Gillette Campground
4.4532 reviews12391 SULLIVAN LAKE RD BOX 10
Gillette Campground
$31.00 - $31.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$31.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Peak season nightly rates for standard nonelectric sites are $31. Reservation fees can vary depending on the booking platform ($8 online/app, $9 via contact center, $3 in-person).
About this campground
Nestled beneath a canopy of towering lodgepole pines and fragrant tamarack, Gillette Campground beckons outdoor enthusiasts to discover its tranquil forest retreat. Just a quarter-mile stroll from the sparkling waters of Lake Gillette, this hidden gem offers the perfect balance of woodland serenity and lakeside adventure. Wake to the whisper of wind through ancient evergreens, spend your days exploring scenic hiking trails, and end each evening with the golden glow of sunset reflecting off the lake's pristine surface.
Gillette Campground accommodates a variety of camping styles, including primitive tent camping and RVs. Group sites and luxury options like cabins are not available.
Historical SignificanceWhile the recorded history may be sparse, these ancient forests have witnessed countless generations of visitors drawn to the timeless beauty of the Pacific Northwest. The land speaks its own story through towering trees and pristine waters that have remained largely unchanged for centuries.
Weather and SeasonsFrom the vibrant wildflower blooms of late spring through the golden days of early fall, Gillette Campground shines as an outdoor paradise. Summer brings warm, dry days perfect for swimming and hiking, while crisp autumn mornings paint the tamarack in brilliant gold. Winter transforms the landscape into a snow-dusted wonderland, though most visitors prefer the accessibility and comfort of the warmer months when the campground truly comes alive.
ElevationPerched at a comfortable elevation within the Colville National Forest, the campground offers that perfect mountain air quality that makes every breath feel refreshing and every night's sleep more restful under a canopy of stars.
Natural Features and SceneryStep into a living postcard where majestic lodgepole pines stretch skyward, their straight trunks creating natural cathedral columns throughout the campground. The distinctive tamarack trees add their own magic, especially in autumn when their needles turn to gold before carpeting the forest floor. Lake Gillette serves as the crown jewel of the landscape, its mirror-like surface reflecting the surrounding forest and offering endless opportunities for waterside relaxation and recreation.
Geological RegionSet within the diverse ecosystem of the Colville National Forest, Gillette Campground showcases the region's signature blend of coniferous forest and pristine mountain lakes. This corner of the forest represents the Pacific Northwest at its finest, where ancient geological forces have carved out a landscape of gentle hills, crystal-clear waters, and forests that have thrived for millennia in this protected haven.
Campsite details
AccessibilityNo explicit information about ADA-accessible facilities is provided.
Sites SizeSites are described as large, wide, and well-spread apart, suitable for several tents.
Sites PrivacyPrivacy levels vary; some users note limited privacy between sites, while others describe them as fairly private due to forest cover.
Total Campsites29 campsites
Recommended CampsitesCampsite 4 is praised for its privacy; campsite 27 is noted for off-road enthusiasts. Upper loop is recommended for peaceful stays.
Best CampsitesHighlighted sites include campsite 4 (privacy and suitability for smaller groups) and 27 (recommended for off-road enthusiasts).
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
.
Check-out
.
Stay Limit
Maximum consecutive stay is 14 nights.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Specific guest limits are not mentioned for individual sites.
Groups
- No group sites are available
- individual sites are designed for single-use.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutThe campground consists of a loop layout with spaced-out sites, offering varying degrees of privacy.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen season begins May 16, 2025; reservable season starts June 25, 2025, and ends September 28, 2025.
Reservation PlatformsAvailable on Recreation.gov website and app.
Walk-in AvailabilityFirst-come, first-served camping is allowed when reserved sites are not occupied, subject to availability.
Cancellation PolicyReservations can be canceled anytime before the arrival date with a $10 cancellation fee and applicable reservation fees. Late cancellations will also forfeit the first night's recreation use fee. Changes to reservations carry a $10 fee for altered dates outside the original reservation window.
Amenities available
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Firewood available
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Gillette Campground offers a variety of recreational activities, including hiking, biking, swimming, fishing, and boating. Trails such as Rufus and Springboard are accessible, and OHVs are permitted for in-park travel. Wildlife viewing opportunities include deer, chipmunks, and birds.
