j
janelle H.
Scout
ScoutRose Lake
Rose Lake Boat Launch
Free camping for up to three days. They have an open field above boat launch and a small parking lot.vault toilets. No garbage can. Please observe leave no trace practices.
Dispersed Camping near Chattaroy, WA
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SUMMARY PRESENTED BY
The Colville National Forest and Bureau of Land Management (BLM) lands provide several dispersed camping opportunities near Chattaroy, Washington. Free primitive sites can be found at North Fork Chewelah Creek, Hog Lake, Fishtrap Recreation Area, and Cooks Lake, all within reasonable driving distance. These areas typically allow camping in undeveloped locations where previous use is evident, with campsites often situated near creeks or lakes. Most sites lack formal boundaries but feature established fire rings and flat areas for tents or small recreational vehicles.
Access to dispersed camping areas requires navigation on unpaved forest roads that range from well-maintained gravel to rough dirt tracks. High-clearance vehicles are recommended for reaching many sites, particularly after rain or during spring thaw when roads may become muddy. Most locations have no drinking water, toilets, or trash facilities, requiring campers to pack in all supplies and pack out all waste. Fire restrictions commonly apply during summer months, with complete bans possible during high fire danger periods. BLM sites like Hog Lake allow camping for up to 14 days within a 28-day period.
The dispersed areas around Chattaroy provide opportunities for fishing, hiking, wildlife viewing, and water recreation. North Fork Chewelah Creek features multiple sites along a small but powerful creek with abundant natural shade. A visitor noted, "Awesome spot, next to the water, pretty easy to get to. Saw some folks but not after dark and only at a distance." At Hog Lake, campers can find relative solitude despite proximity to Interstate 90. As one camper described, "BLM land was easy to find right off the highway. 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."
Best Dispersed Campgrounds near Chattaroy (15)
1. Hog Lake Campground
"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. North Fork Chewelah Creek
"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. "
"I updated the location here on The Dyrt app. The exact address is 3399 Sand Canyon Rd, Chewelah, WA. There are at least 10 dispersed fire rings. Many of the sites have direct access to the creek."
3. Fishtrap Recreation Area
"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."
4. Cooks Lake
"Cute little dispersed campground approx 6 sites. At least 2 of them are good for me trailer although I wouldn't try if you're not experienced with towing."
"Swimming/small boat access is through the main campground."
5. Rose Lake
"Free camping for up to three days. They have an open field above boat launch and a small parking lot.vault toilets. No garbage can. Please observe leave no trace practices."
"Great elevated views of Rose Lake through the trees at the boat ramp. Several fishermen loading up after a day on the lake. A little noisy, but not distracting."
6. Bull Run Access Dispersed
"Lots of spaces and places to turn around. After crossing the bike path, take the first right onto the dirt road at the sportsmans access sign (parallel to the small paved parking lot.)"
"If you drive past the first couple grass campsites and continue on the narrow road with water on both sides, just off to the right is a single secluded campsite amongst the tree."
7. Cee Cee Ah Creek
"Nearby campsites are far enough away that you have plenty of privacy. There is a creek that runs through this area, which is great for cooling off on hot days."
8. Northfork Chewelah Creek
"I don’t normally leave reviews like this, but there is some confusion about the location of this place. I believe there is another location listed here on the dyrt app."
9. copper mountain rd dispersed
"Close to the highway so a little bit of noise from the interstate. Fire ring and that’s it."
"Very uneven but I found a spot close to even"
10. Little Pend Orielle Campground
"It was very spacious and was walking distance from the dock and a toilet facility. However the toilet was very foul and we opted out of using it."
Drive Time
- 27 min from Spokane, WA
- 44 min from Coeur d'Alene, ID
- 2 hrs 10 min from Lewiston, ID
- 3 hrs from Walla Walla, WA
Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Chattaroy, WA
75 Photos of 15 Chattaroy Campgrounds
Andrea R.
Marshall Lake - CLOSED
Jennifer R.
Cooks Lake
King K.
North Fork Chewelah Creek
Joe B.
Cee Cee Ah Creek
Angie A.
Hog Lake Campground
Karly L.
Little Pend Orielle Campground
Brian L.
Bonnie Lake Island
Dee 🥰.
priest lake dispersed camping
Linnea W.
Fishtrap Recreation Area
Snake P.
Bull Run Access Dispersed
Jess G.
Rose Lake
Dispersed Camping Reviews near Chattaroy, WA
110 Reviews of 15 Chattaroy Campgrounds
Jennifer R.
GuideCooks Lake
Great quiet place
Cute little dispersed campground approx 6 sites. At least 2 of them are good for me trailer although I wouldn't try if you're not experienced with towing. The road to get there was approx six miles of gravel winding single lane road. But so worth the drive for the beautiful shaded sites and the open Lakeview sites. Not alot of traffic comes through during the week. Has one vault toilet that was pretty clean but bring your own tp. Also it is bear county so be sure to bring bear proof containers although it was so hot when we went that the wildlife was hiding out...lol
Josh S.
TravelerFishtrap 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.
- LLinnea W.Traveler
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.
- CChandra B.Guide
Fishtrap Recreation Area
FishCamp
Great free camping near Spokane and supplies.
Kayln H.GuideHog 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.
