Trout Lake Campground

For Washingtonians seeking a truly serene and secluded outdoor experience, far removed from the hustle and bustle of larger, more crowded campgrounds, Trout Lake Campground in Kettle Falls offers an idyllic retreat. Nestled within the expansive Colville National Forest, this small and rustic campground is a hidden gem, perfect for those who prioritize peace, quiet, and a deep connection with nature. Unlike bustling RV parks or amenity-rich resorts, Trout Lake Campground provides a back-to-basics camping adventure, allowing visitors to truly unwind and immerse themselves in the tranquil beauty of Eastern Washington. This article will guide you through the charm of Trout Lake Campground, detailing its unique location, the simple yet effective services it offers, its standout features, and why it's a perfectly suited escape for locals looking for genuine wilderness solace.

Trout Lake Campground lives up to its name, offering a peaceful lakeside setting where the sounds of nature prevail. Reviews consistently highlight its quiet atmosphere, with one visitor noting they were the "only ones in the campground" on a Friday night, underscoring its low-key nature. The lake itself is described as "peaceful with abundant birds and small critters," creating ample opportunities for wildlife observation. Imagine watching a beaver at sunset or spotting moose and deer, which are frequently seen in the area – these are the kind of authentic natural encounters that define a stay at Trout Lake Campground.

It's important to note that this campground caters to a specific type of outdoor enthusiast. The lake is "marshy and only accessible via small non-motorized boat," emphasizing its focus on quiet recreation like kayaking, canoeing, and fishing with electric motors only. This restriction on internal combustion engines further contributes to the tranquil environment. While the access road is described as "very steep and narrow in spots," this only adds to the sense of discovery and seclusion, rewarding those who make the journey with a truly untouched natural haven. For Washington locals who value solitude, wildlife, and non-motorized water activities, Trout Lake Campground offers an unparalleled opportunity to recharge and reconnect with the wild heart of their state.

Trout Lake Campground is located near Kettle Falls, WA 99141, USA, deep within the Colville National Forest. Its address places it in a more remote and natural setting in Northeastern Washington, appealing to those seeking an escape from urban environments. Access to the campground involves navigating forest roads, with the final approach described as a "very steep and narrow" road. This suggests that while generally accessible, visitors should exercise caution, especially when passing oncoming vehicles, and be prepared for unpaved sections. It is advisable for campers to check current road conditions, particularly during adverse weather or in the shoulder seasons.

Despite its secluded feel, Trout Lake Campground is within a reasonable distance of the town of Kettle Falls, providing a place for supplies or last-minute necessities. The journey to the campground itself becomes part of the adventure, winding through scenic forested landscapes. This balance of being "miles from the highway" yet within reach of a small town makes it an attractive option for Washingtonians who desire a true wilderness experience without being completely cut off from civilization. Its location in the Colville National Forest also means it's surrounded by extensive public lands, offering vast opportunities for exploration beyond the campground itself.

• Campsites: Trout Lake Campground is a small site featuring only 4 individual campsites. These sites are described as "private tent sites close to the lake" and "spacious," indicating a comfortable and uncrowded experience.
• Toilets: The campground is equipped with vault toilets for basic sanitation needs. While not flush toilets, they are maintained to provide essential facilities in a rustic setting.
• Picnic Tables & Fire Rings: Each campsite likely includes a picnic table and a fire ring with a grate, providing amenities for cooking and gathering around a campfire.
• Fishing Dock: There is a dedicated fishing dock available, offering easy access to the lake for anglers.
• Primitive Boat Launch: A primitive boat launch provides access for small, non-motorized boats, catering to canoes, kayaks, and small craft with electric motors only.
• Bear-Resistant Food Storage: Given the presence of bears, the campground provides facilities (or the expectation of proper personal storage) for securely storing food and wildlife attractants.
• Pack-in, Pack-out Policy: As a more primitive site, campers are expected to follow a pack-in, pack-out policy, meaning all trash and waste must be carried out.

• Peaceful & Secluded Environment: A primary highlight is the campground's serene atmosphere, often experiencing low occupancy (as noted by a reviewer being the "only one" there on a Friday night), ensuring a quiet and relaxing stay.
• Non-Motorized Lake: Trout Lake prohibits internal combustion motors, contributing significantly to its peaceful ambiance and making it ideal for quiet activities like canoeing, kayaking, and paddleboarding.
• Abundant Wildlife: The lake and surrounding area are teeming with wildlife. Visitors can expect to see various birds, small critters, beavers, moose, and whitetail deer, offering excellent wildlife viewing opportunities.
• Fishing Opportunities: True to its name, the lake is stocked with rainbow trout and is a popular spot for fishing, accessible from the dock or by non-motorized boat. Two-pole fishing is allowed.
• Access to Hiking Trails: The campground serves as a trailhead for Hoodoo Canyon Trail #17, a 4.7-mile hiking trail that also intersects with the Emerald Lake #94 hiking trail, offering scenic trekking opportunities.
• Rustic Charm: Appeals to campers who prefer a more primitive, less developed experience, emphasizing connection with nature over extensive amenities.
• Stargazing: Being away from city lights, Trout Lake Campground offers excellent opportunities for stargazing on clear nights.
• Small Campground Size: With only 4 campsites, it ensures a very intimate and uncrowded camping experience.

Address: Kettle Falls, WA 99141, USA

Phone: (509) 738-7700

Mobile Phone: +1 509-738-7700

Trout Lake Campground is managed by the Colville National Forest. For the most up-to-date information on operating seasons, conditions, or any alerts (such as bear activity or road closures), it is best to contact the relevant Ranger District:

Colville National Forest Headquarters

Phone: (509) 684-7000

Or the Kettle Falls Ranger District, which would likely oversee this specific area.

Website: Visitors should check the official U.S. Forest Service website for Colville National Forest for detailed campground information and current alerts.

Trout Lake Campground is an exceptionally suitable destination for Washington locals, particularly those who cherish solitude, a deep connection with nature, and a focus on non-motorized outdoor recreation. For many Washingtonians, the allure of escaping crowded areas and finding a truly peaceful retreat is paramount, and this small, rustic campground delivers precisely that. Its limited number of sites (only 4) ensures an uncrowded and intimate experience, allowing visitors to immerse themselves fully in the quiet beauty of the Colville National Forest.

The campground's strict adherence to non-motorized boating on Trout Lake is a significant draw, guaranteeing a tranquil environment free from the noise of powerboats. This makes it perfect for local kayakers, canoeists, and paddleboarders, as well as anglers seeking a calm spot to fish for rainbow trout. The abundant wildlife, including beavers, moose, and various birds, provides fantastic opportunities for nature observation and photography, adding to the richness of the experience. For Washington residents who understand and respect wilderness etiquette, the "pack-in, pack-out" policy aligns with a responsible approach to outdoor recreation, preserving the pristine environment for future visits.

Furthermore, the presence of hiking trails like Hoodoo Canyon and Emerald Lake directly accessible from the campground offers ample opportunity for land-based exploration, complementing the water activities. While the access road may be "steep and narrow," this minor challenge only enhances the sense of discovering a hidden gem, rewarding the effort with unparalleled peace and natural beauty. For Washingtonians seeking an authentic, unplugged camping adventure where wildlife thrives and tranquility reigns, Trout Lake Campground offers an ideal local getaway to recharge and reconnect with the wild heart of their state.

Trout Lake Campground

Kettle Falls, WA 99141, USA