Newport, Washington and the surrounding Pend Oreille River region feature a mix of established campgrounds and outdoor recreation areas. Thousand Trails Little Diamond offers tent, RV, and cabin accommodations from April through October, while Pioneer Park provides more primitive camping along the river from mid-May to mid-September. The area includes several campgrounds with waterfront access, including sites at Albeni Cove and Riley Creek across the Idaho border, all within a short drive of Newport's amenities.
Camping seasons typically run from late spring through early fall, with most facilities closing by October. Many campgrounds require reservations, particularly for weekend stays during summer months. Road access varies throughout the region, with some sites accessible via paved roads while others require forest service road navigation. "Pioneer Park was not where we made our reservations but the original campground closed due to fallen trees in a wind storm. So, they moved us here and it wasn't too bad," noted one visitor, highlighting the importance of flexibility when camping in this forested region. Weather conditions can change rapidly, with summer temperatures generally pleasant but occasional storms possible.
Waterfront camping represents a significant draw in the Newport area, with several campgrounds offering direct access to lakes and rivers. South Skookum Lake Campground provides non-motorized boating opportunities in a more secluded setting, while Old American Resort offers year-round camping with full hookups near Newport. A camper described Pioneer Park as having "huge and well spaced" sites that are "very convenient to Newport and Sandpoint only 1/2 hour away." The Colville National Forest surrounds much of the region, providing additional recreation opportunities beyond the developed campgrounds. Most established sites include standard amenities like picnic tables, fire rings, and vault toilets, with some offering electric hookups, showers, and dump stations for RVs.
"Close to Diamond Lake and not far from Newport, Wa."
"The sites share electric and water, no sewer and are positioned oddly they are on the off side and in front by the road. Some 30and 50 amp just check the box."
$35 - $75 / night
"Today I check out a great little campground/recreation area on Lake Pend Oreille( locally pronounced Pond Array")."
"But many great campsites, good privacy for the most part once you’ve learned your spots and beautiful surroundings. Love that it’s close by !!"
$31 - $60 / night
"Very convenient to Newport and sad point only 1/2 hr away. River access from campground. Beautiful quiet area. Firewood for sale at campground but cheaper down the road."
"I like to camp at Pioneer Park when I am in Newport visiting family and will always choose campsite 14!"
$10 - $75 / night
"However, there are some downsides to the spot and the campground that cannot be ignored. 1) It is very close to the highway so you hear the cars all day."
"Each site is drive in and has a picnic table with fire pit. There is access to potable water and flush bathrooms with showers. "
$25 - $30 / night
"Close to Newport, Wa restaurants snd other facilities."
"A small campsite ⛺ near Old Town, my family spent a weekend every summer ☀here when I was a child."
"We stayed outside number for which is close to the entrance. The beauty of being so close to it there is cell service so if you need to get in contact with anyone, it’s about a two minute walk."
"The lake was great for a swim and to play fetch with our dog. The place was nearly empty when we arrived so we got to pick what to our knowledge was the only non-tent site a slight view of the lake."
$12 - $29 / night
"This spot is very close to the main hiking trail, that leads around the lake and to the beach area. Probably about 15 feet away, down a slight hill."
"Super clean, great back-in spots for RVs, awesome walking trails around the lake."
"It's a relatively small loop campground along a creek, close to the Pend Oreille River. Gravel road, ideal for tent camping."
$20 / night
"Great sites, well water, and amazing hiking trails. Close to chataroy, elk, mead & deer park for supplies, meals etc. We will be back!"
"NEW CAMPHOSTS- Jerry and Theresa (Season 2024 to Current) GATES OPEN FROM 7 A.M to DUSK
Camping $20/night Day Use, Hiking, Horseback riding, Over 7 miles worth of trails and Disc Golf all free."
Scout30 mile bumpy road with low hanging trees took an hour and a half drive just to get there and the campground was totally full. There was only about 5 spots. The campground is densely wooded with minimal view and access to the lake. Definitely not worth the drive to it. The road gets worse and worse the farther you go and there is pretty much nowhere else to camp if its full.
RangerNice campsites in a nice location in the forest. Clean toilets when I stayed. There is nice walking trails nearby.
RangerNot a great campground, it's just an open field in the middle of nowhere with a pit toilet. No lake access or anything. No services or tables or fire pits.
ScoutI’ve never been so insulted by an employee in my life! The guest service desk is extremely rude and racist. So disappointing that a national park employee would treat a visitor with such disrespect. We will not be coming back due to the workers.
ScoutThe scenery was absolutely beautiful, the spots are super spaced out so no need to worry about hearing anyone or if you bring furry friends! The water was so close and perfect!
ScoutEver since I can remember I've been standing on the beach every 4th of July! The place is breathtaking and refreshing! Wonderful camping sites, along with sites that accommodate RV campers, pull behind campers, and they even have small cabins to rent! The swimming area and beach are unlike any other I've seen ....soft warm sand between your toes and the water .....ooohhh the water is so clean and cool perfect for summer ⛱️ days!! We always venture outside the campground and pick huckleberries . Pancakes with fresh huckleberries is the best especially from North Idaho! The rangers are super friendly and welcoming always! There's so many trails for hiking and the creek that runs into priest lake is super special!! I can't wait to see it again this year!! See you there everyone!!
