Bonaparte Lake Campground
Bonaparte Lake Campground is located on the southern edge of Bonaparte Lake east of Tonasket, WA, in the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest. The setting of the campground is in a mixed ponderosa pine and Douglas fir conifer forest at the base of Bonaparte Mountain. This campground has a group site, multiple family and individual campsites available.
Some sites take reservations on Recreation.gov. Others are first-come, first-served.
More like this: first-come in Washington · reservable in Washington · big rigs in Washington · pets allowed in Washington · group sites in Washington
Check availability on Recreation.gov ↗
Site mix
| Standard, no hookups | 32 |
| group standard area nonelectric | 1 |
Site guide
Will my RV fit
The longest site here provides 48 feet of vehicle capacity. Most sites are shorter.
33 sites in 3 loops. Tap a filter to narrow the list; the map follows.
| Site | Loop | Type | Entry | Fits, ft | Surface | Shade | Waterfront | People / vehicles | Fires | Accessible | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 01 | Bonaparte Lake | Standard | Back-in | 34 | Gravel | Partial | Lakefront | 5 / 1 | Yes | Standard | |
| 02 | Bonaparte Lake | Standard | Back-in | 34 | Gravel | Partial | Lakefront | 5 / 1 | Yes | Standard | |
| 03 | Bonaparte Lake | Standard | Back-in | 34 | Gravel | Partial | Lakefront | 5 / 1 | Yes | Standard | |
| 04 | Bonaparte Lake | Standard | Back-in | 34 | Gravel | Partial | Lakefront | 5 / 1 | Yes | Standard | |
| 05 | Bonaparte Lake | Standard | Back-in | 34 | Gravel | Partial | Lakefront | 5 / 1 | Yes | Standard | |
| 06 | Bonaparte Lake | Standard | Back-in | 34 | Gravel | Partial | Lakefront | 5 / 1 | Yes | Standard | |
| 07 | Bonaparte Lake | Standard | Back-in | 34 | Gravel | Partial | Lakefront | 5 / 1 | Yes | Standard | |
| 08 | Bonaparte Lake | Standard | Back-in | 34 | Gravel | Partial | Lakefront | 5 / 1 | Yes | Standard | |
| 09 | Bonaparte Lake | Standard | Back-in | 34 | Gravel | Partial | Lakefront | 5 / 1 | Yes | Standard | |
| 10 | Bonaparte Lake | Standard | Back-in | 34 | Gravel | Partial | Lakefront | 5 / 1 | Yes | Standard |
Per-site records as published by the managing agency on Recreation.gov. Blank cells mean the agency listed nothing for that site. Check-in 12:00 PM, checkout 10:00 AM.
Amenities & rules
| Hookups | None |
| Max vehicle length | 48 ft |
| Equipment | RVs & trailers, Tents |
| Pets | Allowed |
| Campfires | Allowed, subject to restrictions |
| Tent pads | Yes |
| Accessibility | Site Group is listed accessible |
The sites are equipped with picnic tables and campfire grills. All sites can accommodate tents and some sites feature tent pads. The group site is equipped with drinking water, picnic tables, campfire grills, a community fire pit, RV/Camper parking and room for tent sites. A group shelter is available at the site. Drinking water, vault and flush toilets are also available in the campground. Access to the lake and boat launch are within walking distance.
Individual sites vary. Confirm on Recreation.gov or with the managing office.
Season & status
| Status | Closed for the season. Forest Service sites close for the season; check the official page for the reopening date. |
| Season | May 15 to October 17 |
| Forest | Colville National Forest |
| Booking | Sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis or by reservation at Recreation.gov (1-877-444-6777). |
| Fees | Camping. $20/single site. $40/double site. Group Camping: $125/group site reservable at https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/252036. Extra Vehicle: $5/per night. No Water Available at this time |
| Rules | Washington state fishing license required. No wake zone for boating -8 mph maximum. Use of lead weights or lead jigs that measure 1.5 inches or less along the longest axis is prohibited. Quiet hours between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. Campfires in developed fire pits onl. Fireworks are prohibited. |
Weather by month
Getting there
From Tonasket, Washington, take State Route 20 East for 24 miles. Turn left onto the Bonaparte Recreation Area turnoff (Okanogan County Road 4953). Continue on Okanogan County Road #4953 for approximately 6 miles to the Bonaparte Lake Campground entrance on the left hand side of the road.
| Nearest town | Tonasket, Washington |
| Coordinates | 48.7925° N, 119.0574° W · Directions ↗ |
Fire nearby
- PrescribedTon Rx - North Hull
12 mi from the campground · 332 acres
- PrescribedRep Rx - Walker 50
23 mi from the campground · 313 acres
- Prescribed3R Rx - Coyote
38 mi from the campground · 841 acres
- PrescribedRx - South Twin Wui
47 mi from the campground
Distance is to the reported incident point, not the fire edge. Call the managing office before you drive.
Supplies & services
| Dump station | Dump station ↗ | 18.8 mi |
| RV sales & service | RV sales & service ↗ | 32.5 mi |
| Outdoor gear | Wild Ways Adventure Sports ↗ | 42.4 mi |
Locations © OpenStreetMap contributors. Call ahead; hours change seasonally.
