150 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Campgrounds near Northport in northeastern Washington include primitive sites in the Colville National Forest and several developed options along rivers and lakes. The region includes Sheep Creek Campground, which offers camping along the creek with tent and RV access, and Boundary Dam Campground, which provides free camping with electric and water hookups near the Canadian border. Several properties like Iron Mountain Ranch also offer cabin accommodations for those seeking alternatives to traditional tent or RV camping. The area has a mix of free and paid options with varying amenity levels, from basic dispersed sites to full-service RV parks.
Road conditions and campground availability vary significantly by season in this remote border region. Many campgrounds operate seasonally, with Big Meadow Lake Campground typically open from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Winter access becomes limited due to snow and road closures in higher elevations of the Colville National Forest. Campers should prepare for occasional wildlife encounters, including deer and potentially larger animals. Most campsites include basic amenities like picnic tables and fire rings, though fire restrictions may apply during dry seasons. As one visitor noted about Pierre Lake Campground, "This lake is way up in the Colville National forest! The campsites were closed for the season, but it's about $6 for an overnight stay. The lake was pretty clear, and had nice reeds and a sandy beach."
Waterfront camping opportunities represent a significant draw to the area, with several campgrounds situated on lakes and along the Columbia River system. Many sites at Pierre Lake, Big Meadow Lake, and along Lake Roosevelt provide water access for fishing, swimming, and boating. Campers frequently mention the quietness and seclusion as major benefits, especially at more remote locations. While road noise affects some campgrounds near highways, others offer considerable privacy despite sites being relatively close together. A camper described their experience at Pierre Lake: "The campsites are well-maintained and although they are fairly close together there is enough trees and brush that you feel like you're not around anybody." Free camping options like Campbell Park at Box Canyon Dam provide surprising amenities, including vault toilets and, according to visitors, occasionally free firewood, making this region particularly appealing for budget-conscious outdoor enthusiasts seeking natural surroundings.
"Very nice grounds tucked pretty far back off of a logging road. Clean, fairly private sites along both sides of sheep creek. Very nice water pump and easily accessible restrooms. So glad we found it!"
"I was camping with my 4 sons and at 1255 am a big cougar walked right into our camp. I was fully prepared for bears but not a big cat."
from $50 / night
Check Availability"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."
"There are only 6 small tent camping spots right next to the dam's bright lights. The tent sites are VERY close together so there is a lack of privacy and only 1 tent spot per site."
"Free. 17 sites, two different areas to choose from on either side of the lake. Accessible fishing dock. Vault toilets, picnic tables and fire rings."
"Fishing on this lake in a little boat will always be special to me. It a shame that this place wont be free next year (2026) but its still beautiful"
"***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)."
"So quiet and nice access to the lake for fishing and kayaking. Rather close to the Canadian boarder and close drive to a variety of hikes."
"I have personally been to Pierre lake more than three times and every time it has been better and better!"
"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."
from $31 - $62 / night
Check Availability"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."
"Access to the water is limited to the boat launch and there isn’t much of a water play area. The little store at the boat launch was nice, and the person working there was friendly."
"Nestled in the trees, this spot is wide open between sites (little privacy), but surrounded on three sides by water making. Expect warm temps in July (it reached 99F when we were here)."
from $23 / night
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LegendLarge open field after you are on a fire road for about an hour. Looks like it is used as a horse camp due to all the horse poop everywhere.
Lots of flying insects.
No toilets or trash available.
Decent enough starlink.
Use the bear lockers provided. Its grizzly country
LegendNice little camping area with 6 spots total. No one else around. Pit toilet by site 4. Site 5 & 6 are off together. No bug issue
LegendBeautiful campsite. 9 spots total. 10$ a night. First come first serve. Had the entire place to ourselves.
No bug issue thankfully. Pit toilets on site. Had a ranger come and clean the toilet during our stay. Only stayed 1 night due to the noise. Included a video with the noise. Logging trucks driving by 24/7 so very very noisy.
