Best Dispersed Camping near Newman Lake, WA

Dispersed camping options near Newman Lake, Washington primarily exist on public lands including BLM areas and sportsman access points. Fishtrap Recreation Area and Hog Lake Campground, both managed by the Bureau of Land Management, offer free primitive camping with minimal amenities. These sites permit fires and allow pets but provide no hookups, drinking water, or trash service. Fishtrap Recreation Area includes vault toilets and can accommodate larger vehicles.

Across the state line in Idaho, additional free camping can be found at Bull Run Access and Rose Lake. Bull Run Access features several dispersed sites with easy access for larger rigs. According to one visitor, "After crossing the bike path, take the first right onto the dirt road at the sportsmans access sign. The best spot is past the first circular area." Rose Lake provides lakeside camping near a boat launch with vault toilets, though reviews note uneven terrain. Most dispersed sites in the region have a 3-day maximum stay limit and seasonal considerations may affect accessibility and fire permissions.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Newman Lake, Washington (17)

    1. Hog Lake Campground

    35 Reviews
    Sprague, WA
    42 miles
    Website
    +1 (509) 536-1200

    "BLM land was easy to find right off the highway. Rough gravel road easily traveled in a truck, low clearance vehicle may have trouble. There were a few people with campers at the end of the road."

    "I personally would not want to drive anything bigger than a camper van down there but there are quite a few bug turnaround spots and some nice big sites."

    2. Rose Lake

    12 Reviews
    Cataldo, ID
    31 miles
    Website

    "Great elevated views of Rose Lake through the trees at the boat ramp. Several fishermen loading up after a day on the lake. A little noisy, but not distracting."

    "The morning revealed a beautiful lake/dock, clean pit toilet and pet friendly space. It was very simple, but perfect quick stop for us."

    3. Bull Run Access Dispersed

    8 Reviews
    Medimont, ID
    30 miles
    Website
    +1 (208) 769-1414

    "Lots of spaces and places to turn around. After crossing the bike path, take the first right onto the dirt road at the sportsmans access sign (parallel to the small paved parking lot.)"

    "If you drive past the first couple grass campsites and continue on the narrow road with water on both sides, just off to the right is a single secluded campsite amongst the tree."

    4. copper mountain rd dispersed

    1 Review
    Cataldo, ID
    27 miles

    "Close to the highway so a little bit of noise from the interstate. Fire ring and that’s it."

    5. Lakes Divide Road

    2 Reviews
    Medimont, ID
    26 miles

    6. Fishtrap Recreation Area

    15 Reviews
    Sprague, WA
    46 miles
    Website
    +1 (509) 536-1200

    "Plenty of opportunity for solar 3 bar 5g Tmobile Open mostly level sites Not very busy Some larger sites able to accommodate bigger rigs (25' at least) Cons:

    No amenities (where we are, maybe further"

    "A nice location! I will advise tent campers it is tent accessible but not the easiest spot in a tent. The soil is very dry and a couple of the spots were hard rocks and not accessible for tents."

    7. North Fork Coeur D'Alene River

    4 Reviews
    Kellogg, ID
    46 miles

    "Fantastic access to the river for great fly fishing. Several spots in the trees and several in the more open areas. Vault toilet is to the right as you pull in about 1/8 mile away from pull off."

    "The guy camping next to me was fishing and I wish I had but I forgot to get my Idaho license! The fish were jumping like CRAZY the night I stayed!"

    8. North Fork Chewelah Creek

    5 Reviews
    Chewelah, WA
    49 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."

    9. Cooks Lake

    3 Reviews
    Usk, WA
    43 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."

    10. Bonnie Lake Island

    1 Review
    St. John, WA
    39 miles
    Website

    "This is a primitive site on an island in Bonnie Lake in Eastern Washington. Bonnie lake is a canyon lake, about 4 miles long and narrow."

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Dispersed Camping Reviews near Newman Lake, WA

88 Reviews of 17 Newman Lake Campgrounds


  • 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

  • Josh S.
    Sep. 3, 2024

    Fishtrap Recreation Area

    Quiet Prairie Camping

    Quiet campsite in Fishtrap Recreation Area.

    Pros:

    Very quiet open sites. Plenty of opportunity for solar 3 bar 5g Tmobile Open mostly level sites Not very busy Some larger sites able to accommodate bigger rigs (25' at least)

    Cons:

    No amenities (where we are, maybe further in they have them) Dusty and dry Fire restrictions in place Sites have some trash in them.

    Overall we enjoyed it for a layover stay. It's very quiet, open skies were good to recharge solar and stargaze and it was a nice break from some of the more crowded campsites.

  • L
    Jun. 14, 2024

    Fishtrap Recreation Area

    Tent Camping meets dust

    A nice location! I will advise tent campers it is tent accessible but not the easiest spot in a tent. The soil is very dry and a couple of the spots were hard rocks and not accessible for tents. We did end up finding a spot in our tent, but this is site is much easier with an RV or van. Would recommend a backup plan ahead of time in case the sites available here are not compatible.

  • Kayln H.
    Mar. 28, 2022

    Hog Lake Campground

    Great spot right off 90

    BLM land was easy to find right off the highway. Rough gravel road easily traveled in a truck, low clearance vehicle may have trouble. There were a few people with campers at the end of the road. A lot of dispersed sites, some close to the road, a few very private. Two nice lakes.. at the end of the road you cross to state park land which does not allow camping but is very well marked with a gate and signs. There was a fe portapottys scatter along the road. Light freeway noise, did hear one night train, but for free and a beautiful landscape not too bad.

  • Stephenie C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Mar. 17, 2023

    Hog Lake Campground

    Coyotes and trains, OH MY!

