South Skookum Lake Campground

Star4.46
82 reviews
South Skookum Lake Campground, Usk, WA
Summer Destination

Quick Facts

3,500 ft

Price

$29 - $31/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

24 campsites

Season

Open from May 24 to ...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens Colville National Forest site

Official Website
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South Skookum Lake Campground
$29.00 - $31.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Single campsite fees range from $29 to $31 per night. Extra vehicles incur a $10 fee for overflow parking. Season passes for day use are available...
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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

4.46

Recommended

Based on 82 reviews

72 Google reviews

Most mentioned

cleanspacioushikingfriendly

Some mention

crowdedunlevel

"User sentiment regarding South Skookum Lake Campground is mixed. Positive reviews highlight the beauty, cleanliness, and recreational opportunities, while negative reviews focus on overcrowding, mosquitoes, and isolated incidents with staff."

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Campground Map

South Skookum Lake Campground, Usk, WA

South Skookum Lake Campground

South Skookum Lake Campground, Usk, WA

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 on the east edge of town and follow the Kings Lake Road (County Road 3389) 8 miles to the junction of Forest Road 5032350 (Kings Mountain). Follow Kings Mountain for 0.5 mile to the campground entrance. Note: Last 3.8 miles are on gravel roadway.
The last 3.8 miles to the campground are on a gravel roadway, requiring careful navigation. Other roads leading to the campground are paved and well-maintained.
Nearby places
Newport, WA (15 miles, approximately 20 minutes)
Usk, WA (8 miles, approximately 10 minutes)
Nearby supplies
Groceries, camping supplies, and fuel are available in Newport, WA, roughly 15 miles from the campground.

Best Time to Camp at South Skookum Lake Campground

Summer transforms this mountain retreat into a sun-drenched paradise, where warm days invite endless outdoor adventures and cool evenings are perfect for campfire stories. The dry summer weather creates ideal conditions for hiking, fishing, and stargazing. When winter arrives, the landscape becomes a snow-covered wonderland, with freezing temperatures painting frost on the trees and turning the lake into a mirror of ice – a dramatic seasonal transformation that showcases nature's artistry.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Open and described as 'sun-drenched paradise' with excellent weather; busy/ crowded at peak.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
3.5 / 5

Tamarack golden needles noted for fall color, but campground closes Sept 16 limiting late-fall access.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.0 / 5

Open from May 24, so late spring access is possible but limited; fewer reviews on spring stays.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Campground closed outside May 24–Sept 16; winter camping not supported.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: Memorial Day Weekend through Labor Day.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open from May 24 to September 16. The campground is closed outside these dates.

About South Skookum Lake Campground

Tucked away in a peaceful corner of the forest, South Skookum Lake Campground invites you to escape into nature's embrace. Twenty-four thoughtfully designed campsites wind through two interconnected loops, each offering its own unique character. The outer loop rewards adventurous souls with walk-in tent sites that open to stunning lake vistas, where ancient cedars and towering Western white pines create a natural cathedral overhead. Meanwhile, the inner loop welcomes RVs and larger groups with spacious parking aprons nestled beneath the golden needles of Tamarack trees and sturdy Douglas firs. Keep your camera ready – majestic moose and elk often wander through camp, reminding visitors they're sharing this pristine wilderness with its original inhabitants.
South Skookum Lake Campground caters to tent camping with walk-in sites, primitive camping, and combined sites for tents and RVs. There are no pull-through RV sites, and large RVs may face difficulty accessing the campground.
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Reserving a campsite

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

Amenities available

Fire rings
Food storage lockers
Picnic tables
Firewood available
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

South Skookum Lake Campground offers a variety of outdoor recreational activities including hiking, fishing, swimming, boating, and biking. "Great place! All in one: camping, fishing, biking" (user review).
HikingHiking opportunities include the South Skookum Trail #138, a 1.3-mile loop accessible for foot and mountain bike use. "Awesome short loop hike around the lake" and "Nice little lake with a really nice trail" were common praises from user reviews.
FishingFishing for cutthroat trout is available in South Skookum Lake. "Good fishing," "Great for kids fishing" (user reviews). Some users noted poor luck fishing during hot weather.
BikingMountain biking is allowed on the South Skookum Trail #138. Terrain is manageable for casual riders.
BoatingBoating activities include motorized and non-motorized options. The boat ramp is small and unimproved, catering primarily to smaller crafts under 20 feet. "Primarily canoe-friendly" (authoritative source).
Wildlife viewingThe campground is visited by moose and elk, offering wildlife viewing opportunities. "This quiet campground is often visited by moose and elk" (official source).
Winter Activities
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsThis is bear country; safe food storage practices are mandatory. Mosquitos are frequently mentioned by reviewers as a nuisance.
No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.
Food Storage RequiredFood storage lockers are required to comply with the campground's 'Food Storage Order.' Proper food storage is crucial due to bear activity in the area.

Weather at South Skookum Lake Campground

Reviews

4.5
82 reviews
Recommended
Recommended
South Skookum Lake Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
User sentiment regarding South Skookum Lake Campground is mixed. Positive reviews highlight the beauty, cleanliness, and recreational opportunities, while negative reviews focus on overcrowding, mosquitoes, and isolated incidents with staff.
Review Summaries
Based on 82 reviews

What Campers Love

Positive aspects noted by users include clean facilities, spacious campsites, family-friendly policies, and good access to fishing and hiking.
Based on 82 reviews

Common Concerns

Common complaints include high mosquito activity, overcrowding during peak season, and isolated reports of unpleasant experiences with a camp host.
Based on 82 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Users recommend bringing insect repellent for heavy mosquitoes, preparing for primitive camping conditions, and ensuring food is stored securely to adhere to bear safety regulations.
Based on 82 reviews

Seasonal Insights

During summer, the campground is crowded but offers excellent weather for outdoor activities. Winter camping is not supported due to seasonal closure.
Based on 82 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Great place! All in one: camping, fishing, biking"; "Restroom was tidy"; "Place is really nice, bear containers in every campsite, nice camping bathrooms, water pump and brand new giant wooden...
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Based on 82 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Tent sites are praised for their proximity to the lake with beautiful views. "Tent sites are on the lake shore," while RV spots are described as limited in size and occasionally uneven.
Based on 82 reviews

Accessibility Features

Wheelchair-accessible vault toilets are available. No other accessibility notes were made.
Based on 82 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed but must be kept on a leash. No specific features for pets were highlighted.
Based on 82 reviews

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Last updated January 5, 2026
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