How much does camping cost at Browns Lake Campground?

Camping fees at Browns Lake Campground range from $27-$29/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Fees are typically paid at the campground entrance.

Can I see photos of campsites at Browns Lake Campground before I book?

Yes! Browns Lake Campground has 15 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Browns Lake Campground?

Browns Lake Campground is open Memorial Day Weekend - October 31. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Browns Lake Campground?

Browns Lake Campground does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

Can I have a campfire at Browns Lake Campground?

Fire policies at Browns Lake Campground: Fires are allowed in developed fire rings only.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

How many campsites does Browns Lake Campground have?

Browns Lake Campground has 18 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Arrive early for the best site selection.

Are dogs allowed at Browns Lake Campground?

Yes, pets are allowed at Browns Lake Campground. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Browns Lake Campground?

Browns Lake Campground offers: Restrooms, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Browns Lake Campground?

Popular activities at Browns Lake Campground include Hiking, Fishing, Boating. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Browns Lake Campground

Q: Is Browns Lake Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Browns Lake Campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis. Sites may be reservable and reservations fees apply. No specific information about first-come, first-served availability is detailed.

4.02

46 reviews

Located 25 miles northeast of Newport, WA

Peace & QuietSummer Destination

Featured in:Primitive Camping Washington

Quick Facts

3,400 ft

Price

$27 - $29/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

18 campsites

Season

Memorial Day Weekend...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Check Availability Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

3,400 ft

Price

$27 - $29/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

18 campsites

Season

Memorial Day Weekend...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Check Availability Official Website

Get Directions

Browns Lake Campground

$27.00 - $29.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Single Site: $29 per night

Standard Site Fee$27.00

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USFS

Provider

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

Located 25 miles northeast of Newport, WA

Browns Lake Campground

Located 25 miles northeast of Newport, WA

Nearby places

Newport, WA: 25 miles

Nearby supplies

Closest supplies information is not explicitly provided, but visitors are advised to bring all essentials, as the campground is remote and services are limited.

Driving directionsFrom Newport, WA: Follow State Highway 20 north for 15 miles to the town of Usk. Cross the bridge over the Pend Oreille River and follow the Kings Lake Road (County Road 3389) 4 miles to the junction of Forest Road 5030000 (Browns Lake). Travel north on 5030000 for 4 miles to the campground entrance.

The road leading to Browns Lake Campground includes a long, narrow dirt road with rough conditions. User reviews note that the road can be challenging, particularly for larger RVs or trailers, with one stating, 'The long rough road leading into this camp...keeps it uncrowded and quiet!'

Weather at Browns Lake Campground

Current alerts(1)

April 27, 2026: The entrance to Browns Lake Campground has been opened for the 2026 fishing season. It is currently DAY USE only with NO OVERNIGHT CAMPING until the campground opens for the season on May 22, 2026

Best Time to Camp at Browns Lake Campground

Summer brings the most reliable conditions, with daytime highs in the mid-60s to high 70s and nights dropping into the 40s and 50s. The lake calms for paddling and fishing, and trails dry out fully. Rangers staff the area Memorial Day through Labor Day. July and early August see the heaviest use. Spring arrives late at this elevation, with snow lingering into May. Bugs, especially mosquitoes and bees, peak in summer and require repellent.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Summer offers best conditions: calm lake, dry trails and peak camping use; bugs can increase.

Planning Tips

Operating Season: Memorial Day Weekend - October 31

About Browns Lake Campground

Browns Lake Campground sits at 3,400 feet in Colville National Forest, offering 18 primitive sites near a motor-free lake popular with fly-fishers. Recent logging has reduced shade and changed the feel from forested to more sun-exposed. Sites run $27-29 per night and fill up on summer weekends.

Browns Lake Campground features 18 sites that accommodate tent and primitive camping. The campground does not have RV pull-throughs or glamping options. Group camping is not explicitly mentioned.

Historical Significance

A Civilian Conservation Corps cabin stands near site #1, built by Depression-era workers who constructed trails and fire infrastructure across the Colville National Forest in the 1930s. The hand-hewn log structure remains accessible to visitors.

Weather and SeasonsSummer brings the most reliable conditions, with daytime highs in the mid-60s to high 70s and nights dropping into the 40s and 50s. The lake calms for paddling and fishing, and trails dry out fully. Rangers staff the area Memorial Day through Labor Day. July and early August see the heaviest use. Spring arrives late at this elevation, with snow lingering into May. Bugs, especially mosquitoes and bees, peak in summer and require repellent.

