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Map showing campground location near Ione, Washington
Camper submitted image from Campbell Park at Box Canyon DamView 13 Photos
CampingMap showing campground location near Ione, Washington

Campbell Park at Box Canyon Dam

4 ReviewsAdd Review
SUMMARY PRESENTED BYT-Mobile

Free camping managed by a hydroelectric utility company, Campbell Park at Box Canyon Dam sits just off the highway in Ione, Washington, with around 10 drive-in sites available at no cost. RVs up to 35 feet can access the area, and the campground includes vault toilets, drinking water, picnic tables, fire rings, and free firewood. Cell service is available on site.

The layout centers on a small swimming and fishing lagoon, with seating areas around the water and life jackets provided for children. One site includes a small waterfall directly within the camp. Road noise from the nearby highway is consistent, though reviewers note the sound of the creek near the vault toilet helps mask it. Wildlife sightings have been limited, mostly geese, and no hiking trails are located within the campground itself. A nearby viewpoint for an eagle nest and Sweet Water Falls rest stop are within a short drive, as is Gardner Caves, which offers guided cave tours.

Cleanliness has rated well across reviews, and the on-site visitor center provides context about the dam and its operations. "The spot by the creek close to the vault toilet is superb," noted one reviewer. Trash is pack-in, pack-out. Crowding can increase with larger groups, and the campground has at times shifted to day-use-only status, so confirming current overnight access before arrival is worth the effort. Nearby alternatives include Edgewater Campground and PauPac Road Camp Colville Ntl Forest for campers who need a backup option.

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Map & DirectionsCampbell Park at Box Canyon Dam is located in Washington near Ione

Detail location of campground
Dispersed Camping

Coordinates

48.78059929 N
117.4181594 W

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Connectivity

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    Verizon
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    AT&TLTE
    Some Coverage
    Verified by 2 users

Connectivity

Presented byT-MobileT-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoorsLearn More
  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    Verizon
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&TLTE
    Some Coverage
    Verified by 2 users

Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site
  • Walk-In
    Park in a lot, walk to your site.

Site Types

  • Dispersed

Features

For Campers

  • ADA Access
  • Trash
  • Picnic Table
  • Firewood Available
  • Phone Service
  • Drinking Water
  • Toilets
  • Alcohol
  • Pets
  • Fires

DISPERSED CAMPING

Enjoy dispersed camping on government land and leave no trace. Pack in and pack out. No (or limited) services at this camping area. Permit may be required.

PERMIT might be REQUIRED

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Reviews4 Camper Reviews - Campbell Park at Box Canyon Dam

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4.5

out of 5

4 Reviews

Reviewed Jul. 26, 2021

Campbell Park just became day use only

I've been camping here for several days. Very busy campground with large groups coming and going, but no longer. They posted that as of today, it's day use only indefinitely.

Month of VisitJuly
  • Review photo of Campbell Park at Box Canyon Dam by Jamie H., July 26, 2021
  • Review photo of Campbell Park at Box Canyon Dam by Jamie H., July 26, 2021
Reviewed Apr. 6, 2021

Rad free campground!!

This place is absolutely charming. If you need to stop on a long journey and don't want to find a spot to dispersed camp, you can find vault toilets here as well as a small swimming lagoon. Traffic noise is consistent but not loud or close enough to keep you up at night. Close to 6 camping spots we saw, and in early April, there is nobody here but us to enjoy it. If you don't mind the chilly breeze, the spot by the creek close to the vault toilet is superb. The water is loud enough to stifle most of the traffic noise. Overall 4/5 stars were given because of mild traffic noise, little wildlife besides geese to watch, and no hiking trails we could find. Otherwise this is a great rest stop for a night or two! Also trash is pack in pack out please.

  • Review photo of Campbell Park at Box Canyon Dam by Mac , April 6, 2021
  • Review photo of Campbell Park at Box Canyon Dam by Mac , April 6, 2021
  • Review photo of Campbell Park at Box Canyon Dam by Mac , April 6, 2021
  • (4) View All
Reviewed Sep. 8, 2019

Great Free Campground!

A very lovely free campground provided courtesy of the hydroelectric company. Around 10 sites with free firewood, washrooms, drinking water and a small lagoon for swimming. Did I mention it’s free??

  • Review photo of Campbell Park at Box Canyon Dam by Ryan C., September 8, 2019
  • Review photo of Campbell Park at Box Canyon Dam by Ryan C., September 8, 2019
Reviewed May. 31, 2019

Super Awesome!

This is not my typical campground. I was surprised at the location and the really cool Hydro Electric Dam! This Campground is FREE, and small, but it has some really cool amenities. there is a fishing/swimming pond for the kids, free firewood, one of the sites has a cute small waterfall, IN THE SITE!!! There are picnic tables and fire rings, vault toilets that are maintained, seating areas around the pond, and it is in the Dam parking lot, It is just off the freeway so there is a good amount of road noise.There is a visitor center on site where you can learn about the damn, and just up the road is a view point for eagles nest, Sweet Water Falls rest stop, which has a small hike up to a double waterfall! And about 20 minutes away is Gardner Caves, which is about an hour long cave tour starting at 10am, 12pm, 2pm, and 4pm. From the cave there is a 1/4 mile hike to Canada Border! 

The campground also provides life jackets , if your child needs one! 

Really cool for not being my typical campground.

Month of VisitMay
  • Review photo of Campbell Park at Box Canyon Dam by Andrea R., May 31, 2019
  • Review photo of Campbell Park at Box Canyon Dam by Andrea R., May 31, 2019
  • Review photo of Campbell Park at Box Canyon Dam by Andrea R., May 31, 2019
  • (5) View All
Showing results 1-4 of 4 reviews

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Box Canyon Dam Campground located in Ione, WA?

Campbell Park at Box Canyon Dam is located in Ione, Washington near a hydroelectric dam. The campground sits alongside the Box Canyon Dam on the Pend Oreille River. It's a small campground with approximately 10 sites, provided courtesy of the local hydroelectric company. The location offers a unique camping experience with the dam as a backdrop. The campground's setting combines natural beauty with hydroelectric infrastructure, making it an interesting destination for those interested in both outdoor recreation and industrial landmarks.

Are there scenic views or photo opportunities at Box Canyon Dam Campground?

Box Canyon Dam Campground offers several photogenic features worth capturing. The hydroelectric dam itself provides an impressive industrial backdrop against the natural setting. One camping site features a charming small waterfall, creating a picture-perfect spot. The small swimming lagoon reflects the surrounding landscape, especially during sunrise and sunset. The combination of water features, forested areas, and the dam infrastructure creates diverse photo opportunities for both nature and industrial photography enthusiasts.

What facilities are available at Campbell Park near Box Canyon Dam?

Campbell Park offers several amenities despite being a free campground. Facilities include vault toilets, drinking water, and complimentary firewood. The campground features around 10 camping spots, with one site even having a small waterfall. A unique highlight is the small swimming lagoon/fishing pond that's perfect for kids and families. The campground is compact but well-maintained, with basic necessities covered for a comfortable camping experience.

What other campgrounds are available near Box Canyon Dam?

While specific nearby campgrounds aren't detailed in the information available, the Pend Oreille River area offers several alternatives to Campbell Park. The region features a mix of developed campgrounds, Forest Service sites, and dispersed camping opportunities. If Campbell Park is at capacity or you're seeking different amenities, check with the Colville National Forest for nearby options, or explore other public lands in the area. For the most current information on nearby alternatives, contact the Pend Oreille County tourism office or check with local ranger stations.

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