Kamloops Island Campground

Welcome, fellow Washingtonians, to an in-depth look at Kamloops Island Campground, a serene and inviting destination located near Kettle Falls, Washington. For those of us who appreciate the beauty of the Pacific Northwest and seek a peaceful retreat amidst nature, this campground offers a compelling and authentic outdoor experience. As professional content writers specializing in local business SEO, we aim to provide a clear, engaging, and factual overview of this excellent camping spot, highlighting why it's a fantastic choice for residents across our diverse state.

Washington State boasts an incredible variety of landscapes, from its rugged coastline to towering mountain ranges and the vast, open spaces of Eastern Washington. Kamloops Island Campground is nestled within the Lake Roosevelt National Recreation Area, offering a unique blend of dense tree cover and proximity to expansive waterways. Visitors consistently praise its abundant shade, making it a comfortable haven even during warmer months. This article will guide you through everything you need to know about planning your visit, from its precise location and accessibility to the services and features that make it a favorite among local campers.

Whether you're planning a kid-free weekend to simply lounge around, a fishing trip, or a family adventure with pets, Kamloops Island Campground provides a welcoming environment. While some aspects, like the path to the water or occasional highway noise, are worth noting, the overall consensus points to a well-kept, friendly campground that delivers a genuine "out in the woods" feel. Let's explore what makes Kamloops Island Campground a prime choice for your next Washington outdoor escape.

Kamloops Island Campground is beautifully situated on Northport Flat Creek Road, in Kettle Falls, WA 99141, USA. This puts it within the expansive Lake Roosevelt National Recreation Area, managed by the U.S. National Park Service, at the mouth of the Kettle River where it meets the mighty Columbia River. For Washington locals, Kettle Falls is a gateway to vast recreational opportunities, particularly those centered around Lake Roosevelt, a 130-mile long lake created by the Grand Coulee Dam.

Access to Kamloops Island Campground is generally straightforward. From Kettle Falls, you would typically drive north on US 395, cross Lake Roosevelt on Barneys Bridge, and continue for approximately 3 miles before turning right onto Northport Flat Creek Road (there's a sign for the campground). The campground is then a short drive after crossing the Kettle River. The roads leading to the campground are generally paved, making for relatively easy access for various vehicle types, including RVs, though maximum vehicle length can vary by site. It's advisable to check specific site details for RV suitability when reserving.

One notable aspect mentioned by visitors is the "noise from the highway" which can be "a bit of a bummer," with "occasional truck or motorcycle might wake you up." While the campground offers a shaded, natural setting, it's not entirely isolated from external sounds due to its proximity to a major route. However, for many, this minor inconvenience is outweighed by the numerous benefits of the location and the camping experience itself. Being within the Lake Roosevelt National Recreation Area means campers have access to a wealth of surrounding natural beauty and historical sites, adding depth to their visit.

Kamloops Island Campground, managed by the National Park Service, provides a solid range of essential services designed to facilitate a comfortable and enjoyable camping experience, emphasizing convenience while maintaining a natural feel. Based on visitor feedback and public data, here’s what you can expect:

• Clean and Stocked Bathrooms: A highly appreciated service, the campground features "clean bathrooms" that are "kept stocked." While these are typically vault toilets (pit toilets), their cleanliness is consistently highlighted, with two readily accessible within close walking distance.

• Regular NPS Staff Presence: The campground is "regularly visited by National Park Service staff," ensuring that rules are followed, facilities are maintained, and campers can receive assistance if needed. This oversight contributes to a well-managed and safe environment.

• Designated Campsites with Amenities: Each of the 17 sites (a mix of tent and RV-suitable spots) comes equipped with a picnic table and a fire pit, allowing for comfortable outdoor dining and safe campfires (adhering to fire restrictions).

• Shaded Sites: A significant advantage, the campground offers "so much shade," with thick forests of ponderosa pine and Douglas fir trees. This means campers "didn't even have to put up our screened canopy" and can "stay cool" even in early August.

• Dog-Friendly Policy: Pets are allowed at Kamloops Island Campground and must be kept on a leash at all times. This makes it a great option for Washingtonians who want to bring their furry friends along for their outdoor adventures.

• Reservation System: Kamloops Island is a reservation-only campground, which helps manage crowd levels and ensures you have a spot upon arrival. Reservations can be made through Recreation.gov or by calling the provided phone numbers.

• No Potable Water: It is crucial to note that there is "no potable water" available. Campers must "pack in plenty" of their own drinking and cooking water. This is a vital piece of information for trip planning.

