Lake Thomas Campground
Closed — Closed for the season. Opens Memorial Day Weekend through Labor Day Weekend. This concessionaire-operated campground requires a day use permit of $10 per vehicle or a Colville and Idaho Panhandle Season Pass.
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 Thomas Campground sits on a small hillside overlooking the 163-acre, 55-foot deep Lake Thomas in the Colville National Forest. The campground features 16 single-family sites, most of which are tent sites offering privacy and scenic views of the lake. The setting is ideal for campers seeking a quiet, tucked-away location with excellent lake access. Lake Thomas is part of the Little Pend Oreille lakes system, fed by Heritage Lake and draining to Gillette Lake via a narrow channel. The lake offers excellent fishing opportunities, with shoreline access along trails leading from the campground to the water. Both motorized and non-motorized boats are allowed, with access to Lake Gillette from Lake Thomas. Swimming is popular during summer months. The campground provides convenient access to Rufus Trail #148, part of a 14-mile multi-use trail system for mountain biking, hiking, horseback riding, and motorbikes. This concessionaire-operated campground offers basic amenities including vault toilets, picnic tables, and fire rings at each site. Campers should note that potable water is not currently available on-site and must bring their own drinking water. The campground operates seasonally from Memorial Day Weekend through Labor Day Weekend, with quiet hours enforced between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. Pets are allowed on leash, and OHV use is prohibited within the campground itself.
Directions
From Colville, head north on N Maple St for 0.1 miles. Turn right onto WA-20 E/E 3rd Ave and continue on WA-20 E for 24.5 miles. Turn right onto NF-200/Pend Oreille Lake Rd for 1.3 miles. The campground 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 | $31 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | — |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (509) 738-7700 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
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