South Skookum Lake Campground
4.4927 reviewsSouth Skookum Lake Campground, Usk, WA
South Skookum Lake Campground
$29.00 - $31.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$29.00
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
Single campsite fees range from $29 to $31 per night. Extra vehicles incur a $10 fee for overflow parking. Season passes for day use are available for $52.
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About this campground
Tucked away in a peaceful corner of the forest, South Skookum Lake Campground invites you to escape into nature's embrace. Twenty-four thoughtfully designed campsites wind through two interconnected loops, each offering its own unique character. The outer loop rewards adventurous souls with walk-in tent sites that open to stunning lake vistas, where ancient cedars and towering Western white pines create a natural cathedral overhead. Meanwhile, the inner loop welcomes RVs and larger groups with spacious parking aprons nestled beneath the golden needles of Tamarack trees and sturdy Douglas firs. Keep your camera ready – majestic moose and elk often wander through camp, reminding visitors they're sharing this pristine wilderness with its original inhabitants.
South Skookum Lake Campground caters to tent camping with walk-in sites, primitive camping, and combined sites for tents and RVs. There are no pull-through RV sites, and large RVs may face difficulty accessing the campground.
Historical SignificanceRising above the campground, the historic South Baldy lookout stands as a sentinel of the forest, continuing a proud tradition of fire watching that spans generations. During summer months, dedicated staff maintain their vigil from this mountaintop perch, carrying on the legacy of forest guardians who have protected these lands for decades. This living piece of history offers visitors a tangible connection to the region's conservation heritage.
Weather and SeasonsSummer transforms this mountain retreat into a sun-drenched paradise, where warm days invite endless outdoor adventures and cool evenings are perfect for campfire stories. The dry summer weather creates ideal conditions for hiking, fishing, and stargazing. When winter arrives, the landscape becomes a snow-covered wonderland, with freezing temperatures painting frost on the trees and turning the lake into a mirror of ice – a dramatic seasonal transformation that showcases nature's artistry.
ElevationPerched at 3,500 feet above sea level, this mountain sanctuary offers a refreshing escape from summer's heat. The crisp, pine-scented air fills your lungs with each breath, while the elevation provides naturally cooler temperatures that make for comfortable days and peaceful sleeping nights. This perfect altitude creates an invigorating atmosphere where the air feels cleaner, the stars shine brighter, and every outdoor activity becomes more enjoyable.
Natural Features and SceneryA tapestry of evergreen giants creates an enchanting forest setting, where cedars stretch skyward alongside Western white pines, their branches intertwining to form a living canopy. The distinctive golden glow of Tamarack needles in autumn contrasts beautifully with the deep green of Douglas firs, creating a photographer's dream. At the heart of it all lies South Skookum Lake, a pristine 32-acre jewel where crystal-clear waters reflect the surrounding forest and invite anglers to test their skills. Dense understory vegetation wraps around the shoreline like nature's privacy curtain, ensuring each visit feels like your own secret discovery.
Geological RegionNestled within the vast expanse of Colville National Forest, South Skookum Lake Campground showcases the region's remarkable biodiversity. The landscape tells a story written in living wood – from the fire-resistant bark of Douglas firs to the seasonal gold of Western larch (Tamarack), and from the aromatic presence of cedars to the stately grandeur of Western white pines. The 32-acre lake serves as the centerpiece of this ecological masterpiece, its waters cradled by hillsides where thick vegetation creates natural barriers between campsites, ensuring each visitor enjoys their own private slice of wilderness paradise.
Campsite details
AccessibilityThe campground offers wheelchair-accessible vault toilets but other accessibility features are unspecified.
Sites SizeThe sites vary in size with walk-in tent sites offering lake views and parking aprons suited for smaller RVs. "Spaces too small for my bigger RV" (user review).
Sites PrivacyA thick understory provides good privacy. "Great spacing between sites" (user review).
Total Campsites24 campsites
Recommended CampsitesChoose sites on the outer loop for lake views and privacy. Inner loop campsites are better suited for RVs, though some reviews noted challenges with larger RVs due to unlevel terrain.
Best CampsitesWaterfront campsites on the outer loop are highly recommended for their views and proximity to South Skookum Lake.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
2:00 PM
Check-out
12:00 PM
Stay Limit
Maximum stay is 14 consecutive days.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutThe campground consists of two overlapping loops. The outer loop includes walk-in tent sites with lake views, while the inner loop is designed for RVs and trailers.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen from May 24 to September 16. The campground is closed outside these dates.
Reservation PlatformsReservations are not accepted; sites are available on a first-come-first-serve basis.
Walk-in AvailabilityAll sites are first-come-first-serve. Some reviews noted competition for waterfront sites and crowded conditions during peak season.
Cancellation PolicySites are first-come-first-serve; no explicit cancellation policy is provided. However, reservation rules may include stipulations on unused sites.
