Pierre Lake Campground
4.5914 reviewsPierre Lake Campground, Colville National Forest, Washington
Pierre Lake Campground
$2.00 - $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 per day. Extra vehicle costs $2 per night. Pack it in, pack it out policy applies.
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About this campground
Nestled along the tranquil shores of Pierre Lake, this intimate 15-site campground offers two distinct camping experiences. The northern section welcomes travelers with six spacious sites perfect for smaller RVs and trailers, while the southern area beckons tent campers and pickup adventurers with nine cozy sites tucked into the forest. Between these two havens, a convenient boat ramp and a 175-foot fishing dock stretch into the crystal-clear waters, inviting anglers to cast their lines at dawn or launch their kayaks for a sunset paddle.
Pierre Lake Campground caters to a range of camping preferences, including tent sites and combined sites for small RVs and tent setups.
Historical SignificanceWhile Pierre Lake Campground may not boast ancient ruins or historic landmarks, its untouched wilderness speaks to a timeless connection between humans and nature, offering modern travelers a chance to experience the Pacific Northwest as it has existed for centuries.
Weather and SeasonsPierre Lake transforms with the seasons, offering a dynamic camping experience throughout the year. Early spring and late fall bring crisp mountain air and the possibility of snow-dusted mornings, creating a peaceful winter wonderland for hardy adventurers. As summer approaches, the campground awakens to warm, sun-dappled days perfect for swimming and hiking. Peak season runs from June through August, when wildflowers bloom along the shoreline and the lake water warms to an inviting temperature for afternoon swims.
ElevationPerched at 2,100 feet above sea level, the campground offers that perfect mountain elevation where the air feels refreshingly crisp without leaving you breathless, and summer temperatures remain comfortable even on the warmest afternoons.
Natural Features and SceneryTowering Douglas firs and aromatic cedars create a natural cathedral above the campground, their massive trunks standing like ancient sentinels. Beneath this evergreen canopy, a lush understory of thimbleberry bushes and wild roses weaves between the sites, offering both natural privacy screens and delightful surprises when the roses bloom in early summer. The interplay of dappled sunlight through the branches creates an ever-changing tapestry of light and shadow across the forest floor.
Geological RegionSet within the vast Colville National Forest, Pierre Lake Campground showcases the region's signature Pacific Northwest ecosystem. This corner of Washington State is defined by its dense coniferous forests, where Douglas fir and cedar reign supreme, creating a multi-layered woodland environment. The thick understory of native shrubs, including fragrant thimbleberry and delicate wild roses, adds texture and color to the forest floor, while providing habitat for local wildlife and creating natural barriers that enhance the sense of seclusion at each campsite.
Campsite details
AccessibilityWheelchair-friendly vault toilets are available.
Sites SizeSites are mixed in size, with the north end accommodating smaller campers and the south end suitable for pick-up campers and tents.
Sites PrivacySites are surrounded by Douglas fir, cedar, and other conifers, along with thick understory vegetation such as thimbleberry and wild roses, providing good privacy.
Total Campsites15 campsites
Recommended CampsitesUsers recommend picking sites close to the water for better views and easy lake access.
Best CampsitesNo specific sites are highlighted as best, but northern sites cater to smaller campers while southern sites are more suited for tents.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
2:00 PM
Check-out
12:00 PM
Stay Limit
Maximum stay is 14 consecutive days.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Maximum guests per site is not explicitly stated.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutTwo sections separated by a boat ramp. North end has six sites for smaller campers, and south end has nine sites for tents and pick-up campers.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen seasonally from Memorial Day Weekend through October 27; services are provided Memorial Day through Labor Day.
Reservation PlatformsReservations are not available; sites are first-come, first-served.
Walk-in AvailabilityAll sites are first-come, first-served.
Cancellation PolicyCancellation policy is not stated due to lack of reservation options.
Amenities available
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Pierre Lake Campground offers a variety of recreational activities centered around the lake. Fishing, boating, and swimming are popular here. The Lakeshore Trail provides a short hiking option, and wildlife viewing is a notable highlight.
