Lopez Lake Camping Cost Calculator
Note: The park requires reservations 6 months in advance for peak season dates (Memorial Day to Labor Day). You'll need to book at least 60 days ahead for full hookups. Weekdays are typically cheaper than weekends.
Pro tip: For a family of four with a midsize RV in July, plan for approximately $226 total for a 3-night stay (including site fee, firewood, and boat launch).
If you’re planning a weekend getaway to Lopez Lake, one of the first questions on your mind is probably: how much does it cost to camp at Lopez Lake? The answer isn’t just a single number-it depends on when you go, what kind of site you want, and whether you’re bringing an RV, tent, or just sleeping under the stars. Let’s break down exactly what you’ll pay in 2025, so there are no surprises when you show up.
Basic Tent Camping Rates
Tent camping at Lopez Lake is the most affordable option. In 2025, a standard tent site costs $30 per night. These sites are basic but functional: a flat gravel pad, a fire ring, and a picnic table. Most are within 100 feet of the lake, and you’re usually within a 5-minute walk of the restrooms and drinking water spigots.
There are 85 tent-only sites spread across three campgrounds: North Shore, South Cove, and Pine Ridge. North Shore is the most popular-it’s close to the boat launch and has the best sunset views. If you show up on a Friday in summer and don’t have a reservation, you might find a spot, but don’t count on it. Weekends fill up weeks ahead, especially during Memorial Day, Fourth of July, and Labor Day weekends.
RV and Trailer Sites
If you’re rolling in with an RV or trailer, expect to pay more. RV sites at Lopez Lake range from $45 to $65 per night, depending on hookups. Here’s the breakdown:
- $45/night: Non-hookup site (no water, electricity, or sewer). Good for small trailers or campers with onboard tanks.
- $55/night: Water and electric (30-amp service). Most common choice for families.
- $65/night: Full hookups (water, electric, sewer). Ideal for larger rigs or longer stays.
There are 62 RV sites total. Sites with full hookups are limited-only 18 of them-and they’re the first to book. If you need sewer, book at least 60 days in advance. The park doesn’t allow generators to run after 10 p.m., so if you’re planning to use AC or a fridge, make sure your battery setup can handle it.
Group and Extended Stay Discounts
Planning a family reunion or a week-long fishing trip? Lopez Lake offers discounts for longer stays and groups.
- Weekly rates: If you stay seven consecutive nights, you get 20% off the nightly rate. A $55 RV site drops to $44 per night. That’s $308 for the week instead of $385.
- Group sites: There are two large group sites that can hold up to 50 people. These cost $180 per night, regardless of whether you’re camping in tents or RVs. You get your own restroom, picnic shelter, and fire pit. You need to reserve these at least 90 days ahead.
Seniors (62+) and military veterans get a 20% discount on all site fees. You’ll need to show a valid ID at check-in. This discount applies to both tent and RV sites.
Extra Fees to Watch For
There’s no hidden fee for the site itself, but there are a few extras you might run into.
- Vehicle entry fee: $10 per car per day. This covers parking and access to all park areas, including the beach and hiking trails. It’s waived if you’re staying overnight.
- Additional vehicle fee: $5 per extra car. Only one vehicle per site is allowed without charge.
- Firewood: You can’t bring your own. The park sells bundles of treated wood for $8 each. It’s not cheap, but it’s legal-this rule is in place to stop invasive insects from spreading.
- Boat launch: If you’re bringing a boat, there’s a $12 launch fee. Kayaks and canoes are free.
Some people think the firewood rule is annoying, but it’s backed by state forestry laws. In 2023, a beetle infestation killed over 2,000 trees near the lake. The park’s wood policy helped stop it from spreading further.
Reservations and Cancellations
You can’t just show up and camp anymore. Lopez Lake requires all sites to be reserved in advance through Lopez Lake Parks Online. Reservations open 6 months ahead on the first of the month. So if you want to camp the first weekend in July, you need to book on January 1.
Cancelations are allowed up to 48 hours before your arrival. You’ll get a full refund minus a $10 processing fee. If you cancel within 48 hours, you lose the first night’s fee. No-shows get charged for the full stay.
There’s no walk-up availability during peak season (Memorial Day to Labor Day). Outside of that, you might get lucky on a Tuesday or Wednesday in October, but don’t count on it.