    Nice little place. The road gets a bit rough. I personally would not want to drive anything bigger than a camper van down there but there are quite a few bug turnaround spots and some nice big sites. Be careful going into the sites as there is a dip. My Kia seemed to think I was just nose diving into a crevice as I was getting across with all its sensors screaming at me. Some coyotes came through camp at some point during the night. I heard them howling from a distance but only knew they came into camp because they left footprints in the frost. Only one other person was out there so nice and quiet

  • kara H.
    Sep. 26, 2021

    Hog Lake Campground

    Blm

    Nice open blm area, rustic campsites. there's an established trail that goes to hog lake and the boat launch area which is only accessible on foot when we were camping. The lake access (with the toilet) is not open, gate is locked. Saw a rattlesnake on the trail but we kept our distance and he went on his way. Be kind to the animals, it's their home. Can stay up to 14 days

  • 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!

  • samuel C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 4, 2023

    Hog Lake Campground

    Stayed here in March , going back today and was a very nice campground

    Was a good site, safe, people def. Stay longer than 14 days lol


Guide to Newman Lake

Dispersed camping opportunities near Newman Lake, Washington extend beyond the immediate vicinity into surrounding counties and national forests. The area sits at approximately 2,140 feet elevation in the northeastern part of Washington State, with camping options spanning across state lines into Idaho. Summer temperatures regularly reach the 90s while winter can bring heavy snow, making late spring through early fall the most accessible camping seasons.

What to do

Fishing at multiple lakes: Hog Lake Campground provides access to seasonal fishing. "The lake is a short hike depending where you pitch your camp," notes Chandra B., who recommends exploring the shoreline for best spots.

Hiking nearby trails: The Fishtrap Recreation Area features hiking trails directly accessible from the camping area. "There is also a trail that connects off the lot," confirms Jennifer W., making it convenient for morning or evening walks without driving elsewhere.

Wildlife viewing: Early morning and dusk offer prime wildlife spotting opportunities. "We experience wild turkeys, a variety of birds, the sound of coyotes not far, field squirrels and snakes," reports Chandra B. about their Fishtrap Recreation Area stay. At Bull Run Access, campers might spot "deer grazing around, and plenty of wildflowers" according to PJ M.

What campers like

Quiet weekday camping: Mid-week visits typically offer more solitude at popular spots. "Sunday was calmer," notes Meatball W. at Hog Lake Campground, contrasting with the "crazy busy" Saturday crowds, making weekdays preferable for those seeking tranquility.

Lake views and sunsets: Rose Lake offers accessible water views. "You can walk down to the lake and sit on the dock to watch the sunset," shares April C., highlighting one of the simpler pleasures available to campers at this free site near Newman Lake.

Cell service availability: Connectivity varies significantly between sites. At Hog Lake Campground, "Good AT&T service in the upper sites, not so much in the lower ones," reports Meatball W., which can be crucial information for those needing to stay connected for work or safety.

Spacious camping areas: Many dispersed sites offer room to spread out. At Bull Run Access, Snake P. found "a single secluded campsite amongst the trees. The best site there imo. privacy, lots of trees so the site gets a good amount of shade but sun still pokes through."

What you should know

Summer heat considerations: The region experiences hot, dry summers with limited shade at many sites. At Fishtrap Recreation Area, one camper observed it was "too hot for us to hang around. Not many spots with shade."

Seasonal fire restrictions: Always check current fire regulations before planning your trip. "Currently NO FIRES due to high risk of forest fires," reported Emma A. at Hog Lake Campground during a high-risk period, showing how conditions can change rapidly.

Campsite selection timing: Arriving early improves your chances of securing preferred spots. "If you show up past 5 you'll probably end up in one of those [open spots with little shade and privacy]," warns Meatball W. about Hog Lake Campground.

Uneven terrain challenges: North Fork Coeur D'Alene River offers beautiful riverside camping, but access requires caution. "The road was crazy rough to my spot but looked like it was easier on the right side," advises Haley G., suggesting careful site selection.

Tips for camping with families

Bug protection essentials: Insect activity varies by season and location. At Bull Run Access, Snake P. noted, "Mosquitos weren't so bad that it affected us but we all had a few bites," suggesting families pack appropriate repellent and treatment for bites.

Water safety planning: When camping near water bodies, establish clear safety rules. "The godson loved it - he even played in the freezing cold water," reports Naomi C. about camping at North Fork Chewelah Creek, highlighting the need to monitor water activities closely.

Glass hazard awareness: Unfortunately, broken glass has been reported at several sites. At Hog Lake Campground, Meatball W. warns, "Broken glass in some sites so be careful," suggesting families with children and pets should inspect sites thoroughly upon arrival.

Tips from RVers

Road condition considerations: Access roads to many free camping sites require careful navigation. At Cooks Lake, Jennifer R. cautions, "The road to get there was approx six miles of gravel winding single lane road. But so worth the drive," suggesting RVers assess their vehicle capabilities before attempting.

Size-appropriate site selection: Not all dispersed sites accommodate larger rigs. "We were able to get our fifth wheel (40ft long, 13 1/2 ft tall) in and out easy!" reports Kaitlin K. about Bull Run Access, noting "Lots of spaces and places to turn around."

Leveling challenges: Prepare for uneven parking at many sites. At Rose Lake, April C. observed, "I struggled with this place, it would be really great if the two lot areas were level. There isn't a level spot anywhere," highlighting the need to bring adequate leveling equipment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Newman Lake, WA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Newman Lake, WA is Hog Lake Campground with a 4.2-star rating from 35 reviews.

What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Newman Lake, WA?

TheDyrt.com has all 17 dispersed camping locations near Newman Lake, WA, with real photos and reviews from campers.