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Curlew Lake State Park
Looking for a great park destination off the beaten path? Curlew Lake State Park is a jewel in the countryside.
In northeastern Washington, only 25 miles from the U.S.- Canada border, the park is named for 5.5-mile-long Curlew Lake, an angler's dream. A fisher's catch might include trout, bass, yellow perch or tiger muskie. Bald eagles, ospreys and herons also like the fishing at Curlew; they live in the neighboring trees and can be seen flying in to pluck a meal from the lake. A heron rookery with active nests is visible from the park.
Water sports activities abound in summer, and snow sports are popular in winter. The green lawns are tailor-made for play, and the campground, with many lakeside campsites, is said to be one of the most restful in Washington.
The Stone Rose fossil digging site is only 8 miles away in the town of Republic. The dig site is open to the public and makes a great stop for paleontology enthusiasts, including children.
Ranald MacDonald's Grave, a State Parks heritage site, is not far away. One of the foremost cultural and business ambassadors between the Northwest United States and Japan in the mid-1800s, MacDonald helped shaped the policies that opened relations between the two countries. The gravesite is on the roadside of a 25-mile scenic drive along the Kettle River near the Canadian border.
Whether you've come for the history or geology, or you're just hoping to get off the grid and fish, you'll find a great hideaway at Curlew Lake.
Park features
Curlew Lake State Park is an 87-acre camping park, 8 miles from the charming gold rush town of Republic.
Discover Pass: A Discover Pass is required for vehicle access to state parks for day use. For more information about the Discover Pass and exemptions, please visit the Discover Pass web page.
ADA amenities/facilities
- Campground
- Restroom
Picnic & day-use facilities
There are ten unsheltered picnic tables in the park, available first come, first served. The swimming area has three braziers for cooking.
Activities
Trails
- 2 miles of bike trails
- 2 miles of hiking trails
Water activities & features
- 80 feet of dock
- Boating
- Fishing (freshwater)
- Personal watercraft use
- Swimming
- Watercraft launches (2)
- Waterskiing
Winter activities & features
- Snow play
Other activities & features
- Amphitheater
- Bird watching
- Wildlife viewing
Interpretive opportunities
Nearby Ranald MacDonald's Grave State Park, the smallest interpretive state park in Washington, is managed by Curlew Lake State Park. A 25-mile drive along the Kettle River will take visitors to the park, situated near the Canadian Border.
Additional information
- The park is a great home base for bicycle tour groups.
- There are many fishable lakes and streams in the area. Fishing at Curlew Lake is excellent for rainbow trout. The lake also offers fishing for large and small-mouth bass and, for the more adventurous, tiger muskies. The minimum catch size for tiger muskies is 50 inches.
- A recreational license is required for fishing and shellfish harvesting at Washington state parks. For regulations, fishing season information, or to purchase a recreational license, visit the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife.
- Rock hounds and the archaeologically curious may explore the nearby Stone Rose public dig site. A trip to Grand Forks in Canada is a nice day trip for the family.
- Printable park brochure (PDF).
Boating Features
Located in Ferry County on Curlew Lake, Curlew Park offers two, no-fee boat ramps and 80-feet of handling dock. Curlew Lake is 5.5 miles long. Additional information can be found in the Boating Program.
Launching a boat at a state park requires one of the following:
- An annual launch permit (Natural Investment Permit; or
- An annual Discover Pass and a daily launch permit; or
- A one-day Discover Pass and a daily launch permit.
A daily permit is available for watercraft launching at the park. Annual permits also may be purchased at State Parks Headquarters in Olympia, at region offices, online and at parks when staff is available.
Boat Launch
Latitude:48º 43' 6.24" N (48.7184)
Longitude:118º 39' 35.27" W (-118.6598)
Campsite Information
The park has 57 tent spaces, 25 utility spaces, one dump station, two restrooms and four showers. The south camp area has 10 campsites with eight sites overlooking the lake. There is a no-fee mooring dock for these sites, two restrooms and two showers (both ADA accessible). The main campground has 16 tent sites overlooking the lake and 47 tent spaces total.
There are 18 full-hookup sites and seven with water and power only. Maximum site length is 40 feet (limited availability). The restroom has two showers. Most hookups will take a 35-foot camping rig. Some will take trailers up to 45 feet. If hookup sites are full, camp in the random area and expect a one- or two-day wait until one of the hookups is available. Campsites 2-18, 20-34, 48-56 and 73-82 can be reserved. The remaining campsites are first come, first served. All campers must register at the ranger station.
Check-in time is 2:30 p.m.
Check-out time is 1 p.m.
Reservations & Fees
Reservations can be made online or by calling (888) CAMPOUT or (888) 226-7688. For fee information, check out our camping rates page.
Services & Supplies
The Ferry County Airport is just east of the park. A free shuttle car to the park is available for pilots. Call the park office at (509) 775-3592 for more information.