Dispersed camping near Loon Lake, Washington offers free sites on National Forest and BLM lands within 30 miles of the lake. Elevations range from 2,000 to 3,800 feet, with summer temperatures typically reaching 75-85°F during day and dropping to 45-55°F at night. These primitive sites require navigating forest service roads that can become muddy after rain, with most access roads passable for standard vehicles though higher clearance is recommended.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: North Fork Chewelah Creek offers creek fishing throughout the camping area. "We found a great spot to camp but since it was dispersed we made our own fire ring and camped in this area," notes Megan K., who adds that hearing the birds was particularly enjoyable while fishing.
Kayaking and boating: Little Pend Orielle Campground provides access to multiple water bodies. "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," writes Karly L.
Swimming in creeks: Several dispersed sites offer creek access for cooling off. At Cee Cee Ah Creek, "There is a creek that runs through this area, which is great for cooling off on hot days," according to Joe B., who found it offered "plenty of room for a few tents to go up and parking off the road."
What campers like
Secluded campsites: Many free camping areas near Loon Lake feature well-separated sites. At Little Pend Orielle Campground, camper Karly L. was "very impressed with the size and seclusiveness of all the sites we saw," noting that "the spots we saw were all quite large and they are very spread out from each other."
Lake views: Cooks Lake offers picturesque waterfront camping. Allyson A. describes the experience: "The early mornings on the lake were worth it. 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."
Reliable cell coverage: Unlike many remote areas, some dispersed sites maintain connectivity. At Hog Lake Campground, one camper noted "No hookups excellent phone service cell phone towers just around the corner," while another mentioned "Good AT&T service in the upper sites, not so much in the lower ones."
What you should know
Seasonal road conditions: Access to most sites deteriorates after rainfall. Jennifer R. describes reaching Cooks Lake: "The road to get there was approx six miles of gravel winding single lane road. But so worth the drive for the beautiful shaded sites and the open Lakeview sites."
Site availability patterns: Weekdays offer better chances for prime spots. "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," says Jeffrey R. about North Fork Chewelah Creek.
Navigation challenges: GPS reliability varies throughout the region. Gary M. warns about Little Pend Orielle: "CAUTION is to bring a GPS and have good map reading skills to avoid getting lost; it's easy to lose yourself."
Tips for camping with families
Beginner-friendly fishing: Several sites offer accessible fishing 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," reports Karly L. about Little Pend Orielle.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Hog Lake BLM Campground provides opportunities to hear coyotes at night. "Around 2:00 a.m. every morning the coyotes have a 2 to 3 minute party. It's amazing to hear him. Never saw one though they keep away," notes one camper.
Swimming access considerations: Water temperatures vary significantly. At Cooks Lake, Allyson A. reported: "The water was warm and we swam all day," while also observing "Tadpoles and turtles and little water snakes."
Tips from RVers
Trailer-friendly spots: Some dispersed areas can accommodate small to medium trailers. Jennifer R. notes about Cooks Lake: "Cute little dispersed campground approx 6 sites. At least 2 of them are good for me trailer although I wouldn't try if you're not experienced with towing."
Road clearance requirements: Many access roads require careful navigation. "We have a 21ft trailer towed behind a pickup truck and it's able to fit in most spots. None of these are really official spots (not flattened or bordered) but it's a nice place to pass through," explains Erin S. about Hog Lake.
Limited turnaround space: RVs should scout sites before committing. One camper at North Fork Chewelah Creek noted: "I enjoyed the peace and quiet!" while recommending following written directions: "just follow Sand Canyon all the way out and it will take you to the proper entrance to Colville National Forest."
