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.
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.
Restrictions on Use of Forage and Mulch Products
This Order prohibits unloading, storing, or using any straw, hay, grain, seed, or other forage or mulch products that are not state-certified weed free on the National Forest System lands, roads or trails in any Closure Area as specific in the Order. Some examples of these include hay bales, hay…
Fireworks and Explosives are always Prohibited
Fireworks and explosives (including explosive targets) are always prohibited on national forest lands. The prohibition of fireworks and exploding targets on national forest system lands is part of a set of permanent fire safety regulations in the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), listed below.…
Food Storage Order
The goal of this special order is to minimize the potential for bears and other wildlife to access human foods. Animals that have repeatedly obtained unsecured human foods can learn to associate the presence of humans with a food reward and begin to lose their natural fear of man. This can lead to…
Tacoma Creek Spur Road Closure
For public safety and resource protection forest road closures are in place in the Tacoma Creek Fire area.
Occupancy and Use / Camping Restrictions Order
Camping is prohibited for more than 14 consecutive days in one location and more than 28 calendar days annually within the Colville National Forest.
Aquatic Invasive Species Order
This order prohibits possessing, storing, or transporting any aquatic invasive animal species on the national Forest System lands in the Pacific Northwest Region.
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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