Gifford Group Site
01 reviewGifford Campground, Lake Roosevelt NRA, 3579 SR 25, Gifford, WA, 99131
Gifford Group Site
$65.00 - $90.00 / 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$90.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
For the Gifford Group Site, fees are seasonally adjusted: $65/night for 1-25 people and $90/night for groups of 26-50 people. These rates apply both during peak and non-peak seasons.
About this campground
Perched on the pristine shoreline of Lake Roosevelt, Gifford Group Site welcomes large gatherings of up to 50 people to experience the magic of the Columbia River Valley. This spacious lakefront retreat combines modern amenities with untouched natural beauty, offering everything from direct boat launch access to cozy evening gatherings around crackling fire pits. Days here unfold with endless possibilities—cast a line for trophy walleye at dawn, explore hidden coves by boat, or simply float in the crystal-clear waters while eagles soar overhead. As evening approaches, gather your group around picnic tables for feast and fellowship, then join park rangers for captivating stories about the region's rich heritage under star-filled skies.
Gifford Group Site is a designated group camping area that accommodates up to 50 people. While RV, tent, and primitive camping are not explicitly categorized, it is clear that the site is suitable for basic group camping without hookups.
Historical SignificanceStep into a landscape where engineering marvels meet ancient traditions at every turn. Lake Roosevelt itself stands as a testament to President Franklin D. Roosevelt's vision, created by the monumental Grand Coulee Dam that forever changed the Columbia River. But the story runs deeper—the historic Gifford Ferry, proudly operated by the Colville Confederated Tribes, continues a river-crossing tradition that predates written history. This free daily ferry service isn't just transportation; it's a living bridge between past and present, offering visitors a chance to experience the Columbia as generations of Native peoples have done. Here, modern recreation meets timeless cultural heritage in a setting that honors both progress and tradition.
Weather and SeasonsExperience the dramatic seasonal transformations of the Columbia River Valley, where each season paints a different masterpiece. Summer brings perfect swimming conditions as glacier-fed waters from the Canadian Rockies create refreshingly cool temperatures ideal for escaping the heat. When winter blankets the landscape, the campground transforms into a serene wonderland with temperatures hovering between 22°F and 31°F, moderate snowfall dusting the ponderosa pines, and the lake taking on a crystalline quality that photographers dream about. Spring and fall offer their own rewards—wildflower blooms and golden foliage respectively—making Gifford a year-round destination for those who appreciate nature's changing moods.
ElevationNestled at lake level where the mighty Columbia River spreads into its reservoir form, Gifford Group Site offers that perfect waterfront elevation that puts you right at nature's doorstep—close enough to hear the gentle lap of waves against the shore and feel the cool lake breeze on summer evenings.
Natural Features and SceneryImagine waking to the soft filtered light streaming through towering Ponderosa pines, their vanilla-scented bark warming in the morning sun. Gifford Group Site offers front-row seats to one of the Pacific Northwest's most diverse natural theaters. The ancient pine forest provides natural shade and shelter, creating intimate spaces within the larger landscape. Wildlife enthusiasts will find themselves reaching for binoculars constantly—majestic moose emerge from forest edges at dusk, elk bugle across the water in autumn, and bald eagles patrol the shoreline year-round. Below the surface, Lake Roosevelt harbors an angler's paradise with feisty walleye, acrobatic bass, brilliant rainbow trout, and seasonal salmon runs. Even the prehistoric sturgeon cruise these depths, though they remain protected observers of your fishing adventures.
Geological RegionGifford Group Site sits at the heart of an extraordinary geological story where the 130-mile-long Lake Roosevelt stretches through ancient river canyons carved over millennia. This massive reservoir, born from the union of the Grand Coulee Dam and the Columbia River, creates a unique ecosystem where Canadian Rockies glacial melt meets high desert landscapes. The surrounding terrain tells tales of ice age floods, volcanic activity, and the persistent sculpture of water through basalt cliffs. It's a landscape that invites exploration and wonder, where every vista reveals another chapter in the Earth's dramatic history written in stone and water.
Campsite details
AccessibilityAccessibility features are not explicitly mentioned.
Sites SizeThe group site accommodates up to 50 people and 15 vehicles, providing ample space for large gatherings.
Sites PrivacyThe site is part of the main Gifford Campground, and specific details about privacy are not provided.
Total Campsites1 campsites
Recommended CampsitesGroup Site 001 is ideal for family gatherings, hunters, and large parties, with access to picnic tables and fire pits.
Best CampsitesGroup Site 001 (Gifford Group Site) is the only site available.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
11:00 AM
Check-out
11:00 AM
Stay Limit
14 consecutive nights per visit, with a total of 60 nights per year.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Up to 50 people per site.
