Trout Lake Campground
4.1411 reviewsTrout Lake Campground
$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
No fees are charged for using the campground or its facilities. Parking fees for day use are also waived.
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About this campground
Tucked away in nature's embrace, Trout Lake Campground offers an intimate escape where privacy meets pristine wilderness. This hidden gem attracts those seeking solace rather than celebration, with secluded tent sites that whisper tranquility. As one visitor beautifully captured: "Beautiful serene and quiet" - a sentiment echoed by another who called it "Another amazing beautiful little campground." Here, the gentle lapping of lake water replaces the noise of everyday life, creating a sanctuary for mindful campers who appreciate the subtle symphony of the forest.
Trout Lake Campground provides primitive camping options suitable for tent camping. The campsites are private and close to the lake. RV camping is limited due to site size and access road constraints.
Weather and SeasonsFrom Memorial Day weekend through October, Trout Lake transforms with the seasons, each bringing its own magic to this woodland retreat. Summer bathes the campground in warm, dry sunshine perfect for lakeside relaxation and forest exploration. As autumn approaches, crisp mornings give way to golden afternoons, painting the surrounding forest in brilliant hues. Winter brings a dramatic transformation, wrapping the landscape in freezing temperatures and peaceful stillness, though the campground closes to let nature rest undisturbed.
Natural Features and SceneryThe real stars of Trout Lake are its wild residents. Majestic moose emerge from morning mists to drink at the water's edge, while graceful whitetail deer pick their way through the underbrush at dusk. The air fills with birdsong throughout the day, from dawn's early chorus to evening's gentle serenade. Industrious beavers work their aquatic architecture along the shoreline, their presence evident in gnawed stumps and impressive lodges. These frequent wildlife encounters transform each camping trip into an unforgettable nature documentary unfolding right before your eyes.
Geological RegionNestled within the vast expanse of Colville National Forest in Washington state, Trout Lake Campground showcases the region's distinctive landscape of intimate waterways and lush wetlands. The area's geology has sculpted a tapestry of small, pristine lakes connected by marshy meadows and threaded with narrow, winding trails that invite exploration. This unique ecosystem, where forest meets water in countless hidden corners, creates an ideal habitat for the abundant wildlife that makes this corner of the Pacific Northwest so special.
Campsite details
Sites Size"Ample space between campsites" is mentioned in a user review.
Sites Privacy"Private tent sites close to the lake" suggests good privacy.
Total Campsites6 campsites
Recommended Campsites"Advice suggests not bringing large RVs or fifth wheels due to the steep and narrow road." (User review by Davis, Date: 2022-04-21).
Best Campsites"Most campsites have a brook running through it or are close to the creek." (User review by Joseph Greenman, Date: 2019-07-01). "All of them great!" (User review by Tony Penders, Date: 2019-10-09).
Reserving a campsite
Stay Limit
Maximum length of stay: 14 days. (Official Source: Authoritative Content).
Groups
One user review mentions available group campsites without specifying capacity: "Plenty of campsites, including some for groups."
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutSmall campground with 6 tent sites. "Spacious campsites, a small, well-stocked lake where motors are verboten!" (User review by Tony Penders, Date: 2019-10-09).
Open and Closed SeasonOpen from Memorial Day Weekend through October 27. (Official Source: Authoritative Content).
Walk-in Availability"It's kind of iffy getting a space as it is very limited." (User review by Corinne Clark, Date: 2022-07-20). "Wait, did I say great? No, I meant mosquito infested, bear-ridden, snake attacking, spider lurking." (User review by Tony Penders, Date: 2019-10-09).
Accomodation available
GroupGroup campsites are offered for larger parties such as families, schools, or organizations. These sites provide space and facilities to accommodate multiple people camping together.
Amenities available
Picnic tables
Activities you can enjoy
Trout Lake Campground provides opportunities for activities such as fishing, hiking, biking, and wildlife viewing. The lake is noncombustible motors only and has a fishing dock. There are also hiking trails originating at the campground, including the Hoodoo Canyon Trail #17 (4.7 miles long) and Emerald Lake Trail #94.
