State parks and Department of Natural Resources lands surrounding Chattaroy, Washington provide several options for tent camping in forested settings. Nine Mile Recreation Area in Riverside State Park offers walk-in tent sites along Long Lake with water access for swimming and paddling. Skookum Creek Campground, located northeast of Chattaroy, provides primitive tent campsites in a quieter setting with creek access. The Lil Red Barn offers tent-only camping with 11 sites in a rural setting west of Chattaroy, while smaller campgrounds like Flodelle Creek provide more secluded tent camping experiences.
Most tent campgrounds in the region feature basic amenities suited for self-sufficient campers. Sites typically include fire rings and picnic tables, with vault toilets available at established locations. Drinking water is limited at primitive sites, so tent campers should bring their own supply. Discover Passes are required at many DNR-managed tent camping areas, though this often means camping itself is free. Access roads to backcountry tent sites may require high-clearance vehicles, particularly after rain or during spring snowmelt. Cell service becomes limited at more remote tent-only campgrounds, requiring advance planning.
In early fall, tent campsites throughout the region offer cooler temperatures and fewer crowds. According to reviews, Skookum Creek Campground provides "loads of elbow room" with sites "spaced quite far apart," making it ideal for tent campers seeking solitude. One visitor noted that even with other campers present, "the breeze and sounds of nature drowned out" any noise. Flodelle Creek Campground, described as "a great gem off Highway 20," offers tent campers privacy with only five sites total. Walk-in tent sites at waterfront locations provide scenic views but may require short hikes from parking areas to reach the actual campsites. Many primitive tent camping areas remain open from May through September, with some extending into October depending on weather conditions.
"The campsite is butted up to the lake, which makes it great for sunsets and sunrises. There is hardly any shade at the campsite. The RV/camper sites have full or partial hook-ups. All back in."
"We stayed here for one night and were absolutely thrilled at how peaceful and quiet the space was. You’re right off the water and the get an amazing view of the sunset."
"Robin was unbelievably accommodating with our situation and even introduced my daughters to all the farm animals."
from $35 / night
"We're excited to have this new listing on our platform. Check them out and leave them some love."
from $20 - $30 / night
"However, each site has a nice fire ring, large picnic table, and loads of elbow room. The vault toilets are relatively new and well maintained."
"It's a relatively small loop campground along a creek, close to the Pend Oreille River. Gravel road, ideal for tent camping."
"NOTE: Campground is NOT a Drive-in. You can Boat in, Park on road, or Hke in only. The sites are flat and quiet. A secret gem for sure."
"There is a single vault toilet, they ask that you bring a bucket and shovel for solid waste. Bring your own way to dispose of trash, and have a way to lock it up, or animals WILL get into it."
"Lightning cutting across the lake was a real spook. We brought our kayaks into the water in the sunny part of the day, other camping spots available by boat if you can get there!"
from $15 / night
"Lovely campground with good trees and privacy between sites. We stayed here end August 2029 in site 111 in the snowberry loop."
"Tent pad at campsite was raked and flat. Junior Ranger program available Fri, Sat, Sun nights. 5 min drive to Silverwood!"
from $30 / night
"it is a very nice place to camp, since there probably won’t be any people outside your own group. the owner was very responsive to texts and was helpful with all of my questions. "
from $50 - $70 / night
"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"
ScoutRight in the middle of civilization, and packed in, but very nice. Nice trees, nice facilities, well maintained. Families are here, well behaved. Booked online. The owner noticed us and introduced himself. Will use again when I want the amenities.
TravelerRoad wasn’t bad for our Class C. Sites were right off the road and there was some traffic. Not very private.
ScoutThis location has RV parking in the field near the road, yurts on the mountain top, hot tub and sauna at the main house. Farm to table Dinners and breakfast available. Also rooms if you prefer. Almost 40 acres with a large hydroponic greenhouse to explore. Lots of farm animals. Would stop here again!
GuideNice enough and well maintained park. Probably 1/3 - 1/2 of park appear to be full time residents. Sites are close with gravel for RV and a cement pad with a picnic table at each one. Combination of pull thru's and back-ins. Good power and water pressure, sewer hookups can be a bit challenging depending upon the tree roots and the adapters you have. Large shower and laundry facility. Pool is inside with a spa tub - neither are huge. Friendly staff and conveniently located just off of I-90. Good Wi-Fi and cell service, but no cable TV.
RangerBe advised—- we wasted 45 minutes today looking at this “site” due to a previous review. The picnic site is only a little pull off to access well you guessed it, the picnic area. I’m guessing you’d get the knock if you parked there- we heard from others that they patrol often. The only camping areas nearby are by the boat dock at $20 a night right next to each other in a concrete parking lot (but close to water).
RangerFilled with rain even though it hasn’t rained recently- wouldn’t bring a big rig with low ground clearance through. Spots are all on the side of the road with no privacy.
RangerNot far off the main, road was decent. Not a ton of shade but good places to park or pop a tent. Only a few flies, really pretty scenery. Good cell signal, nice place.
GuideThis campsite is controlled by Idaho Fish & Game and only allows a three day stay. However, there are both gravel and grassy areas to camp. I chose the latter. There is a paved bike/hiking area close to the campground. It was very peaceful and picturesque during my stay. The sheriff drove by daily, but I was told he lives near the campground. If you enjoy taking pictures of birds, there are plenty here, including Cranes. In the morning and evening there are mosquitoes and other flying insects.
