The Dyrt – find campgrounds for tents, RVs, cabins, glamping and more.
Open in App

Best Tent Camping near Ford, WA

476 Reviews

Public lands surrounding Ford, Washington offer several tent camping options within Lake Roosevelt National Recreation Area and nearby state forests. Nine Mile Recreation Area in Riverside State Park provides walk-in tent sites along Long Lake with water access and sunset views. The Lil Red Barn offers 11 tent sites with amenities including drinking water and picnic tables. Cloverleaf Campground in Lake Roosevelt National Recreation Area features walk-in tent sites on a cove with views of the water. Sterling Point, also on Lake Roosevelt, provides primitive tent camping accessible primarily by boat, though some hikers access it through forest trails.

Most tent campgrounds in the Ford area have basic amenities with varying levels of development. Skookum Creek Campground, a Department of Natural Resources site, provides free camping with fire rings and picnic tables but no running water. A Washington Discover Pass is required at many sites, including Flodelle Creek Campground which offers just 5 campsites. Vault toilets are common at most locations, though Sterling Point lacks bathroom facilities. Sites at Rogers Bar are described as "true primitive camping" with only a vault toilet and no water source. Campers should bring their own water and supplies, as most backcountry tent sites have minimal services. The camping season generally runs May through September, with some sites imposing 14-day maximum stays.

In early fall, tent campsites throughout the region become less crowded while maintaining pleasant conditions. According to reviews, Skookum Creek offers "loads of elbow room" with sites "spaced quite far apart," making it ideal for tent campers seeking privacy. One visitor to Nine Mile Recreation Area noted they were "thrilled at how peaceful and quiet the space was" with "nice clean toilets" and nearby walking paths. Lake Ellen East Campground provides "good separation with lots of vegetation for privacy" and is described as "best for tents." Tent campers at Twin Lakes should be aware of limited cell reception, particularly at lakeside sites. The primitive tent camping experience at Sterling Point offers isolation, especially at night, with picnic tables and fire pits but requires campers to pack out all trash.

Map showing campgrounds near Ford, WashingtonExplore the Map

Best Tent Sites Near Ford, Washington (26)

Show More
Showing results 1-10 of 26 campgrounds

2025 Detourist Giveaway

Presented byToyota Trucks

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win

Ford Contest

Enter to Win

Recent Tent Camping Photos near Ford, WA

16 Photos of 26 Ford Campgrounds

Tent Camping Reviews near Ford, WA

476 Reviews of 26 Ford Campgrounds

  • Cathy E.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 11, 2023

    Bald Knob Campground — Mount Spokane State Park

    Quiet, Clean, and Beautiful

    What a gem! Small state park campground at about a 3000 ft elevation with only 8 sites. Dry Camping only, no dump station, but clean flushable toilets(no showers) and potable water available. Two beautiful trails are accessible from the campground and lots more are within a 10 minute drive with plenty of parking at trailheads. Local foliage is wonderful, views are fantastic from the trails. Quiet hours are enforced and observed- very quiet and relaxing. The camp host, Linda, does such a wonderful job of keeping everything neat and tidy and checking in with campers to see if they have what they need. Sites are small- only one was a pull through. I wouldn't attempt with anything longer than 23 feet. Each site has a bear box, really nice and large picnic table, firepit and tent pads that are nicely cushioned with pea gravel. Our site,#3, was centrally located without a ton of privacy, but it was still a nice site and folks were respectful and quiet. Decent cell service in the campground. I am absolutely coming back.

  • Jayda R.
    Jul. 22, 2017

    Coffeepot Lake

    Hidden gem...

    We had this place completely to ourselves when we stayed there...it was amazing! There is lake access with a small dock and boat launch, a common area consisting of covered picnic area with picnic tables, and a public vault toilet. We were camping in a tent trailer; easy access and ample space to turn around. Sites are fairly level and are back-in only...though there appeared to be a spot for RV parking (no hook-ups). There is a line of trees near the camp sites offering partial shade (depending on where the sun is), but the sun gets pretty brutal; other than the covered picnic area, shade is limited.

    Note: There was no water available when we visited (locks on pipes & faucet handles removed), so be sure to bring your own!

    Wildlife: We witnessed a confrontation between a giant heron and an osprey...it was pretty impressive! The heron made a noise that sounded a lot like what I'd imagine a pterodactyl would have sounded like. Also, we heard what must have been a pack of at least 6 or 7 coyotes a little after 11pm...and then heard wolves howling in the wee hours of the morning. Super cool!