Hiking
Hiking trails like Rufus and Springboard are accessible from the campground. Trails are suitable for walking, with some connected to the northwest corner of the campground.Fishing
Gillette Lake offers fishing opportunities. Specific fish species are not mentioned, but the lake is described as clean.Swimming
Swimming is available in Gillette Lake, described as clean and welcoming. A dock and buoys are present for safe swimming.Biking
Biking trails are available near the campground, providing opportunities for cyclists.Boating
Boating is available at Gillette Lake. Rentals for paddleboards and canoes are mentioned in user reviews.Wildlife viewing
Common wildlife includes deer, squirrels, chipmunks, and birds such as hummingbirds. Bear sightings have been reported.Winter Activities
No information about winter activities such as snowshoeing or skiing is provided.Water Sports
Non-motorized water sports such as paddleboarding and canoeing are available, facilitated by rentals.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Campfires allowed, but visitors must source firewood locally.
- Quiet hours are Enforcement of quiet hours has been inconsistent, according to user reviews.
Hazards
General hazardsWildlife hazards include bears and cougars. Visitors are advised to keep food secured and remove food after eating.
Active alertsCurrent alerts or warnings are unspecified.
Weather forecast
72
°F
Aug 26
Tuesday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 20%
Very dry conditions, stay hydrated
Wind: 5.6 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Overcast
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Emergency services closest to the campground are unspecified in the provided data; additional research may be necessary.
Good to know
Peak season datesMay 16, 2025 - September 28, 2025.
Trash and recyclingBear-proof garbage containers are located around the campground loop. No recycling facilities are mentioned.
Proximity to water featuresLocated a quarter-mile from Lake Gillette, accessible by foot.
Common complaintsComplaints include noisy motorcycles and generators disrupting quiet hours, and limited privacy between sites. Some visitors noted the absence of amenities like showers.
HostMixed reviews about hosts. Some are praised for being friendly and accommodating, while others were criticized for strict behavior.
Campground Map
12391 SULLIVAN LAKE RD BOX 10
Driving directionsFrom Colville, WA: Head east on Hwy. 20 for approximately 20 miles to the Colville National Forest campground sign. Turn right onto Pend Oreille Lake Rd. and go 1.2 miles to campground entrance.
Access is via paved roads, suitable for standard vehicles. Seasonal closures are not mentioned, but accessibility is dependent on weather conditions typical for Washington State.Nearby places
Colville, WA - approximately 20 miles.
Nearby supplies
Supplies available at a resort across Lake Gillette
specific distances or details are not provided.
Camper Reviews
4.5
32 reviews
Gillette Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews for Gillette Campground highlight its clean facilities, spacious sites, scenic location near Gillette Lake, and recreational opportunities. Common complaints include noise from OHVs and limited privacy between some sites.
Review Summaries
Based on 32 reviews
What Campers Love
Reviewers praise the clean and well-maintained vault toilets, friendly camp hosts, and the variety of activities available. Many appreciate the quiet and peaceful setting and the spacious campsites.
Based on 32 reviewsCommon Concerns
Main issues include noise from OHVs and motorcycles, lack of privacy at some sites, and enforcement of quiet hours. Some users also noted generator noise and a lack of amenities like showers or dump...
Based on 32 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Bring your own firewood or purchase on-site. Users suggest using bear-proof storage and locking food due to bear sightings. Early reservations are recommended to secure preferred sites.
Based on 32 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Summer is the busiest season, with mixed reviews on noise levels due to increased activity. Wildlife sightings, including bears, and recreational activities are highlighted during this period.
Based on 32 reviewsCamper Quotes
1. 'We had the most amazing time! Walks, fishing, swimming, a place to rent paddleboards, canoes, etc.' - Amanda Epperson
2. 'The vault bathrooms are kept clean. It is totally dry camping. No...
Based on 32 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Site 4 is described as perfect, site 27 noted for motorcycle noise, site 25 praised for its privacy, and site 11 highlighted for satellite reception and clean restrooms.
Based on 32 reviewsAccessibility Features
No specific accessibility reviews are provided.
Based on 32 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Some users mention swimming dogs in the lake, implying pet-friendliness, but no explicit pet policies are mentioned.
Based on 32 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025