Looking for the best campgrounds near Metaline, WA? Aside from great camping spots, you'll find hiking and many more outdoor experiences. Thinking of traveling with kids? You're in luck—Metaline is surrounded by family-friendly activities. Discover great camping spots near Metaline, reviewed by campers like you.
"It is a small campground right next to the Boundary Dam and thanks to Seattle City Power is absolutely FREE! It just went through a major overhaul so everything is new and well maintained. "
"Campground Review:
https://www.seattle.gov/light/Boundary/recreation.asp
Usually I would stay away from campgrounds like Boundry Dam Campground, also known as Forebay Recreation Area."
"***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 is for Crescent Lake in the NE corner of washington, not the one in the olympics(which is also a wonderful campground)."
$31 - $62 / night
"We found lake access to be semi-difficult besides a single boat ramp but the nearby Sullivan lake has a great day use beach area"
"This campground is close to many attractions and has great fishing! The parking areas are really long and most have a great view of the lake."
"Expect to walk several hundred feet to the water. Each site has a fire ring and picnic table with space for 2 cars. Most will fit and RV."
"Lake is right there. It's super warm water very clear water. Hint there is a rope swing on the left and side of the lake. Camp hosts are wicked as."
"I was surprised at the location and the really cool Hydro Electric Dam!"
"Close to 6 camping spots we saw, and in early April, there is nobody here but us to enjoy it. If you don't mind the chilly breeze, the spot by the creek close to the vault toilet is superb."
$31 - $120 / night
"Campsite 36 in the Pine loop is just a short walk away from a lovely lake beach that has fire pits and picnic tables."
"The lake itself is amazing. Perfect temperature for swimming on a hot day, clean as glass, rocky/sandy bottom and no weeds."
"I found this awesome little campground on my way to Sullivan Lake from Metaline Falls.
It is just off the main road, next to Sullivan Creek."
"(All camping is Free on Sullivan Creek Rd)
The site is near the river (multiple paths for easy access), has a bear box, and a fire ring."
$31 - $120 / night
"Sullivan lake has amazing views. The water is clear. The mountains are beyond gorgeous. About 15 mins from metaline falls is a cave that you can take free guided tours."
"The trail along the lake offers beautiful views of the lake but had a fire in recent years so a few spots are a bit more exposed to the sun. "
"Free. 17 sites, two different areas to choose from on either side of the lake. Accessible fishing dock. Vault toilets, picnic tables and fire rings."
"Fishing on this lake in a little boat will always be special to me. It a shame that this place wont be free next year (2026) but its still beautiful"
TravelerWe spent one night as part of our trip around the International Selkirk Loop. Small and quiet and just far enough off the highway where it wasn’t crowded during the week. The campground is on the east end of the lake where the water is pretty well covered with Lilly pads and other aquatic plants. Our camp site was right on the lake and we were expecting to be overrun with bugs but it was surprisingly nice, not a single mosquito bite! Everything was clean and well maintained we would stay here again if we pass back through.
TravelerWe spent one night the week before Labor Day weekend. All the campgrounds around Sullivan Lake were nearly full and busy. We had this entire place to ourselves, what a treat but also a shame it isn’t being better utilized. It has been recently updated with paved roads and flat gravel parking pads. All facilities are extremely nice. The only downside is that all the sites are a short ways off the stream that flows past. If in the area again we will absolutely stay here again.
TravelerWe were here for one night in late August. The lake is beautiful and a great place to cool off just a short walk from our site. Very nice campground, clean and well maintained with paved roads and parking pads. We visited here during a very warm spell and all the shade was a blessing and it cooled off quickly once the sun went down. Maybe the best part there are very few bugs this time of year.
TravelerAwesome single site adjacent to the Beehive Lakes trailhead parking lot.
ScoutEverything is well maintained, the sites are clean if maybe a little crammed together. The lake is warm and the sites are great.
LegendWow! Really impressed with this RV Park. Very well-maintained, as you'd expect with it being attached to a golf course. 2 washers, 2 dryers, and 1 bathroom/shower room each for male and female. The restaurant and bar serve tasty food and beverages. Everything was very affordable. Stayed on a Tuesday night. This spot was on track for 5-stars until the road noise from logging trucks became an issue starting at 3AM.
