Lake Thomas Campground

4.73

29 reviews

Pend Oreille Lake Rd, Colville, WA

Summer Destination

Featured in:Tent Camping Washington#2 Hidden Gem Campgrounds Washington Fishing Camping Washington +6 more

Quick Facts

3,300 ft

Price

$10 - $52/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

15 campsites

Season

Open from Memorial D...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Opens Colville National Forest site

Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

3,300 ft

Price

$10 - $52/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

15 campsites

Season

Open from Memorial D...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Opens Colville National Forest site

Official Website

Get Directions

Lake Thomas Campground

$10.00 - $52.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Single campsites are $29/night, with an additional reservation fee. Double sites cost $52/night. Day use costs $10. Discounts are available for...

Standard Site Fee$29.00

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

4.73

Top-Rated

Based on 29 reviews

25 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewscleanlakefriendly

"User reviews for Lake Thomas Campground are overwhelmingly positive, emphasizing its serene environment, clean facilities, and scenic lake views. It is described as a peaceful and well-maintained site."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

Pend Oreille Lake Rd, Colville, WA

Lake Thomas Campground

Pend Oreille Lake Rd, Colville, WA

Driving directionsFrom Colville, WA: Head north on N Maple St toward E 2nd Ave for 0.1 miles. Turn right at the 2nd cross street onto WA-20 E/E 3rd Ave, continue to follow WA-20 E for 24.5 mi. Turn right onto NF-200/Pendoreille Lake Rd for 1.3 miles. Destination will be on the right.

The road access includes paved highways (e.g., WA-20 E) and short unpaved stretches (NF-200/Pend Oreille Lake Rd). There are no indications of seasonal closures or challenging terrain, but the final stretch is narrow.

Nearby places

Colville, WA: 25.9 miles (approximately a 40-minute drive)

Ione, WA: 16 miles

Tiger, WA: 11 miles.

Nearby supplies

Beaver Lodge, located nearby, provides gas, some groceries, and a small cafe serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner. It also offers fishing supplies and firewood.

Best Time to Camp at Lake Thomas Campground

Each season paints Lake Thomas Campground with its own distinctive palette. Summer days unfold with comfortable temperatures between 65°F and 85°F, perfect for lakeside adventures and evening campfires. As autumn arrives, crisp air and changing light transform the landscape. Winter brings a dramatic shift, with temperatures hovering near freezing and occasional snowfall blanketing the forest in pristine white. Spring awakens the campground with intermittent rains that nourish the verdant forest floor. Pack layers and rain gear during shoulder seasons to fully enjoy nature's ever-changing moods.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Open Memorial Day–Labor Day; 65–85°F days ideal for fishing, kayaking and boating.

Fall(Sep-Nov)

Not recommended

Closed after Labor Day; not available in fall.

Spring(Mar-May)

Not recommended

Opens Memorial Day weekend; not available in spring.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

Not recommended

Closed outside Memorial Day–Labor Day season.

Planning Tips

Operating Season: Open from Memorial Day Weekend to Labor Day Weekend.

About Lake Thomas Campground

Perched on a gentle hillside with sweeping views of Lake Thomas, this tranquil campground invites you to disconnect and immerse yourself in nature's embrace. Whether you're pitching a tent in one of the private, thoughtfully-spaced sites or arriving with a small RV, you'll find yourself captivated by the shimmering lake vistas that greet you each morning. This hidden gem caters primarily to tent campers seeking an authentic outdoor experience, where the only soundtrack is the whisper of wind through towering evergreens and the gentle lapping of lake waters below.

Lake Thomas Campground primarily caters to tent campers but is also suitable for car and small RV camping. It includes walk-in sites and offers lakefront camping.

Weather and SeasonsEach season paints Lake Thomas Campground with its own distinctive palette. Summer days unfold with comfortable temperatures between 65°F and 85°F, perfect for lakeside adventures and evening campfires. As autumn arrives, crisp air and changing light transform the landscape. Winter brings a dramatic shift, with temperatures hovering near freezing and occasional snowfall blanketing the forest in pristine white. Spring awakens the campground with intermittent rains that nourish the verdant forest floor. Pack layers and rain gear during shoulder seasons to fully enjoy nature's ever-changing moods.

ElevationAt 3,300 feet above sea level, the campground's elevation creates a natural air conditioning system that provides welcome relief from summer heat. Evening temperatures drop delightfully, making for perfect sleeping weather in your tent and cozy nights around the campfire. This mountain setting ensures refreshingly cool mornings that inspire early rises to catch the mist dancing across the lake's surface.