GuideNice clean bathrooms, showers, water and electricity. No trees for shade so cloudy weather is ideal.
ScoutLarge sites with full hookups. Clean facilities and large lodge for group gatherings.
GuideGreat campsite and very clean. Close to a couple of fun and easy hikes as well as a great beach for cooling off after.
Newport, Washington camping offers diverse options between densely forested campgrounds and waterfront sites along the Pend Oreille River. Located in the Colville National Forest at elevations around 2,000 feet, the area features a mix of DNR, National Forest, and privately managed campgrounds. The camping season generally runs May through September, with nighttime temperatures dropping significantly even in summer months.
Fishing opportunities: Round Lake State Park provides excellent fishing access with two dedicated docks. "I had a great time casting off from them and even caught a couple of crappies and trout which was a nice bonus," reports one camper at Round Lake State Park Campground.
Hiking trails: Several campgrounds offer maintained trails for exploring the forest. At South Skookum Lake Campground, "The lake loop takes about 45 minutes to complete," notes a visitor. Another camper added that Round Lake has "a lovely trail around the lake and an extensive set of trails heading up into the mountain behind the lake as well as a trail to a pond with a dam which is quite peaceful."
Swimming and beach access: Many campgrounds feature swimming areas during summer. "The swimming area is nice with kind of sandy beach, but there is a bit of seaweed in the swimming area," explains a Round Lake visitor. Priest River campground offers "a nice small beach" that's "extremely kid friendly for the little ones," according to campers.
Shaded sites: The region's mature conifer forests provide natural cooling during hot summer days. At Skookum Creek Campground, campers appreciate that "spots are spaced quite far apart. Grassy with fire rings and tables." One camper described it as having "loads of elbow room."
Clean facilities: Many campgrounds maintain above-average restroom facilities. At South Skookum Lake, visitors consistently mention that "pit toilets were the cleanest I've ever seen." Similarly, at Riley Creek Campground, campers note "clean bathrooms, and free hot showers that don't close."
River and lake access: Water access ranks high on camper satisfaction. "The park is clean, and well taken care of... We hiked the Round Lake trail. It also was very well maintained," shared a Round Lake visitor. Another camper at Riley Creek appreciated the "great swim area for families" and noted you can "bring your Boat, Kayak, Canoe, Bike, & Bathing Suit."
Campground amenities vary significantly: Some sites offer full hookups while others are primitive. At Pioneer Park, "Sites are huge and well spaced" with "no full hookups, but clean pit toilets and helpful camp hosts."
Reservation requirements: Many campgrounds fill quickly, especially on summer weekends. "Thousand Trails Member, this is a first come, first served, so get here early, they fill up fast!" advises a Little Diamond Lake camper. Similarly, at Riley Creek, "Only some of their sites are reservable, others are walk up. We did not have reservations so had to join a lottery to get one of the walk up sites."
Weather considerations: Despite warm summer days, nights can be cool. "Gets cold at night and will rain at times, but other than that the campsite is beautiful," notes a South Skookum Lake visitor. Mosquitoes can also be an issue after rain or near water.
Kid-friendly amenities: Look for campgrounds with dedicated play areas. Priest River campground features "a great beach close to town... extremely close to the edge of town so the road noise is significant no matter what campsite you have, but other than the noise you wouldn't know you were near a town. Beach is so kid friendly for the little ones."
Activity options: Several campgrounds offer organized activities. At Thousand Trails Little Diamond, "We had 3 spots all next to each other with plenty of room in between. Lots of activities for the kids and all around fun," shares a camper. Another visitor recommends "if you are camping with kids the spots closer to the playground equipment are perfect."
Swimming access: Many families prioritize water access. "We spent a week here and loved it. It is so quiet and peaceful," notes a Little Diamond Lake visitor. A Riley Creek camper called it "my favorite Army Corps of Engineers run Campground. Clean, and well run. Clean bathrooms, and Showers."
Hookup variations: Electric, water, and sewer hookups vary by campground. At Albeni Cove, expect "large, clean camp sites with electric & water" but no sewer hookups at individual sites.
Site configurations: RV sites have different layouts across campgrounds. At Little Diamond Lake, "The sites are gravel, somewhat level and size/length varies, a few pull throughs, our 37ft 5ver had no problem."
Internet connectivity: Cell service is inconsistent in the region. According to Little Diamond Lake visitors, "At your campsite your internet must be purchased and 90% of the time it is unavailable. A complete waste of money." However, other RVers reported "AT&T and Sprint were very good. At our site 144."
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Newport, WA?
According to TheDyrt.com, Newport, WA offers a wide range of camping options, with 218 campgrounds and RV parks near Newport, WA and 18 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Newport, WA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Newport, WA is Thousand Trails Little Diamond with a 4.1-star rating from 17 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Newport, WA?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 18 free dispersed camping spots near Newport, WA.
What parks are near Newport, WA?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 10 parks near Newport, WA that allow camping, notably Idaho Panhandle National Forests and Kaniksu National Forest.
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