Best Tent Camping near Ione, WA

Recent Tent Reviews near Ione, Washington

330 Reviews of 57 Ione Campgrounds

• B

  Becky

  Traveler

  

  Sep. 23, 2021

  Boundary Dam Campground

  Great for RV's, Cramped for Tents.

  This campground seems to be designed for and attract mostly RV campers with boats since there is a boat launch at this facility. There are only 6 small tent camping spots right next to the dam's bright lights. The tent sites are VERY close together so there is a lack of privacy and only 1 tent spot per site. Campsites have a fire ring and picnic table. We noticed that the campground sprinklers come on in the morning and spray the tent sites so beware of where you place your tent. There is a potable water spigot next to where the tent site parking is but the bathrooms are a little bit of a walk. We didn't see any staffing while we were there but the bathrooms, which had flushable toilets and handwashing sinks, were well maintained. There is a picnic shelter area and rocky shore area you can hang out on. Pee Wee Falls is a short paddle (1/4 mile?) around the right side bend from the boat launch area. We went Labor Day weekend and we were the only tent campers the first night (Friday) and then a single tent camper showed up the next day. The RV sites were packed full when we arrived very late Friday night. We had a great stay since we were one of the only tent campers and it's a free campground with all the basic amenities we needed to be comfortable.

• 

  Freddie Faith M.

  Traveler

  

  Jun. 30, 2024

  Pioneer Park

  One of the best campsites I've had in a campground.

  I love the Colville National Forest and enjoy discovering different campgrounds within it.

  I like to camp at Pioneer Park when I am in Newport visiting family and will always choose campsite 14! It is the best out of all the campsites there, very private, incredibly spacious, and with a nice trail to the water. I only tent camp so I don't know how accommodating it is for an RV, however.

• 

  Jeff W.

  Scout

  

  Jun. 6, 2018

  Lionhead Campground — Priest Lake State Park

  Worked the State Park for a summer.

  I worked at Priest Lake State Park as a residential biologist for the summer of 2016. It was an amazing experience! I had access to parts of the park not allowed to campers. The staff are all very friendly and nice to work with. The hand- scooped homemade ice cream is worth it alone! Kayaking up the thoroughfare to the upper lake is a great workout with some amazing and beautiful scenery and animals along the way. You will see lots of moose, and sometimes black bears. If you take the short hike to Moose lake, there is excellent rainbow trout fishing, and gorgeous scenery as well. Hunt lake trail is a beautiful trail to hike, but not for beginners. Priest Lake itself is a little chilly when first getting in to swim, but is very refreshing in the mountain heat. There are many good places to pick huckleberries all over the area! The campgrounds at the Indian Creek unit, which is where the headquarters and store are located, are very clean. There are plenty of RV and tent camping sites and 5 cabins available to rent. All cabins sleep different numbers of people, ranging from 5 to 9, the moose cabin being the largest and nicest. The cabins have no bathrooms or kitchens but boast fire rings and are right across from communal park bathrooms and showers. The lion head unit on the upper lake is about 12 miles up the road from Indian Creek turning into gravel about 8 miles up right before moose lake. It has a few smaller camper sites and many tent sites available. There is a maintenance shed along with a small ranger booth which also serves as a small store with ice and other foods and small supplies. There are first aid kits and radios available at all campground ranger booths. Priest lake has amazing fishing for rainbow trout, Mackinaw (lake trout), smallmouth bass, and Pike minnow (as the main species). The nearest town, Coolin, UD, is about 12 miles down the road. It is a small town with a store, a diner and a bar/ restaurant. The diner and restaurant have decent staple foods for what they have to offer. The store is fairly small but generally has most of the foods and supplies needed for restocking your camping food or obtaining the odds and ends you may have forgotten or overlooked at home. All around it is a beautiful place to visit with friendly staff and locals and I would highly recommend it to anyone seeking an unforgettable family camping experience.

• 

  Brian L.

  Guide

  

  Jul. 16, 2019

  Luby Bay Campground

  Nice campground on a beautiful lake

  The tent sites are private and not too close together. Very nice campground host and clean restrooms. We spent the night in the upper section and it was peaceful and quiet.

• J

  Jayme B.

  Guide

  

  Apr. 20, 2021

  North Lake RV Park & Campground

  Tons of Amenities

  This place has showers and bathrooms which were great after a day floating on the river which is just a short drive away. Great tent camping with group camping available. Sites have a lot of room, table, fire pit, garbage can and easy walk to rest of campground.

• 

  Tori T.

