Lake Ellen West Campground
3.888 reviewsLake Ellen West Campground, Colville National Forest, Washington
Lake Ellen West 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: $6 per single site per night. Extra vehicle fee: $2 per night.
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About this campground
Tucked away on the pristine western shores of Lake Ellen, this hidden gem in the Colville National Forest offers an authentic wilderness escape. Lake Ellen West Campground invites you to experience nature at its finest with 11 thoughtfully spaced campsites arranged in a distinctive teardrop-shaped loop. Each site is embraced by lush undergrowth and towering trees, creating natural privacy screens that make you feel like you've discovered your own secret corner of the forest.
Lake Ellen West Campground provides combined sites suitable for tent camping or small campers. There are no designated RV sites, pull-throughs, or group camping areas.
Weather and SeasonsThe campground transforms with each passing season, offering unique experiences throughout the year. Summer arrives in full glory during weeks 26-30, when warm, dry weather creates perfect conditions for swimming, hiking, and stargazing around the campfire. As autumn approaches, the deciduous canopy erupts in brilliant colors. Winter blankets the area in snow during weeks 45-48, with freezing temperatures and heavy precipitation transforming the landscape into a serene wonderland—though camping becomes an adventure best left to the most prepared outdoors enthusiasts.
ElevationPerched at 2,300 feet above sea level, the campground enjoys the perfect balance of mountain air and accessibility. This elevation gifts visitors with refreshingly cool mornings that invite you to wrap your hands around a steaming cup of coffee, while evenings bring a gentle chill that makes gathering around the campfire all the more inviting.
Natural Features and SceneryStep into a living tapestry where towering Douglas firs mingle with rustling cottonwoods, creating a multi-layered canopy overhead. The understory bursts with wild roses that perfume the air, thimbleberries ripe for picking, and young maples that glow like emeralds in the filtered sunlight. This rich ecosystem attracts an impressive cast of wildlife—watch for majestic bald eagles soaring overhead, osprey diving for fish, haunting calls of loons echoing across the water, and industrious beavers engineering their aquatic homes along the shoreline.
Geological RegionNestled within the vast expanse of Colville National Forest, the campground borders the sparkling 75.5-acre Lake Ellen. This pristine mountain lake is cradled by a diverse forest ecosystem where ancient Douglas firs stand sentinel alongside graceful cottonwoods. The dense understory of wild rose, thimbleberry, and young maple creates a natural sanctuary, offering campers an intimate connection with the Pacific Northwest's stunning wilderness while ensuring each campsite feels wonderfully secluded.
Campsite details
AccessibilityWheelchair-accessible vault toilets are available.
Sites SizeSites are described as suitable for tents or small campers.
Sites PrivacySites have good separation for privacy due to the dense growth of wild rose, thimbleberry, and young maple.
Total Campsites11 campsites
Recommended CampsitesSites are treed and private, best suited for tents or small campers due to narrow parking aprons and overgrowth.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
2:00 PM
Check-out
12:00 PM
Stay Limit
Maximum length of stay is 14 days.
Guests Allowed Per Site
No explicit limit on the number of guests per site stated.
Groups
There are no designated group camping areas.
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 teardrop-shaped loop layout with 11 combined sites.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen Memorial Day Weekend through October 27.
Reservation PlatformsReservations cannot be made online or via phone; sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Walk-in AvailabilityThe campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis. There are 11 combined sites available.
Cancellation PolicyCancellation rules are not explicitly described.
Amenities available
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Visitors to Lake Ellen West Campground can enjoy a variety of recreational activities, including fishing, wildlife viewing, and non-motorized boating opportunities such as kayaking. The area is popular for its scenic beauty and the abundance of wildlife, such as bald eagles, ospreys, loons, and beavers.
