Long Lake Campground

For Washingtonians seeking a serene, natural retreat away from the hustle and bustle, Long Lake Campground near Republic offers an idyllic setting in the heart of the Colville National Forest. This clean and remote area is a true gem for those who appreciate quiet evenings, abundant wildlife, and the simple pleasures of lakeside recreation. Whether you're an avid fly fisher, a kayaker, or simply looking for a tranquil spot to reconnect with nature, Long Lake Campground provides a perfect escape.

This article is crafted specifically for local users across Washington, providing a clear, engaging, and factual overview of Long Lake Campground. We'll delve into its picturesque location and accessibility, detail the essential services it provides, and highlight the unique features that make it a cherished spot for experiencing the peaceful beauty of Northeast Washington. Get ready to discover why Long Lake Campground is a destination that truly "did not disappoint."

Long Lake Campground is located at 650 East Delaware Ave, Republic, WA 99166, USA, specifically within the Colville National Forest. To reach the campground from Republic, WA, you'll take Highway 21 South for about 7 miles to Forest Road 53 (Scatter Creek). Turn right onto Forest Road 53 and travel approximately 6.0 miles to Forest Road 5300-400. A final left turn will take you about 0.75 miles to the campground entrance on your right. This journey, while slightly off the main highway, leads you into a beautifully forested and increasingly remote area.

The accessibility of Long Lake Campground is part of its charm, contributing to its remote and peaceful atmosphere. While the entrance road along the eastern shoreline of Fish Lake can be a bit narrow and rough, even accommodating larger RVs and trailers (with caution), it still provides a sense of seclusion. For Washington residents, particularly those in Eastern Washington, it's a manageable drive from cities like Spokane or Wenatchee, making it a viable weekend or multi-day getaway. The drive itself transitions from open landscapes to dense forest, preparing visitors for the natural beauty that awaits. The campground's position within the Colville National Forest means it’s surrounded by vast expanses of public land, offering numerous opportunities for exploration beyond the immediate lakeside area. This blend of remote tranquility and relative accessibility makes Long Lake Campground a desirable spot for those looking to escape without an overly arduous journey.

Long Lake Campground offers a rustic yet comfortable camping experience with essential amenities designed to facilitate a pleasant stay in nature.

• Campsites: The campground features 12 campsites, each equipped with a picnic table and a fire pit with a grill. These well-shaded, level sites can accommodate anything from tents to larger RVs and trailers, though caution is advised on the entrance road for very large vehicles.

• Potable Water: An old-fashioned hand pump well provides potable drinking water, a convenient amenity for a rustic forest campground.

• Vault Toilets: Two clean outhouses (vault toilets) are available, providing essential restroom facilities. These are routinely cleaned during the operating season.

• Boat Launch: A boat launch is available for non-motorized watercraft, allowing easy access to Long Lake for kayaking, canoeing, and other paddle sports.

• No Internal Combustion Engines: A key regulation for Long Lake is the prohibition of internal combustion engines on the lake, ensuring a peaceful and quiet environment for all visitors.

• Fee Site: There is an $8 fee per single campsite per night. An extra vehicle fee of $2 per night also applies.

• First-Come, First-Served: Campsites are available on a first-come, first-served basis, meaning reservations are not typically taken. It's advisable to arrive early during peak season.

• Quiet Hours: Quiet hours are enforced between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. to maintain the peaceful atmosphere.

• Campfires: Campfires are only permitted in developed fire rings. Visitors should always check current fire restrictions before lighting a fire.

• Pet Policy: Pets are allowed but must be on a leash, ensuring safety and respect for wildlife and other campers.

• Food Storage: All food and wildlife attractants must be properly stored at all times to prevent attracting local wildlife like chipmunks and bears.

Long Lake Campground is celebrated for its distinctive features and highlights that create a truly memorable outdoor experience in Washington.

• Magical Loons and Abundant Wildlife: A consistent highlight from visitors is the presence of loons on the lake, described as "magical." Beyond loons, the campground area is rich in wildlife, offering opportunities to spot chipmunks (who are quite abundant), and various birds and waterfowl. This adds an incredible dimension to the natural experience.

• Excellent Fly Fishing: Long Lake is a "fly fishing only" lake, making it a specialized and highly rewarding destination for anglers. It is stocked with cutthroat trout, providing "the best" fishing for those into light fly gear. Fishing is productive both from the shoreline and from non-motorized boats.

• Peaceful and Quiet Environment: With the prohibition of internal combustion engines on the lake and its remote location, Long Lake offers a truly quiet and peaceful setting. This makes it ideal for relaxation, contemplation, and enjoying the sounds of nature without the disturbance of motorboats.

• Scenic Trails and Exploration: The area boasts nice trails for off-roading and exploration, allowing campers to venture beyond the immediate lake area. Specifically, the Long Lake Trail #5, an easy 1.5 to 1.8-mile hike around the lake, offers beautiful views and opportunities for wildlife observation. This trail extends north to Fish Lake, connecting to other small lakes in the Scatter Creek drainage area (Swan, Ferry, and Fish Lakes).

• Clear Water Lake: Long Lake is a beautiful, clear-water lake, enhancing the visual appeal and inviting visitors for non-motorized water activities like kayaking and swimming.

• Shaded Campsites: The campsites are well-shaded, providing comfort during warmer months and contributing to the overall pleasant atmosphere of the campground.

For inquiries and general information about Long Lake Campground, you can contact the managing agency, the Republic Ranger District of the Colville National Forest.

Address: 650 East Delaware Ave, Republic, WA 99166, USA (This is the address for the Republic Ranger District, not the campground itself, which is located in the forest.)

Phone: (509) 775-3305 (Republic Ranger District Office)

Mobile Phone: +1 509-775-3305 (Same as above)

Since Long Lake Campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis, it does not have a direct reservation line. It is highly recommended to call the Republic Ranger District office or visit the official Colville National Forest website (fs.usda.gov/colville) for the most current information regarding road conditions, fire restrictions, seasonal closures, and any other alerts that might impact your visit. This is especially important for confirming water availability (the hand pump may be seasonal) and checking fishing regulations from the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife.

Long Lake Campground is an excellent choice for Washington locals seeking a serene, well-maintained, and recreation-rich camping experience. Its location in the remote yet accessible Colville National Forest provides a genuine escape into the wilderness without requiring an overly challenging journey. For residents in Eastern Washington, it's a convenient drive, offering a change of scenery and climate from urban areas.

This campground is particularly suitable for those who prioritize quiet activities like fly fishing and non-motorized boating, as the lake's regulations ensure a peaceful environment. The opportunity to witness magical loons and other abundant wildlife, combined with scenic trails for exploring, makes it a perfect destination for nature lovers and families seeking a tranquil outdoor adventure. While it operates on a first-come, first-served basis, the reward of finding a clean, shaded site by a clear lake is well worth the potential planning. Long Lake Campground truly offers a refreshing and authentic slice of Washington's natural beauty, inviting locals to create lasting memories by its serene waters.

Long Lake Campground

650 East Delaware Ave, Republic, WA 99166, USA