Lake Roosevelt: Ten Things to Sort Out Before You Go

A trip to Lake Roosevelt National Recreation Area goes better with a little planning. The park's own advice falls into three groups: check the water, book ahead, and come prepared.

NPS/E. Gelfat

Check before you go

1. The lake level. Lake Roosevelt is an active reservoir, and its level can change dramatically over a few months — or a few days. The level decides which boat launches and beaches you can reach, so look it up before setting out.

2. Fire bans. Bans usually come in the hottest, driest part of the year, to prevent wildfires. Visiting in July or August? Check the park website for an active ban.

3. Visitor center hours. The Fort Spokane Visitor Center tells the history of Fort Spokane, but its hours are limited — check them first.

Book and pay ahead

4. Campsites. Every drive-in campground at Lake Roosevelt is reservation-only. Reserve on recreation.gov before you travel; holidays and weekends fill quickly.

5. A boat launch permit. Buy a weekly permit online at pay.gov, or an annual one in person at certain local stores.

6. A fishing license. Anyone fishing needs a valid Washington State fishing license.

Pick your moment

7. Skip the summer rush. Campgrounds and boat launches are very popular in summer. April, May and September are quieter.

8. Or come midweek. If summer it must be, Monday to Thursday is usually calmer — and you have a better chance of getting your favorite campsite before someone else does.

Come prepared

9. Fill the tank. Fuel is scarce, both on land for cars and on the water for boats. Know where it is and plan around it.

10. Tell someone your plans. Much of the park has little or no cell service. Before a long camping or boating trip, let someone know where you are going.

Sources

Based on "Top Ten Lake Roosevelt Travel Tips," National Park Service; a work of the United States government in the public domain. Rewritten in hubnx's own words.