LegendWe stayed the night in the campground near the trailhead and did a day-hike to the 3 lakes the next morning. The actual campground has 4 designated sites and a group tent area. Trails lead to the lakes from each campsite or from the trailhead parking lot. The first lake is a short, easy walk. The 2nd (Lower) and 3rd (Upper) lakes are a moderate hike and have a couple sites you can overnight at from the trailhead parking lot. There is also quite a few dispersed sites along the mountain roads on the way up. The road is long and VERY washboarded, but you have lots of great options if you plan on doing some hiking in the area. If you're not looking to hike, I'm not sure beating up your vehicle for a solid hour on a washboarded dirt road is worth it just for camping here.
ScoutWe pulled in and as soon as we got out the car a swarm of mosquitoes immediately started attacking. We tried to just look past it and set up, they were just really annoying we sprayed ourselves down with mosquito repellent and it almost didn’t work. We found ourselves almost using up a whole new can. Great spot for a big group but unfortunately we ended up leaving early.
ScoutKelly and Bill live right there but after they make sure you are all set, they leave you alone. Great for kids to explore and play in the creek. There was paint and brushes, and the kids were invited to paint a rock and plant it on the creek path. We stayed 2 nights and hiked the full day in between.
Camping near Metaline, Washington, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and outdoor activities. Whether you're into fishing, hiking, or just relaxing by the water, there’s something for everyone.
Camping near Metaline, Washington, is a great way to enjoy the outdoors, with plenty of activities and beautiful spots to explore.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Metaline, Washington located and how do I get there?
Metaline is a small town located in northeastern Washington's Pend Oreille County, about 80 miles north of Spokane near the Canadian border. The easiest route is to take Highway 20 north from Spokane through Colville, then continue on Highway 31 through Tiger and Ione to reach Metaline and nearby Metaline Falls. The area is situated in the scenic Colville National Forest with Boundary Dam Campground nearby, operated by Seattle City Light. The region is somewhat remote, so visitors should plan accordingly with adequate fuel and supplies before heading to this beautiful corner of Washington state.
What camping options are available in Metaline, Washington?
Metaline offers diverse camping options from developed sites to dispersed camping. Sullivan Creek Campground provides primitive dispersed camping with fire rings but no amenities, located just off the main road next to Sullivan Creek. East Sullivan offers more developed camping with spacious, shaded sites and nearby beach access at Sullivan Lake. For RV travelers, options include Colville Fairgrounds RV Park and Mistequa Casino Hotel RV Park. The area also features several Forest Service campgrounds throughout the Colville National Forest, with varying levels of amenities from basic to more developed facilities. Most sites in the region fill quickly during summer weekends, so reservations are recommended where available.
When is the best time to camp in Metaline, Washington?
The prime camping season in Metaline runs from late May through early October, with July and August offering the most reliable weather and warmest temperatures for water activities at places like Nile Lake. Late spring (May-June) brings beautiful wildflowers but potentially cooler nights and higher water levels. September offers fewer crowds and pleasant temperatures, while early October showcases fall colors before facilities begin closing for winter. Most campgrounds in the area, including Douglas Falls Grange Park Campground, are seasonal and close during winter months due to heavy snowfall. Always check current conditions and campground opening dates before planning your trip, especially in shoulder seasons.
What outdoor activities can I do while camping near Metaline?
The Metaline area offers abundant outdoor recreation opportunities. Noisy Creek provides access to Sullivan Lake with its crystal-clear waters perfect for swimming, fishing, and paddling beneath stunning mountain views. Hiking options abound, including trails that lead to Canada or explore the lush Colville National Forest. Crescent Lake Campground offers fishing and wildlife viewing in a serene forest setting. The area is also home to caves with free guided tours about 15 minutes from Metaline Falls. Additionally, visitors can enjoy wildlife watching, photography, mountain biking on forest roads, and scenic drives. Boundary Dam offers historical interest as a filming location for "The Postman" movie.
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