Porcupine Bay Campground
4.4458 reviewsPorcupine Bay Rd., Davenport, WA 99122
Porcupine Bay Campground
$30.00 - $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
Standard nonelectric site fees are $30 per night, year-round. Additional fees include $10 for a dump station pass (paid online), $10 for a weekly boat launch pass (paid online), or $60 for an annual boat launch pass (vendor only).
About this campground
Tucked into a secluded cove where towering Ponderosa pines meet the sparkling waters of Lake Roosevelt's Spokane Arm, Porcupine Bay Campground beckons outdoor enthusiasts with 31 thoughtfully placed campsites. This lakeside haven draws families seeking memorable adventures and solo travelers craving peaceful retreats, offering an ideal basecamp for fishing expeditions, leisurely boat rides, and early morning birdwatching sessions along the shoreline.
Porcupine Bay Campground exclusively offers standard nonelectric campsites. It does not support group camping, cabin lodging, or glamping options.
Historical SignificanceYour campsite rests on the shores of a remarkable feat of American engineering and ambition. Lake Roosevelt, born from the construction of the mighty Grand Coulee Dam, honors President Franklin D. Roosevelt's vision for the Pacific Northwest. This 130-mile reservoir transformed the Columbia River Valley, creating recreational opportunities while preserving the area's rugged beauty and historical legacy.
Weather and SeasonsSummer transforms Porcupine Bay into an aquatic playground, with warm days perfect for diving into refreshing lake waters and long evenings around the campfire. As winter descends, the landscape shifts dramatically—the bay often freezes into a crystalline expanse, creating a serene but remote wilderness experience. Snow blankets the pines and unpaved roads, making this a true backcountry destination for those prepared for winter's embrace.
ElevationElevation information not provided.
Natural Features and SceneryWake to the gentle lapping of lake waters against the shore and the sweet vanilla scent of Ponderosa bark warming in the morning sun. The campground's natural amphitheater of pines and native shrubs creates intimate camping spaces while framing spectacular lake vistas. Keep your camera ready—majestic moose wade through shallow coves at dawn, elk graze in nearby meadows, and bald eagles soar overhead, their white heads gleaming against azure skies. Even in summer's peak, lake breezes keep temperatures refreshingly cool.
Geological RegionPorcupine Bay sits along the dramatic Spokane Arm of Lake Roosevelt, where the flooded Columbia River Valley creates 130 miles of pristine shoreline and hidden coves. This unique ecosystem, shaped by the Grand Coulee Dam's creation, supports an impressive diversity of wildlife—from elusive bighorn sheep navigating rocky outcrops to mighty elk roaming through stands of Ponderosa pine. The interplay of water, forest, and wildlife creates a geological wonderland that changes with every season.
Campsite details
AccessibilityNo specific information provided about ADA-accessible features.
Sites SizeEach campsite has paved parking pads; however, most sites are sloped, which can complicate tent setup.
Sites PrivacySites are fairly open, clustered in some areas, and privacy is limited.
Total Campsites31 campsites
Recommended CampsitesConsider avoiding campsites near the bathrooms due to bright lights. RV campers should avoid the steepest sites (e.g., #19).
Best CampsitesSites close to the beach are frequently praised for their views and proximity to water activities.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Not specified in official text.
Check-out
Not specified in official text.
Stay Limit
You may stay up to 14 consecutive nights during a visit, and up to 60 nights per year.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Not explicitly mentioned.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutThe campground is built on a hill, and campsites vary in slope. Paved parking pads are provided, but tent spots are not always level.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen year-round. Seasonal considerations include unplowed roads and no water access in winter.
Reservation PlatformsReservations must be made through recreation.gov. No walk-up availability.
Walk-in AvailabilityNo walk-up sites are available. Reservations are mandatory.
Cancellation PolicyA $10 cancellation fee applies if canceled prior to arrival. For late cancellations (day before or day of arrival), the first night's fee is also forfeited. No refunds for no-shows.
Amenities available
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Dump station
Flush toilets
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
The campground supports a variety of recreational activities, including fishing, swimming, boating, and wildlife viewing. It is particularly well-suited for birdwatchers and anglers.
