mid-summer temperatures remain refreshingly cool, offering a welcome respite from valley heat.
ElevationPerched at 4,500 feet above sea level, Crawfish Lake Campground offers a refreshing mountain retreat where the air is crisp and clean. This elevated position means you'll enjoy naturally air-conditioned camping, with temperatures running 10-15 degrees cooler than the valleys below. The altitude creates perfect conditions for comfortable summer camping and spectacular star-gazing through the thin, clear mountain air.
Natural Features and SceneryThe eastern shore of Crawfish Lake provides a stunning backdrop for your camping adventure, where towering Tamarack, Ponderosa Pine, Douglas Fir, and Aspen create a living cathedral overhead. This diverse forest canopy filters sunlight into dappled patterns across your campsite, providing natural shade during warm afternoons. Come autumn, the deciduous trees burst into a spectacular display of golden yellows and fiery oranges, transforming the campground into a photographer's paradise. The mature forest ecosystem supports abundant wildlife, from chattering squirrels to soaring eagles, while the mirror-like lake reflects the surrounding peaks in its calm waters.
Geological RegionDeep within the Okanogan National Forest, Crawfish Lake Campground showcases the remarkable diversity of the inland Northwest's mountain ecosystems. The unique blend of Tamarack, Ponderosa Pine, Douglas Fir, and Aspen tells the story of a transitional forest zone where different habitats converge. This geological sweet spot creates a tapestry of textures and colors that changes with the seasons - from the fresh green growth of spring to the golden larch needles of fall. The surrounding landscape bears the ancient marks of glacial activity, with the lake itself cradled in a basin carved by ice age forces, now filled with crystal-clear mountain water.
Campsite details
AccessibilityWheelchair-friendly vault toilets are available.
Sites SizeSites are described as rustic but attractive, with parking composed of sand and rocks. Some campers reported challenges maneuvering larger trailers.
Sites PrivacyThe campsites along the lakeshore offer varying levels of privacy. Some are adjacent to private residential areas, which may limit seclusion.
Total Campsites19 campsites
Recommended CampsitesSites bordering the lakeshore are recommended for better views and ambiance.
Best CampsitesUser reviews highlight lakeside spots as the best, such as site 9 mentioned in one review.
Reserving a campsite
Stay Limit
Maximum length of stay: 14 days.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutThe campground stretches along the east shore of Crawfish Lake with 19 sites, including 15 single sites and 4 double sites.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen Memorial Day through October 15.
Reservation PlatformsReservations are not available.
Walk-in AvailabilityFirst-come, first-served availability for all sites with no reservation options.
Cancellation PolicyNo details provided.
Amenities available
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Crawfish Lake Campground offers recreational activities such as non-motorized boating, picnicking, and lake fishing. The lake is home to Eastern Brook trout, and wildlife such as ducks and loons are often sighted, creating opportunities for wildlife viewing.
Fishing
Fishing is permitted on Crawfish Lake. The lake is known for Eastern Brook trout. "Great fishing," commented one user.Boating
Non-motorized and electric motor-only boating is allowed. A boat ramp is available for easy access.Wildlife viewing
Wildlife species such as ducks, loons, and other birds are commonly sighted in and around the lake. "We saw a loon way out in the distance," reported one user.Winter Activities
The campground does not explicitly support winter activities, though its higher elevation (4500 ft) may result in snow during colder months.Water Sports
Non-motorized water sports such as kayaking are popular among visitors. "Kayaks would be a nice way to get around the lake," suggested one user.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfires permitted only in developed fire pits.
- Quiet hours between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m.
Hazards
General hazardsThe campground is located in bear country, requiring proper food storage practices. Horseflies and mosquitoes can be an issue during certain seasons.
Active alertsNo active alerts reported.
Weather forecast
79
°F
Aug 26
Tuesday
Mainly clear
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 17%
Very dry conditions, stay hydrated
Wind: 4.2 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Mainly clear
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
Good to know
Peak season datesPeak season runs from Memorial Day through October 15.
Trash and recyclingNo garbage facilities are available. Campers must pack out all trash and practice safe food storage techniques due to bear activity.
Proximity to water featuresAdjacent to Crawfish Lake, an 80-acre electric motor-only lake suitable for non-motorized boating and fishing.
Common complaintsSome complaints mention the difficulty of accessing certain campsites with larger trailers, uneven parking aprons, and bugs (horseflies and mosquitoes).
Campground Map
Crawfish Lake Campground, Tonasket Ranger District, Okanogan National Forest, Washington
Driving directionsFrom Riverside, WA, at the intersection of Main St., State St. and Tunk Valley Rd., take Tunk Valley Rd. east 0.2 miles to a 'T' intersection. Turn left onto Tunk Cr. Rd. and go 19.7 miles to a 'Y' intersection. Bear right onto Forest Rt. 100 (single lane) and go 0.4 miles to campground on right. Note: The last 4.8 miles are dirt with washboards.
The roads are mostly paved except for the final 4.8 miles, which are dirt with washboards. The parking aprons are uneven and composed of sand and rocks, and the interior road is narrow and rough.Nearby places
Riverside is the closest city, approximately 20 miles away.
Camper Reviews
4.5
17 reviews
Crawfish Lake Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews highlight the campground’s scenic views, peaceful environment, and clean facilities. However, concerns about vault toilets and minimal phone service were mentioned.
Review Summaries
Based on 17 reviews
What Campers Love
Campers praised the campground's cleanliness, scenic lake views, and abundant wildlife. "Beautiful little lake and the campground was very clean," noted one visitor. Another said, "Spacious clean...
Based on 17 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Concerns about vault toilet maintenance and the uneven parking aprons were commonly cited. "Don't clean out the restroom holding tank often enough," mentioned one reviewer, while others highlighted...
Based on 17 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Visitors recommend bringing bug spray to handle seasonal horseflies and mosquitoes, packing out garbage due to lack of waste facilities, and using kayaks to explore the lake.
Based on 17 reviewsSeasonal Insights
In summer, horseflies and mosquitoes may pose issues for campers. Bugs are less of a problem later in the season, according to reviews. Winter conditions may include snow, making the campground...
Based on 17 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
"This one might have set the bar high for other free campsites." "It was a calm camping trip listening to the water and watching the sunsets!" "Absolutely amazing. Quite. Lots of wildlife." "Great...
Based on 17 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Site 9 was mentioned specifically. "We stayed in site 9 and didn't have too much trouble getting in with our 20 foot trailer." Other reviews favor lakeside spots for their views.
Based on 17 reviewsAccessibility Features
Wheelchair-friendly vault toilets are available, although no further accessibility features were noted.
Based on 17 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Dogs are allowed but must be kept on a leash. "My son enjoyed the lake and it was peaceful." Some reviewers appreciated the pet-friendly policy.
Based on 17 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025