What’s Included? What’s Not
Here’s what you get with your site fee:
- Access to clean restrooms and showers (hot water available)
- Drinking water at spigots near each loop
- Trash and recycling pickup twice daily
- Free access to the public beach
- Free use of the playground and volleyball court
Here’s what’s not included:
- Parking for more than one vehicle
- Wi-Fi (there’s none)
- Laundry facilities
- Propane refills
- Food or drinks
The park has a small store near the entrance that sells snacks, ice, basic camping supplies, and fishing licenses. Prices are about 20% higher than a regular grocery store, but it’s better than running out of batteries in the middle of the night.
When Is the Best Time to Go for the Lowest Price?
Peak season runs from late May through early September. That’s when prices are highest and crowds are thickest. If you want the best deal, aim for:
- April and early May: Tent sites still $30, RV sites $45. Weather’s mild, crowds are thin. Perfect for hikers and birdwatchers.
- October: Same prices as spring, but cooler nights. The fall colors around the lake are stunning. Some sites close after October 15, so check ahead.
- November: Only two campgrounds stay open, and they’re first-come, first-served. No reservations. Sites are $25 a night. Bring warm gear-it gets chilly.
Weekdays are always cheaper than weekends, even outside peak season. If you can take off Wednesday to Friday, you’ll save money and get more peace and quiet.
Alternative Options Near Lopez Lake
If Lopez Lake is fully booked or too pricey, here are three nearby alternatives:
- Bluewater Lake State Park (20 minutes away): Similar sites, $28 for tent, $50 for full hookups. Less crowded, but no boat launch.
- Red Rock Canyon Campground (35 minutes away): $25 per night, no hookups. More rugged, no showers. Great for backpackers.
- Private RV park at Willow Creek (15 minutes away): $60 for full hookups, includes Wi-Fi and laundry. Not as scenic, but more convenient.
Most locals recommend Lopez Lake for its mix of amenities and natural beauty. But if you’re on a tight budget or want solitude, the alternatives are solid.
Final Cost Estimate for a Typical Trip
Here’s what a typical 3-night weekend trip costs in July for a family of four with a midsize RV:
- RV site with water and electric: $55 x 3 = $165
- One vehicle entry: $0 (covered by site fee)
- Firewood: $8 x 2 = $16
- Boat launch: $12
- Snacks and ice from park store: $25
- Total: $226
That’s not cheap, but it’s a lot less than a hotel room for three nights. And you’ve got the lake, the trails, and the stars all to yourself.
Can I camp for free at Lopez Lake?
No, Lopez Lake doesn’t allow free camping. All overnight stays require a reservation and payment. Even dispersed camping is prohibited. The park enforces this strictly to protect the environment and manage waste. If you’re looking for free options, try nearby public lands like the National Forest, but you’ll need to drive at least 40 miles.
Are pets allowed at Lopez Lake campsites?
Yes, pets are allowed but must be leashed at all times. They’re not permitted on the beach or in the swimming area. There’s a pet waste station near each restroom. You’ll be fined $50 if your pet is off-leash or causing a disturbance. Some campers bring doggie pools for their pets-there’s no water access for dogs at the lake, so plan ahead.
Can I bring my own firewood?
No. State regulations ban bringing in outside firewood to prevent the spread of tree-killing insects like the emerald ash borer. Lopez Lake sells certified heat-treated wood for $8 per bundle. You can also buy it at gas stations near the park entrance. Burning unapproved wood can result in a $100 fine.
Is there cell service at Lopez Lake?
Spotty at best. Verizon has the strongest signal near the entrance and the store. AT&T and T-Mobile often drop out in the deeper loops. If you need reliable service, you’ll need to drive to the top of the ridge near the boat ramp. Don’t count on GPS or streaming. Bring paper maps and download offline maps before you arrive.
Can I fish at Lopez Lake without a license?
No. Everyone over the age of 16 needs a valid state fishing license to fish in Lopez Lake. You can buy one online through the state wildlife agency or at the park store. The lake is stocked with rainbow trout, bass, and catfish. Catch limits are strictly enforced: 5 trout, 3 bass, and 10 catfish per person per day.
What to Do If You Can’t Get a Site
Even with reservations, things go wrong. Maybe your plans changed, or you got shut out during peak season. Here’s what to do:
- Check the reservation site daily. People cancel-especially in the week before arrival.
- Call the park office. Sometimes they have unlisted cancellations or can move you to a different loop.
- Try a nearby state park. Bluewater Lake often has last-minute openings.
- Consider a day pass. You can pay $10 to use the beach, picnic areas, and trails even if you’re not camping.
Don’t show up unprepared. The park rangers don’t hand out spots on a whim. If you don’t have a reservation, you’ll be turned away-no exceptions.
