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Best Dispersed Camping near Lake Roosevelt National Recreation Area

10 Reviews

Dispersed camping options near Lake Roosevelt National Recreation Area include several sites in Colville National Forest. North Fork Chewelah Creek offers free camping along a small creek with multiple dispersed sites scattered throughout wooded areas. The creek is not suitable for swimming but provides cooling relief in summer. Each site has established stone fire pits or areas where campers can build their own from abundant rocks. According to feedback on The Dyrt, "There are about 6 different camp sites directly on the main creek. The others are spread out through the woods." A vault toilet is available at some sites in this area.

Little Pend Orielle Wildlife Refuge provides more remote camping experiences with very limited amenities. The area features narrow gravel roads that may challenge larger vehicles and trailers. Sites include fire rings and some locations offer pit toilets, though these may be seasonal. Potters Pond and Bayley Lake provide fishing opportunities, with Bayley restricted to fly fishing only. As one visitor noted, "The spots we saw were all quite large and they are very spread out from each other." Cell service is nonexistent in most areas, making these sites ideal for those seeking true seclusion. All locations require pack-in, pack-out practices for waste management.

Map showing campgrounds near Lake Roosevelt National Recreation Area, WashingtonExplore the Map

Best Dispersed Sites Near Lake Roosevelt National Recreation Area (3)

    1. North Fork Chewelah Creek

    5 Reviews
    Chewelah, WA
    34 miles
    Website
    +1 (509) 684-7000

    "At first I entered the coordinates listed on the page and it took me to the opposite entrance to Colville National Forest - there are no places to camp on that side due to the steep drop.  "

    "Small space with multiple dispersed camp sites along the creek and throughout the wooded area. The creek is very small but powerful. You can not swim but still a great place to get wet."

    2. Little Pend Orielle Campground

    3 Reviews
    Colville, WA
    31 miles
    Website

    "It was very spacious and was walking distance from the dock and a toilet facility. However the toilet was very foul and we opted out of using it."

    3. At the Lac Dispersed

    2 Reviews
    Kettle Valley, WA
    31 miles
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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Lake Roosevelt National Recreation Area

6 Photos of 3 Lake Roosevelt National Recreation Area Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Lake Roosevelt National Recreation Area

10 Reviews of 3 Lake Roosevelt National Recreation Area Campgrounds

  • Gary M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 2, 2020

    Little Pend Orielle Campground

    Remote, secluded, no services, narrow gravel roads

    If you like camping completely self contained, this is for you.  There is a pit toilet (locked due to current COVID restrictions), and a fire ring at each dispersed campsite.  No water, except for the creek, and not even any cell phone reception.  Parking is level.  Roads into the area are narrow gravel roads, so "large" rigs and/or trailers may find it a challenge.  "High line" capabilities for horse campers.  As for activities, there are many miles of trails and rugged roads to explore, but a CAUTION is to bring a GPS and have good map reading skills to avoid getting lost; it's easy to lose yourself.   We camped September 28-29, and saw very little wildlife (probably due to hunting season), and were probably two weeks early to see the fall colors.  If you like to be by yourself, away from people and can camp without any services (pack it in, pack it out), you will enjoy this place.

  • c
    Jul. 20, 2024

    At the Lac Dispersed

    At the lake

    Nice place on public land. Swimming possible. We stayed for the night

  • NThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 17, 2025

    North Fork Chewelah Creek

    Very refreshing and beautiful!

    First time taking the godson camping and this was the perfect spot.  The godson's mom told me she went to this area when she was young and then I saw it here on The Dyrt.  At first I entered the coordinates listed on the page and it took me to the opposite entrance to Colville National Forest - there are no places to camp on that side due to the steep drop.  Make sure you follow the written directions - just follow Sand Canyon all the way out and it will take you to the proper entrance to Colville National Forest.  There are a few different pull-offs to camp sites.  The one we stayed at was a bit further down the rock road.  It is a loop off the main road and there are several camp sites along the creek.  There is also a vault toilet - very clean - in this area.  The godson loved it - he even played in the freezing cold water.  I enjoyed the peace and quiet!

  • King K.
    Jul. 20, 2022

    North Fork Chewelah Creek

    Comfortable

    The good -A beautiful camp ground. Small space with multiple dispersed camp sites along the creek and throughout the wooded area. 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. Not a good place to fish. The main camp area is completely shaded keeping things cool. The camp is very close to the creek. Still there was no issues with bugs. I did not need bug spray. There are established stone fire pits or you can gather up some rocks and make your own. Plenty of deadfall and fire wood all over the place. There is also a fence that runs the perimeter of the camp area. Helping to keep the predators out. The only animal I saw besides squirrels and birds was a skunk. Bears, coyotes, wolves and cougars are know to frequent the area.  

    The bad - Many of the locals are not friendly and claim the whole creek portion of the camp ground for themselves. There are about 6 different camp sites directly on the main creek. The others are spread out through the woods. People often use the creek just to bring their kids down to frolic in the water for a few hours. More than once I have been approached and ran off by hostile creek users. Im sure there are good folks around their too. That said the few people I have met out there are nasty and will refuse to share the campground causing all kinds of drama until you just get mad and leave. Last weekend I was approached by 4 men who were not camping just using the creek to tube with their kids. I was told that I better go find another place to camp. That they were using the creek and I could not be there. I set up anyways camping away from them and was not in anyway a bother to them. Still they continued to come over and harass me about leaving. Until I finally I strapped on my pistol approached them and told them I wasn't going any where. I was met with a lot of cussing and threats. But finally They did leave! So sad a beautiful place I truly loved the area. Not sure if I will continue to go back. It was not worth the ignorance or drama of other human beings. No toilets or electricity, No wifi or fresh drinking water. If you can avoid ignorant humans I would recommend this place to camp.

