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Best Dispersed Camping near Airway Heights, WA

68 Reviews

Several dispersed camping areas exist within driving distance of Airway Heights, Washington, primarily on Bureau of Land Management (BLM) lands. Fishtrap Recreation Area, located approximately 30 miles southwest, provides free primitive camping with drive-in access. Hog Lake Campground, another BLM property about 20 miles west of Airway Heights, features multiple dispersed sites along a gravel road leading to the lake. Additional options include Escure Ranch/Rock Creek Recreation Area and North Fork Chewelah Creek, though these require longer drives from Airway Heights.

Access roads to these dispersed camping areas typically consist of dirt or gravel surfaces that may become challenging after rain or snow. Many sites require vehicles with decent ground clearance, particularly at Escure Ranch where reviews note "the last two miles driving in is a rough dirt road." Most locations have no water sources, so campers must bring all necessary supplies. Fire restrictions are common during summer months. BLM areas generally permit camping for up to 14 days, as mentioned in one review: "Can stay up to 14 days." None of these dispersed sites offer hookups, running water, or modern facilities.

Wildlife viewing opportunities enhance the camping experience in these areas, with coyotes, deer, and various bird species commonly spotted. Night skies provide excellent stargazing due to minimal light pollution. A review of Escure Ranch notes it's "a lovely secluded spot for amazing star-gazing on a clear night. At night it is in complete darkness, away from traffic noise, and you can hear the coyotes as they move nearer." Most areas remain relatively uncrowded, though accessibility varies seasonally. Fishtrap Recreation Area receives consistent positive feedback for its spaciousness, with one camper describing it as having "very quiet open sites" with "plenty of opportunity for solar." Train noise affects some locations, particularly at Hog Lake where reviews mention occasional passing trains.

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Airway Heights, Washington (10)

    1. Hog Lake Campground

    35 Reviews
    Sprague, WA
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (509) 536-1200

    "BLM land was easy to find right off the highway. Rough gravel road easily traveled in a truck, low clearance vehicle may have trouble. There were a few people with campers at the end of the road."

    "I personally would not want to drive anything bigger than a camper van down there but there are quite a few bug turnaround spots and some nice big sites."

    2. Fishtrap Recreation Area

    15 Reviews
    Sprague, WA
    25 miles
    Website
    +1 (509) 536-1200

    "Plenty of opportunity for solar 3 bar 5g Tmobile Open mostly level sites Not very busy Some larger sites able to accommodate bigger rigs (25' at least) Cons:

    No amenities (where we are, maybe further"

    "A nice location! I will advise tent campers it is tent accessible but not the easiest spot in a tent. The soil is very dry and a couple of the spots were hard rocks and not accessible for tents."

    3. Bonnie Lake Island

    1 Review
    St. John, WA
    26 miles
    Website

    "This is a primitive site on an island in Bonnie Lake in Eastern Washington. Bonnie lake is a canyon lake, about 4 miles long and narrow."

    4. Escure Ranch / Rock Creek Recreation Area

    7 Reviews
    Lamont, WA
    47 miles
    Website
    +1 (509) 536-1200

    "The campground itself is on BLM land and is primitive.  There is a pit toilet, picnic tables, fire rings, corrals and horse water. "

    "The drive was mostly dirt roads. I managed just fine in a Subaru for context. The hike itself was incredible and a bit primitive at points. Bring bug spray and maybe a machete lol."

    5. North Fork Chewelah Creek

    5 Reviews
    Chewelah, WA
    48 miles
    Website
    +1 (509) 684-7000

    "At first I entered the coordinates listed on the page and it took me to the opposite entrance to Colville National Forest - there are no places to camp on that side due to the steep drop.  "

    "Small space with multiple dispersed camp sites along the creek and throughout the wooded area. The creek is very small but powerful. You can not swim but still a great place to get wet."

