Lyman Lake Dispersed Camping
01 reviewLyman Lake Dispersed Camping, Colville National Forest, WA
Lyman Lake Dispersed Camping
$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
The campground does not charge any fees for camping or day use.
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About this campground
Escape to the tranquil shores of Lyman Lake, where four secluded campsites offer an authentic wilderness experience far from the crowds. This intimate dispersed camping area provides just the essentials—a sturdy picnic table and fire ring at each site—allowing you to truly connect with nature. Three sites nestle together near convenient pit toilets, while adventurous souls can claim the fourth site across the lake for ultimate solitude. As a primitive camping destination, you'll need to bring your own water and carry out everything you bring in, embracing the leave-no-trace ethos that keeps this hidden gem pristine.
Lyman Lake Dispersed Camping is classified as a primitive campground.
Weather and SeasonsExperience Lyman Lake's dramatic seasonal transformations throughout the year. Winter blankets the landscape in snow, transforming the frozen lake into a prime ice fishing destination where patient anglers drill through the ice in search of their catch. As spring melts into summer, warm temperatures and crystal-clear skies create ideal camping conditions, with long days perfect for exploring the surrounding wilderness and cool nights made for stargazing around the campfire.
Natural Features and SceneryWake up to mirror-like reflections on Lyman Lake's pristine waters, framed by towering pines and fragrant firs that whisper in the mountain breeze. This scenic backdrop creates endless opportunities for adventure—cast a line into the lake's depths, explore hidden coves by kayak, or venture into the surrounding forest where hunters track game through ancient trails. The interplay of water and woodland creates a photographer's paradise, especially during golden hour when the setting sun paints the landscape in warm hues.
Geological RegionNestled within the majestic Colville National Forest, Lyman Lake sits at the heart of a diverse mountain ecosystem where dense stands of pine and fir create a verdant canopy overhead. This rugged terrain, sculpted by ancient geological forces, showcases the raw beauty of the Pacific Northwest's mountainous interior. The surrounding peaks and valleys harbor an intricate web of wildlife habitats, from lakeside wetlands to high-elevation forests, making this corner of the national forest a testament to nature's resilience and diversity.
Campsite details
AccessibilityInformation about accessibility features for people with disabilities is not provided.
Sites SizeThe campground has 4 small and primitive campsites.
Sites PrivacyOne campsite is located across the lake, which may provide more privacy compared to the 3 sites near the toilets.
Total Campsites4 campsites
Recommended CampsitesVisitors seeking privacy may prefer the campsite located across the lake.
Best CampsitesNo specific campsites are highlighted, but the campsite across the lake offers additional privacy.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Open 24 hours/day
Stay Limit
Maximum length of stay: 14 days
Groups
No group sites are explicitly mentioned.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutThree campsites are located near two pit toilets, and one campsite is situated across the lake.
Open and Closed SeasonYear-round
Walk-in AvailabilityAll four campsites operate on a first-come, first-served basis.
Amenities available
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
The campground offers outdoor recreational activities such as fishing and ice fishing. However, no detailed reviews of these activities are provided.
Fishing
Fishing and ice fishing are permitted at the lake. A Washington state fishing license is required.Winter Activities
Ice fishing is mentioned, which may imply potential for winter recreation.Water Sports
Non-motorized water sports are not mentioned.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfires are allowed only in developed fire pits.
- Quiet hours between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m.
Hazards
General hazardsPotential hazards include exposure to wildlife and lack of potable water. Campers must pack out garbage and ensure proper food storage to avoid attracting animals.
Weather forecast
86
°F
Aug 26
Tuesday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 13%
Very dry conditions, stay hydrated
Wind: 4.3 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 located in Tonasket, including hospitals and police stations.
Good to know
Trash and recyclingNo garbage service is available, and campers must pack out their trash.
Proximity to water featuresThe campground is directly adjacent to Lyman Lake, allowing easy access to lake activities.
Common complaints"Not signed very well, but relatively easy to find." - User Review.
Campground Map
Lyman Lake Dispersed Camping, Colville National Forest, WA
Driving directionsFrom Tonasket, travel State Route 20 east for 12 miles to the Aeneas Valley turnoff, County Road #9455. Follow the Aeneas Valley Road 13 miles to County Road #3785. Turn right onto County Road #3785 and travel 2 miles to junction with Forest Service Road #500. Take a sharp right onto Forest Service road #500 for .1 mile to another right on Forest Service Road #3000-580 that leads to the campground entrance.
The campground is accessible via paved roads until the turnoff to Forest Service Road #500, which is gravel. Forest Service Road #3000-580 leading to the campground is also gravel. Accessibility may be more challenging during adverse weather conditions.Nearby places
Tonasket: 27 miles (approximately 30 minutes)
Nearby supplies
Groceries, camping supplies, and fuel are available in Tonasket, approximately 27 miles from the campground.
Camper Reviews
0.0
1 reviews
Lyman Lake Dispersed Camping has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
The campground received positive user reviews for its simplicity and location near the lake. However, one reviewer noted that the site is not well signed, making it slightly harder to locate.
Review Summaries
Based on 1 reviews
What Campers Love
"Very good campground. Dispersed camping." - This reflects user appreciation for the setting and simplicity.
Based on 1 reviewsCommon Concerns
One user noted, "Not signed very well, but relatively easy to find." This implies that signage and directions could be improved.
Based on 1 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
No additional user-provided tips and recommendations are available.
Based on 1 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Seasonal trends are not explicitly mentioned in the reviews.
Based on 1 reviewsCamper Quotes
David Silver: 'Very good campground. Dispersed camping. Not signed very well, but relatively easy to find. Fyi, there is what looks to be a private cabin on the NW side of the lake.'
Based on 1 reviewsSite-Specific Reviews
No specific site reviews or recommendations are available beyond mentions of general layout (3 campsites near toilets, 1 across the lake).
Based on 1 reviewsAccessibility Features
There are no user reviews that specifically address accessibility features.
Based on 1 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
There are no user reviews that specifically address experiences with pets.
Based on 1 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025