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Best Dispersed Camping near Metaline Falls, WA

29 Reviews

Dispersed camping exists in several areas around Metaline Falls, Washington, primarily within the Colville National Forest and along nearby waterways. Campbell Park at Box Canyon Dam previously permitted free camping but has been converted to day use only according to recent visitor reports. Sullivan Creek offers numerous free primitive sites with fire rings and occasional bear boxes along several miles of creek-side terrain. Additional dispersed options include Cee Cee Ah Creek, North Fork Chewelah Creek, and Little Pend Orielle Wildlife Refuge, all providing basic backcountry camping with minimal amenities.

Access to most dispersed sites requires travel on unpaved forest roads of varying quality. Sullivan Creek Road features over 30 numbered sites along multiple miles, accessible via dirt roads that may challenge larger vehicles. The Little Pend Orielle area has narrow gravel roads that can be difficult for large rigs or trailers. Most sites lack services—no drinking water, no trash collection, and limited toilet facilities. Fire restrictions vary seasonally, with fire rings available at some locations. Many areas require bear-proof containers for food storage, particularly at Sullivan Creek and Cooks Lake sites.

These primitive camping areas appeal to those seeking natural settings with creek or lake access. Sullivan Creek sites offer the sounds of running water with good separation between campsites. North Fork Chewelah Creek provides multiple creek-side spots with established stone fire pits and abundant deadfall for firewood. Little Pend Orielle sites near Potter's Pond offer fishing opportunities but minimal facilities. Visitors should prepare for completely self-contained camping. "If you like camping completely self contained, this is for you. No water, except for the creek, and not even any cell phone reception," noted one visitor to Little Pend Orielle. Another camper at Sullivan Creek advised, "The spots we saw were all quite large and they are very spread out from each other."

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Metaline Falls, Washington (12)

    1. 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!"

    "If you need to stop on a long journey and don't want to find a spot to dispersed camp, you can find vault toilets here as well as a small swimming lagoon."

    2. 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."

    "The campgrounds are located on Sullivan Creek Rd that runs along Sullivan Creek. There over 30 sites along the river over several miles. Some of them do not have numbers."

    3. Tillicum Creek Dispersed Camping

    Be the first to review!
    Nordman, ID
    16 miles

    4. North Fork Chewelah Creek

    5 Reviews
    Chewelah, WA
    37 miles
    Website
    +1 (509) 684-7000

    "At first I entered the coordinates listed on the page and it took me to the opposite entrance to Colville National Forest - there are no places to camp on that side due to the steep drop.  "

    "Small space with multiple dispersed camp sites along the creek and throughout the wooded area. The creek is very small but powerful. You can not swim but still a great place to get wet."

    5. Little Pend Orielle Campground

    2 Reviews
    Colville, WA
    32 miles
    Website

    "It was very spacious and was walking distance from the dock and a toilet facility. However the toilet was very foul and we opted out of using it."

    6. Cee Cee Ah Creek

    2 Reviews
    Cusick, WA
    32 miles
    Website

    "Nearby campsites are far enough away that you have plenty of privacy. There is a creek that runs through this area, which is great for cooling off on hot days."

    7. Cooks Lake

    3 Reviews
    Usk, WA
    37 miles

    "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."

    "Swimming/small boat access is through the main campground."

    8. Beehive Lake Dispersed

    1 Review
    Naples, ID
    36 miles

    "This hike-in lake campground is a true alpine treasure, but be prepared to work for it! The hike to get there is pretty strenuous, with some tough climbs along the way."

    9. Beehives Lakes

    1 Review
    Naples, ID
    37 miles

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

    10. At the Lac Dispersed

    2 Reviews
    Kettle Valley, WA
    36 miles
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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Metaline Falls, WA

20 Photos of 12 Metaline Falls Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Metaline Falls, WA

29 Reviews of 12 Metaline Falls Campgrounds

  • Douglas S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 2, 2019

    Sullivan creek campground#2

    Great FREE dispersed sites right on the creek!

    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. It is fully a dispersed group of sites so no trash, water, toilet, or any amenities. There is an information sign and several rock rings for fires.  This is my kind of site, just throw your tent up where ever and go fish or hike. 

    The trees are fairly dense so the whole place is well shaded. Sullivan Creek is right there! Sullivan Lake is just a few miles to the east. With Metaline falls a few to the west, there are shops, eteries, and evan a movie theatre close by.

    All in all a great place to stay a couple of nights.