    6. Crab Creek at Rocky Ford

    2 Reviews
    Sprague, WA
    39 miles

    7. Cow Lake

    2 Reviews
    Lamont, WA
    45 miles

    "Drive in was a little rough. Bagged trash left from previous campers. Spots next to the water"

    8. Lakes Divide Road

    2 Reviews
    Medimont, ID
    49 miles

    9. Bead Lake

    1 Review
    Newport, WA
    50 miles
    Website
    +1 (509) 684-7000

    10. Escure Ranch & Towell Falls

    Be the first to review!
    Lamont, WA
    47 miles
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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Airway Heights, WA

68 Photos of 10 Airway Heights Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Airway Heights, WA

68 Reviews of 10 Airway Heights Campgrounds

  • Josh S.
    Sep. 3, 2024

    Fishtrap Recreation Area

    Quiet Prairie Camping

    Quiet campsite in Fishtrap Recreation Area.

    Pros:

    Very quiet open sites. Plenty of opportunity for solar 3 bar 5g Tmobile Open mostly level sites Not very busy Some larger sites able to accommodate bigger rigs (25' at least)

    Cons:

    No amenities (where we are, maybe further in they have them) Dusty and dry Fire restrictions in place Sites have some trash in them.

    Overall we enjoyed it for a layover stay. It's very quiet, open skies were good to recharge solar and stargaze and it was a nice break from some of the more crowded campsites.

  • L
    Jun. 14, 2024

    Fishtrap Recreation Area

    Tent Camping meets dust

    A nice location! I will advise tent campers it is tent accessible but not the easiest spot in a tent. The soil is very dry and a couple of the spots were hard rocks and not accessible for tents. We did end up finding a spot in our tent, but this is site is much easier with an RV or van. Would recommend a backup plan ahead of time in case the sites available here are not compatible.

  • Gary M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 31, 2019

    Escure Ranch / Rock Creek Recreation Area

    Primitive but magnificent

    The campground itself is on BLM land and is primitive.  There is a pit toilet, picnic tables, fire rings, corrals and horse water.  The camping itself is on the primitive side, but the scenery it magnificent!  The last two miles driving in is a rough dirt road, and a vehicle with ground clearance is highly desirable. A three mile hike/horseback ride takes you through Washington's Channeled Scablands to Towell Falls through spectacular buttes and meadows along the creek.  The best time to visit is in the spring when the wildflowers are in bloom and before the RATTLESNAKES get populous.  The night skies are particularly dark because you're a long way from any civilization.  It's also interesting exploring the old ranch building that remain on the site. The area is popular with horsemen and trail groups up to a bit of "roughing it." It also can be a great day trip from the Spokane Washington area.

  • Kayln H.
    Mar. 28, 2022

    Hog Lake Campground

    Great spot right off 90

    BLM land was easy to find right off the highway. Rough gravel road easily traveled in a truck, low clearance vehicle may have trouble. There were a few people with campers at the end of the road. A lot of dispersed sites, some close to the road, a few very private. Two nice lakes.. at the end of the road you cross to state park land which does not allow camping but is very well marked with a gate and signs. There was a fe portapottys scatter along the road. Light freeway noise, did hear one night train, but for free and a beautiful landscape not too bad.

  • Overland S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 15, 2024

    Escure Ranch / Rock Creek Recreation Area

    Astro Photographer’s Dream

    The drive was mostly dirt roads. I managed just fine in a Subaru for context. The hike itself was incredible and a bit primitive at points. Bring bug spray and maybe a machete lol. I was getting close to where one of the waterfalls was and ran into a Coyote who would not budge. That pretty much ended the hike as I could hear others howling nearby.

    The hike back was even amazing with the Sunset and landscape making me feel like I was on another planet. The best part was pure luck as I setup camp on the road back during a new moon which was perfect for star gazing and astro photography. I’m an amateur and took my time to learn my camera a bit. This little adventure was my favorite thus far this year.

  • Stephenie C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Mar. 17, 2023

    Hog Lake Campground

    Coyotes and trains, OH MY!