    Lake: We didn't have a boat or fishing poles...but I'd imagine that the lake would be great for both. It had a fair bit of algae...so probably not a lake you'd necessarily want to swim in. My husband, however, found the lake to be great for flying his RC float plane. Oh! And there was an old abandoned cabin on the opposite side of the lake...creepy cool.

  • Andrea R.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 3, 2019

    Lake Ellen Campground

    Cute, not super private, but there is only 13 sites.

    The spaces were quite large and not very shaded. The lake is nice, but you can't see it from any of the campsites. Lake Ellen West is by far better. If you go down the road a little, there is a beautiful view of the lake. Vault toilets, picnic tables and fire rings are available. There are also dumpsters.

  • Andrea R.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 22, 2019

    Douglas Falls Grange Park Campground

    Exceeded Expectations!!!!

    Ranger Review: Aftershokz Trekz Air at Douglas Falls Grange Park

    Campground Review:

     Wow! Wow! Wow!

    First off, a bit about the campground itself. It is owned by the local grange, right next to the Colville National Forest. It is free with a Discover pass. The discover pass is $10 for a day or $30 for a year and needed for a lot of parks in Washington. It is also located just outside of Colville, where you can get anything you need. There is about 8-15 sites. Why don’t I know? Well the campground loop intercepts the day use area, and what is a site, compared to the day use area, we can’t tell. On the main campground loop there is 8 sites. In the day use area, site #9 appears to be the only marked ADA accessible site, though many of the others seem just as accessible. Site #10 and #11 are a slight downhill walk from the parking area. Site 10 does not have a clear parking spot, where all of the other sites do. Site #12 is basically in the parking lot. When we arrived we drove the main loop and there were a few other campers, then we came to the day use area and site #12 had a tent pitched there.  There is a short car road that is a one way access with additional sites #13 #14 and #15, this road was closed, but may open in the future. There were black table cloths on the tables, indicating not to use. All sites have a fire ring, and picnic table. Some have a cute log bench right next to the fire.

    There is no garbage service at this campground. Pack it in, pack it out, please, leave no trace. There are vault toilets supplied with plenty of toilet paper, they were very clean and have an air freshener that almost makes you forget you are in a vault toilet! There is a huge field with a backstop for baseball/softball, a covered picnic area, Horseshoes, hiking trails (with the main one being a 1.5 mile nature loop) and the highlight was a gorgeous 60 foot waterfall that you can see from the parking lot or take short walk to. There is also a pretty cool suspension bridge!

    I had low expectations of this place, but I was very surprised! We took site #10 which is about 20 feet away from the upper portion of the falls. This site is a short walk from the parking lot, so you do have to walk your gear in.  The only other site in this area is #11 and it is a good distance away. From our site there is a small trail that leads to the main trail which goes to the top of the falls. If you take the main trail from the look out to the right there is access to the bottom of the falls. I listened to the waterfall all night and it was so peaceful and soothing I slept peacefully. The moon light over the falls was amazing, I wish I had my good camera! Did I mention the wildlife? Hawks, deer, super squirrels, Eagles, Chipmunks, Robins, Magpie and more! 

    Over all, I hated it, you shouldn’t go there so I can have it ALL to myself! But really, this is a fantastic place to camp. It’s a beautiful piece of land, with so much to see and do. Go, have fun, and thank me later!

    Product Review:

    Aftershokz Trekz Air- Bone Conduction Headphones.

    As a Ranger for The Dyrt, sometimes I have the opportunity to review new products in exchange for an honest review. At this campground I tested Aftershokz Trekz Air- Bone Conduction Headphones. https://aftershokz.com/collections/all/products/trekz-air

    These headphones are a wave of the future. Instead of sitting in your ear like most headphones, they sit on your jawbone. They are Bluetooth, so that means wireless! They are super easy to pair and connect with your phone. As with all technology, it is really best to charge them straight out of the box. The colored light on the side of the headphone is red if it is not charged or blue if it’s fully charged. The pads that sit on your jawbone sends vibrations through the bone to your year. They come in sleek colors, and they are so lightweight and comfortable you can forget they are there. The point of these headphones is to be able to hear the outside world around you and still listen to your tunes. This keeps you attentive to other people in the office or, in my case, able to hear your music over roaring waterfalls on the trail.

