San Poil Campground

For Washington locals with a love for outdoor traditions and a connection to the serene waters of Lake Roosevelt, San Poil Campground near Keller holds a special, albeit currently complex, place. This campground, historically a beloved destination for generations of families, is situated within the expansive landscape surrounding Lake Roosevelt, an area rich in natural beauty and cultural significance, being part of the Colville Indian Reservation. While recent reviews highlight significant changes and challenges, understanding the history and current situation of San Poil Campground is crucial for any Washingtonian considering a visit. This article aims to provide a clear, factual, and engaging overview, addressing both its past charm and its present state, to help local users make informed decisions about camping in this unique part of Eastern Washington.

San Poil Campground has been a site of cherished family traditions for decades, known for its direct access to Lake Roosevelt. However, like many natural areas, it faces environmental shifts and management changes that impact visitor experiences. We will delve into its location and accessibility, the services (or lack thereof) currently offered, its enduring features and highlights (even those impacted), contact information, and ultimately, why, despite its challenges, it remains a relevant point of interest for locals, particularly those with long-standing ties to the area or an interest in the evolving landscape of outdoor recreation on tribal lands.

San Poil Campground is located in Keller, WA 99140, USA. This places it along the Sanpoil Arm of Lake Roosevelt, a vast reservoir formed by the Grand Coulee Dam on the Columbia River. The campground is situated within the exterior boundaries of the Colville Indian Reservation, which spans a significant portion of northeastern Washington.

For Washington locals, accessing San Poil Campground involves driving to the community of Keller, typically via State Route 21. From larger cities like Spokane, the drive takes a few hours, offering scenic views of agricultural lands, rolling hills, and the distinctive landscape of Eastern Washington. The nearest major town with more extensive services would be Kettle Falls or Grand Coulee.

Accessibility to the campground itself has been noted to be impacted by environmental factors. Recent reviews indicate that due to significantly low water levels on Lake Roosevelt, the campground can be temporarily closed, and features like the boat dock become land-locked, making water access challenging or impossible. This is a crucial consideration for anyone planning a visit, especially if water-based activities are a priority. Visitors should always check current conditions before traveling. While the location itself is remote, contributing to a sense of wilderness, the accessibility to amenities in Keller may be limited. The road leading to the campground within Keller is generally manageable, but as with many rural areas, conditions can vary seasonally.

Based on recent customer reviews, the services offered at San Poil Campground have experienced significant deterioration and changes, which are crucial for potential visitors from Washington to be aware of.

• Campsites (Tent & RV): The campground historically offered sites for both tents and RVs. However, reviews suggest that the upkeep of these sites has declined. Grass areas are dry, requiring campers to water them independently due to fire concerns.

• Toilets: Toilets are mentioned as being present, suggesting basic restroom facilities, likely vault toilets. However, their upkeep is noted as deteriorated ("neither are the docks, bathrooms, playground, shoreline or RV sites upkept").

• Water Access (Impacted): The most significant service impact is related to water levels. The campground is designed for water access to Lake Roosevelt, with a boat dock and a "tree pole swing into water." However, during periods of low water, these features become "land-locked," rendering them unusable. This severely limits water-based activities directly from the campground.

• Limited Trash Pickup: Campers have reported that staff "hardly come around to pick up trash like they used to," indicating a decline in waste management services. Visitors should be prepared to pack out all of their trash.

• No Maintenance: Reviews explicitly state that "The land is not upkept," referring to general grounds maintenance, and that "they were building a brand new campground further up in Keller and would no longer be maintaining the Sanpoil campground." This suggests a conscious decision to cease maintenance at the current San Poil Campground.

• Cost for Non-Tribe Members: For non-tribe members, the cost is explicitly stated as "$80 annual pass, to use once a year plus $35/day per tent." This pricing structure, combined with the reported lack of upkeep, has led to significant disappointment among some long-term visitors who feel it has "becoce a huge ripoff."

• Pest Control (Self-Service): One review mentioned bringing "our own pest control spray to spray around the dock, bathrooms and playground" due to the presence of black widows. This implies that official pest control is not a reliable service.

Despite the recent challenges and reported deterioration, San Poil Campground has historically offered, and in some aspects still retains, certain features and highlights that have made it a beloved spot for many Washington families.

• Lake Roosevelt Access (Historically): The primary draw has always been its direct access to Lake Roosevelt. While currently impacted by low water levels, the potential for water-based activities like fishing, boating, and swimming on this vast reservoir remains a key highlight when conditions allow. The mention of a "tree pole swing into water" indicates a past feature that added to the recreational fun.