  Scout

  

  Jun. 20, 2019

  Marcus Island Campground — Lake Roosevelt National Recreation Area

  Absolutely beautiful

  Love it here! Kinda wish there was more spots but at the same time love how spaced out the camp sites are great for both campers, rv and tent sites. I love Stevens county camp grounds!

• V

  Vern H.

  Scout

  

  Aug. 13, 2022

  Old American Resort

  Clean, quiet, rustic, friendly

  KM and RPI rv resort, they do have a couple of designated tent sites, and 2 members-only cabins. Clubhouse is pretty much shut down, I guess you could say it has “long covid”, heh

• 

  Ann W.

  Guide

  

  Aug. 4, 2019

  Blue Lake RV Resort

  Cute RV park

  Cute little RV park off the highway. Very quite with a small lake. Families can enjoy fishing, swimming, yard games, fire pit, and very dog friendly with a fenced dog park. We are tent campers and had a nice spot on lake. only a few tent sites. Super clean bathrooms with hot shower.

• 

  Scott B.

  Guide

  

  Jul. 24, 2018

  Lionhead Campground — Priest Lake State Park

  Lionhead and Indiancreek state parks

  Lionhead is by far my favorite campground of hundreds I’ve been to. it’s designed more for tent camping of very small rv’s such as truck campers or tent trailers. There are numerous trails to explore and the beach is beautiful white sand with crystal clear water. Indian Creek is also nice and has a store with everything you could need and ice cream by the scoop. Indian Creek also has full and partial hookup sites - free hot showers- and boat slips to rent.

• 

  Dominic C.

  Scout

  

  May. 17, 2018

  Skookum Creek Campground

  In the woods, close to mountains, close to rivers, on a small creek

  It's a relatively small loop campground along a creek, close to the Pend Oreille River. Gravel road, ideal for tent camping. When we camped there in September of 2017, there were 3 occupied spaces, all of whom left the next day so we had the whole campground to ourself. There were primitive bathrooms, and from my memory no running water. I also don't think we paid, because we couldn't find anyone to give money to. Maybe this is because it was fall, or maybe it's actually free. Either way, pleasant experience here!

• 

  Andrea R.

  Legend

  

  Apr. 24, 2019

  Marcus Island Campground — Lake Roosevelt National Recreation Area

  Very quiet in the off season.

  We had a campground all to ourselves in early April. It is full of birds and waterfowl. Rocky cliff side down to the lake. In April the water levels are low for flood control. Beautiful sunsets, the site's are large and the road is good.

  There are large sites for trucks, trailers. Tent camping is nice in the upper loop, but nothe a lot of shade in the lower loop. $9 in off season and $18 in peak.

  Bathrooms were clean and had toilet paper. The walking tour at this campground is also nice. Full of history.

• 

  Chelsea K.

  Traveler

  

  Sep. 25, 2019

  Riley Creek Campground

  Make a reservation

  We tent camped, sharing a site with some friends in an RV. Only some of their sites are reservable, others are walk up. We did not have reservations so had to join a lottery to get one of the walk up sites. Despite arriving early in the morning, we did not know until mid afternoon if we got a site. Half way through our stay we had to move sites and again go through the lottery system. Fortunately we got sites both times, others were not so fortunate.

  Otherwise it is a well taken care of camp ground. Lots of paved hiking paths, a beautiful beach, and a great play structure. No camp store on site.

• l

  lisa

  Traveler

  

  Jul. 18, 2022

  Priest River

  Priest river “ the mud hole” campground

  The volunteers were amazing so helpful and friendly! Camp site 12 is where you want to be especially if you like the sunshine. Only site on the river tent site only with bbq pit and picnic table and some shade. Bathrooms are close the fishing dock is closer and you could even swim in your own hole! The public beach is about 30 yards away and great for younger kids. Also from camp site 12 you can see the playground if you were to bring kids! They have free hot showers and firewood for sale on site as well. The rangers come give a presentation every third Friday I went and it was on all the different kinds of pines we have in INW.

• T

  Taylor T.

  Guide

  

  Jul. 26, 2021

  South Skookum Lake Campground

  LOVED this campground

  One of our favorites on a month long camping trip cross country. The lake was great for a swim and to play fetch with our dog. The place was nearly empty when we arrived so we got to pick what to our knowledge was the only non-tent site a slight view of the lake. Bathrooms were clean. No showers. A tad buggy but not too bad for being near a lake. Didn't get to do the trail because we didn't bring bear spray as a sign at the time advised. You drive for a bit down a dirt road to get here but the Google Maps directions were pretty spot on (slightly off at the end but there was signage to help navigate). A nice coffee shop in the nearest town too.

