Fishing and swimming opportunities draw visitors to Colville National Forest Panhandle Campground, which sits directly along the Pend Oreille River in northeastern Washington. This US Forest Service facility operates seasonally from Memorial Day through Labor Day and accommodates RVs up to 33 feet. The campground contains approximately 12 sites within a forested setting, with reservations available online.
Sites are positioned close together, and road noise affects some camping areas due to the campground's proximity to the main access route. The terrain presents challenges for tent campers, as much of the ground is hard-packed with limited level spots outside of the parking areas. Zachary S. notes that "access to water was nice," though spring visitors should expect thick vegetation that can complicate setup.
River conditions vary seasonally, with flood stage potentially limiting water activities during high-water periods. The facility includes garbage disposal areas and allows campfires, though cleanliness standards receive mixed reviews from visitors. Morning hours offer the most favorable conditions for enjoying river views.
For different accommodations, Outpost Resort provides an alternative just minutes away with different amenities and site configurations.
Description
Overview
Panhandle Campground is set in a heavily forested area on the Pend Oreille River in northeast Washington. This small campground offers sites with views of the river, plus a swimming area right along the campground.
Recreation
Canoeing and birding are popular activities. Small wetlands areas lie on the south end of the campground, attracting an abundance of birds. Excellent fishing opportunities for bass and trout exist in the river as well. Power boating and water skiing are possible on the wide, deep Pend Oreille River. Boating speeds are limited to 35 mph. A boat ramp is located on-site.
Facilities
Sites are suitable for tents and large RVs. Most sites are private and all are within a short walk of the river. Drinking water, vault toilets and picnic tables are among the campground's amenities.
Natural Features
The campground stretches along the east bank of the Pend Oreille River. A thick middlestory offers good privacy between campsites. The Pend Oreille River flows north for about 130 miles into Canada and merges with the Columbia River. The beautiful mountains and valleys were shaped by glaciers in the Ice Age. The Colville National Forest encompasses 1.1 million acres in the northeast corner of Washington State. The forest's great salmon runs first attracted Native Americans to the area, then miners, homesteaders and fur trappers. Its variety of resources and natural beauty continues to attract visitors today.
Nearby Attractions
Cruise the forest roads within a 30-mile radius and find an abundance of scenic overlooks and chances to see wildlife.
RV Road Trip Guides
Location
Public CampgroundColville National Forest Panhandle Campground is located in Washington
Directions
From downtown Newport, travel east on U.S. Highway 2 for 0.75 miles. Immediately after crossing the Pend Oreille River bridge, turn left on LeClerc Road and travel 32 miles north to Panhandle Campground.
Address
15021 LECLERC RD
Cusick, WA 99119
Coordinates
48.51 N
117.2713889 W
Connectivity
T-Mobile5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 4/20/26
VerizonLTESome Coverage- AT&TLTESome Coverage
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 4/20/26
- VerizonLTESome Coverage
- AT&TLTESome Coverage
Access
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
Features
For Campers
- Reservable
- Fires
Drive Time
- 1 hr 16 min from Spokane, WA
- 1 hr 23 min from Coeur d'Alene, ID
- 3 hrs from Lewiston, ID
- 3 hrs 45 min from Wenatchee, WA