Fishing
Lake Roosevelt supports fishing for walleye, bass, rainbow trout, and salmon. "The lake is abundant with fish," noted in the authoritative content.Swimming
A sandy beach with a large swimming area is available near the campsites. Users have positively reviewed the swimming facilities.Boating
The campground has direct access to a public boat ramp and a beach area where boats can be tied up. "Boat slips are on a first-come-first-served basis," noted in reviews.Wildlife viewing
Birdwatchers can observe species such as Peregrine falcons, Bald eagles, Osprey, and Golden eagles. Moose, elk, and deer are also present in the area.Beach activities
The campground features a sandy beach that supports activities like sunbathing and beachcombing.Winter Activities
Fishing and wildlife viewing are possible in winter, but the bay freezes, limiting water-based activities.Water Sports
Boating, kayaking, and canoeing are supported, as the campground provides water access.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Fires are permitted in designated fire rings, except when fire danger ratings are critical. Firewood should be sourced locally to prevent pests.
- Quiet hours are 10 PM to 6 AM
Hazards
General hazardsThe hillside layout makes some campsites steep, particularly unsuitable for tents. Wildlife, including moose and deer, may be present. The absence of water and plowed roads during winter poses challenges.
Active alertsNo specific active alerts mentioned in provided data.
Weather forecast
100
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Partly cloudy
Precipitation: 0%
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Humidity: 9%
Very dry conditions, stay hydrated
Wind: 3.1 mph
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Partly cloudy
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 town for emergency services is Davenport, 12 miles away, which includes basic goods and potentially healthcare facilities.
Good to know
Peak season datesMarch 15 through September 30 is the peak season. Transition periods occur October 1 through December 31 and January 1 through April 30.
Trash and recyclingTrash and recycling facilities are seasonal. During winter, campers must pack out their garbage, as stated in user reviews.
Proximity to water featuresClose to the Spokane Arm of Lake Roosevelt, offering swimming, fishing, and boating activities.
Common complaintsMany reviews mention steep and uneven campsites, limited tent camping options, and occasional noise from nearby campers.
HostRick and Cheri are noted as excellent hosts in multiple reviews. Rick ensures campground cleanliness and guest satisfaction.
Campground Map
Porcupine Bay Rd., Davenport, WA 99122
Driving directionsTake State Highway 2 west of Spokane for 32 miles. Turn north on State Highway 25 at the town of Davenport and travel 12 miles. Take a right on Porcupine Bay Rd. Follow the road about 7 miles to the campground.
The campground is accessible via paved roads. Roads are not plowed in winter, making access difficult during snow conditions. No specific challenges or seasonal closures mentioned along main routes.Nearby places
Davenport (12 miles, approximately 20 minutes)
Nearby supplies
Closest town for supplies is Davenport, 12 miles away, offering basic goods for campers.
Camper Reviews
4.4
58 reviews
Porcupine Bay Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
The campground receives mixed reviews. Many users praise its scenic location, clean facilities, and attentive camp host, while others criticize sloped sites, lack of cell service, and noise issues from inconsiderate neighbors.
Review Summaries
Based on 58 reviews
What Campers Love
Scenic views, clean restrooms, friendly and helpful camp hosts, sandy beach with swimming area, and ample fishing opportunities.
Based on 58 reviewsCommon Concerns
Sloped campsites unsuitable for tents, lack of cell service, noise from neighbors, lack of garbage service during winter, and occasional unruly campers.
Based on 58 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Bring printed reservation confirmations due to lack of cell service. Avoid camping near restrooms due to bright lights left on overnight. Plan for sloped terrain when setting up tents. Consider...
Based on 58 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
Summer sees high activity with boating, fishing, and swimming but also crowded sites. Winter offers serene experiences due to fewer campers, though water and garbage services are unavailable.
Based on 58 reviewsCamper Quotes
"Wonderful campground! Paved pads for RVs/vehicle parking... clean restrooms (no showers) and beautiful sandy beach with large swimming area." - Elyssa Hayes. "Rick and Cheri, the camp hosts were so...
Based on 58 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Campsite #19 is particularly steep and unsuitable for certain setups. Campsites close to the bathrooms (e.g., #11) suffer from bright lights and noise. Campsite #20 has mixed reviews, with some...
Based on 58 reviewsShow more
Accessibility Features
No specific reviews address accessibility features directly.
Based on 58 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are allowed but must be leashed at all times. Some users appreciate the pet-friendly policy, while others express frustration about restrictions on allowing dogs to run freely.
Based on 58 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025