Best Campgrounds near Metaline Falls, WA

Camping options around Metaline Falls in northeastern Washington range from established Forest Service campgrounds to dispersed sites in the Colville National Forest. Sullivan Lake serves as a focal point for several developed campgrounds, including East Sullivan, West Sullivan, and Noisy Creek, all offering tent and RV sites with basic amenities. Other notable camping areas include Boundary Dam Campground and Campbell Park at Box Canyon Dam, which provides free camping with vault toilets and picnic tables in a riverside setting.

Road access to most camping areas remains good during the primary season from mid-May through late August when Sullivan Lake and surrounding campgrounds operate at full capacity. Many developed campgrounds provide drinking water, vault toilets, fire rings, and picnic tables, with fees typically around $20 per night for single sites. Reservations are highly recommended during summer months when waterfront sites fill quickly. Winter brings significant snowfall, limiting access to many areas. As described in feedback on The Dyrt, "Make sure you book in advance most the time it's full. Make sure you check out Gardner caves and Boundary Dam not too far away."

The waterfront campgrounds along Sullivan Lake receive consistently positive reviews for their clear water and scenic mountain views. East Sullivan and West Sullivan campgrounds provide lake access with tent and RV sites nestled among trees, offering reasonable privacy between campsites. Visitors particularly value the swimming opportunities and hiking trails, including the lakeshore trail accessible from several campgrounds. While Sullivan Lake camping areas can become crowded during peak summer weekends, less-visited options like Campbell Park provide quieter alternatives. A review noted that Sullivan Lake has "Amazing views. The water is clear. The mountains are beyond gorgeous." Camping areas throughout the region serve as convenient bases for exploring nearby attractions, including Gardner Cave at Crawford State Park, Boundary Dam, and the international border with Canada.

Best Camping Sites Near Metaline Falls, Washington (149)

    1. Boundary Dam Campground

    9 Reviews
    Metaline Falls, WA
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (509) 446-3083

    "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."

    2. Crescent Lake Campground

    8 Reviews
    Metaline Falls, WA
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (509) 446-7500

    "***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)."

    3. Edgewater Campground

    6 Reviews
    Ione, WA
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (509) 446-7500

    $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."

    4. Sullivan Lake Campground

    5 Reviews
    Metaline Falls, WA
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (877) 444-6777

    "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."

    5. East Sullivan

    4 Reviews
    Metaline Falls, WA
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (509) 446-7500

    $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."

    6. Campbell Park at Box Canyon Dam

    4 Reviews
    Ione, WA
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (509) 447-3137

    "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."

    7. Sullivan creek campground#2

    6 Reviews
    Metaline Falls, WA
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (801) 226-3564

    "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."

    8. Noisy Creek

    4 Reviews
    Metaline Falls, WA
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (435) 245-6521

    $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. "

    9. Mountain Refuge Ranch

    1 Review
    Metaline Falls, WA
    1 mile
    Website

    $60 - $100 / night

    10. Sullivan Lake West Campground

    1 Review
    Metaline Falls, WA
    5 miles
    +1 (509) 446-7500
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Recent Reviews near Metaline Falls, WA

313 Reviews of 149 Metaline Falls Campgrounds


  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 21, 2025

    priest lake dispersed camping

    Priest Lake Dispersed Camping

    Very nice and secluded area right on the river bed. Can be accessed through the boat launching ramp that’s a bit ahead on the road. There are also several different off road paths that lead the some great camping spots in the area.

  • Connie H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 20, 2025

    Boundary County Fairgrounds

    Good for a Rest

    This is a great place for a quick stop to rest or just an overnight. It’s not really a place for camping. This area is the town park and the county fairgrounds… there are no camping signs posted along the fence line, but there is plenty of parking lot space to not block the parking spots by the fencing. There are porta-potties available for use. Down by the tennis courts there is an RV dump station and water available. We were able to get about 50 gallons of potable water for 25 cents!

  • Connie H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 20, 2025

    North Haven Campground

    Cutest Little Campground

    This little campground was an awesome find! We rolled in last minute while passing thru town and snagged a pull thru site with electric and water. Sites have fire pits and picnic tables. They also have adorable cabins, glamping wagons and a tipi avoidable to reserve. The office/camp store is great, they’ve got a good selection of cool stuff to browse through. Firewood was available for sale. Front porch of the office/store has a chest freezer with ice and ice cream for sale. There’s also a foosball table, a table for checkers and a little bookshelf library to take/leave a book. The bathhouse was hands down the nicest camp bathrooms we’ve ever used! Showers were amazing! The laundry was great… $2.50 a load, either wash or dry and conveniently accessible 24 hours a day. There’s a large lighted pavilion with picnic tables, cornhole boards with bags, and a dartboard. There’s also a small playground and a hot tub available to use! This campground was so well maintained, the employees friendly and helpful, and it’s just a really sweet, family-friendly, quiet campground. We loved it!

  • Kevin C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 16, 2025

    Little Pend Orielle Campground

    Out of the way but pleasant

    The directions are right, except make sure you go beyond the Refuge sign. The gate was locked so I found a site next to a Road Grader. Not ideal. But it was quiet and pleasant. No services.

  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 29, 2025

    Brush Lake Campground

    Nice overnight spot

    We 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.