  • Karly L.
    May. 24, 2021

    Little Pend Orielle Campground

    Great secluded camps

    As we drove through looking for the best spot we noticed there were several quality spots. We opted for a spot right by potters pond. It was very spacious and was walking distance from the dock and a toilet facility. However the toilet was very foul and we opted out of using it. The spots we saw were all quite large and they are very spread out from each other. There was also a creek running behind the spot we chose which was a treat for the dogs to drink from. Each campsite is supplied with a fire pit with a metal ring and a cooking grate, which came in very handy. There are not tables provided and it’s completely haul in haul out. 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. A little further down was Bayley Lake which is fly fishing only and not as easy to access. Both the lake and the pond would be amazing places to kayak, we would have if the weather had been a bit nicer. Overall, I was very impressed with the size and seclusiveness of all the sites we saw. We will most definitely be back again!

  • Mary Beth G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 23, 2024

    At the Lac Dispersed

    Got in trouble by park ranger

    This is not a spot bc the park ranger told us we were not allowed to camp here

  • Jeffrey R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 3, 2023

    North Fork Chewelah Creek

    Nice area. Plenty of dispersed spots around.

    Usually visit in April. There are a TON of dispersed camping areas within a mile of this "campground" so if its full, it's not a big deal.

    With that said, I've never run into any issues with folks using this campground but there's a first time for everything. Most of my time spent in this area has been dead quiet and usually quite private.

  • Megan K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 9, 2021

    North Fork Chewelah Creek

    Great area for exploring

    We found a great spot to camp but since it was dispersed we made our own fire ring and camped in this area. There were some other sites that were occupied or we did not like it as much as the spot we ended up pitching up camp. Saw no ticks, but did get a few bites from other insects.

    Hearing the birds was really cool.

  • H
    Jul. 13, 2025

    North Fork Chewelah Creek

    Great spot, exactly what I was looking for

    Awesome spot, next to the water, pretty easy to get to. Saw some folks but not after dark and only at a distance. Very few bugs.

Guide to Lake Roosevelt National Recreation Area

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Lake Roosevelt National Recreation Area in Washington, where nature lovers can enjoy serene landscapes and a sense of adventure. This area offers a variety of spots for those looking to escape the crowds and immerse themselves in the great outdoors.

Dispersed campers should check out North Fork Chewelah Creek

  • This location features multiple dispersed camping areas within a mile, providing plenty of options for those seeking solitude and natural beauty. You can find more details about this spot at North Fork Chewelah Creek.

Great swimming opportunities for dispersed campers

  • At the well-reviewed At the Lac Dispersed area, visitors can enjoy swimming in the nearby waters, making it a refreshing stop for those looking to cool off after a day of hiking. More information can be found at At the Lac Dispersed.

Top activities while free camping near Lake Roosevelt National Recreation Area

  • Little Pend Orielle Campground offers excellent fishing opportunities, especially for families, with a stocked pond nearby that is perfect for kids to enjoy a day of angling. Check out the details at Little Pend Orielle Campground.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where are the designated dispersed camping areas at Lake Roosevelt National Recreation Area?

Lake Roosevelt National Recreation Area offers several dispersed camping options in the surrounding area. North Fork Chewelah Creek provides multiple dispersed sites along the creek and throughout wooded areas. The area features several quality spots within a mile of the main campground location. For alternatives, consider At the Lac Dispersed, which offers public land camping with lake access and swimming opportunities. When seeking dispersed sites, look for established fire rings which often indicate designated camping spots. Always verify current camping status as regulations may change seasonally.

What are the regulations and permits required for dispersed camping at Lake Roosevelt?

Dispersed camping at Lake Roosevelt and surrounding areas typically follows standard public land regulations. At Little Pend Orielle Campground, campers must be completely self-contained. General regulations include using established fire rings or creating safe ones when necessary, practicing Leave No Trace principles, and respecting maximum stay limits (typically 14 days). Always check with park rangers regarding current restrictions, as some areas may have temporary closures or special regulations. Permits are generally not required for dispersed camping, but it's advisable to register at trailheads or ranger stations when available. Vehicle access may be limited on narrow forest roads, so plan accordingly.

What amenities or facilities are available for dispersed campers at Lake Roosevelt National Recreation Area?

Dispersed camping areas around Lake Roosevelt offer minimal amenities, emphasizing self-sufficiency. At most sites, you'll find basic fire rings but should prepare to bring everything else you need. Some areas like Little Pend Orielle Campground may have pit toilets, though availability can vary due to seasonal or maintenance closures. Water sources are limited to natural creeks and lakes, requiring treatment before consumption. Cell phone reception is typically non-existent or very limited. Most sites offer level parking areas. For recreation, some locations provide access to water activities, fishing opportunities, and hiking trails. Bring all essential supplies including water, food, waste disposal bags, and emergency equipment.

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