Best Tent Camping near Ione, WA

Colville National Forest surrounds Ione, Washington with several tent-only and primitive tent camping options. Sullivan Creek Campgrounds offers walk-in tent sites along a creek with fire rings and bear boxes, located about 150 yards from the main road. Crescent Lake Campground provides three tent campsites in a pine forest setting just one mile south of the Canadian border. Lake Thomas Campground operates seasonally from Memorial Day to Labor Day with tent-specific sites that connect to lakeside trails. Little Twin Lakes Campground features seven tent sites with picnic tables and vault toilets, while Flodelle Creek Campground provides free tent camping with a Washington Discover Pass.

Most tent campgrounds in the Ione area feature basic amenities suited for self-sufficient campers. Sites typically include fire rings and picnic tables, with vault toilets available at most locations. Tent pads are often set on natural surfaces including dirt, pine needles, or gravel. Water availability varies significantly between campgrounds, with most primitive sites requiring campers to bring their own supply. Bear boxes are provided at several locations including Crescent Lake and Sullivan Creek, indicating active wildlife in the region. Seasonal access restrictions apply to many backcountry tent camping areas, with snow often blocking higher elevation roads until early summer. First-come, first-served policies are standard at most tent-only campgrounds.

Tent campers visiting Sullivan Creek report spacious sites that accommodate multiple tents with good separation between neighboring campsites. According to reviews, Crescent Lake offers exceptional solitude with "sites equipped with fire rings, bear boxes and picnic tables" in "the thick of pines." Visitors to Skookum Creek noted that even when other sites were occupied, "the breeze and sounds of nature drowned out" neighboring noise. Wildlife viewing opportunities are abundant throughout the region's tent campgrounds, with Lake Thomas visitors reporting sightings of deer, moose, and various bird species. Fall camping provides particularly quiet experiences, with one September visitor noting they "had the whole campground to ourselves" at Skookum Creek, making it ideal for backcountry tent camping experiences away from crowds.

Best Tent Sites Near Ione, Washington (57)

    1. Crescent Lake Campground

    8 Reviews
    Metaline Falls, WA
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (509) 446-7500

    "It is a free campground, 1 mile south of the Canadian border. The road in is narrow and has a bit of down hill slope. Each site is equipped with fire rings, bear boxes and picnic tables."

    "This is for Crescent Lake in the NE corner of washington, not the one in the olympics(which is also a wonderful campground)."

    2. Lake Thomas Campground

    1 Review
    Ione, WA
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (509) 684-7000

    "Some spots even have trails from campground to the lake! Large range of wildlife, birds, fish, deer, moose, and we even saw bunnies!! Worth the fee Id say!"

    3. Mountain Refuge Ranch

    1 Review
    Metaline Falls, WA
    10 miles
    Website

    $75 - $100 / night

    "Ours had camp chairs, table, bucket for water, fire ring, lighter. Very pretty views."

    4. Sullivan Creek Campgrounds

    2 Reviews
    Metaline Falls, WA
    13 miles

    "It’s right next to the river and about 150 yards from the road.

    At the site: Fire Ring, and a bear box."

    "Close to the road and creek. Large site that can accommodate two small travel trailers (up to 20 ft) and multiple tenting areas. Large bear box, and fire ring."

    6. Flodelle Creek Campground

    2 Reviews
    Colville, WA
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (509) 684-7474

    "Ranger Review: Wenzel Lightweight Double Hammock at Flodelle Creek

    Campground Review:

    Flodelle Creek campground is a great gem off highway 20. It is a bit back there and super small."

    "It's so beautiful in the trees, each site has good privacy from the others. You have to have a discover pass to stay here, but if you do it's free. Best camping near colville natl forest."

    7. Little Twin Lakes Campground

    1 Review
    Colville, WA
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (509) 684-7000

    "Smaller camp ground, 7 sites, with boat launch, good kayaking and fishing, picnic tables and vault toilets."

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Showing results 1-10 of 57 campgrounds

Tent Camping Reviews near Ione, WA

331 Reviews of 57 Ione Campgrounds



Guide to Ione

Nestled in the scenic beauty of Washington, Ione offers a variety of tent camping options that cater to nature enthusiasts looking for a peaceful retreat.

Tips for Tent Camping Near Ione

  • For a serene experience, consider camping at Crescent Lake Campground, where you can enjoy the tranquility of the Colville National Forest with its shaded sites and proximity to a small lake.
  • Bring your own water when visiting Flodelle Creek Campground, as this well-reviewed spot offers a rustic experience with a small creek running nearby.
  • If you're looking for a free option, Lake Thomas Campground provides a beautiful setting with wildlife sightings and trails leading to the lake.

Local Attractions for Tent Campers

  • Explore the stunning views from the Boundary Dam Vista House, located near Crescent Lake Campground, where you can take in the Pend Oreille River and the surrounding mountains.
  • Just a short drive from Flodelle Creek Campground, you can visit the Gardner Caves for an adventurous day trip filled with exploration.
  • The nearby Metaline Falls, where the film "The Postman" was shot, is easily accessible from Lake Thomas Campground and offers a glimpse into local history.

Tent Campers Should Check Out These Features

  • At Crescent Lake Campground, enjoy amenities like picnic tables and fire pits, perfect for evening gatherings under the stars.
  • Flodelle Creek Campground features well-maintained vault toilets and spacious sites, ensuring a comfortable stay in a secluded environment.
  • The picturesque setting of Lake Thomas Campground allows for wildlife viewing, with opportunities to see deer, moose, and various bird species right from your campsite.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Ione, WA is Crescent Lake Campground with a 4.8-star rating from 8 reviews.

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

TheDyrt.com has all 57 tent camping locations near Ione, WA, with real photos and reviews from campers.