Fishing
Fishing is available in Lake Ellen, which contains largemouth bass and rainbow trout. Families often fish off the bank of the lake.Boating
Non-motorized boating is permitted, and a boat dock is available at the campground. Internal combustion motors are prohibited.Wildlife viewing
Wildlife viewing is abundant, with bald eagles, ospreys, loons, and beavers commonly seen. Amateur photographers find the area picturesque.Winter Activities
Winter activities are not discussed in the source materials.Water Sports
Kayaking and non-motorized boating are available.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfires are allowed only within developed fire rings. Fireworks are prohibited.
- Quiet hours are enforced between 10:00 PM and 6:00 AM.
Hazards
General hazardsPotential hazards include wildlife such as rattlesnakes and bears, requiring strict food storage practices. The narrow and gravel interior roads may be challenging for large vehicles.
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
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 hospital and police services are in Kettle Falls, approximately 11 miles away. Emergency services for wildlife incidents may also be facilitated by Colville National Forest Rangers.
Good to know
Peak season datesMemorial Day Weekend through early September.
Trash and recyclingPack it in/pack it out policy is in effect; no trash or recycling facilities are provided.
Proximity to water featuresWhile located near Lake Ellen, there is no direct access to the lake from the campground. Activities include fishing and non-motorized boating from the boat dock.
Common complaintsSeveral user reviews criticize the camp host for being unwelcoming and overly strict. Complaints include the prohibition of wood gathering and intrusive behavior. Other reviews mention the campground's dusty conditions and lack of potable water.
HostMixed reviews of the camp host, ranging from fine to intrusive and unwelcoming.
Campground Map
Lake Ellen West Campground, Colville National Forest, Washington
Driving directionsFrom Kettle Falls, WA: Head west on US-395 N/WA-20 W for 3.7 miles. Turn left onto WA-20 W and continue for 4.1 miles. Turn left onto the Inchelium Kettle Falls Rd and continue for 4.5 miles. Turn right onto Lake Ellen Rd and continue for 3.6 miles. Turn right to stay on Lake Ellen Rd and continue for an additional 1.7 miles. Finally, continue on Lake Ellen Rd for 0.6 miles before turning right into the campground entrance.
Access to the campground and the boat launch is a single lane gravel road. Parking aprons are gravel and some are overgrown. The interior road is narrow and single lane, which could be challenging for large vehicles.Nearby places
Kettle Falls: approximately 11 miles, 20 minutes by car.
Nearby supplies
Supplies, groceries, and fuel are available in the town of Kettle Falls, approximately 11 miles away.
Camper Reviews
3.9
8 reviews
Lake Ellen West Campground has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews reveal mixed experiences at the campground. While some visitors appreciate the privacy and natural beauty of the sites, many have criticized the camp host's behavior, describing her as unwelcoming and overly strict with rules.
Review Summaries
Based on 8 reviews
What Campers Love
Many reviews praise the campground for its privacy, picturesque lake views, and good fishing opportunities. Some visitors describe the area as 'absolutely gorgeous' and 'beautiful.'
Based on 8 reviewsCommon Concerns
Numerous complaints focus on the camp host, who is described as intrusive and unwelcoming. Guests object to her enforcement of rules regarding food storage, noise, and wood gathering. Additional...
Based on 8 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Visitors recommend bringing pre-cut wood due to restrictions on gathering wood on-site. Some also advise strict compliance with food storage rules to avoid attracting bears.
Based on 8 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Reviews suggest that summer is an ideal time to visit for activities like fishing and kayaking, while winter brings snow and cold temperatures that limit usability.
Based on 8 reviewsCamper Quotes
1. 'Absolutely gorgeous lake and private camping areas.' 2. 'Very cute area! Lake has great fishing and kayaking!' 3. 'Worst camping experience Ive ever had. Camp "Host" was the most unwelcoming...
Based on 8 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Sites are noted for their privacy and suitability for tents or small campers. No specific site numbers are mentioned in the reviews.
Based on 8 reviewsAccessibility Features
Wheelchair-accessible vault toilets are available, though no user reviews specifically address accessibility.
Based on 8 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are allowed but must be kept on a leash at all times as per regulations. User reviews do not elaborate on pet experiences.
Based on 8 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025