Had a decent view of the aky to set our starlink up.
Closing for the season October 2, 2026
ScoutArrived in the twilight hours, the long winding road to the camp site felt very claustrophobic with trees lining all the edges stopping any line of site for around a mile. Felt very eerie at the sites and decided to pack up and go elsewhere
ScoutGreat visuals. The views are fantastic. Great dock and put in for kayaks and boats. But the road noise gets to me after awhile.
GuideWe got the nice pull through near the end of the spots. It was level with a large flat picnic area overlooking the little creek. Paddled the creek a bit but can’t really get far. Surrounded by private land so not much hiking- that’s the only complaint really. Toilets clean despite lack of camp host. Site was clean and level, quiet place despite moderate traffic in and out.
TravelerMultiple free camp locations with 5 or 6 sites each throughout the refuge. Camping in designated sites only. This is one of the few NWR you can camp in and its beautiful. Fire rings and vault toilets. Obey burn restrictions as some other campers were not. Very remote with no cell service, great wildlife viewing. Also grizzly bears in the refuge.
LegendReeder Bay is my favorite spot on Priest Lake. Getting a campsite here in July is usually next to impossible, but I set up a Dyrt Alert and managed to snag a waterfront site for my tent the second someone canceled.
Love:
-Prime Location: Road traffic noise is a non-issue; it’s tucked away and quiet in terms of cars. Plus, there's a beach walk right from camp that leads over to the neighboring resort.
-Facilities: The bathrooms were surprisingly clean and feature actual flush toilets!
-Convenience: Firewood is available right on-site for $8 a bundle (bring cash!)
Downside:
-Generator Hub: Even though there are no hookups or potable water, about 90% of the campground was filled with oversized RVs. Because of this, you’ll hear generators running almost nonstop, which takes away a bit from the peaceful wilderness vibe if you're tent camping.
GuideI had a great time here with my huskies and my cat. I updated the location here on The Dyrt app. The exact address is 3399 Sand Canyon Rd, Chewelah, WA. There are at least 10 dispersed fire rings. Many of the sites have direct access to the creek. There are multiple trails that go up and down both sides of the creek and many logs that have fallen over it so you can walk across to the other side. The entire creek is fully shaded by trees and doesn’t get much sun. It only gets to about knee-deep in some parts - it’s July right now. People use this area for snow activities in the winter. There are many large areas with hard packed dirt that are relatively level and good for big rigs. There is one pit toilet bathroom that I can see and a few picnic tables. This is an active logging road right now so trucks go by every hour or so. There is definitely wildlife out here. Be cautious for bears and other large predators. I have seen wild turkeys, squirrels, tons of different birds, butterflies, and something large ran behind our campsite last night. There is plenty of shade and also plenty of open areas for setting up solar panels with all day sun. There is no cell service up here, but Starlink works great. The creek is beautiful and clear and cold. So refreshing and if you really needed to drink it, you probably could. I have not seen any hiking trails per se, however, you could walk up and down the logging roads and explore the forest line pretty easily in many parts. If you go up the logging road to the right, there is an old mine that you can access. There seems to be little pathways spread out randomly through the forest as you continue down the road. This is the perfect spot for boondocking, unless you’re worried about cell service. I’ve been able to leave my dogs off leash and they are so happy to run free through the creek and around the fields and through the forest. This place really does have so much to offer. We’re here by ourselves right now, so we have the luxury of privacy and perfect quietness to enjoy the sound of the creek and the bugs and the birds.
Northport camping accommodations sit in northeastern Washington's Colville National Forest at elevations ranging from 1,300 to 4,700 feet. This remote border region features dense pine forests, alpine lakes, and the Columbia River watershed. Summer temperatures typically range from 45-85°F with cooler nights, while winter brings significant snowfall closing many access roads from November through April.
