Searching for a tent camping spot near Kettle Valley? The Dyrt is an easy way to find tent camping spots near Kettle Valley. Each spot offers quick access to one or more of Kettle Valley, Washington's most popular destinations.
This pack it in/pack it out campground is a single large circular loop .25 miles from the highway on a dirt road with minimal traffic noise. Lodgepole pine provide ample shade and an understory of wild roses and other shrubs allow for good privacy between sites. A few campsites are adjacent to canyon creek which is hidden from view. A small meadow near the campground's entrance allows ample wildlife viewing opportunities such as deer and birds. Convenient for overnight campers it is also a nice location for a few days of relaxed camping. A one mile paved walking trail traverses along Sherman Creek between the campground and the Sherman Pass Log Flume Heritage Site. Facilities 12 campsites with picnic tables, fire pits, and tent pads No drinking water Two toilets No garbage disposal - Please pack it out
Washington State Parks require a Discover Pass for Day use and overnight camping.
Cloverleaf is a small, walk-in only campground near Gifford. Tent sites are tucked into the pines with lake shore access. This campground is great for those wanting a more rugged, primitive camping experience with standard amenities like fire rings and pit toilets. Although small, Cloverleaf Campground is not as popular as other campgrounds and doesnt often fill.
This campground is popular with families that enjoy a more primitive and private camping experience.
Beautiful campground tucked into a small bay on Lake Roosevelt. It's surrounded by a pine forest and shrubs with easy access to the water.
This location is unstaffed. To speak with our main office for general information, please call: (509) 754-7889.
Gifford campground, which has a nice boat launch is just 1.2 miles south.
All changes and cancellations need to be made through recreation.gov Late Cancellations or Cancellations within the Cut-off Window Individual Campsites: A customer who cancels a reservation the day before or on the day of arrival will pay a $10.00 service fee AND forfeit the first night's use fee (not to exceed the total paid for the original reservation). Cancellations for a one-night reservation will forfeit the entire amount paid and will not be subject to an additional service fee.
$23 / night
This Campground is equipped with picnic areas and 9 tent/trailer sites. Bathrooms are available. Some campsites are private. Facilities 10 campsites with picnic tables, fire pits, and tent pads Picnic area Toilets Garbage - Pack it in/Pack it out No drinking water is provided, make sure to bring your own.
Most sites are tent sites, private and have a view of the lake. This campground is located on a small hillside and overlooks Lake Thomas. Access to Rufus Trail #148 is near this campground. Facilities 16 campsites (small trailers) with picnic tables, fire pits, and tent pads Drinking water Toilets Garbage disposal (bear proof)
Traveler
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.
Guide
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.
Scout
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!
Traveler
Great place for families and fishermen. Curlew Lake is known for its fishing, also boating, waterskiing, kayaking, etc. Resort has a variety of full service cabins and full RV hook up camp sites. Also tent sites available. Showers and laundry on site, along with convenient store, where bikes, boats, kayaks and paddle boards can be rented. Marked swim area for kids.
Open almost all year round.
Scout
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!
LegendWe 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.
Guide
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.
LegendThis 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.
Legend
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.
Traveler
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 🏕
Traveler
Based on visit in August of 2019. The lake had a pretty significant bloom of algae and a lot of mill weed at this time, but it was still a great visit.
The lake and surrounding area is gorgeous. If coming from the West I recommend taking Hwy 2 across the Cascades then take Hwy 21 north across the Columbia (via the free Keller Ferry) and all the way to the Lake. The whole stretch of Hwy 21 between the border and Columbia is one of the best in the PNW. Take Hwy 20 back from Republic for more splendor.
Decent-sized IGA for groceries, convenience stores, and a few restaurants in Republic nearby
This is a big campground on a big lake, but the three loops help to create three different experiences. We camped in #79, one of seven tent sites on the somewhat isolated lower loop. All of the sites on the lakeside of this loop are pretty large and nice. Save for a few trees there isn't a lot separating each site and all are visible from the lake, so not exactly private either. South of the park are cabins across the bay that you can see and hear. During the day there is a lot of activity on the water, including speedboats blasting Nickelback (it is close to Canada).
Over a little hill from the lower loop is swimming beach and day-use area. This area was pretty busy with locals as the temperatures hit 100 during our visit. The bathroom has pay showers, outlets, and was recently renovated. Plan your showers for the morning or evening.
The middle loop is on top of hill that has a wooded slope on the lakeside. There are two distinct areas here, one is literally a loop of sites on grass in classic WA State Parks fashion. The other section is series of 10 or so sites on the hillside and in the woods that you have to park and walk into. The sites were all different sizes and distances from each other. More privacy here, but there is a trail just above the shore that runs by many of them, so keep your shorts on.
The upper loop is the largest and has mix of RV and drive-up sites in a little valley ringed by walk-in sites on top of the hill. Note that from the sites in the valley you can't really see the lake but there are scattered trees to provide some shade. Not my cup of tea, but there is another shower area and a little store operated by the hosts that had ice, wood, and some frozen treats.
Back to our experience: the lower loop is on edge of a small bay and natural marshland. We had a clear view of an Osprey nest (see pictures) that the hillside trails goes right by.
In addition to the Ospreys we saw many birds drawn to the marsh and trees, several kinds of fish, turtles, and nutria in the water. In addition to a few red squirrels we also were visited by a tiny skunk who sauntered up through the reeds on the hillside to lick the griddle I left on the ground by our table (always clean up, folks). It left without incident, but I was glad we didn't have out dog with us or else things could have ended quickly.
