Beth Lake Campground sits between Beth and Beaver Lakes in Colville National Forest, 15 sites across three loops at 2,800 feet. The setup feels like developed dispersed camping: vault toilets and fire rings, but no cell service for 30 miles. Wild roses and shrubs create natural privacy screens. Two boat launches provide access to both lakes. Sites run $10 per night and fill fast on summer weekends.
Beth Lake Campground is known for its primitive camping environment with options for tent and RV camping.
Historical Significance
The nearby town of Chesaw hosts a 4th of July rodeo each year. Bull riding, barrel racing, small-town tradition. The Chesaw Mercantile, a historic general store with weathered wooden floors and vintage goods, is the last place to stock up before heading into the forest. Reviewers recommend stopping there.Weather and SeasonsSummer delivers the warmest weather for lake activities. Daytime highs reach the mid-70s to low-80s, nights drop into the 40s–50s. Swimming, boating, and evening campfires all work well. Wildflowers and huckleberries peak earlier in the season; by midsummer the trails are dry and accessible. With only 15 sites, Beth Lake stays quieter than larger destinations, but July and August weekends fill quickly. Reserve early. Spring brings wildflower blooms and returning birds, though you'll want layers for cool evenings and possible late snow. Fall turns the Tamarack golden. Winter sees temperatures below freezing and occasional snow.
ElevationPerched at 2,800 feet above sea level, the campground occupies a sweet spot in the mountains where the air is refreshingly crisp and the nights are perfect for stargazing. This moderate elevation provides relief from summer valley heat while remaining accessible year-round, offering campers the best of mountain camping without the challenges of extreme altitude.
Natural Features and SceneryDouglas fir and Tamarack. One of the few conifers that turns gold and drops its needles each fall. Tower over a dense understory of wild roses, huckleberries, and native shrubs. The forest floor is thick enough that finding a flat tent spot takes some looking, but the vegetation creates real privacy between neighbors. Elk and loons frequent the area. Morning mist drifts across the lake surfaces. The terrain here reflects ancient volcanic and glacial forces: rolling hills, pristine water, a mix of geological history that shaped northeastern Washington into what visitors see today.
Geological RegionThe campground sits within the spectacular Colville National Forest, where ancient geological forces have created a diverse landscape of rolling hills and pristine lakes. This corner of northeastern Washington showcases a stunning mix of Douglas fir and the distinctive Tamarack—one of the few conifers that sheds its needles each fall in a blaze of gold. The forest floor bursts with life, from wild roses to huckleberry bushes, creating a rich ecosystem that has thrived here for millennia. The interplay of volcanic and glacial activity has sculpted this terrain into the outdoor paradise visitors experience today.
Lodging & AccommodationsThe campground does not offer hotel-style lodging; it is primarily geared towards primitive camping accommodations.
Programs & ActivitiesCultural or educational programs are not listed.