• Large Park / Camping Area with Shade: Reviews describe it as a "Huge park / camping" area with "lots of shade." This suggests ample space for campers and natural shade from trees, which is a valuable asset in Eastern Washington's often hot summers.

• Traditional Family Gathering Spot: For a very large family (96 people) that has been camping there for 48 years, San Poil has been a site of significant family tradition. This highlights its capacity to host large groups and its historical role as a multi-generational gathering place.

• Secluded Location: The general location near Keller and along the Sanpoil Arm of Lake Roosevelt offers a more secluded and less commercialized camping experience compared to some busier areas on the main body of the lake.

• Views and Natural Environment: Even with low water levels, the broader landscape of Lake Roosevelt and the surrounding natural environment offer picturesque views and opportunities for enjoying the unique desert steppe ecosystem of Eastern Washington.

• Potential for Future Improvements (New Campground): The information that "they were building a brand new campground further up in Keller" offers a glimmer of hope for the future of camping in the area. While the current site may be deteriorating, the intention to create a new, modern facility could be a significant highlight for future visits to the region.

Since San Poil Campground is located on the Colville Indian Reservation, its management falls under the Colville Tribes. Given the recent changes and temporary closures mentioned in reviews, it is absolutely essential for Washington locals to contact the relevant tribal authorities for the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding accessibility, current conditions, fees, and the status of the new campground development.

Address: Keller, WA 99140, USA (This is the general location of the campground).

Phone: No specific phone number for San Poil Campground itself is widely published. For inquiries related to recreation and camping on the Colville Reservation, it is best to contact the Colville Tribes' Natural Resources Department or the specific department overseeing recreation and parks. A general contact number for the Colville Tribes headquarters is (509) 634-2200, which might be a starting point for directing your inquiry to the correct department.

Mobile Phone: +1 (No specific mobile phone for the campground is available).

Before planning any trip to San Poil Campground, or any campground on the Colville Reservation, it is highly recommended to call ahead or check official tribal websites for the most current information, especially regarding water levels, closures, and fees.

For Washington locals, San Poil Campground represents a complex but important part of the state's outdoor recreation landscape, especially for those with historical ties to the area or an interest in the evolving nature of camping on tribal lands. While recent accounts highlight significant challenges, understanding its context is key to its suitability.

Firstly, for families and individuals who have built decades of tradition around camping at San Poil, its suitability is deeply rooted in nostalgia and continuity. Despite the deteriorating conditions, the commitment of long-standing family groups to continue camping there underscores a powerful emotional connection to the place. For these locals, San Poil remains a significant gathering spot, even if it requires more self-sufficiency and pest control. This resilience in the face of change is a testament to the enduring appeal of the location itself.

Secondly, for new visitors, San Poil offers a unique glimpse into the realities of environmental changes (like persistent low water levels affecting lake access) and the complexities of land management, particularly on tribal lands. While not suitable for those expecting full-service amenities or pristine conditions, it can appeal to Washingtonians who appreciate a more rustic, "real" outdoor experience and are willing to adapt to current conditions. The promise of a large camping area with plenty of shade, even if unkempt, still holds value for campers seeking space and natural cover.

However, it is crucial for locals to approach San Poil with realistic expectations, informed by the recent reviews. The reported high fees for non-tribe members coupled with the lack of upkeep mean that the value proposition has significantly shifted. Its suitability now leans heavily on a willingness to embrace a truly primitive experience and to contribute to one's own comfort and safety (e.g., bringing pest control, watering grass).

The most significant long-term suitability for locals may lie in the development of the "brand new campground further up in Keller" mentioned in the reviews. This indicates that the Colville Tribes are investing in new facilities, which could provide a modern, well-maintained camping experience in the future, preserving the opportunity for locals to enjoy this beautiful region of Lake Roosevelt.

In conclusion, San Poil Campground, in its current state, is best suited for Washington locals who understand its historical significance, are prepared for a highly rustic and self-reliant camping trip, and are empathetic to the challenges of environmental change and land management. For those seeking pristine facilities, it may not be the ideal choice presently. However, for those with a deep appreciation for tradition, a desire for an unvarnished outdoor experience, and an eye towards future developments, San Poil continues to be a noteworthy location within Washington's diverse camping landscape.

San Poil Campground

Keller, WA 99140, USA