GuideThere are gravel and grassy areas to setup camp. There are a variety of birds to see including Cranes, there is accessible hiking and biking paved trails close to the campground. However in the mornings and evenings be prepared for mosquitoes and other flying insects. This is a peaceful and picturesque location. Finally, this site is operated by Idaho Fish and Game, and only allows you to camp for three days.
Primitive camping options abound in the forests and lakeshores surrounding Chattaroy, Washington, where elevation ranges from 1,600 to 2,100 feet. Dispersed sites on Department of Natural Resources (DNR) lands provide opportunities for tent camping from mid-spring through early fall, with night temperatures dropping significantly even during summer months. Most rustic sites close by mid-October due to snowfall risk in the higher elevations.
Water activities at Nine Mile Recreation Area: Located on Long Lake, this recreation area offers swimming, boating, and paddling opportunities. The entry road requires careful navigation as one visitor noted, "The entry road is narrow, it is not paved, and meanders through private property, so slow down!" Another camper shared that there are options to "rent kayaks, and paddle boards there."
Hiking trails near Green Bay Campground: Several hiking trails start directly from this campground on Lake Pend Oreille. A reviewer mentioned, "Camping at Green Bay is rugged but beautiful... The beach is granite rock and the view is AMAZING." Another camper observed it has "amazing hiking trails" accessible from camp.
Rock skipping and wildlife viewing: The rocky shorelines at many lakefront camping areas provide perfect skipping rocks. One camper at Green Bay noted it has the "Best skipping rocks you'll ever find!" Bald eagles and osprey sightings are common near lakeshores, with one visitor reporting seeing "Bald eagles and Osprey fighting for fish."
Secluded waterfront sites: Many tent campers seek the privacy offered by waterfront campgrounds. At Extraordinary Camping, a visitor shared, "it is a very nice place to camp, since there probably won't be any people outside your own group." Similar seclusion can be found at other spots where campers report "you feel secluded and safe!"
Affordable camping options: Free and low-cost camping makes the Chattaroy region accessible. Skookum Creek Campground doesn't require fees, as one camper confirmed: "it's a free DNR campground. A site doesn't cost a dime." While some campgrounds require a Discover Pass for parking, the camping itself is often free.
Clear water for swimming: The clarity of lake water near Chattaroy impresses many visitors. At Green Bay Campground, campers describe "Water is crystal clear" while others note swimming spots where "You can walk all the way out to where you cannot touch and still see the rocks on the bottom."
Access road conditions: Many primitive campsites require navigating rough roads. For Skookum Creek Campground, visitors should prepare for "Gravel road, ideal for tent camping." At Green Bay, one camper warned that the "Biggest complaint- road to get there" requires careful driving, and another noted it "Would not recommend for a low profile car."
Limited facilities: Come prepared with your own water and waste management plan. At Green Bay, "They ask that you bring a bucket and shovel for solid waste. Bring your own way to dispose of trash, or animals WILL get into it." Cell service is limited or non-existent at many sites, with one camper reporting "I have Verizon and there was no phone service."
Seasonal considerations: Spring brings wet conditions while late summer sees increased insect activity. One camper noted significant "yellow jackets—A LOT" during late summer. Sites can become crowded on weekends and during peak summer season, with one visitor reporting, "Midday Thursday, several car loads of families started filtering in" which changed the experience dramatically.
Campgrounds with play areas: Families should consider sites with built-in activities for children. Mica Bay Boater Park offers "Swing sets and slide for youngsters, horseshoe pit (when camp host is present), for older kids, large grass field for frisbee or football, big long docks for fishing or sunbathing...something for everyone."
Farm animal experiences: Some private campgrounds offer unique animal encounters. At Amongst The Pines, one family reported the owner "even introduced my daughters to all the farm animals. On top of that, the space was perfect for a couple young kids to run around and explore."
Quieter weekday camping: To avoid crowds at the best tent camping near Chattaroy, Washington, plan for mid-week visits. As one camper advised, "We arrived on a Wednesday and had the place nearly to ourselves. This was a perfect place to camp with a family or with friends. Make sure to arrive early in the week if you want a camp site."
Limited hookup availability: RV sites with utilities are concentrated at developed campgrounds rather than dispersed areas. At Nine Mile Recreation Area, "The RV/camper sites have full or partial hook-ups. All back in." This contrasts with most primitive sites that lack any hookups.
Parking considerations: RVers should verify access before committing to remote campgrounds. Many campgrounds require hiking to tent sites, as one camper noted, "You do have to walk to your site but it's not far." Another campground was described as having sites "spaced quite far apart," which benefits tent campers but can present challenges for larger RVs.
Tent-only areas: Several campgrounds near Chattaroy specifically cater to tent campers without RV access. The Lil Red Barn offers 11 tent-only sites in a rural setting, providing an alternative to the more primitive dispersed camping options when RV accommodations aren't needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Chattaroy, WA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Chattaroy, WA is Nine Mile Recreation Area — Riverside State Park with a 3.3-star rating from 7 reviews.
What is the best site to find tent camping near Chattaroy, WA?
TheDyrt.com has all 28 tent camping locations near Chattaroy, WA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
Keep Exploring
