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.
Air Quality Alert issued August 9 at 1:47PM PDT by NWS Spokane WA
An Air Quality Alert has been issued by the following agencies: Washington Department of Ecology Colville Confederated Tribes Environmental Protection Agency Spokane Regional Clean Air Agency An Air Quality Alert has been issued for Adams, Asotin, Chelan, Douglas, Ferry, Garfield, Grant, Lincoln, Okanogan, Pend Oreille, Spokane, Stevens, and Whitman Counties until further notice due to current and expected smoke from regional fires. Critical fire weather this weekend will produce significant smoke from ongoing and emerging fires. Particulate matter (PM2.5) may reach Very Unhealthy levels for areas directly downwind from active wildfires. Other areas may reach Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups or worse. Intermittent clearing may occur due to windy conditions, but smoke production continues to be significant. When air quality is Unhealthy, everyone should reduce exposure. Limit time outside, avoid strenuous outdoor activity, and follow tips for cleaner indoor air. When air quality is Very Unhealthy, everyone should reduce exposure. Stay inside and filter indoor air to keep it cleaner. Go elsewhere for cleaner air, if needed.
Alcohol Prohibitions
This Order describes acts that are prohibited upon lands, roads and trails within the National Forest System administered by the Forest Service Pacific Northwest Region in regards to alcoholic beverages.
Aquatic Invasive Species
This Order prohibits 1) possessing, storing, or transporting any aquatic invasive animal species AND 2) prohibits possessing, storing, or transporting any aquatic or riparian invasive plant species - on National Forest System lands in the Pacific Northwest Region as specified in the Order.
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 |
Community Posts
No posts yet. Be the first to share your experience!