Fishing opportunities: Pierre Lake Campground offers excellent fishing for stocked rainbow trout. "The lake was pretty clear, and had nice reeds and a sandy beach," noted one visitor who mentioned the lake's accessibility despite its remote location.
Wildlife viewing: Iron Mountain Ranch provides opportunities to spot local wildlife. "I watched a mama bear and her cub on the hill beyond the cabin! Also saw deer in the driveway and the night sky was awesome with NO lights in any direction except the stars," shared a camper who enjoyed the natural setting.
Water recreation: Boundary Dam Campground offers access to Pee Wee Falls via a short paddle. "Peewee falls is only a 5 minute paddle from the campground, if that!" wrote one visitor who appreciated the proximity to this natural feature.
Free camping with amenities: Campers frequently mention the value at Campbell Park. "A very lovely free campground provided courtesy of the hydroelectric company. Around 10 sites with free firewood, washrooms, drinking water and a small lagoon for swimming. Did I mention it's free??" reported one satisfied visitor.
Remote setting: The isolation at Crescent Lake Campground appeals to those seeking solitude. "This is for Crescent Lake in the NE corner of washington... This campground consists of 3 sites decked out with picnic tables, a fire pit, tent pad and bear boxes," explained a camper who enjoyed the rustic accommodations.
Swimming opportunities: Big Meadow Lake Campground offers recreation beyond fishing. "Free. 17 sites, two different areas to choose from on either side of the lake. Accessible fishing dock. Vault toilets, picnic tables and fire rings. Trail around the camp ground that takes you threw the meadow and to a look out area which was pretty cool," noted a visitor who explored the surrounding trails.
Seasonal limitations: Many campgrounds in the Northport area have limited operating seasons. At Big Meadow Lake Campground, facilities typically operate "Memorial Day to Labor Day" according to forest service information.
Wildlife encounters: Be prepared for wildlife at campgrounds near Northport. One camper at Sheep Creek Campground reported: "Unfortunately we had to leave early but lesson learned. I was camping with my 4 sons and at 1255 am a big cougar walked right into our camp. I was fully prepared for bears but not a big cat."
Facilities vary widely: Edgewater Campground has basic amenities but limited services. "This is a more rustic campground with only a few water pumps available and no other services besides a toilet. Each site is large with trees between so you do have a lot of privacy," explained a camper who stayed there.
Swimming spots: Campbell Park offers family-friendly water access. "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," noted a visitor who appreciated these facilities.
Safety equipment: Some areas provide extra safety features. A camper at Campbell Park mentioned, "The campground also provides life jackets, if your child needs one!" making water activities more accessible for families with children.
Privacy considerations: When camping with children, privacy between sites matters. At Pierre Lake Campground, "The campsites are well-maintained and although they are fairly close together there is enough trees and brush that you feel like you're not around anybody," according to a frequent visitor.
Size limitations: Many campgrounds near Northport have restrictions for larger vehicles. North Gorge Campground accommodates some RVs but not all: "There are only a few sites, most for tent camping only, however there are a few that will fit a trailer or rv."
Hookup availability: The Upper Columbia RV Park offers full services uncommon in the area. "The owner Ralph is very affable and helped us get to our site the first night as well as drove my car back for me from the canoe launch site," shared a visitor who appreciated the personal assistance.
Site spacing: RV campers at Edgewater Campground note the spacious layout: "The sites are spacious and well separated. Each includes a fire pit, picnic table and tent pad. The website claims that all sites are accessible for any RV but I noticed a couple that might be difficult for large RV's."
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Northport, WA?
According to TheDyrt.com, Northport, WA offers a wide range of camping options, with 150 campgrounds and RV parks near Northport, WA and 14 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Northport, WA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Northport, WA is Sheep Creek Campground with a 4.7-star rating from 3 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Northport, WA?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 14 free dispersed camping spots near Northport, WA.
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