If you're looking for a place to dispersed camp near Colville National Forest, look no further. Here you'll find a diverse selection of places to camp, including remote dispersed camping to boondocking, and everything in-between. Find dispersed campsites you've visited before, or discover new spots from other campers.
Bear Creek @ Little Pend Orielle Wildlife Refuge, east of Colville WA Camping is allowed on a first come-first serve basis from April 14 through December 31. Established campgrounds have a vault toilet and metal fire rings. No drinking water is available. Do not leave campfires unattended. High fire danger will cause campfire restrictions. Information will be posted in all campgrounds and at the Headquarters kiosk. **Dispersed hunting camp sites are open from October 1 through December 31. These are primitive campsites with no amenities. Campsites must be within 50 feet of a dispersed campsite carsonite marker. Bury all human waste in a hole 6 to 8 inches deep and at least 200 feet from water, camp or trails.
The stream flows through low wooded mountains joining the South Fork to form Chewelah Creek. This stream flows into the Colville River. In addition to fishing, visitors also hunt, horseback ride and camp along the creek. There are approximately 8 miles of the North Fork located on NFS lands. There are also many tributaries to the North Fork that are fishable. There are dispersed camping sites that exist along the stream at various locations. Washington state fishing license required. See Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife at http://wdfw.wa.gov/ for more information. Quiet hours between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. Campfire in developed fire ring only Fireworks are prohibited Pets must be under voice command or on leash OHV use allowed Maximum length of stay: 14 days Food and wildlife attractants must be properly stored at all times
Cooks LakeCooks Lake is a small 11 acre lake which lies northeast of Usk, WA. It offers rainbow trout fishing opportunities. During dry summer months the lake level can significantly recede. There is easy access for launching a small boat. Several dispersed campsites and a concrete vault toilet are located at the southeast end of the lake.
Scout
This is not a spot bc the park ranger told us we were not allowed to camp here
TravelerNice place on public land. Swimming possible. We stayed for the night
Traveler
Usually visit in April. There are a TON of dispersed camping areas within a mile of this "campground" so if its full, it's not a big deal.
With that said, I've never run into any issues with folks using this campground but there's a first time for everything. Most of my time spent in this area has been dead quiet and usually quite private.
TravelerThe good -A beautiful camp ground. 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. If you have a tube bring it and enjoy a short river ride. Not a good place to fish. The main camp area is completely shaded keeping things cool. The camp is very close to the creek. Still there was no issues with bugs. I did not need bug spray. There are established stone fire pits or you can gather up some rocks and make your own. Plenty of deadfall and fire wood all over the place. There is also a fence that runs the perimeter of the camp area. Helping to keep the predators out. The only animal I saw besides squirrels and birds was a skunk. Bears, coyotes, wolves and cougars are know to frequent the area.
The bad - Many of the locals are not friendly and claim the whole creek portion of the camp ground for themselves. There are about 6 different camp sites directly on the main creek. The others are spread out through the woods. People often use the creek just to bring their kids down to frolic in the water for a few hours. More than once I have been approached and ran off by hostile creek users. Im sure there are good folks around their too. That said the few people I have met out there are nasty and will refuse to share the campground causing all kinds of drama until you just get mad and leave. Last weekend I was approached by 4 men who were not camping just using the creek to tube with their kids. I was told that I better go find another place to camp. That they were using the creek and I could not be there. I set up anyways camping away from them and was not in anyway a bother to them. Still they continued to come over and harass me about leaving. Until I finally I strapped on my pistol approached them and told them I wasn't going any where. I was met with a lot of cussing and threats. But finally They did leave! So sad a beautiful place I truly loved the area. Not sure if I will continue to go back. It was not worth the ignorance or drama of other human beings. No toilets or electricity, No wifi or fresh drinking water. If you can avoid ignorant humans I would recommend this place to camp.
Guide
Neat little spot that worked good for a last minute place to camp. 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, it was a great time.