  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 28, 2025

    Mill Pond Campground

    Very nice underutilized campground

    We 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.

  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 26, 2025

    Luby Bay Campground

    Relaxing in the trees by the lake

    We 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.

  • Matt S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 23, 2025

    Beehives Lakes

    Beehives Lake Dispersed

    Awesome single site adjacent to the Beehive Lakes trailhead parking lot.


Guide to Metaline Falls

Camping near Metaline Falls, Washington, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking to pitch a tent or park your RV, there are plenty of options to enjoy the great outdoors.

What to do:

  • Explore the Water: The area is known for its stunning lakes and rivers. At Kettle River Campground, one camper mentioned, "Only 12 sites most of which are right off the bank of the Kettle River." This makes it a great spot for swimming and fishing.
  • Hiking Trails: There are numerous trails around, including those near Douglas Falls Grange Park Campground. A reviewer noted, "The very small hike to the falls was only steps away from our site."
  • Wildlife Watching: Keep an eye out for local wildlife. One camper at Boundary Dam Campground shared, "Saw eagles and deer right from our site."

What campers like:

  • Scenic Views: Campers rave about the beautiful surroundings. A visitor at Crescent Lake Campground said, "The best feature of this campground is the gorgeous turquoise water in Crescent Lake."
  • Clean Facilities: Many campgrounds, like Luby Bay Campground, are noted for their cleanliness. One reviewer mentioned, "Very nice campground host and clean restrooms."
  • Quiet Atmosphere: Campers appreciate the peacefulness of the area. A guest at South Skookum Lake Campground remarked, "This is a little hidden gem, my wife and I go to every year."

What you should know:

  • Reservation Policies: Some campgrounds, like Lionhead Campground, allow reservations, while others operate on a first-come, first-served basis. A camper noted, "A basic campsite (no utilities) can now cost upwards of $70 per night."
  • Limited Amenities: Not all campgrounds have full amenities. For instance, Boundary Dam Campground has vault toilets but no showers. A visitor mentioned, "The bathrooms, which had flushable toilets and handwashing sinks, were well maintained."
  • Wildlife Precautions: Be prepared for wildlife encounters. A camper at Sullivan Creek Campground warned, "There were also lots of mice... they were trying to get our food as we were eating it around the fire!"

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for spots that are known for being safe and welcoming to families. A solo camper at Luby Bay Campground felt "very safe here" and noted it was "very family-friendly."
  • Plan Activities: Bring games and activities to keep kids entertained. One reviewer at Beaver Lodge Resort mentioned, "There are lots of trails for hiking and biking."
  • Pack Snacks: Having snacks on hand can make a big difference. A camper at Browns Lake Campground suggested, "You can always scoot down to South Skookum lake to get water if needed."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Hookup Availability: Make sure to verify if the campground has electric hookups. A visitor at Kettle River Campground noted, "There was a clean and stocked vault toilet on site."
  • Space for Larger RVs: Some campgrounds may not accommodate larger RVs. A reviewer at Boundary Dam Campground mentioned, "This campground seems to be designed for and attract mostly RV campers."
  • Bring a Generator: If you're heading to a site without hookups, consider bringing a generator. A camper at Kettle River Campground shared, "We brought our generator and made sure we had a full tank of water."

Camping near Metaline Falls, Washington, is a great way to enjoy nature and create lasting memories. Whether you're with family or friends, there's something for everyone in this beautiful area.

Frequently Asked Questions

What amenities are available at Ledbetter Cove and Boundary Dam campgrounds?

Boundary Dam Campground (also known as Forebay Recreation Area) offers impressive amenities, especially considering it's completely free, courtesy of Seattle City Power. The campground recently underwent renovations, so facilities are new and well-maintained. Each site includes a picnic table and fire ring. The campground provides vault toilets, trash service, and potable water. Historical significance adds to the appeal, as parts of the movie "The Postman" were filmed here. While specific information about Ledbetter Cove isn't available in current reviews, the nearby East Sullivan campground offers large, shaded sites with easy access to a lake beach with fire pits and picnic tables.

What RV accommodations are available in Metaline Falls?

RV accommodations near Metaline Falls include several options for different preferences. Mistequa Casino Hotel RV Park offers spacious sites with plenty of room between units, conveniently located next to the casino and an international car museum. For those willing to drive a bit further, Colville Fairgrounds RV Park provides basic RV facilities within reach of Colville's charming downtown area. Sullivan Lake West Campground can accommodate larger rigs and offers water and toilet facilities. Many RVers also enjoy Boundary Dam Campground, which underwent recent renovations. Most sites in the area are seasonal, typically open from late spring through early fall, with limited winter accessibility.

Where are the best campgrounds near Metaline Falls, WA?

The Metaline Falls area offers several excellent camping options. Sullivan Lake Campground is just 15 minutes from Metaline Falls with stunning mountain views and crystal-clear water for swimming. Another top choice is Noisy Creek, featuring gorgeous lake views and proximity to cave tours. Adventurous campers can explore Sullivan Creek Campground #2, a dispersed camping area just off the main road with fire rings but no amenities. For those seeking a more developed experience, East Sullivan and Crescent Lake campgrounds in the Colville National Forest offer scenic settings with access to recreational activities.