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.
What to do
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."
What campers like
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."
What you should know
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.
Tips for camping with families
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."
Tips from RVers
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.
