Dispersed camping opportunities surround Ione in the Colville National Forest region of northeastern Washington at elevations ranging from 2,100 to 3,500 feet. The area features forested campsites along creeks and near lakes, with most sites offering privacy from neighbors. Free camping near Ione is typically accessible from May through October, though early season visitors should prepare for colder nights with temperatures sometimes dropping below 40°F.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: At Cooks Lake, you can fish directly from your campsite shoreline. "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... Tadpoles and turtles and little water snakes," reports one camper who enjoyed the lakeside setting.
Swimming in summer: Natural swimming spots provide cooling relief during hot months. At North Fork Chewelah Creek, the creek offers refreshing spots to wade. "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," notes one visitor.
Wildlife viewing: Bring binoculars for bird and animal watching. The Little Pend Orielle Wildlife Refuge offers secluded camping with potential wildlife sightings. "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," explains a camper.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Many dispersed camping areas offer good separation from other campers. North Fork Chewelah Creek provides a buffer between camping spots. "Nearby campsites are far enough away that you have plenty of privacy. There is a creek that runs through this area, which is great for cooling off on hot days," reports one camper.
Free firewood at some locations: While most sites require you to bring your own wood, Campbell Park at Box Canyon Dam offered additional amenities. "A 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," notes a visitor, though recent changes to this site should be confirmed.
Natural swimming holes: Swimming opportunities exist at several locations around Ione. A Campbell Park visitor appreciated that "there is a fishing/swimming pond for the kids, free firewood, one of the sites has a cute small waterfall, IN THE SITE!!!" Another mentions "they even provide life jackets, if your child needs one!"
What you should know
No-camping restrictions: Always check current regulations as they change. According to a recent visitor to Campbell Park, "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."
Wildlife concerns: Besides bears mentioned in the current description, other wildlife requires attention. At Sullivan creek campground#2, one camper warned about "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."
Road conditions: Access to dispersed camping near Ione often requires traveling unpaved routes. At Little Pend Orielle Wildlife Refuge, "Roads into the area are narrow gravel roads, so 'large' rigs and/or trailers may find it a challenge... bring a GPS and have good map reading skills to avoid getting lost; it's easy to lose yourself."
Tips for camping with families
Consider Campbell Park facilities: This location offered family-friendly options when camping was permitted. "This is not my typical campground. I was surprised at the location and the really cool Hydro Electric Dam! This Campground is FREE... there is a fishing/swimming pond for the kids."
Check out Potter's Pond: Within Little Pend Orielle Campground, this stocked fishing spot is perfect for children. "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."
Plan for bathroom situations: Toilet facilities vary widely across free camping areas near Ione. At Sullivan Creek, one camper advised: "Make sure to bring proper toiletry supplies to use the old fashion style because the closet toilet is 2 miles away."
Tips from RVers
Site selection for larger vehicles: Many dispersed sites have limitations for RVs. At Cee Cee Ah Creek, there is "plenty of room for a few tents to go up and parking off the road," but larger rigs should scout sites first.
Level parking challenges: Finding flat parking can be difficult at some free camping locations near Ione. At Cooks Lake, some sites work for smaller trailers, but as one RVer cautions: "At least 2 of them are good for my trailer although I wouldn't try if you're not experienced with towing."
Narrow access roads: Forest roads to prime camping spots often present challenges. A Little Pend Orielle visitor noted: "Roads into the area are narrow gravel roads, so 'large' rigs and/or trailers may find it a challenge."
