Crawfish Lake Campground

Star4.56
44 reviews
Crawfish Lake Campground, Tonasket Ranger District, Okanogan National Forest, Washington
Summer Destination

Quick Facts

4,500 ft

Price

Free

Booking

First-Come

Sites

19 campsites

Season

Open Memorial Day th...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens Tonasket Ranger District site

Official Website
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Crawfish Lake Campground
$0.00 - $0.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Fee pending garbage pickup and camp host, to be established later in the season.
Standard Site Fee$0.00
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

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What Campers Say

4.56

Top-Rated

Based on 44 reviews

35 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewscleanspaciouswater

Some mention

bugsmosquitoes

"User reviews highlight the campground’s scenic views, peaceful environment, and clean facilities. However, concerns about vault toilets and minimal phone service were mentioned."

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Campground Map

Crawfish Lake Campground, Tonasket Ranger District, Okanogan National Forest, Washington

Crawfish Lake Campground

Crawfish Lake Campground, Tonasket Ranger District, Okanogan National Forest, Washington

Driving directionsFrom Riverside, WA, at the intersection of Main St., State St. and Tunk Valley Rd., take Tunk Valley Rd. east 0.2 miles to a 'T' intersection. Turn left onto Tunk Cr. Rd. and go 19.7 miles to a 'Y' intersection. Bear right onto Forest Rt. 100 (single lane) and go 0.4 miles to campground on right. Note: The last 4.8 miles are dirt with washboards.
The roads are mostly paved except for the final 4.8 miles, which are dirt with washboards. The parking aprons are uneven and composed of sand and rocks, and the interior road is narrow and rough.
Nearby places
Riverside is the closest city, approximately 20 miles away.

Best Time to Camp at Crawfish Lake Campground

Experience the full spectrum of mountain weather at Crawfish Lake, where each season paints the landscape in dramatically different hues. Early season adventurers and autumn visitors should come prepared for crisp, freezing temperatures and the possibility of snow dusting the evergreens. As summer unfolds, the campground transforms into a haven of mild, dry days perfect for hiking, swimming, and lounging by the lake. The elevation ensures that even mid-summer temperatures remain refreshingly cool, offering a welcome respite from valley heat.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Peak season with accessible boating/fishing; reviews note horseflies and mosquitoes can be an issue early summer.

Best
Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Open through Oct 15; autumn praised, fewer bugs and attractive aspen/forest colors reported.

Spring(Mar-May)
Not recommended

Site opens Memorial Day; spring (pre-Memorial Day) is outside regular open season.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Campground closed after Oct 15 and winter snow makes site inaccessible.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: Peak season runs from Memorial Day through October 15.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open Memorial Day through October 15.
  • Current Alerts: No active alerts reported.

About Crawfish Lake Campground

Nestled along the pristine shores of an 80-acre mountain lake, Crawfish Lake Campground offers an intimate escape with 19 rustic campsites that invite you to disconnect and immerse yourself in nature. Eleven coveted lakefront sites place you just steps from the water's edge, where the gentle lapping of waves provides a natural soundtrack to your camping experience. The peaceful, electric motor-only lake ensures tranquil mornings perfect for paddling or fishing, while each campsite comes equipped with the essentials for memorable evenings around the fire ring. Whether you're arriving with a small trailer or tent camping under the stars, you'll find just enough amenities to be comfortable while maintaining that authentic, back-to-nature feel.
Crawfish Lake Campground accommodates tent camping and small RVs, with rustic sites offering lake views. It lacks RV hookups and group camping facilities but offers single and double campsites.
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Stay Limit
Maximum length of stay: 14 days.

Amenities available

Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Crawfish Lake Campground offers recreational activities such as non-motorized boating, picnicking, and lake fishing. The lake is home to Eastern Brook trout, and wildlife such as ducks and loons are often sighted, creating opportunities for wildlife viewing.
FishingFishing is permitted on Crawfish Lake. The lake is known for Eastern Brook trout. "Great fishing," commented one user.
BoatingNon-motorized and electric motor-only boating is allowed. A boat ramp is available for easy access.
Wildlife viewingWildlife species such as ducks, loons, and other birds are commonly sighted in and around the lake. "We saw a loon way out in the distance," reported one user.
Winter Activities
Water Sports
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsThe campground is located in bear country, requiring proper food storage practices. Horseflies and mosquitoes can be an issue during certain seasons.
Active AlertsNo active alerts reported.
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.

Weather at Crawfish Lake Campground

Reviews

4.6
44 reviews
Top-Rated
Top-Rated
Crawfish Lake Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews highlight the campground’s scenic views, peaceful environment, and clean facilities. However, concerns about vault toilets and minimal phone service were mentioned.
Review Summaries
Based on 44 reviews

What Campers Love

Campers praised the campground's cleanliness, scenic lake views, and abundant wildlife. "Beautiful little lake and the campground was very clean," noted one visitor. Another said, "Spacious clean...
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Based on 44 reviews

Common Concerns

Concerns about vault toilet maintenance and the uneven parking aprons were commonly cited. "Don't clean out the restroom holding tank often enough," mentioned one reviewer, while others highlighted...
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Based on 44 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Visitors recommend bringing bug spray to handle seasonal horseflies and mosquitoes, packing out garbage due to lack of waste facilities, and using kayaks to explore the lake.
Based on 44 reviews

Seasonal Insights

In summer, horseflies and mosquitoes may pose issues for campers. Bugs are less of a problem later in the season, according to reviews. Winter conditions may include snow, making the campground...
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Based on 44 reviews

Camper Quotes

"This one might have set the bar high for other free campsites." "It was a calm camping trip listening to the water and watching the sunsets!" "Absolutely amazing. Quite. Lots of wildlife." "Great...
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Based on 44 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site 9 was mentioned specifically. "We stayed in site 9 and didn't have too much trouble getting in with our 20 foot trailer." Other reviews favor lakeside spots for their views.
Based on 44 reviews

Accessibility Features

Wheelchair-friendly vault toilets are available, although no further accessibility features were noted.
Based on 44 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Dogs are allowed but must be kept on a leash. "My son enjoyed the lake and it was peaceful." Some reviewers appreciated the pet-friendly policy.
Based on 44 reviews

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Last updated January 5, 2026
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