North Gorge Campground

For those of us who call Washington home, the lure of the great outdoors is an undeniable part of our identity. From the towering peaks of the Cascades to the rugged Pacific coastline, our state offers a diverse tapestry of natural beauty. However, for a unique blend of lakeside tranquility and stunning vistas in Eastern Washington, North Gorge Campground, nestled along the mighty Columbia River, specifically on Lake Roosevelt, presents a compelling option. It's a place that captures the essence of a serene escape, offering a straightforward camping experience with undeniable natural charm.

North Gorge Campground isn't a sprawling, amenity-rich resort. Instead, it embodies the spirit of classic camping, focusing on the natural environment and providing essential comforts. It's a smaller, more intimate setting, making it perfect for those who seek a quieter retreat away from the bustling crowds often found at larger parks. The campground's location on Lake Roosevelt, a 130-mile long lake formed by the Grand Coulee Dam on the Columbia River, immediately suggests a prime spot for water-based activities and stunning scenic views. Managed as part of the Lake Roosevelt National Recreation Area by the National Park Service, it benefits from the care and preservation efforts of a federal agency, ensuring a well-maintained natural environment.

For Washington locals, particularly those in Eastern Washington or willing to make the scenic drive, North Gorge Campground offers an accessible escape to a magnificent natural setting. It’s a place to launch a small boat, enjoy incredible sunsets, and immerse oneself in the rich birdlife of the Columbia River basin. While it presents a few quirks, such as limited turn-around space for larger campers and the presence of nearby train tracks, its overall appeal lies in its natural beauty and peaceful atmosphere, making it a beloved spot for those who appreciate authentic outdoor experiences.

North Gorge Campground is located in Evans, WA 99126, USA. This places it in Stevens County, in the northeastern part of Washington State. More specifically, it's situated at the northeast edge of Lake Roosevelt, which is part of the extensive Lake Roosevelt National Recreation Area. This area is known for its rolling hills, pine forests, and, of course, the expansive body of water formed by the Columbia River.

Access to North Gorge Campground is generally straightforward. From major cities in Eastern Washington like Spokane, visitors would typically travel north on US-395, then connect to State Route 25, which runs along the west side of Lake Roosevelt. The campground is located off this main route, with specific directions found via the Lake Roosevelt National Recreation Area website or signage. The drive itself offers increasingly scenic views as you get closer to the lake and forested areas.

However, it's worth noting an important accessibility detail for campers with larger vehicles: "Limited turn around for camper. A 6.5 meter camper had to back in about 50 meters to get in spot." This suggests that while RVs are accommodated, some maneuvering might be required, and the campground may be better suited for smaller RVs or tent campers. Despite this, the road leading to the campground is typically paved, ensuring easy access up to the camp loop. Its lakeside location means direct access to the water for recreational pursuits, a major draw for visitors.

North Gorge Campground provides essential services to facilitate a comfortable, albeit rustic, camping experience:

• Campsites: The campground offers 11 individual campsites, with a mix of sites suitable for tents and a few that can accommodate RVs. Each site generally includes a picnic table and a fire ring, providing basic necessities for outdoor living.

• Vault Toilets: "Bathroom was clean," according to a customer review, indicating that the vault toilets are regularly maintained for visitor comfort. These non-flush toilets are common in more primitive or smaller campgrounds.

• Boat Launch and Dock: A "Nice boat launch for small boat" and a dock are available, providing convenient access to Lake Roosevelt for boating, fishing, and water sports.

• No Potable Water: A crucial detail for planning is that there is "No potable water" available. This has been consistently noted, including a 2025 review stating, "Still no potable water 2025." Campers must bring their own drinking water for their stay.

• Reservation Only: North Gorge is a "reservation only campground" and can be reserved year-round via Recreation.gov. No first-come, first-served sites are available.

• No Hookups: The campground does not offer electricity, water, or sewer hookups for RVs, emphasizing its rustic nature.

• Quiet Hours: Quiet hours are from 10 PM to 6 AM, with generator use also restricted during these times.

• Pets Allowed: Pets are permitted but must be kept on a leash six feet or less in length and should not be left unattended. Owners are responsible for pet waste.

North Gorge Campground offers several compelling features and highlights that make it an attractive option for campers in Washington:

• Gorgeous Sunsets: A standout feature, as described by a customer, are the "Gorgeous sunsets." The campground's orientation over the Columbia River and Lake Roosevelt provides spectacular evening views, a perfect end to a day outdoors.

• Direct Water Access: With a "nice boat launch for small boat" and dock, the campground offers excellent opportunities for boating, fishing, swimming, and water skiing on Lake Roosevelt. The ability to swim "among the flowers" suggests unique natural beauty in the water.

• Bird Watching Paradise: For bird enthusiasts, the campground is a "lovely cross section of habitats, plenty of species to enjoy for July." The presence of a "wetland corner on the downstream side" indicates a rich environment for various bird species, making it a prime spot for birding.

• Relatively Bug-Free: Despite the wetland, a review noted it was "Not very buggy," which is a significant plus for outdoor enjoyment, especially during summer months.

• Clean Facilities: The "clean" bathrooms, even if vault toilets, contribute positively to the camping experience, ensuring basic hygiene is maintained.

• Peaceful Escape: Despite the train noise, the overall sentiment is that it's a "perfect little escape" and a "nice campground," implying a generally quiet and relaxing atmosphere away from city life.

• Views of the Columbia: "Beautiful views of the mighty Columbia" are a consistent draw, offering a grand sense of place and natural beauty.

For reservations and more detailed information about North Gorge Campground, you can contact the managing body, the National Park Service, for Lake Roosevelt National Recreation Area:

Address: Evans, WA 99126, USA (The physical office for the Lake Roosevelt National Recreation Area is located at 1949 HWY 25 N, Evans, WA 99126, which is nearby.)

Phone: (509) 754-7800 (This is the phone number for the Lake Roosevelt National Recreation Area headquarters/general inquiries.)

Mobile Phone: +1 509-754-7800 (Same as above, likely for the main park office.)

Reservations for North Gorge Campground are made through Recreation.gov or by calling 877-444-6777. It is highly recommended to book well in advance, especially for summer weekends, as it is a popular reservation-only campground with limited sites. Always check for current conditions, including any fire bans or changes in services, directly with the Lake Roosevelt National Recreation Area before your visit.

North Gorge Campground is an excellent choice for Washington locals, especially those in Eastern Washington, seeking a serene and naturally beautiful camping experience on Lake Roosevelt. While it requires campers to bring their own potable water and navigate a bit of a tight turn for larger RVs, these minor considerations are well worth the reward of stunning sunsets, direct access to the Columbia River for boating and fishing, and fantastic opportunities for bird watching.

The clean, basic facilities and the generally quiet atmosphere, despite the occasional passing train, contribute to a peaceful and authentic outdoor getaway. It’s a perfect spot for individuals, couples, or small families who appreciate natural beauty over extensive amenities. For Washingtonians looking to immerse themselves in the unique landscape of the Columbia River basin and enjoy the simple pleasures of lakeside camping, North Gorge Campground offers a truly memorable and highly suitable local escape.

North Gorge Campground

Evans, WA 99126, USA