Gary M.GuideLittle Pend Orielle Campground
Remote, secluded, no services, narrow gravel roads
If you like camping completely self contained, this is for you. There is a pit toilet (locked due to current COVID restrictions), and a fire ring at each dispersed campsite. No water, except for the creek, and not even any cell phone reception. Parking is level. Roads into the area are narrow gravel roads, so "large" rigs and/or trailers may find it a challenge. "High line" capabilities for horse campers. As for activities, there are many miles of trails and rugged roads to explore, but a CAUTION is to bring a GPS and have good map reading skills to avoid getting lost; it's easy to lose yourself. We camped September 28-29, and saw very little wildlife (probably due to hunting season), and were probably two weeks early to see the fall colors. If you like to be by yourself, away from people and can camp without any services (pack it in, pack it out), you will enjoy this place.
- Stephenie C.Traveler
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.TravelerHog 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
Guide to Chattaroy
Dispersed camping near Chattaroy, Washington offers numerous primitive sites in the Colville National Forest and surrounding public lands. Most locations sit at elevations between 2,000-4,000 feet, creating distinct seasonal access challenges throughout the year. Winter snowfall can make many roads impassable from November through April, while summer brings temperatures averaging 75-85°F during peak camping months.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: 5-8 miles from dispersed sites. At Bead Lake, anglers target rainbow trout and kokanee salmon using small boats or from shore access points. The lake reaches depths over 300 feet in spots.
Wildlife viewing: Early morning or dusk viewing. Bull Run Access provides excellent opportunities to observe native wildlife. "Very beautiful spot, with multiple small lakes, deer grazing around, and plenty of wildflowers," notes one visitor.
Hiking on unmarked trails: Moderate difficulty. Multiple rustic camping options near Chattaroy feature unmaintained hiking paths. "The area has a really nice hiking trail behind it," reports a camper at Fishtrap Recreation Area, making it "worth a stop, but not for long-term camping."
What campers like
Natural isolation: Sites spaced 50-200 yards apart. Cee Cee Ah Creek provides substantial privacy between camping areas. As one camper describes, "Nearby campsites are far enough away that you have plenty of privacy. There is a creek that runs through this area, which is great for cooling off on hot days."
Lake access: Multiple entry points. Rustic camping locations near Chattaroy often feature water access. At Little Pend Orielle Campground, campers appreciate the proximity to water features. "We opted for a spot right by potters pond. It was very spacious and was walking distance from the dock and a toilet facility... We had a lovely view of the pond."
Night sky viewing: Minimal light pollution. The remote nature of dispersed camping near Chattaroy creates excellent stargazing conditions. A camper at Fishtrap Recreation Area noted the "beautiful night sky" visibility from their site.
What you should know
Road conditions: High-clearance recommended year-round. Access roads to most rustic camping near Chattaroy deteriorate after rainfall. At Hog Lake Campground, "Road is a little bumpy but worth the drive in once you find your spot. There are several, very large, pull offs perfect for your stay."
Campsite availability: Fills quickly on weekends. Many dispersed areas become crowded during peak season. "Incredibly busy for a Tuesday night, people were pulling in all hours of the night," reports one camper at Hog Lake.
Seasonal water levels: Fluctuate significantly. Water access points change throughout the year. A camper at Cooks Lake warns: "Was headed from Montana and got up there right at dark. Decided to drive down to the water (that was hardly there) and found myself barely on the edge of lake bottom mud. Didn't get out till the next morning."
Tips for camping with families
Level tent areas: Limited but identifiable. Finding flat spots requires scouting at most rustic camping locations near Chattaroy. At Rose Lake, "There are fewer options for tent campers. One is a little clearing and fire ring under the trees at the rear of the gravel lot."
Water safety: Bring life jackets. Many dispersed sites have unfenced water access. At Little Pend Orielle, a family noted "There is a family friendly fishing dock on Potters pond, and it is stocked with good sized rainbow trout - the little kids had a blast fishing."
Bug protection: Essential May-September. Mosquitoes concentrate near water features. One camper at Bull Run Access states, "We all had a few bites. My only knock on this site, which isn't much, is that you can see homes from the sites."
Tips from RVers
Turn-around space: Check before commitment. Many forest roads lack adequate turning areas for larger vehicles. At Rose Lake, a reviewer notes "I struggled with this place, it would be really great if the two lot areas were level. There isn't a level spot anywhere."
Leveling challenges: Bring extra blocks. Most rustic camping areas near Chattaroy have uneven parking surfaces. At Bull Run Access, an RVer shared "We were able to get our fifth wheel (40ft long, 13 1/2 ft tall) in and out easy! Lots of spaces and places to turn around."
Site selection timing: Arrive before 3pm. Early arrival increases options for larger vehicles. "If you show up past 5 you'll probably end up in one of those [open spots with little shade and privacy]," advises a Hog Lake camper.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dispersed
campsite near Chattaroy, WA?
Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Chattaroy, WA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Chattaroy, WA is Hog Lake Campground with a 4.1-star rating from 42 reviews.
What is the best site to find
dispersed camping near
Chattaroy, WA?
What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Chattaroy, WA?
TheDyrt.com has all 15 dispersed camping locations near Chattaroy, WA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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