Lake Ellen West Campground
Closed — Closed for the season. Opens Memorial Day weekend through October 27. First-come, first-served, no reservations.
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 West Campground is one of two campgrounds located on opposite ends of the 75.5-acre Lake Ellen in the Colville National Forest. The campground features five well-separated campsites accessed via a single-lane gravel road, each equipped with a fire pit, tent pad, and picnic table. The vault toilet facility serves all campers, though no potable water is available on-site. The lake is a prime destination for families with small children due to excellent bank fishing access and a boat dock. Rainbow trout are stocked each spring by the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, providing consistent fishing opportunities throughout the season. Non-motorized boats and electric motors are permitted, but internal combustion motors are prohibited. Lead weights and jigs are also banned to protect the fishery. Wildlife viewing is abundant, with regular sightings of bald eagles, osprey, loons, and beaver. The scenic lake setting at 2,300 feet elevation attracts photographers and nature enthusiasts. The campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis with a 14-day maximum stay and charges $6 per night with an additional $2 fee for extra vehicles.
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 4.1 miles. Turn left onto Inchelium Kettle Falls Road and continue 4.5 miles. Turn right onto Lake Ellen Road and continue 3.6 miles. Turn right to stay on Lake Ellen Road for 1.7 miles, then continue 0.6 miles. Turn right into campground entrance.
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 | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
Community Posts
No posts yet. Be the first to share your experience!