Beth Lake Campground

For Washingtonians seeking a genuine escape from the fast pace of modern life and a chance to reconnect with nature, Beth Lake Campground offers a truly tranquil and secluded experience. Nestled within the beautiful Colville National Forest near Oroville, this charming campground is known for its quiet atmosphere and its ability to make you feel "away from everything." It's a place where the sounds of loons and rustling leaves replace phone notifications, creating an ideal setting for relaxation and outdoor enjoyment. While not all campsites offer direct lake views, the water is always just a short, pleasant walk away, and the surrounding forest provides ample shade, making it a "lovely campground, deeply shaded." This article will provide a clear, engaging, and factual overview of Beth Lake Campground, highlighting its unique location, practical amenities, key features, and why it's a perfect fit for local Washington residents seeking a peaceful and unplugged adventure.

Beth Lake Campground is managed by the U.S. Forest Service and operates on a seasonal basis, typically from May through October. It features a modest number of sites across a few small loops, designed to accommodate both tent campers and those with smaller trailers or RVs. The emphasis here is on simplicity and embracing the natural environment. Reviews consistently praise the cleanliness of the sites and the overall quietude, making it a perfect antidote to the "rat race." We'll delve into the specifics that define the Beth Lake experience, from its approach via forest roads and its dual lake access to the essential services provided, helping you prepare for a memorable trip into Washington's serene Okanogan Highlands. Whether you're an avid angler, a birdwatcher, or simply seeking a quiet place to unwind, Beth Lake promises a refreshing change of pace.

The allure of Beth Lake Campground lies in its peaceful charm and its commitment to providing an authentic outdoor experience without the distractions of the digital world. It's a testament to the fact that some of Washington's best natural escapes are found by venturing just a little off the main highway. Let’s explore the details that make Beth Lake Campground a cherished spot for locals.

Beth Lake Campground is located at Oroville-Toroda Creek Rd, Oroville, WA 98844, USA, within the expansive Colville National Forest in northeast Washington. Its specific position places it between Beth Lake and the adjacent Beaver Lake, offering dual water access.

Accessing Beth Lake Campground involves navigating a combination of state routes and forest service roads. From Tonasket, a common approach is to take State Route 20 East for approximately 24 miles to County Road #4953 (Bonaparte Recreation Area). Continue on County Road #4953 for about 5.5 miles, where it transitions into Forest Service Road #32. Proceed on Forest Service Road #32 for approximately 7 miles until you reach Beaver Lake Campground and the junction with the Chesaw Road (County Road #9480). Turn left onto the Chesaw Road and drive approximately 1.5 miles to the Beth Lake Campground entrance on your left. Another route mentioned is via NF32, but one reviewer warns that "NF32 after the Lost Lake junction is a very steep, potholed, narrow paved road that will test your brakes if you are towing anything large." They suggest that "Best way in is on 9480," indicating that while some roads can be challenging for larger vehicles or trailers, alternative, more manageable routes exist. It's important to note that the roads leading to the campground are part of the adventure and contribute to its secluded feel.

Once at the campground, the layout consists of an upper and lower loop. While "None of the campsites have a view of the lake," it's a "short walk even from the farthest" site, and the "road runs along the lake as well." This ensures easy access to the water for all campers. The remote location also means "no phone service, no tv or radio," guaranteeing a true escape from modern distractions.

Beth Lake Campground, managed by the Colville National Forest, provides essential amenities that support a comfortable, rustic camping experience, allowing visitors to fully immerse themselves in the natural surroundings. While not a full-service resort, it offers key conveniences:

• Campsites: The campground has 15 to 16 sites distributed across two small loops and one larger one. These sites can accommodate both tents and small trailers (maximum vehicle length 24 feet). Each site typically includes a picnic table and a campfire ring. Reviewers note the sites are "very roomy, and clean," providing ample space for campers.
• Toilets: The campground offers a mix of toilet facilities. The upper loop is served by "2 primitive outhouses," while the lower loop has a "newer vault toilet." There are also "2 pit toilets, 2 double vault toilets, and 1 vault toilet" spread across the campground, ensuring accessibility for all loops. These are generally reported as clean.
• Potable Water: Drinking water is available in the campground, with "one water spigot in use" noted by a past visitor. This is a crucial amenity for cooking, drinking, and washing. (Note: One source indicated "No Water Available at this time," so checking with the Tonasket Ranger District for current conditions is advised).
• Boat Launches: There are boat launches on either end of the campground, providing convenient access to both Beth Lake and Beaver Lake for non-motorized or low-motorized boating activities. The northern launch accesses Beth Lake, while the southern launch accesses Beaver Lake.
• Garbage Service: A garbage dumpster is available for campground users only, contributing to the overall cleanliness of the site. One reviewer specifically mentioned "garbage service," indicating that waste management is handled effectively.
• Fees: Beth Lake Campground is a fee site, with a typical single site costing around $10 per night, and an extra vehicle fee of $5 per night. Payment details (cashless, online via Recreation.gov app) should be confirmed prior to arrival due to potential lack of cell service.
• Quiet Hours: To ensure a peaceful environment for all campers, quiet hours are enforced between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m.
• Pet-Friendly: Dogs are allowed but must be kept on a leash, ensuring a safe and respectful environment for all visitors and wildlife.

