Best Dispersed Camping near Northport, WA
Several dispersed camping areas exist near Northport, Washington in the Colville National Forest and surrounding public lands. Free primitive sites can be found along Sullivan Creek, North Fork Chewelah Creek, Bear Creek in the Little Pend Orielle Wildlife Refuge, and at Cooks Lake. These locations offer varying levels of seclusion, with most sites situated near water features. Campbell Park at Box Canyon Dam previously allowed free camping but has reportedly changed to day use only. The region includes several other unnamed pull-off spots with fire rings that are accessible via forest roads.
Access to these camping areas typically requires travel on unpaved roads, some requiring high-clearance vehicles. Sullivan Creek Road features numerous dispersed sites along several miles of roadway, while North Fork Chewelah Creek is accessed by following Sand Canyon Road. Most locations lack amenities like drinking water, trash service, or maintained restrooms, though some areas like Sullivan Creek and Little Pend Orielle have vault toilets. Bear boxes are available at select locations. Fire restrictions may apply seasonally, and campers should practice leave-no-trace principles by packing out all waste.
The camping experience varies significantly by location. Sullivan Creek sites provide creek-side camping with the sound of running water, though some visitors note issues with mice. At Cooks Lake, campers can find lakefront sites with swimming opportunities, though the beach areas can be muddy. Little Pend Orielle Wildlife Refuge offers secluded camping with potential wildlife viewing but requires self-sufficiency due to lack of services. A camper described the refuge as "completely self contained... no water, except for the creek, and not even any cell phone reception." North Fork Chewelah Creek features a small but powerful creek, with one reviewer noting "the creek is very small but powerful. You can not swim but still a great place to get wet."
