Marcus Island Campground
4.1537 reviewsLake Roosevelt National Recreation Area, ATTN: Fee Program Manager, 44150 District Office Lane N., Davenport, WA, 99122
Marcus Island Campground
$11.50 - $23.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$23.00
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
The campground charges $23 per night during peak season (May–September) and $11.50 during the off-peak season (October–April). Additional fees include a $10 service fee for changes and cancellations, a dump station fee of $10 per reservation, weekly boat launch fee of $10, and an annual boat launch fee of $60 offered by vendors. Prices do not include taxes or discounts like the 50% America the Beautiful Senior Pass discount.
About this campground
Nestled within a cathedral of towering evergreens, Marcus Island Campground offers an enchanting riverside retreat where the mighty Columbia River wraps around three sides of this secluded paradise. This hidden gem attracts families seeking adventure, anglers chasing their next catch, and solitude-seekers yearning for peaceful moments beneath the forest canopy. With convenient boat launch facilities and ample parking, your gateway to river adventures awaits.
Marcus Island Campground is designed for tent and RV camping with no first-come, first-served sites available. All sites are reservation-only.
Historical SignificanceStep back in time and explore the rich tapestry of regional history woven throughout the area. Journey to the nearby St. Paul's Mission, where echoes of early settlers still resonate, or discover the remnants of Fort Colville, standing as a testament to frontier life. The historic Hudson Bay Company Post on the Upper Columbia offers fascinating glimpses into the fur trading era that shaped this region's destiny.
Weather and SeasonsExperience the full spectrum of Pacific Northwest seasons at Marcus Island. Summer brings warmth and vitality, with temperatures soaring into the 90s by day before cooling to refreshing 50-degree evenings—perfect for campfire gatherings, though be prepared for nature's surprises including buzzing companions, refreshing rain showers, and dramatic thunderstorms. Winter transforms the landscape into a crystalline wonderland, with temperatures dipping below freezing and occasional snow dustings creating magical scenes. Spring and fall paint the campground in transition, offering crisp air, variable conditions, and the kind of weather that makes every day an adventure.
ElevationElevation details are not specified.
Natural Features and SceneryImmerse yourself in nature's masterpiece at Marcus Island, where ancient evergreens create a living cathedral of shade and serenity. During summer months, the campground transforms into a peninsula paradise, with the Columbia River embracing the grounds on three sides. Rocky beaches tell geological stories millions of years in the making, while dramatic steep slopes add an element of rugged beauty to the landscape. Though water access presents an adventurous challenge due to the terrain, the stunning vistas and pristine shoreline make every careful step worthwhile.
Geological RegionMarcus Island Campground sits at the intersection of forest and river, where dense stands of evergreens meet the flowing waters of the Columbia River. This unique geological setting creates a microclimate of cool, shaded comfort even on the warmest days, while the surrounding shoreline—accessible on three sides during summer—showcases the powerful forces that carved this remarkable landscape over millennia.
Campsite details
AccessibilityVault toilets are wheelchair accessible. Campsites 10 and 25 are designated ADA sites with paved roads and sidewalks leading to facilities. However, uneven paths between campsites may limit accessibility.
Sites SizeCampsites vary in size. Site 10 accommodates vehicles up to 42 feet, and Site 25 up to 41 feet.
Sites PrivacyCampsites offer varying levels of privacy. Some are well-shaded and secluded, while others are closely spaced with limited vegetation.
Total Campsites25 campsites
Recommended CampsitesFor privacy, select sites in the southern or less crowded areas. Sites 16–19 offer proximity to water and scenic views.
Best CampsitesSite 16 is highly praised for its beauty, quietness, and proximity to water. Sites 10 and 25 provide ADA accessibility and are close to restroom facilities.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
1:00 PM
Check-out
12:00 PM
Stay Limit
Camping is limited to 14 consecutive nights per campground within a 30-day period and not more than 60 total nights per calendar year.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Maximum of 10 people and 2 vehicles per campsite.
Groups
There are no designated group sites available at this campground.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutThe campground features 25 sites organized in loops with paved roads and parking spaces. Sites vary in size and proximity to water.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen from March 15 to December 31. Closed from December 1 to March 31.
Reservation PlatformsReservations are available through Recreation.gov or by calling 877-444-6777.
Walk-in AvailabilityThe campground is reservation-only, and no walk-up or first-come-first-served sites are available.
Cancellation PolicyReservations can be canceled online or through the contact center. Late cancellations incur a $10 fee and forfeit the first night's use fee. No refunds are issued for cancellations on the day of check-in.
