Cooks Lake Campground
The campground opens Memorial Day weekend (May 25, 2026) and operates through October 30. No fees or reservations required; first-come, first-served only. No potable water available; campers must bring their own or filter from the lake.
Heat Advisory issued July 20 at 9:21PM PDT until July 23 at 9:00PM PDT by NWS Spokane WA
* WHAT...Hot temperatures with daytime highs in the mid 90s to near 100 degrees Tuesday and upper 90s to low 100s Wednesday and Thursday. This will pose a moderate to major risk of heat-related illness. * WHERE...Portions of North and North Central Idaho and Central, East Central, North Central, Northeast, and Southeast Washington. * WHEN...From 11 AM Tuesday to 9 PM PDT Thursday. * IMPACTS...Hot temperatures may cause heat illnesses. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Wednesday will likely be the hottest day with widespread moderate and major HeatRisk. Moderate and locally major HeatRisk continue into Thursday. Limited overnight relief expected across the lower elevations Wednesday and Thursday mornings with low temperatures in the mid 60s to mid 70s. Smoke from area wildfires may end up affecting how hot high temperatures get.
Air Quality Alert issued July 20 at 12:33PM PDT by NWS Spokane WA
An Air Quality Alert has been issued by the following agencies: Washington Department of Ecology Spokane Regional Clean Air Agency An Air Quality Alert continues for Spokane, Ferry, Lincoln, Okanogan, Pend Oreille, and Stevens Counties, effective immediately through Wednesday, July 22nd at 9 AM, due to current and expected wildfire smoke from regional fires. Particulate matter (PM2.5) levels are expected to range in the Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups and Unhealthy categories. In Eastern Okanogan County near active wildfires, air quality may reach Very Unhealthy to Hazardous levels. When air quality is Unhealthy, everyone should reduce exposure. Limit time outside, avoid strenuous activity, and follow tips for cleaner indoor air.
Air Quality Alert issued July 20 at 12:33PM PDT by NWS Spokane WA
An Air Quality Alert has been issued by the following agencies: Washington Department of Ecology Spokane Regional Clean Air Agency An Air Quality Alert continues for Spokane, Ferry, Lincoln, Okanogan, Pend Oreille, and Stevens Counties, effective immediately through Wednesday, July 22nd at 9 AM, due to current and expected wildfire smoke from regional fires. Particulate matter (PM2.5) levels are expected to range in the Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups and Unhealthy categories. In Eastern Okanogan County near active wildfires, air quality may reach Very Unhealthy to Hazardous levels. When air quality is Unhealthy, everyone should reduce exposure. Limit time outside, avoid strenuous activity, and follow tips for cleaner indoor air.
About
Cooks Lake is a free dispersed camping area in the Colville National Forest, located northeast of Usk, Washington. The small 11.1-acre lake hosts approximately 10 primitive campsites at its southeast end, along with a concrete vault toilet and boat launch. This is a pack-in, pack-out destination with no potable water or garbage service. Campers must treat or filter water from the lake. The lake offers rainbow trout fishing opportunities, with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife stocking catchable-sized rainbows and occasional broodstock. Only non-motorized boats are permitted. A user-maintained trail follows the shoreline around the entire lake perimeter. Note that water levels can recede significantly during dry summer and fall months, affecting both fishing access and boat launching conditions. Quiet hours are 10 p.m. to 6 a.m., with a maximum 14-day stay limit. Pets must be kept on leash. OHVs and fireworks are prohibited within the campground.
Directions
From Newport, WA: Follow US-2 E for 0.5 miles. Turn left onto Le Clerc Rd and continue for 2.7 miles. Turn right onto Bead Lake Rd and continue for 7 miles. Turn left to stay on Bead Lake Rd for 2 miles. Turn right to stay on Bead Lake Rd for 1.7 miles. Continue onto NF-5015 for 1.6 miles. Turn left into Cooks Lake.
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | — |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $0 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | — |
| Pull Through Sites | — |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (509) 447-7300 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
Useful Links
| USFS Cooks Lake Recreation Site |
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