• 

  allison W.

  Legend

  

  Jul. 24, 2022

  Shore Acres Resort

  Sweet spot for cabins & RVs

  This campground has been around for awhile, but is under new ownership. It’s a really unique spot right on the shores of Loon Lake in Washington State. It’s a bit remote for one night, but if you’re planning a family reunion over a long weekend or something, this would be a great spot.

  They’ve got a variety of accommodations — RV spots for those that use them, plus more permanent structures like “vintage cabins and retro apartments” (this sounds a little suspicious, but I swear, they’re good enough as long as you bear in mind that this is a campground. They even have a cafe and a little store so you only have to rough it solo as much as you want to.

  They have a little marina with boat slips if you have your own, or you can rent from them and take advantage of everything the lake has to offer. Due to the remote location compared to other lakes closer to the Washington State metro areas, there aren’t a ton of people on the water here at any time of year, even during holidays.

  I’m not sure how tent camping would work here, I’m sure they would find a way to accommodate it if you wanted to try, but if I was in a group sans RV I’d probably splurge on a cabin and call it a day.

• 

  Todd B.

  Traveler

  

  Aug. 24, 2022

  Priest River

  A mix of great and not so great

  I am a bit mixed about this campground. Our spot was really incredible. Site 12 is right on the river which provides impressive sunrise and sunsets. The river is calm in the mornings and evenings with fish jumping. However, there are some downsides to the spot and the campground that cannot be ignored. 1) It is very close to the highway so you hear the cars all day. Site 12 is as far away as you can get from it plus it has a great view so helps offset the road noise. Other sites don't have the view so the road noise would be even more annoying. 2) The campground is right next to a public beach. The water was nice in the summer but the river does have a lot of seaweed floating in it. Site 12 also happens to be closest to the beach. The noise from the bench is not bad. However, everyone from the campground walks right next to your site on their way to the beach. Also, site 12 gets full sun from about noon to sunset. There is shade but the tent site and parking are in the sun. 

  LTDR - The view on the river here is a 5. The road noise and traffic from the beach goers pull this down to a 3 for me though. So I will give it a 4.

• 

  Andrea R.

  Legend

  

  Aug. 26, 2019

  North Gorge Campground — Lake Roosevelt National Recreation Area

  Ranger Review: GCI Outdoor Recliner chair at North Gorge Campground

  Ranger Review: GCI Outdoor Recliner chair at North Gorge Campground

  Campground review:

  North Gorge is a sleepy little place. Small campground with a small boat launch. There isn't a lot of parking so beware if you bring your truck and trailer here. The sites are small, seemed to be a decent amount of space between them. Vault toilets, well maintained. each site has your standard picnic table, and fire ring. There was a burn ban in August, no fires for us. They actually zip tied no fire signs to each fire pit. There are only a few sites, most for tent camping only, however there are a few that will fit a trailer or rv. It is $9 in the off season Nov 1st to May 30th, and $18 in the peak season

  **Product review: **

  **https://www.gcioutdoor.com/folding-recliners/outdoor-recliner/
  **

  As a Ranger for the Dyrt, sometime I get to test out awesome products in exchange for an honest review. The GCI outdoor Recliner is well built with quality materials. It is easy to slide in and out of the large storage back. easy to set up and take down. I love the mesh back, it helps to keep you cool in those hot summer days. The chair has 3 reclining positions and my favorite part was reclining the chair all the way to look at the stars, it gives the perfect angle. I also love the storage pocket on the back. just fold up the storage bag and put it in the pocket for a pillow. It has a cup holder, but I wasn't a big fan of the placement. I give this chair an 8/10.

• 

  Nan O.

  Traveler

  

  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 🏕

• 

  Douglas S.

  Ranger

  

  Aug. 1, 2019

  Crescent Lake Campground

  My favorite lake in Washington plus free camping.

  This is for Crescent Lake in the NE corner of washington, not the one in the olympics(which is also a wonderful campground). This campground consists of 3 sites decked out with picnic tables, a fire pit, tent pad and bear boxes. There is a vault toilet close to all sites and a bear proof trash bin. There is no host, store, water, or other amenities, the perfect rustic getaway! It is run by the US Forest Service and is TOTALLY free!!! No pass or fee needed. It is just up the hill from the pristine small lake on the road to the Vista House. The vista house is a single room with windows overlooking the Pendorile river as it flows through Boundary Dam and into Canada. The Vista House hase mens and womens flush restrooms if you are camping here and need a bit of civilisation! It is 1 mile from a canadian border crossing yet gets very little traffic. The best feature of this campground is the gorgeous turquoise water in Crescent Lake. It is stocked seasonally with brown and rainbow trout. I have seen MANY turtles and frogs on the shores, as well as elk, deer, bald eagles and even a bear! The Boundary Dam is about 20 minutes away and offers free tours plus there are the Gardner Caves close to that, so there are always activities to do. This is a must see treasure of washington and I HIGHLY recommend at least visiting.