Amenities available
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Cell phone service
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
The campground is popular for fishing, boating, and enjoying the shaded evergreen setting. Campers can access the nearby lake for various water activities. There are no designated hiking or biking trails within the campground itself.
Fishing
Fishing is a popular activity here, with Lake Roosevelt providing opportunities to catch various fish species. Details on specific types of fish are not provided.Swimming
Lake access allows for swimming, but the shorelines are described as rocky and steep, making access challenging in some areas.Boating
A small boat launch is available near the campground during high water levels, offering access to Lake Roosevelt for kayaking, canoeing, and other boating activities.Wildlife viewing
Wildlife viewing is a common activity, with bird species such as owls frequently spotted. The area is described as rich in flora and fauna.Beach activities
Some beach activities are possible, but rocky and steep shorelines limit their extent. Beaches are not sandy or easily accessible.Winter Activities
During winter, the campground is closed. No specific winter activities are mentioned.Water Sports
Non-motorized water sports, including kayaking and canoeing, are popular due to the lake's proximity.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Fires are allowed in designated fire rings unless burn bans are enforced. Follow local fire regulations.
- Quiet hours are strictly enforced from 10 PM to 6 AM.
Hazards
General hazardsRocky beaches and steep slopes make water access hazardous. Wildlife may pose danger. Some user reviews mention concerns with disruptive behavior from other guests.
Active alertsPartial fire restrictions effective from June 13, 2025. Hawk Creek Lane reduced to one lane due to undercutting action.
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: 1.9 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 hospital and emergency services are located in Kettle Falls, approximately 5.7 miles away.
Good to know
Peak season datesMay to September
Trash and recyclingTrash collection is available year-round. Recyclables are not specifically mentioned, and visitors are advised to minimize waste.
Proximity to water featuresThe campground is located along the Columbia River, providing proximity to the water. However, water access can be challenging due to rocky terrain.
Common complaintsSome users reported disruptive behavior from other campers, lack of water access, and issues with campground enforcement. Others noted overcrowded sites and generator usage during quiet hours.
HostThere is no on-site staff or hosts. Rangers occasionally patrol the area but do not consistently monitor campsites.
Campground Map
Lake Roosevelt National Recreation Area, ATTN: Fee Program Manager, 44150 District Office Lane N., Davenport, WA, 99122
Driving directionsTake Washington state Highway 395 north from Spokane. Travel 70.3 miles to the town of Kettle Falls, take Highway 25 north and travel 5.7 miles. Follow signs to the campground. It is on the west side of the highway.
The main access road is single lane and winding, which could pose challenges for larger vehicles or inexperienced drivers. Seasonal closures of roads may occur due to snow or extreme weather conditions.Nearby places
Kettle Falls (5.7 miles, about 10 minutes), Spokane (70.3 miles, about 1 hour 30 minutes)
Nearby supplies
Fuel, groceries, and camping supplies are available in Kettle Falls, approximately 5.7 miles away.
Camper Reviews
4.2
37 reviews
Marcus Island Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews for Marcus Island Campground highlight its serene setting, natural beauty, and proximity to Lake Roosevelt. However, concerns about campsite privacy, rule enforcement, and water accessibility have been raised.
Review Summaries
Based on 37 reviews
What Campers Love
Many reviewers praised the campground for its beautiful scenery, abundant shade from tall trees, and proximity to the lake for recreational activities like kayaking and fishing. Cleanliness of the...
Based on 37 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Several users raised concerns about closely spaced campsites lacking privacy, noise from other campers, and the steep, rocky access to the lake. Some noted issues with campsite rule enforcement, such...
Based on 37 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Campers recommend arriving prepared with water since none is available on-site. They also suggest bringing earplugs for potential noise and carefully selecting campsites for better views and privacy.
Based on 37 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Summer brings high temperatures, making the shaded campsites a favorite. Spring and fall reviews highlight peace and fewer crowds, though some complained about lower water levels affecting recreation.
Based on 37 reviewsCamper Quotes
"Beautiful campground right on the Columbia River." - Mitch Brown. "The campground is lovely, but some sites are too close together." - Renee Guertin. "We loved the trees and shade." - Emily W.
Based on 37 reviewsSite-Specific Reviews
Site 10 and 25 are ADA accessible. Site 19 was criticized for being overgrown, while Site 23 received positive reviews for its scenic views. Site-specific issues like overcrowding and noise were...
Based on 37 reviewsShow more
Accessibility Features
ADA sites are noted for easy access, and the vault toilets are wheelchair accessible. However, pathways between campsites are uneven, limiting accessibility for some.
Based on 37 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are allowed but must be restrained. Dog owners appreciated the freedom for pets to swim, but some mentioned barking dogs from neighboring campsites as a disturbance.
Based on 37 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025