Camping spots near Metaline Falls, Washington center around the Pend Oreille River and Colville National Forest at elevations between 2,100-2,600 feet. The region receives significant snowfall from November through March, limiting access to many campsites during winter months. Summer temperatures typically range from 75-85°F during the day, with cooler 45-55°F nights even during peak season.
What to do
Visit PeeWee Falls: This waterfall is accessible by boat from Boundary Dam Campground, located just a short paddle away. "PeeWee falls is only a 5 minute paddle from the campground, if that! Highly recommended!" writes Megan W. The falls can only be reached by water from the campground's boat launch.
Explore Gardner Caves: Located near Crescent Lake Campground, these limestone caves offer free guided tours. "A short drive away is the Gardner Caves which offers free guided tours if you have a discovery pass," notes Douglas S. Tours run Thursday through Monday at 10:30am, 12:00pm, 2:00pm and 4:00pm.
Take advantage of dam tours: Free Boundary Dam tours provide a unique look at hydroelectric power generation. "There is also FREE Dam tours Thursday-Monday. They are offered at 10:30am, 12:00pm, 2:00pm and 4:00pm," shares Andrea R. The dam tour goes through a limestone cave and offers historical context about the area.
What campers like
Free camping options: Unlike many recreation areas, several free campgrounds exist in the region. At Campbell Park at Box Canyon Dam, campers appreciate the value. "A very lovely free campground provided courtesy of the hydroelectric company. Around 10 sites with free firewood, washrooms, drinking water and a small lagoon for swimming. Did I mention it's free??" reports Ryan C.
Clear lake waters: Sullivan Lake West Campground offers exceptionally clear water for swimming and fishing. "Hands down favorite place," states Paiton L. The lake maintains good water quality throughout summer with relatively warm temperatures for the region.
Privacy between sites: Several campgrounds offer good spacing between campsites. At East Sullivan, "The established campgrounds at East Sullivan and West Sullivan are typical well-maintained Forest Service campgrounds... there is plenty of space between sites (though you can still expect to hear your neighbors)," notes Shella B.
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Popular sites fill quickly during summer. "Make sure you book in advance most the time it's full," advises Myresa J. about Sullivan Lake campgrounds. Weekends from mid-June through August typically require reservations 2-3 weeks in advance.
Wildlife awareness: Bears are active in the area around Sullivan creek campground. "Did have a late night bear visitor but was camping in my van so not too concerning," mentions Jeanna A. Bear boxes are provided at most sites, with Marcus K. noting, "The site has a bear box, and a fire ring."
Road access considerations: Not all camping areas have easy access. "The road in is narrow and has a bit of down hill slope," cautions Andrea R. about Crescent Lake Campground in the Colville National Forest. Some forest service roads remain unpaved and may become rutted after rainfall.
Tips for camping with families
Swimming options: Edgewater Campground provides river access with a boat launch suitable for children. "Great campground with river access and boat launch," says Eddy R. The relatively calm waters of the Pend Oreille River offer safer swimming than creek areas.
Best sites for shade: Look for well-shaded sites during hot summer days. "The sites are spacious and well separated. Each includes a fire pit, picnic table and tent pad," reports Douglas S. Sites 1-10 at Sullivan Lake campgrounds typically offer the most afternoon shade.
Day-use amenities: Many campgrounds provide picnic areas for families. "Each site has a fire ring and picnic table with space for 2 cars," notes Callie B. Boundary Dam Campground offers additional facilities like a fishing dock and extensive day use areas near the water.
Tips from RVers
Size limitations: Many campgrounds have limited space for larger vehicles. At Noisy Creek, one camper noted: "Great site to connect with the lake, but didn't enjoy the tent spots available. Ground was hard and mostly prepared for RVs." Most sites accommodate RVs up to 30 feet, but larger rigs may struggle at all but Boundary Dam and Edgewater campgrounds.
Hookup availability: No campgrounds in the immediate area offer full hookups. "The sites are extra large and can take just about any RV size you have. The roads in are nice and paved as well," reports Andrea R. about Edgewater, though she notes there are "no hookups."
Leveling challenges: Some campgrounds have uneven sites. "Sites 1-4 which are very close together and tent only sites. The RV sites are also close together," observes Andrea R. about Boundary Dam Campground. RVers should bring leveling blocks as most sites weren't originally designed for recreational vehicles.
