How much does camping cost at South Skookum Lake Campground?

Camping fees at South Skookum Lake Campground range from $29-$31/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Fees are typically paid at the campground entrance.

What is the best time to visit South Skookum Lake Campground?

South Skookum Lake Campground is open Memorial Day Weekend through Labor Day.. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at South Skookum Lake Campground?

South Skookum Lake Campground does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

Can I have a campfire at South Skookum Lake Campground?

Fire policies at South Skookum Lake Campground: Campfires are allowed only in developed fire rings.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

How many campsites does South Skookum Lake Campground have?

South Skookum Lake Campground has 24 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Arrive early for the best site selection.

Are dogs allowed at South Skookum Lake Campground?

Yes, pets are allowed at South Skookum Lake Campground. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at South Skookum Lake Campground?

South Skookum Lake Campground offers: Restrooms, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at South Skookum Lake Campground?

Popular activities at South Skookum Lake Campground include Hiking, Fishing, Biking, Boating, Wildlife Viewing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

South Skookum Lake Campground

Q: Is South Skookum Lake Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

South Skookum Lake Campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis. All sites are first-come-first-serve. Some reviews noted competition for waterfront sites and crowded conditions during peak season.

4.46

82 reviews

South Skookum Lake Campground, Usk, WA

Summer Destination

Featured in:Tent Camping Washington Primitive Camping Primitive Camping Washington

Quick Facts

3,500 ft

Price

$29 - $31/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

24 campsites

Season

Open from May 24 to ...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Check Availability Set up an alert →Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

3,500 ft

Price

$29 - $31/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

24 campsites

Season

Open from May 24 to ...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Check Availability Set up an alert →Official Website

Get Directions

South Skookum Lake Campground

$29.00 - $31.00 / night

Campsite Fees

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...

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

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What Campers Say

4.46

Recommended

Based on 82 reviews

72 Google reviews

Most mentioned

cleanspacioushikingfriendly

Some mention

crowdedunlevel

"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."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

South Skookum Lake Campground, Usk, WA

South Skookum Lake Campground

South Skookum Lake Campground, Usk, WA

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.

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.

Best Time to Camp at South Skookum Lake Campground

The campground opens May 24 through September 16. Summer brings daytime highs in the mid-60s to upper-70s and nights in the 40s-50s. July has the warmest, driest weather for boating and fishing, but also brings heavy mosquitoes according to multiple reviews. Winter closes the campground entirely with freezing temperatures and snow coverage at this elevation.

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Autumn tamarack color and cooler weather are appealing, though campground closes Sept 16 (early fall only).

Planning Tips

Peak Season: Memorial Day Weekend through Labor Day.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open from May 24 to September 16. The campground is closed outside these dates.

About South Skookum Lake Campground

South Skookum Lake Campground sits at 3,500 feet in Colville National Forest near Usk, Washington. The campground has 24 sites spread across two loops around a 32-acre lake. Sites cost $29-$31 per night and accommodate tents, RVs, and primitive camping. Walk-in tent sites on the outer loop offer lake views, while the inner loop has parking aprons better suited for smaller RVs.

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 Significance

The South Baldy fire lookout sits above the campground and remains staffed during summer months. The lookout continues the forest service tradition of fire detection from mountaintop towers.

Weather and SeasonsThe campground opens May 24 through September 16. Summer brings daytime highs in the mid-60s to upper-70s and nights in the 40s-50s. July has the warmest, driest weather for boating and fishing, but also brings heavy mosquitoes according to multiple reviews. Winter closes the campground entirely with freezing temperatures and snow coverage at this elevation.

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 SceneryThe 32-acre lake sits surrounded by Douglas fir, Western larch (Tamarack), cedar, and Western white pine. Thick understory vegetation creates natural screens between sites, giving good privacy despite the small footprint. Hillsides drop to the water's edge, and the forest canopy stays dense year-round except for the larches, which turn gold in fall. Reviews mention moose and elk passing through camp. The elevation keeps things cool even in summer.

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.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

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 camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Site layoutTwo loops overlap near the lake. The outer loop has walk-in tent sites. The inner loop offers parking aprons for RVs, though reviews note the spaces are too small for larger rigs. Sites are unlevel in spots. Spacing between sites is good thanks to thick vegetation.

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.

AccessibilityThe campground offers wheelchair-accessible vault toilets but other accessibility features are unspecified.

Site 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).

PrivacyA thick understory provides good privacy. "Great spacing between sites" (user review).

Total Campsites24 campsites

Recommended SitesChoose 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.

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

Fishing

Biking

Boating

Wildlife viewing

Winter Activities

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsThis is bear country; safe food storage practices are mandatory. Mosquitos are frequently mentioned by reviewers as a nuisance.

No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

Food Storage RequiredFood storage lockers are required to comply with the campground's 'Food Storage Order.' Proper food storage is crucial due to bear activity in the area.

Fire PolicyCampfires are allowed only in developed fire rings.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are enforced between 10:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m.

Emergency ServicesEmergency services are available at Newport, WA, located approximately 15 miles away.

Trash & RecyclingTrash collection is thorough as noted in user reviews: "Camp attendants are very thorough about collecting garbage." Recycling facilities are not explicitly mentioned.

Water FeaturesSouth Skookum Lake is within the campground and features two fishing docks and a primitive boat ramp.

Camp HostMixed reviews regarding camp hosts. Some praised their friendliness and efforts to maintain cleanliness, while one user alleged harassment and racial discrimination.

Weather at South Skookum Lake Campground

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Reviews

From Booking Sources

4.5

82 reviews

Recommended

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 82 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 82 reviews

Common Concerns

Common complaints include high mosquito activity, overcrowding during peak season, and isolated reports of unpleasant experiences with a camp host.

Based on 82 reviews

Pro 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 82 reviews

Seasonal 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 82 reviews

Camper 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 82 reviews

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 82 reviews