Chopaka Lake Campground

Hey there, Washington outdoor enthusiasts and intrepid adventurers! Are you yearning for a camping experience that truly gets you off the beaten path, away from the crowds, and into the heart of some of our state's most pristine wilderness? Then Chopaka Lake Campground near Loomis, WA, might just be the hidden treasure you've been searching for. This isn't your typical bustling RV park; it’s a remote alpine lake setting, offering a rustic and authentic camping experience that speaks to the soul of Washington’s wild side. It's a place where peace, challenging fly fishing, and breathtaking natural beauty converge, making it a truly special destination for those willing to venture a bit further.

Chopaka Lake Campground is ideal for those who appreciate primitive camping, stunning views, and the thrill of landing a hard-fighting fish. Nestled deep within the highlands of northern Okanogan County, this gem is known for its beautiful aspens and sagebrush lining the shores, with the majestic Chopaka Mountain Wilderness Study Area (WSA) as its backdrop. While the journey to get there can be a "challenge" for vehicles not equipped for rough roads, the reward is an unparalleled sense of solitude and immersion in nature. Many who visit consider it a "beautiful and special area," often wishing to keep its serene beauty a secret. For Washingtonians looking to truly disconnect, test their fly-fishing skills, and reconnect with the rugged landscapes that define our state, Chopaka Lake Campground offers an unforgettable, back-to-basics adventure.

Chopaka Lake Campground is situated near Loomis, WA 98827, USA, deep within northern Okanogan County. This alpine lake sits at an elevation of approximately 2,910 feet (though some sources cite over 3,000 feet), offering a truly elevated and remote experience. It's located within the Chopaka Mountain Wilderness Study Area (WSA) and managed by both the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and the Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR), with two distinct, primitive campground areas.

Accessing Chopaka Lake is part of the adventure, as reviews consistently note that the "road in can be a challenge." From Highway 97 at Tonasket, you take the Loomis-Oroville Highway west through Loomis. Approximately two miles past Loomis, you turn left onto the Toats Coulee Road. From there, you'll eventually turn onto Chopaka Mountain Road. The drive involves a "steep grade up the mountain" and rough, unpaved dirt roads. High-clearance vehicles, such as an "SUV/truck," are highly recommended, and 4WD may be required, especially during or after inclement weather. Some areas may have rocky sections, minor washouts, and potholes.

For Washington residents traveling from major cities: from Seattle, the drive can take 4-5 hours, winding through scenic but potentially challenging mountain routes. From Spokane, it's about 3.5-4 hours. Road access is generally available from "mid-April to mid-November" and is often limited or impassable during winter due to snow conditions. As of a recent review (May 2025), there was a note of closure due to "flooding and road washed out per DNR," highlighting the importance of checking current road conditions before attempting the journey. This remote access contributes significantly to the wilderness feel of the campground, ensuring that those who make the effort are rewarded with a secluded and pristine environment.

• Primitive Campsites: Offers a number of undeveloped campsites for tent camping. The BLM campground has eight sites with fire rings, while the DNR campground also offers campsites (some with picnic tables and wooden canopies).
• Pit Toilets (Vault Toilets): Basic restroom facilities are available.
• Potable Water: A cistern or pump may be available for potable water, though a review notes it can be "questionable potable water," suggesting visitors might prefer to bring their own or treat the water.
• Fire Rings: Provided at campsites for campfires and cooking (always check for burn bans).
• Boat Launch: Gravel boat launches are available for non-motorized watercraft, popular for float tubes or pontoon boats.
• No Fees (Typically): The BLM and DNR campgrounds are generally no-fee camping areas, but a Washington State Discover Pass may be required for parking in the DNR section.
• Limited Cell Service: No cell service is available at the campground, though 1-2 bars may be found at a "hairpin turn above the lake," providing a true opportunity to disconnect.

• Remote Alpine Setting: Offers a truly isolated and pristine camping experience at a high-altitude lake, providing stunning natural beauty and tranquility away from crowds.
• Exceptional Fly Fishing: Chopaka Lake is renowned among fly fishers as a "fly-fishing-only" lake in Okanogan County, celebrated for its "hard fighting" and "quite large" rainbow trout (often 12-18 inches). This is a major draw for dedicated anglers.
• Wilderness Immersion: Located within the Chopaka Mountain Wilderness Study Area (WSA), it provides direct access to non-motorized trails for hiking and wildlife viewing, with opportunities to spot mountain goats, bighorn sheep, and diverse birdlife.
• True Disconnect: The lack of cell service at the campground offers a rare chance to fully unplug and immerse oneself in nature without digital distractions.
• Scenic Beauty: Surrounded by aspen groves, sagebrush, and rugged mountain terrain, the lake offers picturesque views and a serene backdrop for outdoor activities.
• Primitive Camping Experience: Ideal for those who enjoy rustic, undeveloped camping with basic amenities, fostering a sense of self-reliance and adventure.
• No Fees (Generally): Offers a cost-effective camping option for those with the appropriate vehicle and gear (though a Discover Pass may be needed).
• Unique Challenge: The challenging road access serves as a filter, ensuring a more secluded and rewarding experience for those prepared to reach it.
• Abundant Wildlife: The remote setting increases opportunities for wildlife observation, including rare plant species in the nearby Natural Area Preserve.

Chopaka Lake Campground is a primitive camping area managed by both the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and the Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR). As such, there isn't a direct phone number for the campground itself.

Address: Loomis, WA 98827, USA (This address represents the general area).

For up-to-date information regarding road conditions (especially important given past washouts), closures, fishing regulations, and general details about the area, Washington residents should consult the following official sources:

• Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Spokane District Office: Responsible for the BLM section of the campground and the Wilderness Study Area. Their contact information can usually be found on the official BLM.gov website under "Oregon-Washington."
• Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Northeast Region: Manages the DNR section of the campground and surrounding state forest lands. Information on their website (dnr.wa.gov) under "Loomis and Loup Loup State Forests" or "Natural Area Preserves" may be helpful.
• Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW): Crucial for current fishing regulations, stocking reports, and access information specific to Chopaka Lake (wdfw.wa.gov).
• Local Forums/Outdoor Websites: Websites like Wenatchee Outdoors or fly-fishing forums often have user-submitted reports on road conditions and fishing success.

Always check multiple sources before heading out, particularly given the remote nature and challenging access of Chopaka Lake.

For Washington residents, Chopaka Lake Campground embodies the adventurous spirit that defines our state's outdoor culture. This is a destination for those who truly seek to escape, to trade convenience for unparalleled natural beauty and a genuine wilderness experience. Its suitability for locals stems from several key factors. Firstly, for the avid fly-fishing community, Chopaka Lake is legendary, offering a unique challenge and the reward of large, hard-fighting rainbow trout in a "fly-fishing-only" environment that few other places can match. This specialized focus caters directly to a passionate segment of Washington’s outdoor enthusiasts.

Secondly, the remote, rustic nature of the campground, with its pit toilets and limited water, encourages a deeper connection with nature and a sense of self-reliance—qualities often cherished by Washingtonians. The challenging road access, while a barrier for some, serves to preserve the tranquility and pristine condition of the area, ensuring that those who make the effort are met with solitude and untouched landscapes. While recent closures due to flooding highlight the need for careful planning, this diligence is a small price to pay for access to such a "beautiful and special area." Chopaka Lake Campground is more than just a place to camp; it's an invitation to experience the rugged, untamed beauty of Washington's Okanogan Highlands, offering a truly unforgettable and deeply rewarding adventure for those willing to embrace the call of the wild in their own backyard.