  • Jennifer R.
    Jul. 28, 2021

    Cooks Lake

    Great quiet place

    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. 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. Not alot of traffic comes through during the week. Has one vault toilet that was pretty clean but bring your own tp. Also it is bear county so be sure to bring bear proof containers although it was so hot when we went that the wildlife was hiding out...lol

  • Gary M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 2, 2020

    Little Pend Orielle Campground

    Remote, secluded, no services, narrow gravel roads

    If you like camping completely self contained, this is for you.  There is a pit toilet (locked due to current COVID restrictions), and a fire ring at each dispersed campsite.  No water, except for the creek, and not even any cell phone reception.  Parking is level.  Roads into the area are narrow gravel roads, so "large" rigs and/or trailers may find it a challenge.  "High line" capabilities for horse campers.  As for activities, there are many miles of trails and rugged roads to explore, but a CAUTION is to bring a GPS and have good map reading skills to avoid getting lost; it's easy to lose yourself.   We camped September 28-29, and saw very little wildlife (probably due to hunting season), and were probably two weeks early to see the fall colors.  If you like to be by yourself, away from people and can camp without any services (pack it in, pack it out), you will enjoy this place.

  • Marcus K.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 26, 2020

    Sullivan creek campground#2

    Free Camping

    The campgrounds are located on Sullivan Creek Rd that runs along Sullivan Creek. There over 30 sites along the river over several miles. Some of them do not have numbers. All the sites are first come and are Free

    We camped at site #6 over Memorial Day weekend.

    At the site there was a bear box and a fire ring with a moveable grill cover. Some of the sites do have bathrooms. However, we didn’t have one so make sure to bring the appropriate toilet supplies. The size of our site could fit two Rv’s and several tents (Our pop up tent trailer is 25ft). The site has a lot of shade so depending on the time of year make sure to bring the weather appropriate clothing. During our stay it got very cold and we needed to use our heater.

    The river is about 35 yards from the site and the dirt road is about 20 yards from the main Camping area.

    Dogs do not have to be on leash. However, this time of the year the river was cold and very fast and if your dog is not trained using a leash or tether system for safety would be beneficial.

    There are several hiking/game trails you can walk or drive too. Sullivan lake is right down the road about a 5 minute drive you can access additional hiking trails.

    Firewood is not provided so make sure to purchase prior and/or bring a ax to cut up the wood that has been left behind.

    Overall we loved this area and will be going back this summer when it’s warmer and the river is safe enough to swim with our dogs:)

    Here is the exact coordinates of the site #6

    https://maps.apple.com/?ll=48.832887,-117.249496&q=My%20Location&_ext=EiQpqFCSB5xqSEAxrBQYwPdPXcA5qFCSB5xqSEBBrBQYwPdPXcA%3D&t=m

  • c
    Jul. 20, 2024

    At the Lac Dispersed

    At the lake

    Nice place on public land. Swimming possible. We stayed for the night

  • NThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 17, 2025

    North Fork Chewelah Creek

    Very refreshing and beautiful!

    First time taking the godson camping and this was the perfect spot.  The godson's mom told me she went to this area when she was young and then I saw it here on The Dyrt.  At first I entered the coordinates listed on the page and it took me to the opposite entrance to Colville National Forest - there are no places to camp on that side due to the steep drop.  Make sure you follow the written directions - just follow Sand Canyon all the way out and it will take you to the proper entrance to Colville National Forest.  There are a few different pull-offs to camp sites.  The one we stayed at was a bit further down the rock road.  It is a loop off the main road and there are several camp sites along the creek.  There is also a vault toilet - very clean - in this area.  The godson loved it - he even played in the freezing cold water.  I enjoyed the peace and quiet!

  • N
    Sep. 30, 2020

    Marshall Lake - CLOSED

    Older and Run Down

    Older private campground with power for $40. There is a dump at an additional cost of $10. Some sites are dry camping only. Lake access, but campground is in treed meadow. Sites are not clearly defined. We were here on Wednesday and only ones here other than permanent trailers. Showers are $2 and you get key from camp attendant, Deb. Horse shoe pits and volleyball available.

  • Jeanna A.
    Sep. 22, 2019

    Sullivan creek campground#2

    Creek sings ya to sleep

    Nice location away from people but most all the sites are close to the dirt road and was woken up a couple of times by the sound and headlights of vehicles. But all in all well kept areas (some garbage left by previous campers, just packed it out with mine). Did have a late night bear visitor but was camping in my van so not too concerning. Very little fallen wood for fire, lots of kindling or if you want there is lots of logs in the creek.

