Best Campgrounds near Newport, WA
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.