• 

  Zachary S.

  Traveler

  

  Mar. 7, 2024

  Noisy Creek

  Not great for tents

  Great site to connect with the lake, but didn't enjoy the tent spots available. Ground was hard and mostly prepared for RVs.

• 

  Zachary S.

  Traveler

  

  Mar. 7, 2024

  Colville National Forest Panhandle Campground

  Close Spots

  Worked well to connect spots that were next to each other for a larger group. But most of the ground was hard and difficult to find good tent spots. The only level spots were the parking spots. Access to water was nice.

• 

  Jae H.

  Traveler

  

  May. 26, 2024

  Jump Off Joe Lake Resort and RV Park

  Yearly visits!

  Love JOJ, I have been coming here since I was 5 or so, beautiful location, fishing, camping; cabins, tents or RV. Swimming with floating dock, and playground area.

• 

  JEFFREY W.

  Legend

  

  Jul. 25, 2021

  Thousand Trails Little Diamond

  Secluded, quaint, short drive to Diamond Lake

  Rustic KOA campground. Country store for basic needs but isn't open all the time. Tent and RV sites. Access to Little Diamond Lake. Great bass fishing. Wifi and cell service works.

• 

  Cody H.

  Guide

  

  Jul. 12, 2020

  Lionhead Campground — Priest Lake State Park

  You won’t want to leave camp

  Ended our tour of Northern Idaho at spot #140. Tons of flat area to put down a tent, mosquito shade (they are pretty bad), and enjoy the amazing view!

  Bathrooms with vault toilets, water pump, and grey water dump all just a short walk away

• 

  Andrea R.

  Legend

  

  Jun. 20, 2019

  Crescent Lake Campground

  The Real Crescent lake

  ***All reviews below this and above this are for Crescent lake in the Olympic National Park (also beautiful), Not this Crescent lake in the Colville National Forest, which the map indicates.

  This Campground is in the thick of the Colville National Forest, on the East side of Washington State. There are only three campsites, best for tents or very small campers, no your 40 foot RV will not fit.....They are not reserveable, fcfs. 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. There is one Vault toilet. Bring your own water as there is no access. There is also one bear proof trash can. The campground is up hill from the lake in thick of pines. Just up the road from Crescent lake is the Boundary Dam Vista House. It offers beautiful views of the Boundary Dam, The Canada Border and Beyond, The Pend Oreille River, The Selkirk Mountains, and more! Also close to Metaline Falls, where the 1997 Kevin Costner Film, The Postman, was filmed.

  The lake was even clearer than the one on the west side, it is stocked with Rainbow trout, and it's super awesome to see where you are fishing. For being a roadside lake I was quite impressed. There are a very few, SMALL, pull offs on the small dirt road on the lake. At the end is a slightly larger area to turn around in, or park (please leave enough room to let others turn around) There is a rope swing, however, the lake is not deep enough at the moment to be able to swing. People do kayak and canoe. There is no room for your trailer. If it fits in or on your car, feel free to use your boat. Most importantly please, respect this area, it's beauty is unparalleled.

• 

  Missy S.

  Guide

  

  Sep. 27, 2019

  Kalispell Island Boat-in Campground

  Kayak camping!

  The best of both worlds! Who loves kayaking and car camping? Why not both?? A group of us stocked up our kayak and we trekked out to Kalispell Island! Storms all around us but the views were beautiful. Nature is beautiful. Set up our hammocks, tents and brought out fishing poles.

• L

  Lanae

  Traveler

  

  Jul. 25, 2022

  Silver Beach Resort

  Beautiful Lake Access

  We camped here for a girls weekend and were really happy with our double site (35 a+b). We had a tent trailer, 2 tents, 4 cars, and 10 adults and had plenty of space in our site. Many spots are packed in tight, but this one has nice privacy and isn’t too far from the restroom or the lake. The 4 star review is mostly due to the location rather than anything with the campground or owners. It’s right on highway 12 and those giant military fighter jets fly through the canyon every once in awhile. But the staff is great, there’s a restaurant and coffee stand on site, and the campground was pretty clean. The lake is BEAUTIFUL - a bit windy but great to paddle around on when the wind is calm. You can grab wifi while standing at the motel, but there’s otherwise no cell service.