Amenities available
Fire rings
Food storage lockers
Picnic tables
Firewood available
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
South Skookum Lake Campground offers a variety of outdoor recreational activities including hiking, fishing, swimming, boating, and biking. "Great place! All in one: camping, fishing, biking" (user review).
Hiking
Hiking opportunities include the South Skookum Trail #138, a 1.3-mile loop accessible for foot and mountain bike use. "Awesome short loop hike around the lake" and "Nice little lake with a really nice trail" were common praises from user reviews.Fishing
Fishing for cutthroat trout is available in South Skookum Lake. "Good fishing," "Great for kids fishing" (user reviews). Some users noted poor luck fishing during hot weather.Biking
Mountain biking is allowed on the South Skookum Trail #138. Terrain is manageable for casual riders.Boating
Boating activities include motorized and non-motorized options. The boat ramp is small and unimproved, catering primarily to smaller crafts under 20 feet. "Primarily canoe-friendly" (authoritative source).Wildlife viewing
The campground is visited by moose and elk, offering wildlife viewing opportunities. "This quiet campground is often visited by moose and elk" (official source).Winter Activities
No winter recreational activities are explicitly mentioned.Water Sports
Non-motorized water sports like canoeing and kayaking are popular. "Cute lake perfect for kayaking" (user review).Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfires are allowed only in developed fire rings.
- Quiet hours are enforced between 10:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m.
Hazards
General hazardsThis is bear country; safe food storage practices are mandatory. Mosquitos are frequently mentioned by reviewers as a nuisance.
Weather forecast
81
°F
Aug 26
Tuesday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 16%
Very dry conditions, stay hydrated
Wind: 5.7 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
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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
Emergency services are available at Newport, WA, located approximately 15 miles away.
Good to know
Peak season datesMemorial Day Weekend through Labor Day.
Trash and recyclingTrash collection is thorough as noted in user reviews: "Camp attendants are very thorough about collecting garbage." Recycling facilities are not explicitly mentioned.
Proximity to water featuresSouth Skookum Lake is within the campground and features two fishing docks and a primitive boat ramp.
Common complaintsComplaints include mosquito infestations during the summer, crowded conditions during peak season, and unlevel RV sites. One user review highlighted a disturbing incident with a camp host involving alleged racial discrimination.
HostMixed reviews regarding camp hosts. Some praised their friendliness and efforts to maintain cleanliness, while one user alleged harassment and racial discrimination.
Campground Map
South Skookum Lake Campground, Usk, WA
Driving directionsFrom Newport, WA: Follow State Highway 20 north for 15 miles to the town of Usk. Cross the bridge over the Pend Oreille River on the east edge of town and follow the Kings Lake Road (County Road 3389) 8 miles to the junction of Forest Road 5032350 (Kings Mountain). Follow Kings Mountain for 0.5 mile to the campground entrance. Note: Last 3.8 miles are on gravel roadway.
The last 3.8 miles to the campground are on a gravel roadway, requiring careful navigation. Other roads leading to the campground are paved and well-maintained.Nearby places
Newport, WA (15 miles, approximately 20 minutes)
Usk, WA (8 miles, approximately 10 minutes)
Nearby supplies
Groceries, camping supplies, and fuel are available in Newport, WA, roughly 15 miles from the campground.
Camper Reviews
4.5
27 reviews
South Skookum Lake Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
User sentiment regarding South Skookum Lake Campground is mixed. Positive reviews highlight the beauty, cleanliness, and recreational opportunities, while negative reviews focus on overcrowding, mosquitoes, and isolated incidents with staff.
Review Summaries
Based on 27 reviews
What Campers Love
Positive aspects noted by users include clean facilities, spacious campsites, family-friendly policies, and good access to fishing and hiking.
Based on 27 reviewsCommon Concerns
Common complaints include high mosquito activity, overcrowding during peak season, and isolated reports of unpleasant experiences with a camp host.
Based on 27 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Users recommend bringing insect repellent for heavy mosquitoes, preparing for primitive camping conditions, and ensuring food is stored securely to adhere to bear safety regulations.
Based on 27 reviewsSeasonal Insights
During summer, the campground is crowded but offers excellent weather for outdoor activities. Winter camping is not supported due to seasonal closure.
Based on 27 reviewsCamper Quotes
"Great place! All in one: camping, fishing, biking"; "Restroom was tidy"; "Place is really nice, bear containers in every campsite, nice camping bathrooms, water pump and brand new giant wooden...
Based on 27 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Tent sites are praised for their proximity to the lake with beautiful views. "Tent sites are on the lake shore," while RV spots are described as limited in size and occasionally uneven.
Based on 27 reviewsAccessibility Features
Wheelchair-accessible vault toilets are available. No other accessibility notes were made.
Based on 27 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are allowed but must be kept on a leash. No specific features for pets were highlighted.
Based on 27 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025