Dispersed camping near Malo, Washington provides no-frills outdoor experiences in the northeastern corner of the state. The region sits at elevations between 2,000-4,000 feet with a climate characterized by warm, dry summers and cold winters with significant snowfall. Most primitive sites lack amenities and require self-sufficiency, with access roads often becoming impassable during winter months through early spring.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Potter's Pond in Little Pend Orielle Wildlife Refuge offers stocked rainbow trout fishing with family-friendly access. "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," notes one visitor to Little Pend Orielle Campground.
Kayaking and paddling: Several lakes in the region provide calm waters for non-motorized boating. "Both the lake and the pond would be amazing places to kayak, we would have if the weather had been a bit nicer," reports a camper at Little Pend Orielle.
Wildlife observation: The area's remote locations support diverse wildlife viewing opportunities. "Loons and Coyotes are great music. Beautiful Lakes (Sidley & Molson) near historical Old Molson!" shares a visitor to Sidley Lake, highlighting the natural soundscape available to campers.
What campers like
Secluded camping spots: The dispersed sites offer privacy rarely found at developed campgrounds. "We noticed there were several quality spots... The spots we saw were all quite large and they are very spread out from each other," explains a reviewer of Little Pend Orielle Campground.
Water features: Many primitive sites are situated near lakes or streams. "This is a dry Camp only, no water/power etc. Has a small lake or a large pond? With a beautiful view of the valley floor," notes a camper at Forde Lake.
Swimming access: Some locations permit water recreation beyond fishing. One camper at At the Lac Dispersed reports, "Nice place on public land. Swimming possible. We stayed for the night."
What you should know
Permit requirements: Several dispersed camping areas require permits. Blue Lake North, Forde Lake, and Chopaka Lake all have permit requirements despite being primitive sites. Permits should be arranged before arrival.
Road conditions: Many sites have challenging access roads unsuitable for larger vehicles. "Roads into the area are narrow gravel roads, so 'large' rigs and/or trailers may find it a challenge," warns a visitor to Little Pend Orielle.
Navigation challenges: Some areas have limited signage and confusing road networks. "A CAUTION is to bring a GPS and have good map reading skills to avoid getting lost; it's easy to lose yourself," advises a camper at Little Pend Orielle Campground.
Facility limitations: Even sites with toilets may have maintenance issues. "The toilet was very foul and we opted out of using it," reports a camper, while another at BLM Chopaka Lake expressed dissatisfaction with site construction.
Tips for camping with families
Beginner fishing spots: Potter's Pond provides accessible fishing for children. "The little kids had a blast fishing," notes one camper, making this a good option for introducing young ones to the activity.
Bug protection: Mosquitoes are common near water bodies. "We had a lovely view of the pond, which did make the mosquitos quite a nuisance but manageable," warns a visitor to Little Pend Orielle, suggesting families bring appropriate repellent.
Water safety planning: Sites with lake access require vigilance. Swimming is possible at locations like At the Lac Dispersed, but no lifeguards are present, requiring constant supervision of children.
Tips from RVers
Site selection considerations: Not all sites accommodate larger rigs. At Forde Lake, one camper advises, "I recommend not taking the first site in even though it looks like it would accommodate a 40 ft rig. Four of the sites looked able to handle our 27 ft trailer."
Dust management: Some campgrounds experience traffic that creates dust. "The gravel road is fairly busy with plenty of dust boiling up," notes a camper at Forde Lake, suggesting positioning your site away from main access roads when possible.
Cell service limitations: Connectivity is unreliable throughout the region. "Verizon cell reception was present but the Canadian cell towers are strongest so beware," warns a camper at Blue Lake North, highlighting potential roaming charges near the Canadian border.