Natural Features and SceneryTowering Douglas firs and majestic cedars create a natural cathedral above your campsite, their ancient branches filtering sunlight into dancing patterns on the forest floor. The rich tapestry of conifers provides both shade and shelter, while framing stunning glimpses of Lake Thomas below. This pristine body of water forms part of an enchanting seven-mile chain of interconnected lakes, each one a sparkling jewel waiting to be explored. The interplay of forest and water creates endless opportunities for photography, quiet contemplation, and wildlife watching.

Geological RegionTucked within the vast wilderness of Colville National Forest in northeastern Washington, Lake Thomas Campground occupies a privileged position on a forested hillside. This remarkable location places you at the heart of a unique aquatic wonderland—a seven-mile chain of interconnected lakes carved by ancient geological forces. The surrounding landscape tells a story written in Douglas fir, cedar, and diverse conifers that have thrived here for generations, creating a living testament to the Pacific Northwest's natural splendor.

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 layoutThe campground has two sections near the lake. Sites are arranged to provide privacy, with 15 tent sites available.

Walk-in AvailabilityThe campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis. There are no reservable sites.

AccessibilityWheelchair-friendly vault toilets are available on-site.

Site SizeThe sites are described as spacious, with some being large enough to accommodate multiple tents. One user noted, "We stayed in site 15 very large site with direct lake access" (User Review by Dawn Keplinger).

PrivacyThe campsites are described as private and sheltered under trees. "The campsites are clean and sheltered beneath the pines with trails to the lake itself" (User Review by Heidi Hartnett).

Total Campsites15 campsites

Recommended SitesCampers seeking privacy and lake access are recommended to choose higher-numbered campsites, like 15, which are more spacious and closer to the water.

Amenities available

Fire rings

Food storage lockers

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Lake Thomas Campground offers a variety of outdoor activities. These include boating, both motorized and non-motorized, and fishing for cutthroat and rainbow trout. The proximity to Lake Thomas allows campers to enjoy water-based recreation, and trails nearby offer hiking opportunities.

HikingAccess to Rufus Trail #148 is near the campground. User reviews highlight the availability of trails: "Great trails within the camp area and the nearby recreational areas" (User Review by Chris Wherity).

FishingFishing is popular at Lake Thomas, with species like cutthroat and rainbow trout available. A user noted, "We had success in fishing with trout and perch caught and we release" (User Review by Heidi Hartnett).

BoatingBoth motorized and non-motorized boating is allowed. There is a boat launching area with a dock. "Motorized boats and skidoos are allowed" (User Review by Heidi Hartnett).

Wildlife viewingWildlife is abundant, as noted by one camper: "We saw moose wading through the lily pads" (User Review by Ellie Christina).

Water Sports

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsThe campground is situated in bear country, requiring campers to practice safe food storage. Wildlife encounters, including moose, have been 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.

Food Storage RequiredCommunal bear-proof storage lockers are available for safe food storage.

Fire PolicyOnly allow campfires in developed fire rings. Fireworks are prohibited.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are 10:00 PM to 6:00 AM.

Emergency ServicesBeaver Lodge (approximately 1.2 miles away) offers basic services including gas and groceries. Further emergency services like hospitals and police stations are likely in Colville, about 40 minutes away.

Trash & RecyclingBear-proof refuse storage is available. Users are advised to follow wildlife-safe food storage techniques as this is bear country.

Water FeaturesThe campground is adjacent to Lake Thomas, part of a seven-mile chain of lakes. Activities like fishing and canoeing are popular.

Camp HostThe campground hosts are described as friendly and helpful in several reviews.

Weather at Lake Thomas Campground

Reviews

4.7

29 reviews

Top-Rated

Lake Thomas Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews for Lake Thomas Campground are overwhelmingly positive, emphasizing its serene environment, clean facilities, and scenic lake views. It is described as a peaceful and well-maintained site.

Review Summaries

Based on 29 reviews

What Campers Love

Campsites are described as private and clean, with beautiful views of Lake Thomas. The camp hosts are friendly, and the vault toilets are well-maintained. Fishing and kayaking opportunities are...

Based on 29 reviews

Common Concerns

Some users noted that the lake is surrounded by private residences, which can detract from the natural setting. Additionally, motorized boats and jet skis may disrupt the tranquility of the lake.

Based on 29 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring a saw to cut downed timber for firewood. Visit the nearby Beaver Lodge for supplies and meals. Opt for site 15 for direct lake access.

Based on 29 reviews

Seasonal Insights

The campground is quieter during weekdays and busier on weekends. Summer months are ideal for fishing, kayaking, and other water activities.

Based on 29 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Nice little campground! The campsites were large and fairly private with lakefront views" (User Review by Sandra French). "We stayed in site 15 very large site with direct lake access" (User Review...

Based on 29 reviews