How much does camping cost at Lake Gillette Campground?

Camping fees at Lake Gillette Campground are $31 - $62/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Lake Gillette Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Lake Gillette Campground accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

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

Yes! Lake Gillette Campground has 5 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 Lake Gillette Campground?

Lake Gillette Campground is open May 15 to September 27. 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 Lake Gillette Campground?

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

How many campsites does Lake Gillette Campground have?

Lake Gillette Campground has 14 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Lake Gillette Campground?

Yes, pets are allowed at Lake Gillette 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 Lake Gillette Campground?

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

What activities can I do at Lake Gillette Campground?

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

Lake Gillette Campground

4.32

91 reviews

12391 SULLIVAN LAKE RD BOX 10

B-Report Card

SwimmingSummer Destination

Featured in:Hiking Camping Washington

Quick Facts

3,192 ft

Price

$31 - $62/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

14 campsites

Season

Open from May 16 to ...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on Scenic Canyons Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

3,192 ft

Price

$31 - $62/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

14 campsites

Season

Open from May 16 to ...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on Scenic Canyons Official Website

Get Directions

Lake Gillette Campground

$31.00 - $62.00 / night

Campsite Fees

STANDARD NONELECTRIC-DOUBLE: $62.00; STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $31.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in...

No campsite fee categories listed.

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Provider

435-245-6521craig@sceniccanyons.com

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

12391 SULLIVAN LAKE RD BOX 10

Lake Gillette Campground

12391 SULLIVAN LAKE RD BOX 10

Nearby places

Colville, WA - approximately 25 miles (roughly 30-40 minutes driving).

Weather at Lake Gillette Campground

Current alerts(8)

A season pass for the day use area can be purchased at ScenicCanyons.com
Bears and cougars frequent the area; keep all food out of site in approved containers or locked inside your vehicle and remove all food from area after eating.
Click here for more information on Colville National Forest.
Food and wildlife attractants must be properly stored at all times

Best Time to Camp at Lake Gillette Campground

Best season: summer. Summer offers the warmest, driest weather and full facility access—expect daytime highs in the mid-60s to mid-80s°F (18–30°C) and cool nights in the 40s–50s°F (4–12°C). Water-based activities (swimming, boating, fishing) and hiking Rufus Trail #148 are at their peak, and clear nights make for excellent stargazing. Expect moderate crowds on holiday weekends and in July–August; make reservations early (they begin June 25) and watch for fire restrictions during hot, dry spells. Peak months: July, August, June, September Avoid: October, November, December, January

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Summer is best season: warm weather, full facility access, busiest for water activities.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 15 to September 27. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open from May 16 to September 28 annually. Reservations begin on June 25 each year.

About Lake Gillette Campground

Lake Gillette Campground sits in the Colville National Forest foothills near Metaline Falls, operated by Scenic Canyons. This small lakefront campground offers tent, RV, and primitive sites with vault toilets, potable water, and a 14-day stay limit. Visitors come for swimming, fishing, boating, and hiking Rufus Trail, with wildlife viewing and stargazing on clear nights.

Lake Gillette Campground offers a mix of standard campsites with a focus on tent camping. RVs can utilize the dry camping facilities, which do not include hookups. The campground is well-suited for families, groups, and individuals seeking a natural camping experience.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer offers the warmest, driest weather and full facility access—expect daytime highs in the mid-60s to mid-80s°F (18–30°C) and cool nights in the 40s–50s°F (4–12°C). Water-based activities (swimming, boating, fishing) and hiking Rufus Trail #148 are at their peak, and clear nights make for excellent stargazing. Expect moderate crowds on holiday weekends and in July–August; make reservations early (they begin June 25) and watch for fire restrictions during hot, dry spells. Peak months: July, August, June, September Avoid: October, November, December, January

Elevation3192 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryLodgepole pine and tamarack form the canopy, casting shade across most sites. Lake Gillette reflects the surrounding peaks and provides swimming, fishing, and boating access. Deer wander through camp at dawn. Chipmunks and squirrels work the sites. Hummingbirds hit the wildflowers. Bears and cougars live in the area. Hence the lockers. The Rufus Trail #148 starts nearby, climbing deeper into the forest.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo hotel-style lodges or cabins are present.

Programs & ActivitiesNo cultural or educational programs are mentioned.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Maximum stay of 14 consecutive nights allowed at this campground.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Capacity varies, but double sites are noted as spacious for multiple tents.

Groups

.Group camping is not explicitly supported, but some sites, such as double sites, can accommodate multiple parties.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov, either online or through their contact center.

Accessibility. The campground is equipped with paved roads and spurs, enhancing accessibility for most vehicles.

Site SizeUser feedback indicates that some sites are spacious, such as site 3, described as "large and level," while others may be smaller or more challenging to navigate.

PrivacyPrivacy levels vary among sites, with some reviews highlighting limited privacy: "Not a lot of privacy between spots," according to Davis.

Total Campsites14 campsites

Recommended SitesSite 4 is highly rated for privacy, while double sites are suitable for families. Sites in the back of the loop offer more seclusion.

Best CampsitesSite 3 is large and level. Site 10 offers more space and privacy than most. Double sites work well for groups. Some spots are tighter or harder to back into. Davis noted limited privacy between certain sites.