Groups
"The facility is composed of one group site that can accommodate a group of up to 50 people at a time." Maximum limit includes 15 vehicles.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutOne group site accommodating up to 50 people and 15 vehicles.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen March 15 - November 30 annually.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through recreation.gov or by calling 877-444-6777.
Walk-in AvailabilityFirst-come, first-served sites are not available; reservation only campground.
Cancellation PolicyCancellations can be made through recreation.gov. A $10 cancellation fee applies, and late cancellations (less than 14 days before arrival) also forfeit the first night's recreation use fee.
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
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Dump station
Flush toilets
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Gifford Group Site offers a variety of recreational activities that cater to outdoor enthusiasts. Campers can enjoy boating, fishing, swimming (though there is no designated swimming area), hiking, wildlife viewing, picnicking, and hunting (where allowed). "Boating, fishing, swimming and water skiing are activities that can easily take place from the campground." Wildlife in the area includes moose, elk, deer, bald eagles, and various fish species, such as walleye, bass, rainbow trout, salmon, and sturgeon.
Hiking
No specific trail details or difficulty levels are mentioned.Fishing
"Dozens of species of fish inhabit the lake such as walleye, bass, rainbow trout, salmon and sturgeon; however, fishing for sturgeon is allowed during a limited season."Swimming
Swimming is possible due to shallow water and beachfront access; however, there is no designated swimming area.Boating
"The boat launch provides year-round access to the lake." Types of boats allowed or docking specifics are not detailed.Wildlife viewing
Wildlife in the area includes moose, elk, deer, bald eagles, and an abundant variety of fish.Beach activities
Beach access is available, suitable for swimming and relaxing; however, specifics like sand quality or activities like beachcombing are not mentioned.Cultural and Educational Programs
"Campers might also enjoy attending educational ranger programs."Winter Activities
Winter activities are not described, but heavy snow is noted in weather data.Water Sports
"Boating, fishing, swimming, and water skiing are activities that can easily take place from the campground." Non-motorized water sports are not specifically mentioned but implied.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Fires are allowed in fire rings year-round except during critical fire conditions as determined by the Washington State Department of Natural Resources.
- Quiet hours are 10 PM - 6 AM.
Hazards
General hazardsPotential hazards include wildlife encounters (moose, elk, deer), fire danger during dry periods, and variable lake levels affecting water supply.
Active alertsClosed on Wednesdays for maintenance; lake level may affect water access.
Weather forecast
91
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 11%
Very dry conditions, stay hydrated
Wind: 4.9 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
Emergency Services
For emergencies, the nearest contact is the main office at Lake Roosevelt National Recreation Area: (509) 754-7889. There is no mention of proximity to hospitals or ranger stations.
Good to know
Peak season datesMarch 15 - November 30.
Trash and recyclingNo specific recycling facilities or trash pickup schedules are mentioned. Trash disposal facilities are implied but not explicitly detailed.
Proximity to water featuresLocated directly along the shoreline of Lake Roosevelt, with shallow water and beachfront access.
Common complaintsScarcity of nearby shopping and supplies; campers are advised to bring their own goods.
HostThe campground is unstaffed. For assistance, call the main office at (509) 754-7889.
Campground Map
Gifford Campground, Lake Roosevelt NRA, 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.
Roads leading to the campground are paved, but there is no mention of seasonal closures or challenging terrain. Clear signage is available for navigation.Nearby places
Kettle Falls (23 miles), Davenport (56 miles), Spokane (approximately 115 miles)
Nearby supplies
Daisy's small convenience store is recommended for limited shopping nearby, but campers are encouraged to bring their own goods due to scarcity of supplies in the region.
Camper Reviews
0.0
1 reviews
Gifford Group Site has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews highlight the scenic beauty of the site, especially for activities like fishing and boating. The site is described as being "beautiful" and offers great opportunities for outdoor recreation.
Review Summaries
Based on 1 reviews
What Campers Love
"Beautiful spot on Lake Roosevelt for fishing and boating." Users appreciate the lake access and peaceful environment.
Based on 1 reviewsCommon Concerns
No explicit complaints are mentioned in the provided reviews.
Based on 1 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Campers should bring their own supplies due to limited nearby shopping options. "Other than a small convenience store in the town of Daisy, there is not a lot of shopping nearby, so campers are...
Based on 1 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
Reviews and descriptions recommend visiting between March and November, coinciding with the site's reservable season. Summer months are particularly highlighted for pleasant temperatures and water...
Based on 1 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
"Beautiful spot on Lake Roosevelt for fishing and boating."
Based on 1 reviewsSite-Specific Reviews
"Beautiful spot on Lake Roosevelt for fishing and boating." (campsite: 001, Loop: Gifford Group Site, rating: 5)
Based on 1 reviewsAccessibility Features
Accessibility details and reviews are not provided.
Based on 1 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are welcomed but must be restrained at all times. "Pets are allowed and must be restrained at all times."
Based on 1 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025