Hiking
The Lakeshore Trail is a 0.5-mile trail suitable for foot travel only, offering scenic views of the lake.Fishing
Fishing is a major draw at Pierre Lake, with largemouth bass, rainbow trout, and crappie being the primary fish species. A Washington state fishing license is required.Swimming
User reviews note that the lake is suitable for swimming. One review mentions children enjoying the lake for swimming.Boating
The campground supports both motorized and non-motorized boating activities. A boat ramp is available for easy water access.Wildlife viewing
Moose sightings are mentioned as a possibility, and the surrounding forest provides habitat for various wildlife species.Winter Activities
The campground is open year-round, but no specific winter activities are mentioned.Water Sports
Pierre Lake supports kayaking, canoeing, and paddleboarding as non-motorized water sports options.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfires are permitted only in developed fire rings.
- Quiet hours are 10:00 PM to 6:00 AM.
Hazards
General hazardsThis is bear country; campers are advised to practice safe food storage. The lake prohibits lead weights, and OHV use is restricted within the campground.
Active alertsNo active alerts mentioned.
Weather forecast
95
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Humidity: 10%
Very dry conditions, stay hydrated
Wind: 0.5 mph
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
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 in Kettle Falls, including medical facilities and police stations (~14 miles away).
Good to know
Peak season datesMemorial Day through Labor Day.
Trash and recyclingCampers must pack in and pack out all trash, as the campground does not provide trash or recycling facilities.
Proximity to water featuresCampground stretches along Pierre Lake with direct access to its shores. Features include a 175-foot fishing dock and a boat ramp.
Common complaintsSome user reviews mention noise issues such as loud talk radio and barking dogs from nearby homes. Others appreciated the quiet and peaceful environment.
HostClean sites & bathrooms were noted by reviewers, and one mentioned a 'friendly host' but no specific details are provided.
Campground Map
Pierre Lake Campground, Colville National Forest, Washington
Driving directionsFrom Kettle Falls, WA: Head west on US-395 for 14.7 miles. Turn right onto Barstow Bridge Rd for 1 mile. Turn left onto Pierre Lake Rd for 8.7 miles. Pierre Lake Campground is on the right.
Roads are accessible year-round but include an 8.7-mile stretch on Pierre Lake Rd, which may have gravel sections. Seasonal accessibility for Memorial Day through Labor Day is noted for services.Nearby places
Kettle Falls (14 miles, ~20 minutes), Barstow (~8 miles), Colville (~30 miles)
Nearby supplies
Supplies such as groceries, fuel, and general camping items are likely available in Kettle Falls (~14 miles away).
Camper Reviews
4.6
14 reviews
Pierre Lake Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews highlight Pierre Lake Campground as a peaceful and scenic destination, ideal for fishing, boating, and relaxation. The lake itself is a favorite feature, with visitors frequently mentioning its beauty and tranquility.
Review Summaries
Based on 14 reviews
What Campers Love
Users praise the cleanliness of the vault toilets, the picturesque lake, and the peaceful atmosphere. The campground is family- and pet-friendly, with ample opportunities for fishing and other lake...
Based on 14 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Some users noted issues such as noise from other campers, dogs barking from nearby homes, and limited phone service. One review mentioned loud talk radio from another campsite, detracting from the...
Based on 14 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Bring your own drinking water, as potable water is not available. Practice safe food storage to prevent attracting wildlife. Arrive prepared for a pack-in, pack-out experience.
Based on 14 reviewsSeasonal Insights
The campground is quieter during early spring, though visitors should prepare for unpredictable weather, including hail and snow. Summer reviews emphasize the lake’s suitability for swimming and...
Based on 14 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
"Very peaceful quiet and I will only go camping there from now on my favorite lake now... clean bathrooms fresh water and the best of it all excellent fishing." - Fish for life
"It was a decent sized...
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Site-Specific Reviews
The north end of the campground is recommended for smaller campers, while the south end is better suited for tents and pick-up campers.
Based on 14 reviewsAccessibility Features
The availability of wheelchair-friendly vault toilets is noted, but no additional accessibility features are mentioned in the reviews.
Based on 14 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are allowed, and user reviews reflect positive experiences for pet owners, though some mentioned noise from dogs barking at nearby homes.
Based on 14 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025