  • King K.
    Jul. 20, 2022

    North Fork Chewelah Creek

    Comfortable

    The good -A beautiful camp ground. Small space with multiple dispersed camp sites along the creek and throughout the wooded area. The creek is very small but powerful. You can not swim but still a great place to get wet. If you have a tube bring it and enjoy a short river ride. Not a good place to fish. The main camp area is completely shaded keeping things cool. The camp is very close to the creek. Still there was no issues with bugs. I did not need bug spray. There are established stone fire pits or you can gather up some rocks and make your own. Plenty of deadfall and fire wood all over the place. There is also a fence that runs the perimeter of the camp area. Helping to keep the predators out. The only animal I saw besides squirrels and birds was a skunk. Bears, coyotes, wolves and cougars are know to frequent the area.  

    The bad - Many of the locals are not friendly and claim the whole creek portion of the camp ground for themselves. There are about 6 different camp sites directly on the main creek. The others are spread out through the woods. People often use the creek just to bring their kids down to frolic in the water for a few hours. More than once I have been approached and ran off by hostile creek users. Im sure there are good folks around their too. That said the few people I have met out there are nasty and will refuse to share the campground causing all kinds of drama until you just get mad and leave. Last weekend I was approached by 4 men who were not camping just using the creek to tube with their kids. I was told that I better go find another place to camp. That they were using the creek and I could not be there. I set up anyways camping away from them and was not in anyway a bother to them. Still they continued to come over and harass me about leaving. Until I finally I strapped on my pistol approached them and told them I wasn't going any where. I was met with a lot of cussing and threats. But finally They did leave! So sad a beautiful place I truly loved the area. Not sure if I will continue to go back. It was not worth the ignorance or drama of other human beings. No toilets or electricity, No wifi or fresh drinking water. If you can avoid ignorant humans I would recommend this place to camp.

Guide to Metaline Falls

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Metaline Falls, Washington, where nature's tranquility awaits. With a variety of spots to choose from, outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy the serenity of the wilderness while taking advantage of free camping opportunities.

Dispersed campers should check out Sullivan Creek Campground

  • Sullivan Creek Campground offers numerous sites along Sullivan Creek, providing easy access to the water and scenic views.
  • Many sites come equipped with fire rings and bear boxes, making it a practical choice for those looking to enjoy campfires and keep food secure.
  • Be prepared for limited amenities, as some sites lack nearby toilets, so bringing your own supplies is essential.

Enjoy fishing and swimming while free camping near Metaline Falls

  • The Campbell Park at Box Canyon Dam features a small swimming lagoon and is perfect for families looking to enjoy a day by the water.
  • Anglers will appreciate the fishing opportunities available at nearby lakes, with stocked trout in Potters Pond being a highlight for many visitors.
  • The area is well-maintained and offers picnic tables, making it a great spot for a relaxing day outdoors.

Tips for free and dispersed camping near Metaline Falls, Washington

  • When visiting Cooks Lake, be cautious of muddy areas, especially after rain, as they can make access tricky.
  • Always pack out what you pack in, as many dispersed sites, like those at North Fork Chewelah Creek, have no trash disposal facilities.
  • Keep an eye out for wildlife, but be aware of your surroundings, especially in areas known for bear activity, to ensure a safe camping experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I find dispersed camping near Metaline Falls?

Sullivan creek campground#2 is a popular dispersed camping option near Metaline Falls, featuring over 30 free sites stretched along several miles of Sullivan Creek Road. Another excellent choice is Campbell Park at Box Canyon Dam, which offers free camping in a small but scenic setting near the hydroelectric dam. Most dispersed sites in the area are accessible via forest roads, with options ranging from creekside spots to more secluded forest settings. The Sullivan Creek area is particularly recommended for its numerous pull-off sites with established fire rings.

What amenities are available at dispersed camping sites near Metaline Falls?

Dispersed camping sites near Metaline Falls typically offer minimal amenities. At Little Pend Orielle Campground, you'll find basic pit toilets (though these may be subject to seasonal closures) and fire rings at each site, but no potable water or cell reception. At the Lac Dispersed provides swimming access but few other amenities. Most dispersed sites in the area feature established fire rings and occasionally bear boxes for food storage, but you should plan to be entirely self-sufficient. No trash service, running water, or electrical hookups are available, so come prepared with all necessary supplies and follow Leave No Trace principles.

Is dispersed camping free in Metaline Falls area?

Yes, dispersed camping in the Metaline Falls area is typically free. Cooks Lake provides free dispersed camping with about 6 sites, located after approximately six miles of gravel winding road. Similarly, North Fork Chewelah Creek offers free dispersed camping in the Colville National Forest. Most dispersed sites in national forests around Metaline Falls have no fees, though always check for any seasonal restrictions or fire bans. Remember that free camping means you'll need to pack out all trash and come prepared with your own water and supplies.

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