In the area are hikes in the Kettle River Range, the Ferry County Rail Trail (which I want to check out next time), and numerous back roads to explore. Because of the heat we did some trips in the van up to the border, Ranald MacDonald State Park (smallest in the state), Swan Lake, the city of Curlew, and of course the ice cream serving establishments of Republic.
I wish the lake would have been more pleasant to be in, that's the only reason for the 4 star review. I'm not sure if it is like that every year, so I would contact the park office or check on social media to see.
Ranger
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.
Traveler
Awesome fireplace and picnic area, the tent area is a short walk from the covered area. A public path right through the camping area which was kind of annoying since the tent area wasn’t visible from the cooking area so there were strangers walking around our tents. Nice private beach area.
Traveler
Great site to connect with the lake, but didn't enjoy the tent spots available. Ground was hard and mostly prepared for RVs.
Traveler
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.
Traveler
FIRST COME, FIRST SERVE
Lake Ellen East Campground is one of two campgrounds located on each end of the good sized lake. There are 11 campsites with picnic tables, fire pits, and tent pads. It doesn't get super busy during the camping season. When we stayed the cost was 6$ for a sight. Dogs were allowed on a leash. Driving through the campground is a one way single lane gravel road loop. Campsites have good separation with lots of vegetation for privacy. Access to the lake for fishing and swimming is a short walk. Wildlife viewing is great: water fowl mostly andfishing for Rainbow Trout is good. Best for tents and small campers. Toilets available. No drinking water. Boat ramp is at the other end (west) of the lake. The nearest town is Kettle Falls, WA. Operated by the Forest Service.
If you want a low key, quiet place to camp this is a good choice.
Guide
A nice little campground that I used to go to with my Grandparents. It’s mostly set up for RV camping but works well with tents too. No hookups for RVs. Longest space is probably 20-25 ft. Beautiful view of the river!
Traveler
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.
Traveler
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.
Legend***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.
Guide
When we arrived we were surprised to have a double site which gave us more than enough space to set up 3 tents and an extra for the dogs. The lake was clear, beautiful and warm! We spend hours floating around enjoying the views. The folks at The Beaver Lodge just outside of the site were friendly and helpful if you need any basics you forgot. The vault toilets were maintained twice a day all days we were there. Overall, fantastic experience!
ScoutCool place, but not for camping. Contrary to the description, this place isn’t meant for established or even disbursed camping. There are no campsites. We looked around the area for disbursed camping spots, but the terrain made it really difficult to get around and find a place to pitch a tent/hammock. I wouldn’t recommend for campers, but the trails would be great for cross country skiing. This place is not a campsite. It’s a group of cross country ski trails.
Legend
Jake from the Dyrt here! Brown Barrel is new to the Dyrt but they have an awesome spot in northern Washington, the trees are plentiful, and several mountains are nearby ready to explore. Check them out and share your favorite pics of your stay!
RangerWe stayed in one of the A-frame chalets on the beautiful Lake Crescent as part of our Olympic National Park trip. They had yard games out on the lawn and comfy chairs to relax in. Our patio overlooked the lake. They also had a restaurant on-site and a little shop with snacks, ice cream, and coffee. The tent and RV campsites were a little close together, but in a beautiful setting. Wish we would have had more than 1 night here. Across on the other side of the lake was the Lake Crescent Lodge. Here you could rent canoes and kayaks. They also had a really nice restaurant and gift shop.
Ranger
It is a nice Campground on Sullivan lake run by the U.S. Forest Service.
It has all the amenities you would expect from a campground run by them. It has vault toilets, onsite trash pickup, and water. There is a day use area on the lake with picnic tables, grills, bathrooms and even a boat launch! It boasts 32 campsites, 6 double campsites, 1 group campsite(up to 40 people) all with picnic tables, fire pits, and tent pads. The pricing is as follows:
$20/single site
$40/double site
$75/group site
$10/Extra vehicle
$5/Day use
Overall This is a nice place with a few small towns close by incase you need supplies. I would check it out if in the area.
Scout
What’s the point of having agateman ?
He was rude .
But seriously what’s the point of having a guy who does Not even groom trails tell me I’m 15 min late to leave at 7pm
Which is still plenty of light for another hour of riding .
Equestrian peoples time frames are not based off of public park time frames . If I’m running behind so be it I don’t need a ticket from a county park to tell me .
15$ is way to steep for a Washington park in the middle of nowhere
Scout
Well kept campgrounds, but the owner Dave came into our campsite drunk and belligerent, called our children profanities, then returned later in the evening and proceeded to run his golf cart into two of the vehicles at out campsite yelling more profanities, he then got off of his cart and fell onto a personal camp table smashing it. He also physically assaulted two of the parties at our campsite, this is all after crashing through the campsite next to ours, running over a tent and yelling profanities at the site on the other side of their campsite. The owners refused to pay for any of the damages and the excuse we received was that Dave had a bad day and had been drinking vodka. I just want to remind you this is the owner of the resort. So if you you choose this place just be careful.
Kettle Valley, Washington, offers a fantastic escape for tent campers looking to immerse themselves in nature. With a variety of campgrounds nearby, adventurers can enjoy stunning landscapes and outdoor activities.
Frequently Asked Questions
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