    I had never heard of bone conduction technology before these headphones, and I certainly will remember now. These are funky and fresh. I love them, I love that they stay on my head while on the go, no cords to untangle and get in the way, or earbuds to pop out of my ear while walking. If you are not moving, the vibrations can be a little intense at higher volumes or songs with more bass, it makes it feel a little strange. They have a six hour battery life, and only takes about an hour and a half to charge. I also wish that there was a voice control in these as well so I could continue being hands free and answer the phone, skip songs or pause, at the same time. I hear that it’s in the works though, so I’m willing to wait. Plus, the button controls are easy to use, so it’s not a deal breaker. They come with a great carrying bag, ear plugs (if you don’t want to hear the world around you, you can use the earplugs to intensify to the volume of the Trekz Air.) and a charging cord. They also have a great warranty, return and exchange policy. There also arrived super quickly, I have been able to use them for a few weeks before the review, giving me the opportunity to get used to them and form an opinion.

    These are by far the best headphones I have ever had and I don’t think I can go back to earbuds. I would definitely recommend these to anyone!

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    May. 25, 2025

    Twin Lakes

    Remote fishing and wildlife location

    This is a gorgeous camping area. A Washington Discover Pass is required. 14 day max stay. But once you drive down to the lake/camp sites there is ZERO cell reception. I’m camping at the top of the trail which has a few spots for those with RV’s. The road that leads down to the lake/camping area is steep and winding. I would not suggest anything over 25 foot length try to go down because you may not get back up. If you’re pulling a car or trailer you’ll want to be mindful. But many trucks pulling aluminum boats drive down to the boat launch that goes to the upper lake.

    There is a second site about 22 minutes away (coffee pot recreation site) that is more accessible friendly for larger rigs and setups and a boat launch to the lower lake.

  • Nan O.
    Aug. 4, 2020

    Browns Lake Campground

    The Lake in the Mountains 🏔

    It was a steamy 90 plus degrees as we finally hit the road, believing to be on the right trail we drove a frosty ac filled truck two hours north towards Colville. Believing this dreamy lake to be, only a few minutes away from us along with our group of several friends, whom, to our unfortunate luck, had been here previously. And to our unfortunate downfall, we had not.

    The quick jaunt from spokane out to Usk and the 20 minute skip up the road till it turned into a dusty trail, was all well and good for our traveling comrades however for us, a ragtag pair of best good buddies trotting along unbeknownst to us, about to fall into a pit of emotional disparity. Yes, indeed we had gone the wrong way.. the Browns Lake I had googled was a larger more well known lake in the Colville area, however do not be fooled, there is a smaller, more secluded lake tucked nearly two more hours east and just a smidge north. A small pool of a lake hidden amongst the fire torched woodlands only years before, now beautifully flushing out in lush greenery.

    The long winding trails finally dropped us amongst Usk, the sweet little logging town, a hop across a bridge and a skip up a dirt road and we were pulling in and around the pine tree cooled atmosphere of the sweet smelling, calm energy of a family friendly, dog happy camp ground. With tents popped up and a small fire started out awaiting friends happily greeted us. After a tad bit of jazzy do to my poor direction skills but nonetheless getting us to journey there. We unloaded the rest of logs, tent gear and dogs. Once all set up, in the much cooler shade of the basking 94degrees around us down on the lake. We changed suits and though the 10ft or so to get to the lake was a bit of a hassle with the steep slope of roots and weeds, and the lack of a sandy beach.. the calm, clear, nearly bath temperature water, easily made up for it.

    I am happy to say the night sky was immaculate and immense. How’s spent star gazing by the water after hours spent floating in the sun, and even a few hours spent hiking the woodlands after dust when the sun cooled down. With hotdogs and salmon cooked over the fire and a cozy Ozark Trails tent, camp chairs and even tin coffee cup to ease any remote tension. It was without a doubt, a pleasant first camp trip of the season 🏕

  • S
    Jul. 7, 2021

    Priest River

    Priest River

    Lots are well spaced, however narrow limiting slide outs and awning extension. Obviously slide out take priority limiting awning extension. There is no fresh drinkable water hook up at sanitation station. The fresh water station carries a warning that it is not suitable for drinking. ( Not sure if this is common in the Western States?) Sanitation station has no water hookup to flush sewer tank only hose to clean sanitation/sewer hose. Vicky Rayes Pizza was good.

    No bugs to bother you.

    No electric hook ups, no AC at 90 plus degrees!

  • S
    Sep. 29, 2020

    Sherry Creek Campground

    Stayed for part of our trip

    Awesome place to stay unless there’s a fire ban and you don’t have an RV with an indoor stove...cold weenies are tragic. Had fun when we went. It’s pretty much in the middle of a trail system so you can go hiking or riding directly from your camp. Very clean bathrooms...surprisingly clean.

