Dispersed

Empire Lakes (North, Middle, South) Dispersed

WA

$0.00 /night

Dispersed camping — conditions change

Fire restrictions, road washouts, and seasonal closures are common on public lands. Confirm current rules with the managing agency (BLM/USFS field office) before traveling. Practice Leave No Trace.

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Dispersed Area Free · No reservation USFS · Dispersed Camping Area

What is dispersed camping?

Dispersed camping is primitive camping on public land outside of developed campgrounds. There are no facilities — no toilets (usually), no water, no trash service, no marked sites. You may camp anywhere within the area, usually for free, subject to the agency's rules below. Pack everything out, follow Leave No Trace, and check current conditions with the land manager before you go.

Free dispersed sites on the north and south lakes of the Empire Lakes chain at 3,622 ft. No motorized boats.

Fire restrictions change daily. We don't publish a static fire-allowed claim — check the current order before any campfire, stove, or smoking.

Current fire orders ↗

Previously disturbed sites only
Camp ONLY in established / previously used spots. Pioneering new sites is prohibited under the management plan and subject to citation.
Pack out human waste
WAG bag (or equivalent pack-out kit) is required. Burying is not allowed in this area.
USFS Motor Vehicle Use Map required
You must use the Forest Service Motor Vehicle Use Map for this district to identify which roads allow camping. Off-MVUM driving and camping is illegal.

Managing agency: USFS · Republic Ranger District (Colville NF)
Designation: Dispersed Camping Area
Max stay: 14 days per location
Move distance after stay: 5 mi minimum
Road access: Graded dirt
Distance from water (LNT): 200+ ft
Vehicle notes: Two small rock-and-pebble boat launch areas off Forest Road 2150050 — one at the southeast corner of the south lake, one at the northwest corner of the north lake. Motorized boats not allowed.

Facilities

✗No toilets — pack out human waste (WAG bag)
→Potable water: Potable water is not available at this site.

Seasonal notes: Open year-round per agency page.

Resources & official references

Fire restrictions (live)

Colville NF — alerts and current fire orders ↗
Live alerts feed for the forest. Check before any campfire or stove use.

Official agency page

USFS — Empire Lakes (North, Middle, South) ↗
Official rec-area page from the managing agency.

Field office / ranger district

USFS Colville National Forest ↗
Forest landing page — alerts, contact, current orders.

Leave No Trace

Leave No Trace — 7 Principles ↗
Pack everything out, camp on durable surfaces, respect wildlife, etc.

About

Three small lakes (North, Middle, South) at 3,622 ft elevation on the Republic Ranger District. Per agency copy, dispersed camping locations can be found on the north and south lakes; food and wildlife attractants must be properly stored at all times; quiet hours 10 p.m. – 6 a.m.; motorized boats not allowed. Maximum stay 14 days; per Colville NF rule, move at least 5 road miles before camping in another dispersed area.