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Access Site WA

Fort Spokane

Spokane River - Franklin D. Roosevelt Lake Spokane River

Source: state_of_washington Updated 1 year ago

City: Fort Spokane, WA
County: Lincoln County
Type: Boat Ramp
Location: 47.90971303, -118.31141801
Air Temp: --
Location
Nearby Gauge Conditions
Whitewater Runs on Spokane River - Franklin D. Roosevelt Lake
4 runs
There are no whitewater runs within 50 miles of this access site.
These whitewater runs are on the same river but located more than 50 miles from this access site.
Difficulty Classes
I Easy II Novice III Intermediate IV Advanced V Expert/Extreme VI Unrunnable
Whitewater data from American Whitewater
About This Access Site
Fort Spokane offers a well-developed multi-lane paved boat ramp on the Spokane River Arm of Lake Roosevelt, featuring docks, a large parking area, and vault toilet facilities. Located 32 miles west of Spokane via Highway 2, then 24 miles north on Highway 25, this access point is ideal for kayakers, canoeists, and motorboats launching onto the reservoir. The site includes an information kiosk and is subject to a weekly boat launch fee of $10 (or $60 annually). Note that minimum lake elevation for launch use is 1,247 feet—check current water levels before visiting.

The surrounding Fort Spokane Campground (reservable through Recreation.gov at $30/night) makes this an excellent base for multi-day paddling trips. The facility remains open year-round, though winter operations include limited access and plowed roads only to select campsites and the boat launch. Nearby paddling destinations include Hawk Creek Campground and various recreation areas in the region. Aquatic invasive species inspections are conducted at the launch, so be prepared with clean equipment.
Federal Facility Information
509-754-7889 Free Access Reservations Available

Overview
Fort Spokane Campground is a great destination for history buffs, birders and boaters, and the perfect location for travelers who like a combination of history and recreation. Visitors can enjoy boating, fishing, birding or taking in the scenery around the lake at this year-round campground. The facility lies on the shoreline of Lake Roosevelt next to the grounds of a former military...

Overview
Fort Spokane Campground is a great destination for history buffs, birders and boaters, and the perfect location for travelers who like a combination of history and recreation. Visitors can enjoy boating, fishing, birding or taking in the scenery around the lake at this year-round campground. The facility lies on the shoreline of Lake Roosevelt next to the grounds of a former military fort constructed to keep peace between early settlers and American Indians. Located in the former guardhouse, located in the middle of historic Fort Spokane, the visitor center and museum are open seasonally, from Memorial Day to Labor Day of each year. During the summer of 2023, the Fort Spokane Visitor Center and Museum will be open Friday through Sunday, 11am to 3pm. These hours begin May 26 and end September 3.

For an audio description of the park brochure, visit the Publications or Accessibility page of our website: nps.gov/laroLake Roosevelt is a 130-mile lake of the Columbia River created by the Grand Coulee Dam. Named after President Franklin D. Roosevelt, it is part of the Lake Roosevelt National Recreation Area and managed by the National Park Service.
Recreation
Fort Spokane boasts some of the best bird habitats in the Lake Roosevelt National Recreation Area. The prime viewing spot is Hawk Creek, only a few miles away. Birders often see Peregrine falcons, Blue herons, finches, Bald eagles, osprey and even the occasional Golden eagle.

The former guard house of the fort is still standing and has been converted to a visitor center and museum directly across the street from the campground. The center is open from June through Labor Day, teaching visitors about the military history and Indian boarding school through interpretive programs and exhibits. An interpretive trail around the grounds is open year round, for a more self-guided tour.

The lake is abundant with walleye, bass, rainbow trout and salmon, making it a popular place for fishing throughout the year; the shoreline along Fort Spokane does not typically freeze in winter and the campground's boat-launch is open all year.Facilities
The campground has 68 individual sites. It is open year-round, however drinking water is shut off in winter. A convenience store and gas station are nearby for campers to replenish basic goods. 
This campground is by reservation only. No first come sites available.
Natural Features
Fort Spokane lies on the water amidst Ponderosa pines and shrubs. It is near the confluence of the Spokane River and the Columbia River (Lake Roosevelt). The lake has comfortable temperatures during summer, even though much of the water originates from glaciers and snow in the cold, high Canadian Rockies. The lake area is abundant with wildlife, including moose, elk, deer, bighorn sheep, birds and fish.
Contact Info
This location is unstaffed. To speak with our main office for general information, please call: (509) 754-7889.
Nearby Attractions
Just across the road from the campground is the Ft. Spokane Visitor Center. Inside the old gaurd house you will find a small museum. There are also trails that include a self guided tour of the grounds. 
Charges & Cancellations
All changes and cancellations must be made through recreation.gov

Late Cancellations or Cancellations within the Cut-off Window
Individual Campsites: A customer who cancels a reservation the day before or on the day of arrival will pay a $10.00 service fee AND forfeit the first night's use fee (not to exceed the total paid for the original reservation). Cancellations for a one-night reservation will forfeit the entire amount paid and will not be subject to an additional service fee.

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Nearby Campgrounds (2 within 10 miles)
Camp Na-Bor-Lee (Concessionaire-operated)
On-site
Hawk Creek Campground
On-site Reservable
Nearby Recreation Areas
Telford Recreation Area Located within
South Huckleberry Mountains Located within