Dispersed camping near Colville, Washington provides primitive sites nestled within Colville National Forest and surrounding wildlife refuges. Most camping areas sit at elevations between 1,500 and 4,000 feet, resulting in temperature swings of 30-40 degrees between day and night. The region's dense pine forests create significant shade at campsites, which can make for chilly mornings even during summer months.
What to do
Fishing at stocked waters: Potters Pond at Little Pend Orielle Campground offers family-friendly fishing with stocked rainbow trout. "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," notes one camper. The nearby Bayley Lake allows fly fishing only.
Explore backwoods trails: The area surrounding North Fork Chewelah Creek provides numerous hiking and exploration opportunities. "There are a TON of dispersed camping areas within a mile of this campground so if its full, it's not a big deal," reports a visitor. Multiple user-created paths follow creekbeds throughout the forest.
Summer swimming: Several camping areas feature safe swimming spots during warmer months. At Cee Cee Ah Creek, "There is a creek that runs through this area, which is great for cooling off on hot days." Pack water shoes as most access points have rocky shores.
What campers like
Creek sounds for sleeping: Campers at Sullivan creek campground#2 repeatedly mention the soothing sounds of running water. "The creek runs right by it. It was beautiful, and we loved having our tent right by the water," shares one visitor. Another notes, "Nice location away from people but most all the sites are close to the dirt road."
Morning lake views: Early risers at Cooks Lake appreciate the atmospheric mornings. "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," reports one camper. Wildlife sightings include chipmunks, rabbits, tadpoles, turtles, and water snakes.
Secluded camping spots: Many sites in the Colville area provide significant distance between camping neighbors. "The spots we saw were all quite large and they are very spread out from each other," notes a visitor to Little Pend Orielle Campground, while at North Fork Chewelah Creek, "We found a great spot to camp but since it was dispersed we made our own fire ring."
What you should know
Road access challenges: Most camping areas require driving on unpaved forest roads. At Campbell Park at Box Canyon Dam, campers report, "It's just off the freeway so there is a good amount of road noise." Another Colville-area camper notes, "Roads into the area are narrow gravel roads, so 'large' rigs and/or trailers may find it a challenge."
Limited cell service: Prepare for communication blackouts in most camping areas. One Sullivan Creek visitor reports, "We had no cell phone service for several miles before reaching the site." Navigation apps may not function reliably; bring paper maps or download offline directions before departure.
Wildlife presence: Bear activity occurs regularly throughout the region. Sullivan Creek provides bear boxes at most sites, and campers report, "Did have a late night bear visitor but was camping in my van so not too concerning." The Little Pend Orielle Wildlife Refuge actively manages for wildlife habitat, increasing animal sighting opportunities but requiring proper food storage.
Tips for camping with families
Finding beginner-friendly sites: Cooks Lake offers approximately 6 sites with varying access to water. "Cute little dispersed campground approx 6 sites. At least 2 of them are good for my trailer although I wouldn't try if you're not experienced with towing," notes one visitor. Sites closest to the vault toilet provide easiest access for children.
Activities for children: Box Canyon Dam provides unusual amenities not common to dispersed sites. "There is a fishing/swimming pond for the kids, free firewood, one of the sites has a cute small waterfall, IN THE SITE!" reports a camper. "The campground also provides life jackets, if your child needs one!"
Safety considerations: Creeks can run dangerously fast during spring and early summer. At At the Lac Dispersed, campers report swimming possibilities but caution about proper supervision. During summer heat, water levels drop significantly, creating safer wading opportunities for younger children.
Tips from RVers
Trailer access points: Most Colville National Forest roads narrow significantly beyond main access points. "The road to get there was approximately six miles of gravel winding single lane road," reports one Cooks Lake visitor. Small trailers (under 20 feet) can access select sites at North Fork Chewelah Creek and Little Pend Orielle Campground.
Leveling challenges: Many forest campsites feature uneven terrain. "Parking is level," notes one camper about the Bear Creek area within Little Pend Orielle, while others mention difficulty finding flat areas for larger setups. Bring leveling blocks and scout sites before committing to a location.