    Nice little place. The road gets a bit rough. I personally would not want to drive anything bigger than a camper van down there but there are quite a few bug turnaround spots and some nice big sites. Be careful going into the sites as there is a dip. My Kia seemed to think I was just nose diving into a crevice as I was getting across with all its sensors screaming at me. Some coyotes came through camp at some point during the night. I heard them howling from a distance but only knew they came into camp because they left footprints in the frost. Only one other person was out there so nice and quiet

  • kara H.
    Sep. 26, 2021

    Hog Lake Campground

    Blm

    Nice open blm area, rustic campsites. there's an established trail that goes to hog lake and the boat launch area which is only accessible on foot when we were camping. The lake access (with the toilet) is not open, gate is locked. Saw a rattlesnake on the trail but we kept our distance and he went on his way. Be kind to the animals, it's their home. Can stay up to 14 days

  • NThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 17, 2025

    North Fork Chewelah Creek

    Very refreshing and beautiful!

    First time taking the godson camping and this was the perfect spot.  The godson's mom told me she went to this area when she was young and then I saw it here on The Dyrt.  At first I entered the coordinates listed on the page and it took me to the opposite entrance to Colville National Forest - there are no places to camp on that side due to the steep drop.  Make sure you follow the written directions - just follow Sand Canyon all the way out and it will take you to the proper entrance to Colville National Forest.  There are a few different pull-offs to camp sites.  The one we stayed at was a bit further down the rock road.  It is a loop off the main road and there are several camp sites along the creek.  There is also a vault toilet - very clean - in this area.  The godson loved it - he even played in the freezing cold water.  I enjoyed the peace and quiet!

Guide to Airway Heights

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Airway Heights, Washington, where nature enthusiasts can enjoy serene landscapes and a sense of adventure. With a variety of options available, campers can find the perfect spot to unwind and connect with the great outdoors.

Dispersed campers should check out Hog Lake Campground

  • Located in the Fishtrap Recreation Area, Hog Lake Campground offers a peaceful environment with minimal traffic, making it ideal for those seeking solitude.
  • Many sites are RV accessible, and the area is well-maintained, ensuring a comfortable stay for all types of campers.
  • Enjoy the sounds of nature, including the occasional coyote serenade at night, which adds to the unique experience of camping here.

Tips for free and dispersed camping near Airway Heights, Washington

  • When visiting Fishtrap Recreation Area, be prepared for a lack of amenities; bring your own supplies and pack out what you pack in.
  • This area is known for its spacious sites, which can accommodate larger rigs, making it a great choice for families or groups traveling together.
  • Keep an eye out for wildlife while exploring the area, as sightings of deer and other animals are common.

Bonnie Lake Island for dispersed campers

  • Accessible only by boat, Bonnie Lake Island provides a unique camping experience on an island surrounded by stunning canyon views.
  • The site is primitive, so campers should come prepared with necessary supplies, including sanitary bags for waste disposal.
  • Enjoy the tranquility of the island, where the steep canyon walls create a natural amphitheater for the sounds of nature, including the calls of coyotes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I find free camping near Airway Heights?

Fishtrap Recreation Area is a popular free camping option near Airway Heights. It offers quiet, open sites with plenty of space and is noted for being close to Spokane for easy access to supplies. Another good free option is Escure Ranch / Rock Creek Recreation Area, which offers primitive camping on BLM land with beautiful scenery. Though it's accessed via a rough dirt road for the last two miles, it rewards campers with magnificent views and solitude.

What amenities are available at dispersed camping sites in Airway Heights?

Dispersed camping sites around Airway Heights are typically primitive with minimal to no amenities. Hog Lake Campground has rustic campsites with some established trails and occasional access to a boat launch area, though facilities like toilets may be seasonal. There's also a pit toilet when the lake access area is open. At Escure Ranch / Rock Creek Recreation Area, you'll find basic facilities including pit toilets, picnic tables, fire rings, and for those with horses, corrals and horse water. Most dispersed sites in the area don't offer water, electricity, or garbage services.

Can I park an RV at free camping areas near Airway Heights?

Yes, you can park RVs at some free camping areas near Airway Heights, though size limitations apply. Fishtrap Recreation Area offers open, mostly level sites that can accommodate larger rigs up to at least 25 feet, with plenty of opportunity for solar power. The area is noted as being more suitable for RVs or vans than tents due to the dry soil and rocky terrain. At Hog Lake Campground, the rough gravel road can be challenging - campers recommend nothing bigger than a camper van, though there are some larger turnaround spots and sites. Be careful of dips when entering sites.

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