GuideCute 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
Scout
I've been camping here for several days. Very busy campground with large groups coming and going, but no longer. They posted that as of today, it's day use only indefinitely.
RangerWe found a great spot to camp but since it was dispersed we made our own fire ring and camped in this area. There were some other sites that were occupied or we did not like it as much as the spot we ended up pitching up camp. Saw no ticks, but did get a few bites from other insects.
Hearing the birds was really cool.
Traveler
As we drove through looking for the best spot we noticed there were several quality spots. We opted for a spot right by potters pond. 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. The spots we saw were all quite large and they are very spread out from each other. There was also a creek running behind the spot we chose which was a treat for the dogs to drink from. Each campsite is supplied with a fire pit with a metal ring and a cooking grate, which came in very handy. There are not tables provided and it’s completely haul in haul out. We had a lovely view of the pond, which did make the mosquitos quite a nuisance but manageable. 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. A little further down was Bayley Lake which is fly fishing only and not as easy to access. Both the lake and the pond would be amazing places to kayak, we would have if the weather had been a bit nicer. Overall, I was very impressed with the size and seclusiveness of all the sites we saw. We will most definitely be back again!
TravelerThis place is absolutely charming. If you need to stop on a long journey and don't want to find a spot to dispersed camp, you can find vault toilets here as well as a small swimming lagoon. Traffic noise is consistent but not loud or close enough to keep you up at night. Close to 6 camping spots we saw, and in early April, there is nobody here but us to enjoy it. If you don't mind the chilly breeze, the spot by the creek close to the vault toilet is superb. The water is loud enough to stifle most of the traffic noise. Overall 4/5 stars were given because of mild traffic noise, little wildlife besides geese to watch, and no hiking trails we could find. Otherwise this is a great rest stop for a night or two! Also trash is pack in pack out please.
GuideIf 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.
Guide
We stayed at site 10. The site was small and near the bathroom. The river is across the road and has a nice path to the water:)
TravelerWe camped at Cooks Lake for two nights, this past Friday and Saturday. There were 4-5 camp sites at the main campground, well-separated and each with a fire pit. There is a vault toilet that was disgusting, beware. Swimming/small boat access is through the main campground.
Hop out onto the road and keep heading the same direction and you'll come to a couple of other little pods of sites, most had fire pits, and they were fairly level and well-separated as well.
We turned around and went back and past the main campground, and took the next downhill driveway toward the lake. The driveway ends at a decent raised fire pit with a ledge for a pan or pot. There is a small level area there for chairs. Past the fire pit, it slopes down to the lake. The beach is dirt and sharp rock, and mostly sloped, probably 150 feet long? and narrow. There is another steep entrance to this beach at the other end, from a pullout on the road above. We decided to stay there because it felt pretty secluded, and there was one spot that was level enough for a tent…there was 12" of beach between the tent and the water!
We were 'invaded' by groups of fishermen/women/families both mornings pretty early, one was rude, one was quiet. But, the early mornings on the lake were worth it. The mist rising and the vast, green mountains, right in front of you! Birds everywhere, woodpeckers in the birch trees and killdeer darting down to the water. Chipmunks and rabbits. Tadpoles and turtles and little water snakes. The water was warm and we swam all day. Bats at night, and the stars!!
Excellent camping experience.
GuideWe camped at site #14. Approximately 5 miles on East of East Sullivan Campground heading on Sullivan Creek Rd. (All camping is Free on Sullivan Creek Rd)
The site is near the river (multiple paths for easy access), has a bear box, and a fire ring. Make sure to bring proper toiletry supplies to use the old fashion style because the closet toilet is 2 miles away.
The site was great however the fire ring is about 30 yards away from where we parked our tent trailer and would be ideal for tent camping and is very shaded.
Overall great trip!
