Lake Ellen East Campground
05 reviewsLake Ellen East Campground
$6.00 - $6.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$6.00
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
Camping fee is $6 per single site. Additional vehicle fee is $2 per night.
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About this campground
Nestled at the eastern shore of a pristine 75.5-acre mountain lake, Lake Ellen East Campground offers an intimate escape into nature's embrace. Each thoughtfully spaced campsite is cocooned in lush vegetation, creating private havens where the only sounds are rustling leaves and distant loon calls. Just a short stroll from your tent, the shimmering waters of Lake Ellen beckon anglers with promises of rainbow trout, while families gather at the shoreline to skip stones and explore. As evening falls, wildlife enthusiasts often witness the majestic silhouette of a bald eagle returning to roost, or catch glimpses of industrious beavers working along the banks. This photographer's paradise captures the essence of the Pacific Northwest, where osprey dive for their dinner and every sunrise paints a new masterpiece across the water.
Lake Ellen East Campground caters to tent and primitive camping. The sites are small and scattered between the north and south ends of the lake. Tent camping is the primary option available.
Weather and SeasonsFrom Memorial Day Weekend through September's golden days, Lake Ellen East transforms into a summer sanctuary where warm sunshine filters through the forest canopy. The camping season perfectly captures the region's most inviting months, when crystal-clear nights reveal a cosmic tapestry overhead - what visitors lovingly describe as 'huge star-filled skies' that seem close enough to touch. As autumn approaches, crisp mornings give way to perfect hiking weather, while winter brings a dramatic transformation as snow blankets the landscape and the lake rests beneath sheets of ice, waiting patiently for spring's return.
Natural Features and SceneryLake Ellen East unfolds like a living postcard, where dense forests meet glassy waters in perfect harmony. The lake's varied depths create distinct zones - shallow coves perfect for kayaking adventures and deeper channels where trout lurk beneath the surface. Morning mist often dances across the water, providing ethereal backdrops for photographers hoping to capture the resident wildlife in action. From the haunting call of loons echoing across the lake to the splash of an osprey's successful dive, nature performs daily shows here. The surrounding old-growth forest creates a verdant amphitheater, its towering trees reflected in the lake's mirror-like surface on calm days.
Geological RegionSet within the vast expanse of Colville National Forest, Lake Ellen East occupies a unique ecological crossroads where boreal wilderness meets temperate forest splendor. This 75.5-acre jewel was carved by ancient geological forces, creating a natural basin that now cradles one of the region's most biodiverse aquatic ecosystems. The surrounding landscape tells the story of millennia through its varied forest composition - from hardy conifers adapted to northern climates to deciduous species that paint the hillsides gold each autumn. This convergence of ecological systems creates an unusually rich habitat that supports everything from microscopic lake organisms to the magnificent bald eagles that rule the skies above.
Campsite details
AccessibilityAccessibility details are not provided.
Sites SizeThe campsites are described as small, shaded, and well-separated by vegetation for privacy.
Sites PrivacyCampsites offer good privacy due to vegetation between sites.
Total Campsites15 campsites
Recommended CampsitesSites on the south end of the lake are described as small and covered with shade, offering 'plenty of privacy between sites.' Reviewers suggest portable motion sensor lights to mitigate nighttime wildlife disturbances.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
2:00 p.m.
Check-out
12:00 p.m.
Stay Limit
Maximum length of stay is 14 days.
Groups
No group site details are provided.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutThe campground features 'good separation with lots of vegetation for privacy.' It is laid out as a one-way, single-lane gravel road loop.
Open and Closed SeasonMemorial Day Weekend - September 30
Walk-in AvailabilityAll sites are pack-in/pack-out and lack formal reservation systems, as inferred from authoritative sources.
Amenities available
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Activities you can enjoy
Lake Ellen East Campground provides opportunities for fishing, swimming, kayaking, canoeing, and wildlife viewing. The lake is a short walk from the campsites and features good fishing for rainbow trout and sunfish. Wildlife such as bald eagles, osprey, and beavers can often be spotted. The area is also popular among amateur photographers for its scenic beauty. Some campers enjoyed the 'huge star-filled sky at night.'