Beth Lake Campground offers several compelling features and highlights that make it a desirable destination for campers seeking a tranquil and natural experience in Northeast Washington:

• Profound Quiet and Seclusion: A consistent highlight is the campground's ability to make visitors feel "away from everything," offering an "absolutely quiet" environment with "very little road noise." This is ideal for those looking to escape the "rat race."
• Digital Detox: The absence of "phone service, no tv or radio" is a significant feature for many, allowing for a complete disconnection from digital distractions and a deeper immersion in nature.
• Access to Beth and Beaver Lakes: The campground's location between two lakes is a major draw. While individual sites may not have lake views, both Beth Lake and Beaver Lake are easily accessible by a short walk, providing opportunities for fishing, non-motorized boating (no wake zone, 8 mph maximum), and enjoying the serene water. Beth Lake is known for trout fishing (season opens last Saturday of April and closes Oct. 31st).
• Deeply Shaded Campsites: Reviewers emphasize the "deeply shaded" nature of the campground, providing welcome relief from the sun, especially during warmer months. This creates a cool and comfortable atmosphere.
• Roomy and Clean Sites: Campers consistently praise the "very roomy, and clean" nature of the campsites, ensuring a pleasant and comfortable stay with ample space.
• Wildlife Viewing: The natural setting offers opportunities for wildlife sightings. Campers have reported hearing "Elk, Loons," enhancing the feeling of being immersed in the wilderness.
• Beth Lake Trail Access: The Beth Lake Trail #316 can be accessed near the earthen dam, offering opportunities for day hiking and exploring the surrounding forest.
• Family-Friendly Environment: With its quiet nature, access to lakes for swimming and fishing, and general safety, it’s a suitable spot for families looking for a peaceful outdoor experience.
• Seasonal Accessibility: Open from May through October, the campground allows visitors to enjoy the area during its most pleasant seasons, from late spring bloom to early autumn colors.

For those planning a visit to Beth Lake Campground, the primary point of contact is the U.S. Forest Service, specifically the Tonasket Ranger District of the Colville National Forest, which manages this recreation area.

Address: Oroville-Toroda Creek Rd, Oroville, WA 98844, USA (The general location for the campground)

Tonasket Ranger District Office Address: 1 West Winesap, Tonasket, WA 98855

Phone: (509) 486-2186

Mobile Phone: +1 509-486-2186 (This number generally connects to the Tonasket Ranger District office. It's the best contact for specific questions about Beth Lake Campground.)

For the most current information regarding road conditions, fire restrictions, campsite availability (especially for first-come, first-served sites), and water availability, it is highly recommended to call the Tonasket Ranger District directly before your trip. While some sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis, checking for any alerts or closures from the Colville National Forest website (www.fs.usda.gov/colville) is also advisable, as conditions can change. Reservations for specific sites, if applicable, would typically be made through Recreation.gov, though it's important to note that not all sites are reservable. Given the potential for no cell service at the campground, all necessary planning and information gathering should be completed before departure.

Beth Lake Campground is an exceptionally suitable destination for Washingtonians, particularly those who live in the eastern and central parts of the state and are looking for a genuine, peaceful escape into nature. Its location within the Colville National Forest, while offering a sense of remoteness, is still relatively accessible for a weekend getaway or a longer vacation, providing a convenient antidote to urban life.

For locals, the campground's defining feature is its profound quietness and isolation. In a world saturated with digital noise, the complete absence of phone service, TV, or radio is a highly valued aspect, allowing for a true digital detox. This encourages families and friends to genuinely connect with each other and with the natural environment, fostering activities like conversations around a campfire, shared meals, and quiet contemplation. The "very roomy, and clean" campsites, coupled with the "deeply shaded" loops, offer a comfortable and inviting atmosphere, making it a reliable choice for a relaxing stay.

The dual access to Beth and Beaver Lakes, both just a short walk away, provides ample opportunities for classic Washington outdoor pursuits like fishing for trout, non-motorized boating, and enjoying the serene waters. Hearing "Elk, Loons" adds to the authentic wilderness experience that many Washingtonians seek. Beth Lake Campground truly embodies the spirit of an "away from the rat race" retreat, offering a chance to recharge amidst the quiet beauty of the Colville National Forest. It's a place where the simple pleasures of nature take precedence, making it a cherished spot for local residents who understand and appreciate the value of unplugging and embracing the tranquility of their home state's incredible outdoors.

Beth Lake Campground

Oroville-Toroda Creek Rd, Oroville, WA 98844, USA