Lake Ellen Campground
Closed — Closed for the season. Opens Memorial Day weekend and operates through September 30. First-come, first-served only.
Air Stagnation Advisory issued December 29 at 11:45AM PST until January 1 at 12:00PM PST by NWS Spokane WA
* WHAT...Stagnant conditions will have potential to trap pollutants near the ground with deteriorated air quality. * WHERE...Portions of North and North Central Idaho and North Central, Northeast, and Southeast Washington. * WHEN...Until noon PST Thursday. * IMPACTS...Periods of air stagnation can lead to the buildup of pollutants near the surface.
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.
Snow Peak and Katy Creek Fires - Area Closure Terminated
The Area Closure for the Katy Creek and Snow Peak Fire have been terminated as of October 17, 2025.
Termination Sept. 27, 2025 - Public Use Restrictions Stage 1
Public Use Restrictions Stage 1 ends on Saturday 27, 2025.
Occupancy and Use / Camping Restrictions Order: 06-21-00-25-01
Prohibits camping and/or long term occupancy by any person or group, within the boundaries of National Forest System lands administered by the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest and the Colville National Forest, for more than 14 consecutive days in one location and more than 28 calendar days annu
Food Storage Order: 06-21-00-21-02
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.
Aquatic Invasive Species Order: 06-00-00-21-01
This order prohibits possessing, storing, or transporting any aquatic invasive animal species on the national Forest System lands in the Pacific Northwest Region.
About
Lake Ellen East Campground is one of two campgrounds located on opposite ends of the 75.5-acre Lake Ellen in Colville National Forest. The campground is accessed via a one-way, single-lane gravel road loop and offers 11 campsites with good separation and natural vegetation providing privacy. Each site includes a picnic table, fire ring, and parking spur, with user-created tent pads among the rocks and trees. The lake is a family favorite due to excellent bank fishing opportunities for rainbow trout, which are stocked each spring. Non-motorized boating is permitted, though internal combustion motors and lead fishing weights are prohibited. Swimming is popular, and the lake is a short walk from all campsites. The area attracts wildlife enthusiasts and photographers with frequent sightings of bald eagles, osprey, loons, and beaver in a picturesque setting of rock outcroppings and timber. The campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis at $6 per night for single sites, with an additional $2 fee for extra vehicles. Vault toilets are provided, but potable water is not available; campers must treat or filter water from the lake. A maximum 14-day stay limit applies, and quiet hours are enforced from 10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m.
Directions
From Kettle Falls: Head west on US-395 N/WA-20 W for 3.7 miles. Turn left onto WA-20 W and continue for 4.1 miles. Turn left onto Inchelium Kettle Falls Rd and continue for 4.5 miles. Turn right onto Lake Ellen Rd and continue for 3.6 miles. Turn right to stay on Lake Ellen Rd and continue for 1.3 miles. Campground entrance will be on the right.
Nearby Campgrounds
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $6 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (509) 684-7000 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | Yes |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
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