Lake Ellen Campground
Closed for the season. Opens Memorial Day weekend (May 25, 2026) through September 30. First-come, first-served only; no advance reservations. 14-day stay limit.
Air Quality Alert issued August 10 at 4:33PM 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. 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.
Air Quality Alert issued August 10 at 11:25AM 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.
About
Lake Ellen East Campground occupies a scenic setting of rock outcroppings and timber on the eastern shore of 78-acre Lake Ellen in Washington's Colville National Forest. The 11 campsites are well-spaced with natural vegetation providing privacy, each equipped with a picnic table, fire ring, and parking spur. While no agency-developed tent pads exist, campers have created usable tent sites among the rocks and trees. Access is via a one-way single-lane gravel road loop. The lake is particularly popular with families due to extensive opportunities for bank fishing. Rainbow trout are stocked seasonally, and fishing from shore is accessible around much of the lake. Internal combustion motors are prohibited, making this an ideal destination for non-motorized boating, swimming, and paddling. Wildlife viewing is exceptional, with frequent sightings of bald eagles, osprey, loons, beaver, turtles, and various waterfowl. This is a primitive campground with vault toilets but no potable water, trash service, or hookups. Campers must bring their own drinking water or filter from the lake, and pack out all trash. A Washington state fishing license is required, and lead weights are prohibited.
Directions
From Kettle Falls, WA: 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 Road for 4.5 miles. Turn right onto Lake Ellen Road for 3.6 miles. Turn right to stay on Lake Ellen Road for 1.3 miles. Campground entrance on the right.
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 | — |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (509) 684-7000 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | Yes |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
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