Hiking
The Hoodoo Canyon Trail #17 is a 4.7-mile hiking trail that starts at the campground and intersects with the Emerald Lake Trail #94. "This is a 4.7-mile hiking trail that also intersects the Emerald Lake #94 hiking trail."Fishing
The lake is popular among anglers. "This area is frequently used by fishermen..." Fish are seen jumping in the lake, according to one user review.Biking
Mountain biking is supported, as noted in the recreation opportunities.Boating
Small, non-motorized boating is allowed. "Only accessible via small non-motorized boat. There is a primitive launch and a dock."Wildlife viewing
Wildlife such as moose and whitetail deer are frequently seen, along with birds and small critters. There is a mention of a beaver hanging out in the lake at sunset.Water Sports
Suitable for kayaking or canoeing due to the lake being noncombustible motors only.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- "Campfire in developed fire ring only." (Official Source: Authoritative Content).
- Quiet hours are 10:00 p.m. until 6:00 a.m.
Hazards
General hazards"Mosquitos were awful but with bug spray not too bad." (User review by Alan Mirly, Date: 2023-06-06). "There are bears in this campground so please store food appropriately." (User review by Davis, Date: 2022-04-21).
Weather forecast
90
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 11%
Very dry conditions, stay hydrated
Wind: 4.7 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
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
Good to know
Trash and recyclingCampers are required to properly store food and wildlife attractants at all times to avoid attracting bears. "Food and wildlife attractants must be properly stored at all times."
Proximity to water features"The lake itself is marshy and only accessible via small non-motorized boat." (User review by Davis, Date: 2022-04-21). "Trout Lake is probably not a place someone would want to swim." (User review by Joseph Greenman, Date: 2019-07-01).
Common complaints"The bathroom stunk up a lot of the spots." (User review by Chimena Campbell, Date: 2016-09-11).
Campground Map
Driving directionsFrom Kettle Falls, WA: Head west on US-395 N for approximately 3.7 miles. Turn left onto WA-20 W for 5.2 miles. Turn right onto Trout Lake Rd (Forest Road 020) and continue for 5.1 mile to Trout Lake.
"The road going up is very steep and narrow in spots making it a bit sketchy if you need to pass oncoming vehicles." (User review by Davis, Date: 2022-04-21). The road is described as "long dirt road" and "not suitable for most RVs." (User review by David Shore, Date: 2023-06-24).Camper Reviews
4.1
11 reviews
Trout Lake Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews highlight the campground's serene and private setting, making it ideal for those seeking a quiet, nature-oriented experience. Complaints include the difficulty of accessing the campground, limited RV compatibility, and mosquito presence.
Review Summaries
Based on 11 reviews
What Campers Love
Secluded, quiet atmosphere; ample space between campsites; good fishing, wildlife sightings, and hiking opportunities.
Based on 11 reviewsCommon Concerns
Mosquito infestation; unpleasant odor from bathrooms; road access is narrow and steep, making it challenging for larger RVs.
Based on 11 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Bring mosquito repellent and bug spray; store food properly to avoid attracting bears; suitable for small RVs or tents.
Based on 11 reviewsSeasonal Insights
During summer, the campground is described as peaceful and bustling with wildlife. Labor Day weekend sees full capacity. Mosquitos are a common complaint in warmer months.
Based on 11 reviewsCamper Quotes
"Beautiful serene and quiet. Ample space between campsites." - Joseph Greenman "Mosquitos were awful but with bug spray not too bad." - Alan Mirly "Beautiful lake and great campsites! We also enjoyed...
Based on 11 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Some reviews suggest that most campsites have a brook running through or are near a creek. One user mentions there are "6 sites total," while another notes "4 camp sites."
Based on 11 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets must be on a leash as per campground rules. No direct user reviews about pet experiences.
Based on 11 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025