Gifford Campground
3.8964 reviews3579 SR 25, Gifford, WA 99131
Gifford Campground
$23.00 - $30.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$30.00
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
Peak Season rates are $30 per night for individual sites (May-Sep). They are $23 during the off-season. Additional fees include $10 for the RV dump station and $10 for a weekly boat launch permit.
About this campground
Discover your perfect lakeside retreat at Gifford Campground, where towering Ponderosa pines frame spectacular views of Lake Roosevelt's northern shoreline. This beloved outdoor destination beckons adventurers with its pristine boat launch for early morning fishing expeditions, well-appointed campsites with picnic tables and fire pits for evening gatherings, and fresh drinking water throughout the grounds. Whether you're casting a line for trophy fish, launching your boat for a day of exploration, or simply relaxing under the pine-scented canopy, Gifford offers an authentic Pacific Northwest camping experience.
Gifford Campground caters to a mixture of camping preferences, including standard nonelectric sites for both RVs and tents.
Historical SignificanceCamp alongside a remarkable piece of American history at Lake Roosevelt, the magnificent reservoir born from the construction of the iconic Grand Coulee Dam. Named in honor of President Franklin D. Roosevelt, whose vision helped shape the Columbia Basin Project, this vast waterway stands as a testament to human ingenuity and the transformative power of the New Deal era, forever changing the landscape and lives of the Pacific Northwest.
Weather and SeasonsExperience the best of both seasons at Gifford Campground. Summer transforms the area into a swimmer's paradise, with warm temperatures perfect for diving into Lake Roosevelt's refreshing waters and lazy afternoons on the shore. As autumn arrives, the crowds thin and the landscape shifts to a peaceful retreat, offering crisp air, golden light, and tranquil camping conditions ideal for those seeking a more intimate connection with nature.
ElevationNestled at lake level, Gifford Campground offers easy access to both water activities and forest exploration, though specific elevation details are not currently available.
Natural Features and SceneryImmerse yourself in a living postcard where ancient Ponderosa pines create a natural cathedral of shade and serenity above your campsite. Keep your camera ready for remarkable wildlife encounters—majestic moose browsing the shoreline, elk moving through morning mist, deer grazing at dusk, and the breathtaking sight of osprey and bald eagles soaring overhead. Below the surface, Lake Roosevelt teems with angler's dreams: feisty walleye, aggressive bass, pristine trout, and powerful salmon, all thriving in these glacier-fed waters.
Geological RegionGifford Campground sits within an enchanting Ponderosa pine ecosystem along the shores of Lake Roosevelt, a stunning 130-mile reservoir carved by the Columbia River and contained by the engineering marvel of Grand Coulee Dam. This remarkable body of water tells a geological story millions of years in the making, filled with pristine glacial melt and snowpack runoff from the distant Canadian Rockies, creating a unique aquatic environment where mountain waters meet ancient river valleys.
Campsite details
AccessibilityAccessibility details are not specified in the provided sources.
Sites SizeThe sites are described as narrow and close together, with challenges for large vehicles or trailers due to steep slopes and compact layouts.
Sites PrivacyPrivacy is limited due to sites being close together. Some users expressed concerns about cramped conditions and limited personal space.
Total Campsites60 campsites
Recommended CampsitesChoose shaded sites during summer for relief from heat. Avoid sites with steep slopes if mobility is a concern.
Best CampsitesSites 2 and 3 have close proximity to swimming areas and partial shade. Site 1 offers proximity to the boat launch.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Check-in time is not specified.
Check-out
Check-out time is not specified.
Stay Limit
Maximum consecutive stay: 14 nights. Maximum yearly stay: 60 nights.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Exact guest limit not specified.
Groups
No specific details about group camping sites are provided.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutSplit into three loops. Sites are closely packed, offering limited privacy. Some sites are suitable for group reservations.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen from March 15 to December 31 annually. Peak season: May-Sep; Off-season: Oct-Dec.
Reservation PlatformsReservations available through recreation.gov.
Walk-in AvailabilityNo walk-up/first-come-first-served sites are available. Reservation-only campground.
Cancellation PolicyA $10 cancellation fee applies. For late cancellations (day before or day of arrival), the first night's fee is forfeited. For one-night reservations, the full amount is forfeited.
Amenities available
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Dump station
Cell phone service
Flush toilets
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Gifford Campground offers a variety of recreational activities, including fishing, boating, hiking, relaxation by the beach, and attending educational programs. The area is particularly popular among hunters and fishermen. Seasonal activities depend on the lake's conditions, such as water level and temperature.