TravelerWe stayed at camp site #7 because the creek runs right by it. It was beautiful, and we loved having our tent right by the water. There were not a ton of level surfaces for tents or tables, no bathroom near this site although there’s one at the first site. We had no cell phone service for several miles before reaching the site. There were also lots of mice. Brave too, they were trying to get our food as we were eating it around the fire! Luckily the bear box they provide keeps the mice from getting to it at night, and they were nowhere to be found during the day. We will probably not be back for this reason though.
GuideThe campgrounds are located on Sullivan Creek Rd that runs along Sullivan Creek. There over 30 sites along the river over several miles. Some of them do not have numbers. All the sites are first come and are Free
We camped at site #6 over Memorial Day weekend.
At the site there was a bear box and a fire ring with a moveable grill cover. Some of the sites do have bathrooms. However, we didn’t have one so make sure to bring the appropriate toilet supplies. The size of our site could fit two Rv’s and several tents (Our pop up tent trailer is 25ft). The site has a lot of shade so depending on the time of year make sure to bring the weather appropriate clothing. During our stay it got very cold and we needed to use our heater.
The river is about 35 yards from the site and the dirt road is about 20 yards from the main Camping area.
Dogs do not have to be on leash. However, this time of the year the river was cold and very fast and if your dog is not trained using a leash or tether system for safety would be beneficial.
There are several hiking/game trails you can walk or drive too. Sullivan lake is right down the road about a 5 minute drive you can access additional hiking trails.
Firewood is not provided so make sure to purchase prior and/or bring a ax to cut up the wood that has been left behind.
Overall we loved this area and will be going back this summer when it’s warmer and the river is safe enough to swim with our dogs:)
Here is the exact coordinates of the site #6
TravelerNice location away from people but most all the sites are close to the dirt road and was woken up a couple of times by the sound and headlights of vehicles. But all in all well kept areas (some garbage left by previous campers, just packed it out with mine). Did have a late night bear visitor but was camping in my van so not too concerning. Very little fallen wood for fire, lots of kindling or if you want there is lots of logs in the creek.
TravelerA very lovely free campground provided courtesy of the hydroelectric company. Around 10 sites with free firewood, washrooms, drinking water and a small lagoon for swimming. Did I mention it’s free??
RangerI found this awesome little campground on my way to Sullivan Lake from Metaline Falls.
It is just off the main road, next to Sullivan Creek. It is fully a dispersed group of sites so no trash, water, toilet, or any amenities. There is an information sign and several rock rings for fires. This is my kind of site, just throw your tent up where ever and go fish or hike.
The trees are fairly dense so the whole place is well shaded. Sullivan Creek is right there! Sullivan Lake is just a few miles to the east. With Metaline falls a few to the west, there are shops, eteries, and evan a movie theatre close by.
All in all a great place to stay a couple of nights.
LegendThis is not my typical campground. I was surprised at the location and the really cool Hydro Electric Dam! This Campground is FREE, and small, but it has some really cool amenities. there is a fishing/swimming pond for the kids, free firewood, one of the sites has a cute small waterfall, IN THE SITE!!! There are picnic tables and fire rings, vault toilets that are maintained, seating areas around the pond, and it is in the Dam parking lot, It is just off the freeway so there is a good amount of road noise.There is a visitor center on site where you can learn about the damn, and just up the road is a view point for eagles nest, Sweet Water Falls rest stop, which has a small hike up to a double waterfall! And about 20 minutes away is Gardner Caves, which is about an hour long cave tour starting at 10am, 12pm, 2pm, and 4pm. From the cave there is a 1/4 mile hike to Canada Border!
The campground also provides life jackets , if your child needs one!
Really cool for not being my typical campground.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Colville National Forest?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Colville National Forest is At the Lac Dispersed with a 2-star rating from 2 reviews.
What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Colville National Forest?
TheDyrt.com has all 7 dispersed camping locations near Colville National Forest, with real photos and reviews from campers.