Fishing
Fishing for rainbow trout and sunfish is available at the lake. The lake prohibits lead weights, and a Washington state fishing license is required.Swimming
Swimming is permitted in the lake; however, one reviewer mentioned that the lake isn't ideal for swimming.Boating
Non-motorized boating activities such as kayaking and canoeing are supported. A primitive boat launch is available.Wildlife viewing
Wildlife such as bald eagles, osprey, loons, beavers, and even great horned owls can be observed. One reviewer encountered 'an army of four-legged critters' at night.Winter Activities
There is no indication of winter activities being available.Water Sports
Water sports are limited to non-motorized boating such as canoeing and kayaking.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfires are allowed only in developed fire rings. Fireworks are prohibited.
- Quiet hours are between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m.
Hazards
General hazardsOne user review mentioned the potential presence of rattlesnakes near rocky areas. 'There is a chance you may find a rattlesnake up in the rocks.' Nighttime wildlife activity can also include animals snorting and stomping near campsites.
Weather forecast
88
°F
Aug 26
Tuesday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 12%
Very dry conditions, stay hydrated
Wind: 5.2 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Clear sky
7-Day Forecast
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Daily & Hourly Insights
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Temperature Trends
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Precipitation Trends
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Weather Summaries
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Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Emergency services including hospitals and police stations are likely accessible in Kettle Falls, WA, approximately 15 miles away. Specific names and addresses are not provided in the available sources.
Good to know
Peak season datesMemorial Day Weekend through September 30
Trash and recyclingVisitors must pack out all trash and waste as there are no detailed facilities for trash or recycling.
Proximity to water featuresLocated adjacent to a 75.5-acre lake. 'Access to the lake for fishing and swimming is a short walk.' The lake supports fishing and kayaking but is described as shallow for swimming.
Common complaintsUser reviews note nighttime disturbances caused by wildlife, including 'an army of 4-legged critters coming in to check out my site.' Limited potable water availability (none provided), insects noted but 'weren't too bad either,' and lake shallowness restricting swimming are other points highlighted.
HostOne review positively mentions the campground host: 'Camp host so friendly and helpful... beautifully kept campground.' Details about availability and contact information are not provided.
Campground Map
Driving directionsFrom Kettle Falls, WA: Head west on US-395 N/WA-20 W for 3.7 miles. Turn left onto WA-20 W continue for 4.1 miles. Turn left onto the Inchelium Kettle Falls Rd continue for 4.5 miles. Turn right onto Lake Ellen Rd continue for 3.6 miles. Turn right to stay on Lake Ellen Rd continue for 1.3 miles. Campground entrance will be on the right.
Access through the campground is via a one-way, single-lane gravel road loop. The road provides basic accessibility, but no mention of seasonal closures or other significant terrain challenges are evident in the authoritative sources.Nearby places
Kettle Falls, WA: approximately 15 miles (estimated driving time approx. 24 minutes).
Nearby supplies
Groceries, camping supplies, and fuel are likely available in Kettle Falls, WA. No specific details or distances provided beyond the 15-mile proximity.
Camper Reviews
0.0
5 reviews
Lake Ellen East Campground has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews highlight the campground's seclusion, scenic beauty, and opportunities for fishing and wildlife viewing. It is considered peaceful, especially during less busy times. However, some users mentioned encountering wildlife at night and recommended bringing precautions such as motion sensor lights.
Review Summaries
Based on 5 reviews
What Campers Love
Many users praised the campground for its quiet and secluded atmosphere. The campsites were described as private and well-shaded. Other highlights include good fishing opportunities, a star-filled...
Based on 5 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Common complaints include the lack of potable water, the need for campers to pack out their trash, and some campsites being primitive. Wildlife activity at night, such as critters investigating...
Based on 5 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Campers recommend bringing potable water and supplies due to the lack of water on-site. Portable motion sensor lights are suggested to deter nocturnal wildlife. Some reviewers advised being cautious...
Based on 5 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
Reviews indicate that the campground is less crowded during off-peak times, such as weekdays or non-holiday weekends. Summer months are popular for fishing and wildlife viewing.
Based on 5 reviewsCamper Quotes
1. 'Had the whole place to ourselves... It was very peaceful.' (June 2018)
2. 'A nice place to kayak or launch a small fishing boat. Locals told me the fish in it were Sunfish and Trout.' (June...
Based on 5 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
One user noted the division of campsites with '10 on the north end of the lake, and 5 on the south end.' The north-end sites were described as more primitive.
Based on 5 reviewsAccessibility Features
No specific reviews address accessibility.
Based on 5 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
There are no specific pet-related reviews, but the campground requires pets to be leashed.
Based on 5 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025