Hiking
The campground provides opportunities for leisurely walks to the lake and within the surrounding area. However, details about specific hiking trails are not available.Fishing
Fishing is a major draw at Gifford Campground. Visitors fish for walleye, bass, rainbow trout, and salmon. Sturgeon fishing is permitted during limited seasons. A fish cleaning station is available but has been reported as frequently non-functional.Swimming
Swimming is a seasonal activity, with lake temperatures becoming pleasant in the summer. The beach areas vary in quality, with some visitors noting rocky or weed-filled shorelines and the lack of clear markings for designated swimming areas.Boating
Boating is supported with year-round access to the boat launch. However, maintenance issues with docks have been mentioned by users, such as loose cleats and hinge pins.Wildlife viewing
The campground is located in a lush Ponderosa pine forest and provides opportunities to view wildlife such as moose, elk, deer, bald eagles, and osprey.Beach activities
Beach activities are available, but quality varies based on lake levels. Some reviews described the beach as unsuitable due to lack of sand or excessive weeds.Cultural and Educational Programs
Educational programs are offered, though specific details on topics or schedules are not provided.Winter Activities
No specific winter activities are described for this campground.Water Sports
Visitors can engage in water-related activities such as canoeing and kayaking; however, details on available facilities or rentals are not provided.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Fires are allowed in designated fire rings, except during critical fire danger levels.
- Quiet hours are 10:00 PM - 6:00 AM
Hazards
General hazardsSteep slopes on campsite pads. Wildlife presence including bears (reported but not confirmed). Lack of bear safety measures in place.
Active alertsPotential closures for water supply when lake levels drop. Fire safety restrictions during dry periods.
Weather forecast
98
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Humidity: 9%
Very dry conditions, stay hydrated
Wind: 3 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 not explicitly detailed; null
Good to know
Peak season datesMay - September annually.
Trash and recyclingTrash facilities are mentioned, but users noted issues such as dumpsters being removed before the end of the season. Recycling is not explicitly mentioned, but one user expressed frustration over the lack of recycling options for plastic bottles and aluminum cans.
Proximity to water featuresCampground is directly adjacent to Lake Roosevelt. Swimming areas depend on lake water levels.
Common complaintsComplaints include narrow RV pads, lack of water access after October 1, poorly maintained pit toilets, and lack of enforcement for dog leash rules.
HostHosts are generally helpful, though reviews indicate inconsistent presence. Contact main office for issues.
Campground Map
3579 SR 25, Gifford, WA 99131
Driving directionsTake State Highway 395 north from Spokane. Travel 83 miles to the town of Kettle Falls, then take State Highway 25 south and travel 23 miles. Follow signs for the campground. Turn right (west) into the campground. If coming from the east, travel on State Highway 2 west of Spokane for 32 miles to the town of Davenport. Turn north on State Highway 25 and travel 56 miles. Follow signs for the campground. Turn left (west) into the campground.
Accessible via paved highways (Highway 395 and Highway 25). No off-road vehicles allowed. Roads are in good condition, although the campsite pads can be narrow and steep at times.Nearby places
Kettle Falls (23 miles), Davenport (56 miles), Spokane (83 miles)
Nearby supplies
Very limited shopping nearby
campers are advised to bring their own goods.
Camper Reviews
3.9
64 reviews
Gifford Campground has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews
Reviews of Gifford Campground are mixed, with an average sentiment of 3.74. Visitors appreciate the beautiful location, wildlife sightings, and lake access but express frustration with maintenance issues, lack of amenities in the off-season, and cramped site layouts.
Review Summaries
Based on 64 reviews
What Campers Love
Positive aspects include scenic lake views, access to the waterfront for swimming and boating, friendly camp hosts, and clean facilities during peak season. One user mentioned, 'Love the view of Lake...
Based on 64 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Common complaints include poor maintenance of vault toilets, non-functional fish cleaning and dump stations, lack of potable water outside of peak seasons, cramped sites, and limited beach quality....
Based on 64 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Visitors recommend bringing all necessary supplies due to the remote location, checking the water and lake levels before visiting, and booking campsites with shade if visiting in the summer.
Based on 64 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Reviews indicate that the campground is best enjoyed during peak season when amenities like flush toilets and potable water are available. Off-season visits often highlight issues like locked...
Based on 64 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
1. 'Every site has a wonderful view of the lake.' - TERENCE H. 2. 'Bathrooms were locked, and no fish cleaning station was open.' - WILLIAM K. 3. 'Sites on the beach do not have much shade, and all...
Based on 64 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Site 1: Close to the boat launch, minimal trailer traffic in off-season. Site 2: Narrow and close to neighboring sites. Site 3: Partial shade and lake access but steep slopes near parking pads. Site...
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Accessibility Features
No specific reviews from users with disabilities were provided.
Based on 64 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Mixed reviews about pet policies and enforcement. Some users noted issues with unleashed dogs causing disturbances, while others appreciated the pet-friendly environment.
Based on 64 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025