Bonaparte Lake Campground

Tonasket, WA

4.6(113 reviews)

Start of the 360 degree virtual tour of Bonaparte Lake Campground

About this 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.

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.

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.

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.

What campers say

Bonaparte Lake Campground is a well-maintained, scenic Forest Service site on a high mountain lake. Sites are spacious with picnic tables, fire rings and room for RVs or tents; several lakefront spots offer easy boat pull-up access. Amenities include water spigots, vault toilets and a comfort station with running water and flush toilets; there’s no full RV dump station though a grey-water outlet is available. A fishing dock, swimming dock, frequent wildlife (including loons) and strong fishing—often at night—are highlights. The park can be busy, weather can be unpredictable and quite cold, and most sites are first-come while a south loop accepts reservations.

Our summary of 113 traveler reviews.