ElevationPerched at 3,400 feet above sea level, Browns Lake Campground offers a refreshing mountain retreat where the air is crisp and pine-scented year-round. This elevation creates a unique microclimate that provides blessed relief from sweltering valley summers, with temperatures often running 10-15 degrees cooler than lower elevations. The altitude also means winter arrives early and lingers late, transforming the landscape into a snow-covered wonderland that attracts cross-country skiers and snowshoers seeking pristine backcountry experiences. The thin mountain air adds an invigorating quality to every breath, reminding visitors they've truly escaped to the high country.

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground occupies a glacially carved valley where Browns Lake sits in a natural depression, its clear waters stocked with trout. Cedar trees still shade portions of the camp loop, though recent timber operations have opened the canopy and reduced privacy. The lake itself stays cold year-round. No sites sit directly on the water, but a few offer partial views through the trees. Moss and ferns cover much of the forest floor. Deer browse the area in early mornings.

Geological RegionBrowns Lake Campground rests within the ancient geological tapestry of the Colville National Forest, where millions of years of tectonic activity and glacial carving have created a landscape of hidden valleys and pristine mountain lakes. The campground's setting among towering cedars speaks to the region's classification as inland temperate rainforest, a rare ecosystem that thrives in the unique convergence of Pacific moisture and continental climate. Browns Lake itself occupies a natural depression carved by long-vanished glaciers, its clear waters now providing a haven for native trout and a playground for fly-fishing purists who appreciate the challenge of this motor-free sanctuary.

Scenic ViewsSome sites offer partial views of Browns Lake, but none are directly on the shoreline.

Lodging & AccommodationsThe campground does not offer hotel-style lodging or cabins.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

2:00 PM

Check-out

12:00 PM

Stay Limit

Maximum length of stay: 14 days.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Site layoutSites follow a single loop under what remains of the cedar canopy. Spacing varies: some campers found the sites well-separated, others felt they were too close. Most sites run small and won't fit RVs over 30 feet due to overhanging branches and tight turns.

Walk-in AvailabilitySites may be reservable and reservations fees apply. No specific information about first-come, first-served availability is detailed.

AccessibilityVault toilets are wheelchair accessible.

Site SizeSites are described as small and may not accommodate RVs longer than 30 feet, with overhanging branches presenting additional hazards.

PrivacySome campers appreciated the space between sites: "Plenty of space between camp sites," while others mentioned that sites are close together: "Sites are pretty close together.

Total Campsites18 campsites

Amenities available

Potable water is not available at this site.

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

Activities you can enjoy

The campground offers several recreational activities including fly fishing, hiking, and boating on the non-motorized lake. Browns Lake is noted for its cutthroat trout fishing. Boating is limited to non-motorized crafts, and there is a boat ramp available. The campground is adjacent to Browns Lake Trail #320, a one-mile trail suitable for hiking.

Hiking

Fishing

Boating

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsThis is a bear country; proper food storage is mandatory. Overhanging tree branches and rough roads pose hazards for larger RVs. Users have also complained about bugs, particularly bees and mosquitoes.

No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

No Flush ToiletsFlush toilets are not available at this campground.

No Electric HookupsElectric hookups are not available at this campground. RV campers should arrive with a full battery and plan for off-grid power (generator hours/quiet rules permitting).

No Water HookupsSite-level water hookups are not available. RV campers should fill freshwater tanks before arrival; check the No Potable Water note above if applicable for drinking water.

No Dump StationThere is no dump station at this campground. Plan to use a dump station along your route or at a nearby facility before or after your stay.

Fire PolicyFires are allowed in developed fire rings only.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are between 10:00 PM and 6:00 AM.

Emergency ServicesClosest emergency services are not explicitly mentioned.

Trash & RecyclingBear-proof containers are available at each site. Campers must properly store food and wildlife attractants to comply with the campground's 'Food Storage Order.'

Water FeaturesThe campground is adjacent to Browns Lake, an 84-acre fly-fishing-only lake. A boat ramp is available for access.

Trip Planning Tools

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Questions & answers

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Tips from campers

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Reviews

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From Booking Sources

4.0

46 reviews

Satisfactory

Browns Lake Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews

Reviews for Browns Lake Campground are mixed, with users praising the quiet, remote location and beautiful lake but criticizing the poor condition of the vault toilets and recent logging operations that have significantly altered the landscape.

