Colville National Forest spans over 1.1 million acres across Stevens and Pend Oreille counties in northeastern Washington. Most campgrounds sit between 2,400 and 5,700 feet elevation, creating temperature variations that can drop below 40°F at night even during summer months. The forest contains over 486 miles of streams and 90 lakes within a landscape dominated by western red cedar, hemlock, and pine forests.
What to do
Boat launch access: Sherman Pass Overlook Campground provides convenient water recreation options within a higher elevation setting. One visitor notes, "Simple Stop with Lovely Views. A great place if you're looking for a quick overnight stop with easy highway access. Water from a hand pump well and vault toilets available. Also a nice ADA trail at site."
Hiking opportunities: Canyon Creek Campground serves as an excellent base for exploring nearby trails through lush forest terrain. A reviewer mentions the area is "Quiet, beautiful, lush. Well maintained, quiet during the week. Vault toilets are well maintained."
Wildlife viewing: Highland Glenn Ranch offers unique opportunities to observe local fauna in a secluded setting. A camper explains, "Lovely quiet spot, surrounded by birds and frog and other critters. Mountains and canyons around you. Amazing views of the terrain. Thrilling thunder and lightning storm passed through on our trip giving a cool experience."
What campers like
Moderate temperatures: Sherman Pass sites provide relief during summer heat waves due to their higher elevation. As one camper notes, "Cool sleeping at this elevation when hot weather persists in lower lands."
Privacy between sites: Rocky Lake Campground maintains good separation between its limited number of spaces. A reviewer observed, "Nice camp ground. 5 total spots, last two are close together. Boat launch and hand water pump near lake. Restroom was clean."
Uncrowded conditions: Little Twin Lakes Campground offers a more solitary experience with limited competition for sites. A camper reports it has "Smaller camp ground, 7 sites, with boat launch, good kayaking and fishing, picnic tables and vault toilets."
What you should know
Limited facilities: Most Colville National Forest campgrounds operate with minimal infrastructure. At Rocky Lake, there are "5 total spots, last two are close together. Boat launch and hand water pump near lake."
Road conditions: Access to many sites requires travel on unpaved forest roads. For Davis Lake Campground, one visitor reported, "This was located in Colville National Forrest. Approximately 2 1/2 hours outside of Spokane. The drive wasn't bad, but the last 45 mins was on a windy dirt road."
Water availability: Only a few campgrounds in the forest provide drinking water. Rocky Lake offers a "hand water pump near lake" while most other sites require visitors to bring their own water supply.
Seasonal operation: Most tent camping areas in Colville National Forest are open only from Memorial Day through Labor Day due to heavy snow accumulation at higher elevations during winter months.
Tips for camping with families
Site selection: At Sherman Pass Overlook Campground, families should seek the more spacious sites to accommodate multiple tents. A visitor notes, "Most spots can fit trailers but some more private than other spots."
Kid-friendly activities: Davis Lake Campground offers swimming opportunities in a no-motorboat setting. One visitor describes it as "A high mountain isolated small lake. No motor boats and about 7 sites good swimming and weak fishing."
Safety considerations: Weather at higher elevations can change rapidly. At Highland Glenn Ranch, campers experienced a "Thrilling thunder and lightning storm" during their stay, which could be concerning for families with young children.
Wildlife encounters: Keep food secured properly as deer and small mammals are common visitors to campsites throughout the forest.
Tips from RVers
Size limitations: Sherman Pass accommodates medium-sized RVs but requires careful navigation. A visitor explains, "Turn around loop is tight but doable with full size Dodge and 32' trailer."
Leveling challenges: Most sites require some adjustment for level parking. One RVer at Sherman Overlook noted the campground had "simple walking wheelchair loop at Overlook parking lot. Was some road noise when the few cars around here passed us since CG is beside road at summit of Pass but was still nice private spaces with table, fire ring and near level parking pads."
Road access concerns: Larger rigs should avoid Davis Lake Campground due to the narrow access road. A visitor cautions that "the last 45 mins was on a windy dirt road."
