Dispersed camping opportunities near Curlew, Washington concentrate primarily in the Colville National Forest and adjacent BLM lands at elevations ranging from 1,800 to 4,500 feet. The region experiences hot, dry summers with temperatures regularly exceeding 90°F while winter snowfall often restricts access to most primitive sites from December through March. Free camping locations typically consist of unmarked pullouts along forest roads and small clearings with minimal development.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: At Little Pend Orielle Campground, anglers can access stocked rainbow trout in Potters Pond from a family-friendly fishing dock. "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," reports one visitor, while mentioning that "A little further down was Bayley Lake which is fly fishing only and not as easy to access."
Photography sites: The landscape around these primitive camping areas provides numerous photography opportunities, particularly at dawn and dusk. "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," notes a Little Pend Orielle camper, suggesting early October as the optimal time for autumn foliage.
Kayaking access: Several lakes offer flatwater paddling with minimal motorized traffic. "Both the lake and the pond would be amazing places to kayak, we would have if the weather had been a bit nicer," mentions a visitor to Little Pend Orielle regarding Potters Pond, indicating calm waters suitable for beginner paddlers.
What campers like
Secluded sites: Campers consistently mention the privacy available at dispersed sites in this region. At At the Lac Dispersed, visitors appreciate the isolation: "Nice place on public land. Swimming possible. We stayed for the night," indicating minimal development but adequate space.
Creek access: Several camping areas feature running water access, though not for drinking purposes. "There was also a creek running behind the spot we chose which was a treat for the dogs to drink from," notes a Little Pend Orielle camper, highlighting an amenity particularly valuable during hot summer months.
Level parking: Despite primitive conditions, many sites offer reasonably flat parking areas. A visitor to Forde Lake reports, "The campground has 10 sites. It sits between Forde lake and a pond we call reflection," and adds information about access: "Short trip from the town of Loomis. Only a mile or so of gravel road."
What you should know
Site selection challenges: Not all apparent camping areas permit overnight stays. One visitor to At the Lac Dispersed warns, "This is not a spot bc the park ranger told us we were not allowed to camp here," indicating the importance of verifying site legitimacy before setting up.
Limited facilities: Most dispersed sites offer minimal or no facilities. A camper at Little Pend Orielle describes the situation: "If 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."
Navigation concerns: The network of forest roads can be confusing. A Little Pend Orielle camper cautions, "a CAUTION is to bring a GPS and have good map reading skills to avoid getting lost; it's easy to lose yourself," suggesting the importance of navigation aids beyond cell phone maps.
Tips for camping with families
Site spaciousness: Some areas offer particularly good sites for families requiring extra space. A visitor to Little Pend Orielle notes, "The spots we saw were all quite large and they are very spread out from each other," making them suitable for larger groups or families with play equipment.
Insect considerations: Proximity to water bodies affects mosquito populations. "We had a lovely view of the pond, which did make the mosquitoes quite a nuisance but manageable," reports one camper at BLM Chopaka Lake, suggesting families pack appropriate repellent, especially for water-adjacent sites.
Cooking options: Primitive sites often include basic cooking facilities. "Each campsite is supplied with a fire pit with a metal ring and a cooking grate, which came in very handy," explains a Little Pend Orielle camper, noting this reduces the equipment families need to bring.
Tips from RVers
Road conditions: Larger vehicles face access challenges on forest roads. A Little Pend Orielle visitor cautions, "Roads into the area are narrow gravel roads, so 'large' rigs and/or trailers may find it a challenge," suggesting smaller trailers and campers are better suited.
Specific site recommendations: Some areas have RV-suitable sites among otherwise tent-focused options. At Sidley Lake, a camper notes, "Definitely dispersed camping in roadside pullouts with outhouse supplied by Fish & Game," indicating accessibility for vehicles that can navigate unpaved surfaces.
Dust management: Unimproved roads create significant dust issues. A visitor to Forde Lake advises, "The gravel road is fairly busy with plenty of dust boiling up. I recommend not taking the first site in even though it looks like it would accommodate a 40 ft rig," suggesting selecting sites away from main access routes.