Need help booking Lake Gillette Campground?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

Free alerts for this campground

Amenities available

Lake Gillette Campground offers a variety of amenities amidst a natural setting. Visitors will find 14 campsites equipped with vault toilets, picnic tables, fire rings, and drinking water. The campground has paved interior roads and parking spurs, ensuring easy access. Bear-proof garbage containers are provided to enhance safety. Notably, this site is dry camping, meaning there are no electrical, water, or sewer hookups available.

Potable water

Fire rings

Food storage lockers

Picnic tables

Firewood available

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

RV details

Things to do at Lake Gillette Campground

Lake Gillette Campground offers a variety of recreational activities that cater to families, couples, and solo adventurers. From water-based activities like swimming, fishing, and boating to land-based pursuits such as hiking and biking, there is something for everyone. Wildlife viewing is also a highlight, with deer, squirrels, and a variety of bird species commonly seen.

Hiking4.0/5

Fishing4.0/5

Swimming4.0/5Top 18% in Washington

Biking4.0/5Top 9% in Washington

Boating4.0/5

Wildlife viewing4.0/5

Deer wander at dawn; hummingbirds, chipmunks, squirrels common; bears/cougars present.

Signature experiences

Stargazing4.0/5Clear-night stargazing is noted in overview; rural location aids dark skies.

Photography4.0/5Reflective lake, peaks, wildflowers, wildlife and night skies offer strong photo ops.

Not sure what to pack?Our complete camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

No Flush ToiletsFlush toilets are not available; the campground is equipped with vault toilets.

Food Storage RequiredBear-proof garbage containers are provided for food storage.

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.

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

Researching this campground? Ask anything — other campers and our team will weigh in. No visit required.

Tips from campers

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.

Reviews

Rate Lake Gillette Campground

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From Booking Sources

4.3

91 reviews

Recommended

Lake Gillette Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews

Reviews of Lake Gillette Campground are generally positive, with an average sentiment rating of 4.38. Visitors praise the clean facilities, abundant recreational opportunities, and the natural beauty of the area.

Review Summaries

Based on 91 reviews

Best sites at a glance

Pulled from per-site mentions in 91 reviews.

Site 4Loved
Site 4 is noted as 'perfect' and private.
Site 3Loved
Site 3 is described as 'large and level.' Site 10 is a spacious double site but requires careful maneuvering for parking.

What Campers Love

Positive aspects include clean vault toilets, access to multiple recreational activities such as swimming, fishing, and hiking, and the presence of a friendly and helpful camp host. Many reviewers...

Based on 91 reviews

Common Concerns

Common issues include noise from nearby ORV activity, lack of cell service, and limited privacy between campsites. Some visitors also reported challenges with parking and backing into sites.

Based on 91 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Visitors are advised to bring all necessary supplies due to the absence of a camp store. Early booking is recommended for peak season. Bear-proof containers should be utilized to ensure safety in an...

Based on 91 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer is the busiest and most popular season, with a focus on water-based activities and hiking. Fall sees fewer visitors but offers a quieter experience. Spring and winter trends are not discussed.

Based on 91 reviews

Camper Quotes

"We had the most amazing time! I would recommend it for sure." - Amanda Epperson. "Normally we love Gillette Campground... Beware this year summer 2020 the camp host is a jackass." - Amy Nigg. "Very...

Based on 91 reviews

Accessibility Features

Reviews do not specifically address accessibility features for individuals with disabilities.

Based on 91 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed, but dogs are not permitted in the designated swimming beach area.

Based on 91 reviews

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Lake Gillette Campground

$31.00 - $62.00 / night

Campsite Fees

STANDARD NONELECTRIC-DOUBLE: $62.00; STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $31.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in...

No campsite fee categories listed.

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

Free to start · paid plans add 2-min scans

256,000+ sites monitored · Email alerts to start; SMS and in-app with an account

Learn more about alerts →

Share this campground

Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

435-245-6521craig@sceniccanyons.com

Go if

You want lakefront recreation with a helpful camp host and don't mind vault toilets or seasonal operation.

Skip if

You need site privacy or want to avoid nearby ORV traffic noise.

Nearby Campgrounds

12391 SULLIVAN LAKE RD BOX 10

Gillette Campground sits in the Colville National Forest foothills near Metaline Falls, operated by Recreation.gov with seasonal availability during peak months. This small campground offers tent, RV, and primitive sites with vault toilets, potable water, fire rings, and picnic tables. Visitors fish and watch wildlife in a quiet forest setting, though reviewers note limited privacy between sites and occasional noise from motorcycles and generators.

Lake Gillette Campground

Quick Facts

Quick Facts

Get Notified When Available

Ask Camp Sage about Lake Gillette Campground

Campground Map

Weather at Lake Gillette Campground

Current alerts(8)

Best Time to Camp at Lake Gillette Campground

Planning Tips

About Lake Gillette Campground

Best Campsites

Reserving a campsite

Need help booking Lake Gillette Campground?

Amenities available

RV details

Things to do at Lake Gillette Campground

Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

Reviews

What Campers Love

Common Concerns

Get Notified When Available

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Skip if

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Ask Camp Sage about Lake Gillette Campground

Current alerts(8)

Best Time to Camp at Lake Gillette Campground

Planning Tips

Best Campsites

Reserving a campsite

Need help booking Lake Gillette Campground?

Amenities available

Things to do at Lake Gillette Campground

Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

Reviews

What Campers Love

Common Concerns