Guide to Ford

Tent campsites near Ford, Washington center around Lake Roosevelt National Recreation Area, where water levels can fluctuate up to 80 feet annually based on dam operations. The camping season typically runs May through October with summer temperatures averaging 85°F. Most primitive sites require visitors to pack out all waste and provide their own drinking water.

What to do

Water activities: At Nine Mile Recreation Area, visitors can rent kayaks and paddleboards directly at the lake. "The resort is right on Long Lake, there is an area to swim, and it's a good spot for waterskiing," notes Jim T. The campground includes picnic pavilions and a boat launch area.

Fishing opportunities: Lake Roosevelt offers excellent fishing conditions from May through September. At Cloverleaf Campground, campers can access "a beautiful little cove on Lake Roosevelt" that provides calmer waters for shore fishing. Justice K. mentions it's a "good spot to fish, kayak, float a sun island, rock hound, bird watch."

Nature walks: Several campgrounds connect to walking trails through pine forests. "There's a nearby walking path through the woods that was covered in wildflowers," writes Taesagh M. about Nine Mile Recreation Area. Many paths follow the lakeshore offering opportunities to spot bald eagles and other wildlife.

What campers like

Privacy between sites: Many campers appreciate the spacing at tent sites near Ford. At Cloverleaf Campground, the spots are "clean with fire pit and tables" and Justice K. notes you can "get away from people" despite the campground often being full during peak season.

Water access: Direct access to clear water ranks high with tent campers. "Beautifully rugged camping" with "dirt trails on the water" makes Cloverleaf popular. At Sterling Point, Matthew T. describes it as "a beautiful area and reasonably isolated at night depending on whether or not there are other campers in the area."

Night sky viewing: The minimal light pollution creates exceptional stargazing conditions. Justice K. mentions you can "see a universe of stars" at Cloverleaf Campground. Most primitive sites lack electricity, enhancing nighttime astronomy opportunities when weather permits.

What you should know

Variable conditions: Lake Roosevelt water levels change throughout the season affecting beach access. Justice K. notes Cloverleaf has "bald eagles, and lots of bugs" while mentioning "local teens like to have big ragers there... I've experienced that happening 7 out of 10 times I've camped there."

Boat-in only sites: Some campgrounds require water transportation. Matthew T. says, "I always take my boat in because there is a dock" at Sterling Point, although "one time I saw people there with no boat and when they left, they wandered into the woods, so I assume there is some way to hike in and out."

Limited facilities: Most tent sites have minimal amenities. Rogers Bar provides "true primitive camping" according to Terrie M., with just "a vault toilet but that is it. There is no water so bring your own." Pack-in, pack-out rules apply at most locations.

Tips for camping with families

Kid-friendly options: Amongst The Pines caters well to families with young children. Aaron S. found "the space was perfect for a couple young kids to run around and explore" and mentioned the owner "introduced my daughters to all the farm animals."

Beach activities: Look for campgrounds with gradual water entry for safer swimming. At Nine Mile Recreation Area, Aaron P. notes it's a "great family place, so much to do for everyone. Especially if you love the water. The campsite is butted up to the lake, which makes it great for sunsets and sunrises."

Nearby attractions: Several campgrounds offer access to local activities. Aaron S. appreciated staying at Amongst The Pines because they "were able to check out the nearby brewery/fruit picking spot which made for a pretty ideal road tripping night."

Tips from RVers

Accessibility challenges: Many tent sites near Ford have limited RV access. At Nine Mile Recreation Area, Jim T. cautions "The entry road is narrow, it is not paved, and meanders through private property, so slow down!" This affects larger vehicles more significantly.

Boat launch considerations: RVers using boat launches should check conditions first. Pat S. reports at Nine Mile Recreation Area: "Took our waverunners out there for the day so much seaweed couldn't launch them." Water levels can change quickly during the season.

Hookup options: When available, hookups are typically basic. Aaron P. notes at Nine Mile Recreation Area "The RV/camper sites have full or partial hook-ups. All back in." Booking ahead is essential for these limited serviced sites during summer months.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Ford, WA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Ford, WA is Nine Mile Recreation Area — Riverside State Park with a 3.3-star rating from 7 reviews.

What is the best site to find tent camping near Ford, WA?

TheDyrt.com has all 26 tent camping locations near Ford, WA, with real photos and reviews from campers.

Keep Exploring