Explore
Video
Bonaparte Lake - Camping Washington State
Trails nearby
- 0.3 miPipsissewa ↗2 mi trail · hiking, horse, bike · national_scenic_or_historic
- 0.7 miSouth Side ↗5.6 mi trail · hiking, horse, bike · national_scenic_or_historic
- 2.2 mi4th of July Ridge ↗7.3 mi trail · hiking, horse, bike · national_scenic_or_historic
- 3 miAntoine ↗4.2 mi trail · hiking, horse, bike · national_scenic_or_historic
- 3 miBonaparte Mountain ↗4.5 mi trail · hiking, horse, bike
- 3.5 miStrawberry Mountain1.5 mi trail · hiking, horse, bike
Trail and trailhead records are the Forest Service's. Distances are straight-line to the nearer trail end. Trail conditions are not tracked here.
Public land it sits in
Colville National Forest begins about 10.7 miles away, and it is the closest of these.
- 10.7 miColville National Forest ↗National Forest · Forest Service · 1,752,994 acres
Each unit is published as a centre point and an acreage rather than a boundary, so this section stands it in for a circle of the same area. Whether a campground is inside, and how far it is from one it is outside, are both approximate.
Other campgrounds nearby
On the National Register nearby
- Bonaparte Mountain CabinBuilding · Tonasket · 3 mi
- Lost Lake Guard StationBuilding · Tonasket · 3.7 mi
Natural features
Bonaparte Lake's elevation is at 3,600 feet and is home to multiple waterfowl species including the rare northern loon. Mule deer, elk, moose, and the occasional black bear can be sighted in the area. Bonaparte, Spur, and Cumberland Mountains surround the lake.
Recreation
Fishing is a popular activity on the lake, with anglers enjoying boat fishing for rainbow, brook, and cutthroat trout as well as using the accessible fishing dock. A boat launch area is available in the campground. Kayaking, canoeing, and swimming can also be enjoyed. Hiking around the lake or up the Pipsissewa Trail, which is accessed from the southern loop, are popular activities. Taking a bike ride on the surrounding roads is also available.
Nearby
Pipsissewa Trail to Pipsissewa Point, which overlooks Bonaparte Lake, is a two mile hike from the campground. Continuing from there onto the South Side trail #308 for five miles will take you to the Bonaparte Mountain Fire Lookout. Lost Lake Campground is approximately 10 miles away on the 33 road. Beaver Lake and Beth Lake Campgrounds are approximately seven miles away on the 32 road. Within 10 miles visitors can explore accessible and interpretive trails, geologic attractions, scenic overlooks, and scenic drives.
Guidebooks for Washington
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Titles come from Open Library's catalog, matched by subject heading or by title.
Reference
Questions people ask
Do I need a reservation at Bonaparte Lake Campground?
For some sites. Some sites take reservations on Recreation.gov. Others are first-come, first-served.
Source: Recreation.gov
How much does it cost to camp at Bonaparte Lake Campground?
Camping. $20/single site. $40/double site.
Source: Recreation.gov
What time is check-in at Bonaparte Lake Campground?
Check-in 12:00 PM, checkout 10:00 AM.
Source: Recreation.gov
Is Bonaparte Lake Campground open right now?
Closed for the season as of Oct 16, 2026. Season May 15 to October 17.
Source: Forest Service status
How many sites does Bonaparte Lake Campground have?
33 sites, including 32 standard sites without power and 1 group standard area nonelectric.
Source: Recreation.gov
Will my RV fit at Bonaparte Lake Campground?
The longest site here provides 48 feet of vehicle capacity. Most sites are shorter. The sidebar tool checks a trailer or motorhome length against every site.
Source: Will my RV fit
Are there showers or a dump station at Bonaparte Lake Campground?
Drinking water, vault and flush toilets are also available in the campground.
Source: Recreation.gov
Are pets allowed at Bonaparte Lake Campground?
Yes, pets are allowed at Bonaparte Lake Campground. Leash rules apply.
Source: Recreation.gov
Can I have a campfire at Bonaparte Lake Campground?
Fires are allowed in the provided rings under normal conditions. As of 2026-10-16, there are 4 active fires within 50 miles, so check current restrictions before you light one. Washington state fishing license required.
Source: Fire nearby
Are there accessible sites at Bonaparte Lake Campground?
Site Group is listed accessible on Recreation.gov. What that covers (a paved pad, an accessible table, a nearby accessible restroom) is on each site's booking page.
Source: Recreation.gov
What is there to do at Bonaparte Lake Campground?
Fishing is a popular activity on the lake, with anglers enjoying boat fishing for rainbow, brook, and cutthroat trout as well as using the accessible fishing dock. The Recreation section on this page has the rest.
Source: Recreation
What is the nearest town to Bonaparte Lake Campground?
Tonasket, Washington. Pipsissewa Trail to Pipsissewa Point, which overlooks Bonaparte Lake, is a two mile hike from the campground.
Source: Getting there