Lake Ellen West Campground

Star3.88
18 reviews
Lake Ellen West Campground, Colville National Forest, Washington
Summer Destination

Quick Facts

2,300 ft

Price

$6/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

11 campsites

Season

Open Memorial Day We...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Opens Colville National Forest site

Official Website
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Lake Ellen West Campground
$6.00 - $6.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Camping fee: $6 per single site per night. Extra vehicle fee: $2 per night.
Standard Site Fee$6.00
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

3.88

Mixed Reviews

Based on 18 reviews

16 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewsprivacylake

Some mention

dusty

"User reviews reveal mixed experiences at the campground. While some visitors appreciate the privacy and natural beauty of the sites, many have criticized the camp host's behavior, describing her as unwelcoming and overly strict with rules."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

Lake Ellen West Campground, Colville National Forest, Washington

Lake Ellen West Campground

Lake Ellen West Campground, Colville National Forest, Washington

Driving directionsFrom Kettle Falls, WA: Head west on US-395 N/WA-20 W for 3.7 miles. Turn left onto WA-20 W and continue for 4.1 miles. Turn left onto the Inchelium Kettle Falls Rd and continue for 4.5 miles. Turn right onto Lake Ellen Rd and continue for 3.6 miles. Turn right to stay on Lake Ellen Rd and continue for an additional 1.7 miles. Finally, continue on Lake Ellen Rd for 0.6 miles before turning right into the campground entrance.
Access to the campground and the boat launch is a single lane gravel road. Parking aprons are gravel and some are overgrown. The interior road is narrow and single lane, which could be challenging for large vehicles.
Nearby places
Kettle Falls: approximately 11 miles, 20 minutes by car.
Nearby supplies
Supplies, groceries, and fuel are available in the town of Kettle Falls, approximately 11 miles away.

Best Time to Camp at Lake Ellen West Campground

The campground transforms with each passing season, offering unique experiences throughout the year. Summer arrives in full glory during weeks 26-30, when warm, dry weather creates perfect conditions for swimming, hiking, and stargazing around the campfire. As autumn approaches, the deciduous canopy erupts in brilliant colors. Winter blankets the area in snow during weeks 45-48, with freezing temperatures and heavy precipitation transforming the landscape into a serene wonderland—though camping becomes an adventure best left to the most prepared outdoors enthusiasts.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Summer (peak season) is ideal: warm/dry weeks and active fishing/kayaking.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
3.5 / 5

Fall offers foliage and quieter visits; campground open through Oct 27.

Spring(Mar-May)
2.5 / 5

Opens Memorial Day weekend so late-spring access is limited.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Campground is closed in winter (open Memorial Day weekend through Oct 27).

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: Memorial Day Weekend through early September.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open Memorial Day Weekend through October 27.

About Lake Ellen West Campground

Tucked away on the pristine western shores of Lake Ellen, this hidden gem in the Colville National Forest offers an authentic wilderness escape. Lake Ellen West Campground invites you to experience nature at its finest with 11 thoughtfully spaced campsites arranged in a distinctive teardrop-shaped loop. Each site is embraced by lush undergrowth and towering trees, creating natural privacy screens that make you feel like you've discovered your own secret corner of the forest.
Lake Ellen West Campground provides combined sites suitable for tent camping or small campers. There are no designated RV sites, pull-throughs, or group camping areas.
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
2:00 PM
Check-out
12:00 PM
Stay Limit
Maximum length of stay is 14 days.

Amenities available

Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Visitors to Lake Ellen West Campground can enjoy a variety of recreational activities, including fishing, wildlife viewing, and non-motorized boating opportunities such as kayaking. The area is popular for its scenic beauty and the abundance of wildlife, such as bald eagles, ospreys, loons, and beavers.
FishingFishing is available in Lake Ellen, which contains largemouth bass and rainbow trout. Families often fish off the bank of the lake.
BoatingNon-motorized boating is permitted, and a boat dock is available at the campground. Internal combustion motors are prohibited.
Wildlife viewingWildlife viewing is abundant, with bald eagles, ospreys, loons, and beavers commonly seen. Amateur photographers find the area picturesque.
Winter Activities
Water Sports
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential hazards include wildlife such as rattlesnakes and bears, requiring strict food storage practices. The narrow and gravel interior roads may be challenging for large vehicles.
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 Lake Ellen West Campground

Reviews

3.9
18 reviews
Mixed Reviews
Mixed Reviews
Lake Ellen West Campground has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews reveal mixed experiences at the campground. While some visitors appreciate the privacy and natural beauty of the sites, many have criticized the camp host's behavior, describing her as unwelcoming and overly strict with rules.
Review Summaries
Based on 18 reviews

What Campers Love

Many reviews praise the campground for its privacy, picturesque lake views, and good fishing opportunities. Some visitors describe the area as 'absolutely gorgeous' and 'beautiful.'
Based on 18 reviews

Common Concerns

Numerous complaints focus on the camp host, who is described as intrusive and unwelcoming. Guests object to her enforcement of rules regarding food storage, noise, and wood gathering. Additional...
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Based on 18 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Visitors recommend bringing pre-cut wood due to restrictions on gathering wood on-site. Some also advise strict compliance with food storage rules to avoid attracting bears.
Based on 18 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Reviews suggest that summer is an ideal time to visit for activities like fishing and kayaking, while winter brings snow and cold temperatures that limit usability.
Based on 18 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'Absolutely gorgeous lake and private camping areas.' 2. 'Very cute area! Lake has great fishing and kayaking!' 3. 'Worst camping experience Ive ever had. Camp "Host" was the most unwelcoming...
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Based on 18 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Sites are noted for their privacy and suitability for tents or small campers. No specific site numbers are mentioned in the reviews.
Based on 18 reviews

Accessibility Features

Wheelchair-accessible vault toilets are available, though no user reviews specifically address accessibility.
Based on 18 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed but must be kept on a leash at all times as per regulations. User reviews do not elaborate on pet experiences.
Based on 18 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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