By:
Submission
In Kettle Falls, WA, at intersection of US Rt 395/State Rt 20 and State Rt 25, take Rt 395 north/Rt 20 west 2.7 miles to a "Y" intersection. Bear left, staying on Rt 20 west, and go 4.1 miles to Lake Ellen sign. Turn left and go 4.4 miles to campground sign. Turn right and go 3.5 miles (on gravel road) to Lake Ellen sign. Turn right and go 1.4 miles to campground sign. Turn right into campground.
Is a beautiful lake with good camping spots. The lake isn't great for swimming but its good if you have a canoe or kayak. They gave lots of fishing but there is a chance you make find a rattle snake up in the rocks.
If you're looking seclusion, this is the place at $6/night. A nice place to kayak or launch a small fishing boat. I would guess the lake to be somewhat shallow. Locals told me the fish in it were Sunfish and Trout. The insects weren't too bad either. The campsites were about 10 on the north end of the lake, and 5 on the south end where I was. They are somewhat primitive. The ones on the north end were even more so. At night, there were great horned owls and 2 other birds making horrible noises until there was no sunlight left at all, then there was an army of 4 legged critters coming into check out my site and camping gear--snorting, chewing, stomping, pretty much all night long. I think in the future I'd take a portable motion sensor light to keep them out. I would probably go back there again, but I'd know what to expect the next time.
Nice small stocked lake. You can always catch trout. Semi private. Nice clean outhouse. Watch out for rattle snakes and bears.
My son and I came up for one night. Had the whole place to ourselves. Had a great time. Spent time fishing and looking at wildlife. There is s huge star filled sky at night. It was a Saturday and we didn't see anyone, made it very peaceful. It's pack in and pack out which helps keep out the folks who are out bring their life to nature. We like to slip into nature and enjoy it. If you bring it out take it back with you.
Beautiful area, camping is not on the actual lake, but just a short walk away. A primitive boat launch and fishing dock. The sites are small and covered with shade. There is plenty of privacy between sites. We saw a lot of people fishing from the side of the road between the two campgrounds.