• Courtesy Dock (No Boat Launch): While there is a courtesy dock for water access, there is no direct boat launch at the campground. Getting kayaks or other watercraft down to the dock might require navigating through campsites, as noted by a reviewer.

Kamloops Island Campground boasts several distinctive features and highlights that enhance the camping experience for Washington locals:

• Ample Shade: One of the most frequently praised features is the extensive shade provided by the thick forest of ponderosa pine and Douglas fir trees. This makes for a comfortable and cool camping environment, even during the peak summer months, allowing campers to truly "lounge around."

• Intimate Size and Low Crowds: With only 17 sites, Kamloops Island is a "solid little campground" that is "not too crowded." This smaller size fosters a more peaceful atmosphere, allowing for a more serene and less overwhelming outdoor experience compared to larger, busier campgrounds.

• Riverside / Lakeside Views and Access: Many campsites offer views of the Columbia River and the surrounding landscape, as the campground is situated at the mouth of the Kettle River where it meets Lake Roosevelt. While direct access to the water can be somewhat challenging (as noted by the kayak experience), the visual appeal and proximity to water activities like fishing are significant draws. The area is popular for fishermen, with dozens of species of fish inhabiting the lake.

• Walk-in Tent Sites: For those seeking a more traditional and immersive tent camping experience, there are dedicated "walk-in tent spots" spread out in a grove of pines, offering a more secluded feel within the campground.

• Well-Maintained Facilities (Excluding Water): Despite the lack of potable water, the cleanliness and stocking of the vault toilets are highly appreciated. This demonstrates a commitment to basic hygiene and comfort within a rustic setting.

• National Park Service Management: Being part of the Lake Roosevelt National Recreation Area and managed by the NPS instills confidence in the campground's adherence to environmental standards and safety regulations, with staff regularly visiting the site.

• Abundant Wildlife: The lake area is rich with wildlife, including moose, elk, deer, and bald eagles. This offers fantastic opportunities for wildlife viewing, enhancing the natural experience for campers.

For those planning a trip or seeking more information about Kamloops Island Campground, here is the essential contact information:

Phone: (877) 444-6777 (This is typically the national reservation line for recreation.gov, through which Kamloops Island Campground is managed).

Mobile Phone: +1 877-444-6777

Address: Northport Flat Creek Rd, Kettle Falls, WA 99141, USA

For specific park information or non-reservation inquiries, the main office for Lake Roosevelt National Recreation Area can be reached at (509) 754-7889. Since Kamloops Island is a reservation-only campground, it is highly recommended to book your spot in advance, especially during peak season (May-September). You can do this via the Recreation.gov website or by calling the provided reservation numbers. Checking their website for any alerts, such as fire bans or seasonal closures, is also a good practice before heading out.

Kamloops Island Campground in Kettle Falls is an exceptionally suitable destination for Washington locals, offering a blend of natural beauty, tranquility, and practical amenities that perfectly align with what many residents seek in an outdoor escape. Its placement within the Lake Roosevelt National Recreation Area positions it as more than just a campsite; it's a gateway to exploring a significant part of Eastern Washington's diverse landscape and history.

For Washingtonians seeking respite from the hustle and bustle, Kamloops Island delivers a genuinely serene experience. The "so much shade" provided by the dense trees creates a naturally cool and comfortable environment, a significant advantage during the warmer summer months. The relatively small number of sites ensures it's "not too crowded," fostering a more peaceful atmosphere that encourages relaxation and unwinding, whether you're looking to simply "lounge around" or enjoy a quiet evening by the campfire.

The campground’s access to the Kettle and Columbia Rivers (Lake Roosevelt) makes it a prime spot for water-based activities, particularly fishing. Many locals cherish the opportunity to cast a line in our state's rich waterways, and Kamloops Island provides just that, with ample opportunities to catch various fish species. While the access path to the water might require a bit of navigation, the reward of being so close to such a vast recreational lake is immense.

Furthermore, the consistent cleanliness of the vault toilets and the regular presence of National Park Service staff demonstrate a commitment to maintaining a high-quality camping experience. The dog-friendly policy is another huge plus for many Washington families, ensuring that beloved pets can join in on the adventure. Despite the note about highway noise and the lack of potable water (which simply requires campers to be prepared), these minor points are generally outweighed by the overall tranquility, natural beauty, and well-managed environment that Kamloops Island Campground provides. It’s an ideal spot for locals who desire an authentic, shaded, and relatively uncrowded outdoor retreat in the heart of Washington’s captivating eastern landscape.

Kamloops Island Campground

Northport Flat Creek Rd, Kettle Falls, WA 99141, USA