Review Summaries

Based on 46 reviews

What Campers Love

The campground is celebrated for its peace, seclusion, and scenic beauty. "Love camping here! it's quiet, remote, beautiful, and all around amazing." Many users compliment the fly fishing and the...

Based on 46 reviews

Common Concerns

Common complaints include the unpleasant smell of vault toilets: "The smell was so bad, it lingered on our clothing even after we were in the open air." Logging operations have also detracted from...

Based on 46 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site #1 is notable for being near the historic Civilian Conservation Corps cabin. No other site-specific reviews were provided.

Based on 46 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring insect repellent, as bugs are prevalent. Campers should also be prepared for the narrow, rough dirt road leading to the campground. Additionally, visitors should bring their own potable water...

Based on 46 reviews

Seasonal Insights

The campground sees its best conditions in the summer months, though visitors note an increase in bugs. Winter and late fall are not mentioned as popular camping times due to the campground's limited...

Based on 46 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Quiet, beautiful, large camping spots." "Very peaceful high lake (for the area)." "Plenty of space between camp sites." "It's ruined from what it was. You'll be camping in full sun and be looking at...

Based on 46 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessibility for wheelchair users is limited to the vault toilets, which are designed to be wheelchair friendly. However, the poor condition of these toilets may pose challenges.

Based on 46 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are permitted, but they must be on a leash at all times.

Based on 46 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

Be the first to review this campground

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Go if

Fly fishers after cutthroat trout on a no-motor lake will find this place hard to beat. Bring a canoe or kayak, pack all your water, hit it mid-week in July, and the seclusion feels genuinely earned. Site #1 sits near the old CCC cabin if history is your thing.

Skip if

No potable water on-site, vault toilets that reportedly make clothing smell, recent logging that stripped the shade campers came for, and zero cell service make this a rough sell for anyone expecting basic comforts or a forested feel.

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Campgrounds

Colville National Forest

Browns Lake Campground

From the U.S. Forest Service

Reference information about Browns Lake Campground sourced from official USFS records and forestcamping.com. View official recreation.gov page →

Overview

Located on the Newport Ranger District, Browns Lake Campground lies 25 miles northeast of Newport.  This lake is nonmotorized, flyfishing only.  Located within the campground is a historical cabin believed to have been built by the Civilian Conservation Corps. The trailhead for Browns Lake Trail #320 is located near the boat ramp.  <ul><li><a href="https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/colville/recreation/fishing/recarea/?recid=72034&actid=42">Browns Lake</a></li><li><a href="https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/colville/recreation/fishing/recarea/?recid=67818&actid=42">Browns Lake Trail #320</a></li></ul>Logging in the area may impact accessability.

About the campground

The elevation is 3,400 ft. This rustic campground is a single loop above Browns Lake. Mature cedars provide shade to most sites. Only a few sites have a view of the lake and none of the sites are at the water's edge. Only fly-fishing is permitted on the Colville National Forest 28 lake. The historic Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC-built cabin next to site #1 bears witness to this campground's long past as a popular camping location. Insect repellent is recommended. This is bear country; practice safe food storage techniques. A "Food Storage Order" is in place at this campground. All food, beverages, and other attracants must be properly stored in a bear-resistant container; stored in a closed motor vehicle with a solid top; or, stored in a closed, hard-body RV. Not observing this Order may result in a fine.

Seasons & access

Open last weekend in April through October 31. Services provided Memorial Day through Labor Day - weather dependent.

Facilities

Browns Lake is 84 acres. Hiking: Browns Lake Trail #320 (foot) - 1 mile Colville National Forest 29 Fishing: Cutthroat trout

Water activities

Browns Lake is 84 acres.

RV information

Parking aprons are dirt and rocky. An RV waste station, with potable water, is available for a fee at Cedar RV Park in Ione, WA

Directions

In Usk, WA, at intersection of Kings Lake Rd and River Rd, take Kings Lake Rd east and go 6.8 miles to Half Moon Lk Rd. Turn left onto Half Moon Lk Rd/Forest Route 5030 (single lane, rough dirt road) and go 4.1 miles into campground.

National Forest: Colville National Forest
Ranger District: Newport
Elevation: 3400
Rate: $16 per day
Maximum Stay: 14
Open Season: Memorial Day Weekend – Labor Day Weekend