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Sheep Creek Campground sites, arranged along both sides of the creek, provide camping options for pet owners exploring northeastern Washington. Each site includes picnic tables, fire rings, and pets are permitted throughout the campground. The nearby Upper Columbia RV Park and Campground offers full hookups and amenities for campers traveling with animals. Dogs must be leashed in campground common areas but can enjoy the waterfront access at several locations. Campers report seeing wildlife including deer, bears, and even a cougar sighting at Sheep Creek, so keeping pets secured is essential. Most campgrounds in the area maintain standard pet policies requiring leashes, waste pickup, and considerate noise management to minimize barking disturbances.
The Colville National Forest contains several pet-friendly camping options with various water features. Pierre Lake Campground allows pets and provides drinking water, picnic tables, and vault toilets, with trails interconnecting throughout the sites creating convenient walking routes for dogs. Big Meadow Lake Campground sits at a higher elevation with cooler temperatures suitable for summer camping with pets. Campbell Park at Box Canyon Dam features a small swimming lagoon where dogs can access water just outside the marked swimming area. Boundary Dam Campground allows free camping with pets and includes water access approximately 10 minutes by kayak from Peewee Falls. Visitors should pack out all pet waste as some locations like Pierre Lake require campers to pack out all trash.
"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."
"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!"
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!"
"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
Check Availability"The discover pass is $10 for a day or $30 for a year and needed for a lot of parks in Washington. It is also located just outside of Colville, where you can get anything you need."
"It's fairly spacious as far as the hiking and nature paths you can explore."
TravelerUnfortunately 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. Next time I camp here I'm bringing a solar strobe to deter the cats
LegendPositioned in a fieldy expanse, these units are right next to the casino. You pass by a gas station as you exit the highway and there’s plenty of space between sites. There’s also an international car museum directly across the path from the RV park
LegendThis is a five star campground based on our criteria. Only reason we give it four stars is they are letting the only trees they have for shade die and they are creating a mess. No shade without them. Grounds are largely in disarray. Also washers are top load agitator type. There are many positives though that will bring us back. It is largely a quiet small campground. It is very reasonably priced and is very dog friendly. There are several places to walk the dogs on leash and off within either walking distance or a short drive to the Colville national forest. Management is really friendly and flexible to changing needs. And they do not require payment until you show up. This is a great spot for golfers as well as non golfers. Note the club has pickle ball courts for free use! Great little restaurant and bar on site too with very cheap drinks ($9 Moscow mule!)
Legend***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 Campground is in the thick of the Colville National Forest, on the East side of Washington State. There are only three campsites, best for tents or very small campers, no your 40 foot RV will not fit.....They are not reserveable, fcfs. It is a free campground, 1 mile south of the Canadian border. The road in is narrow and has a bit of down hill slope. Each site is equipped with fire rings, bear boxes and picnic tables. There is one Vault toilet. Bring your own water as there is no access. There is also one bear proof trash can. The campground is up hill from the lake in thick of pines. Just up the road from Crescent lake is the Boundary Dam Vista House. It offers beautiful views of the Boundary Dam, The Canada Border and Beyond, The Pend Oreille River, The Selkirk Mountains, and more! Also close to Metaline Falls, where the 1997 Kevin Costner Film, The Postman, was filmed.
The lake was even clearer than the one on the west side, it is stocked with Rainbow trout, and it's super awesome to see where you are fishing. For being a roadside lake I was quite impressed. There are a very few, SMALL, pull offs on the small dirt road on the lake. At the end is a slightly larger area to turn around in, or park (please leave enough room to let others turn around) There is a rope swing, however, the lake is not deep enough at the moment to be able to swing. People do kayak and canoe. There is no room for your trailer. If it fits in or on your car, feel free to use your boat. Most importantly please, respect this area, it's beauty is unparalleled.
LegendCampground 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. A Free Campground from the Seattle City Lights Project. This place was beautiful and I will be back.
While I didn't realize it until after I had set up camp, site #22 is the best in the campground and also one of three ADA sites. Since there were few others camping, I now see why it was available.They are unmarked and the only thing telling you this is on a board next to the bathrooms, Site 11,13 and 22 were mentioned as ADA on the board, however the entire campground is ADA accessible except the sites 1-4 which are very close together and tent only sites. The RV sites are also close together.
Site 22 is backed up to the forest, and the most private site in the campground, there is only 1 site next to you and both of these sites are walk in. You park and then carry your gear in. I found this strange for an ADA site. It isn't a far walk and it is very well paved.
Each site has a fire ring and picnic table. There are large and small day use areas along the river side, unfortunately only sites 1-5 are on the water, the rest have a water view, but its more like a parking lot.
The bathrooms are updated, very clean, flush toilets. No showers. They have water spigots close to the sites and they have a lot of power. The landscape was too commercial, I would have preferred if they left the land as it was instead of adding bark chips and planting flowers. Its going to be difficult to keep those growing and maintained.
The fishing dock was also new, sturdy and a beautiful spot for pictures. I have heard, and if you see the reviews under this, there is a waterfall, about a mile away from the dock in the river. Unfortunately I don't have a vessel so was not able to see this first hand. The water was pretty warm, compared to other places in the area. Saw tons of kayaks head out from this point. The waterfall is accessible by water only at this point, however, they are building trailheads, with parking lots and restrooms on the Eastern ridge to provide viewpoints of the waterfall and canyon by 2020.
Cool fact, this is in the town of Metaline Falls, Washington. The Dam and the town are a features in the Kevin Costner film, The Postman.
There is also FREE Dam tours Thursday-Monday (so don't show up on a Tuesday like us!) They are offered at 10:30am, 12:00pm, 2:00pm and 4:00pm, I will be back very soon to take advantage of this. Its a Hydro Electric Dam and it goes through a Limestone cave!
Just up the Road is a Gardner Caves- Crawford State Park, Garner Caves offers tours of the cave at 10:00am,12:00pm, 2:00pm and 4:00pm. This tour you need a discover pass for. Again, I showed up on Monday evening and was unable to do the cave tour this time, however, I have done Gardner caves and that is super neat!
If you are exploring the upper side of Eastern Washington, or going to Canada, I highly recommend camping, boating and exploring this area.
Ranger Review: Grubstick Deluxe kit
https://grubstick.com/products/deluxe-kit
As a Ranger for the Dyrt, sometimes I get awesome camping gear, in exchange for a honest review. Today I am reviewing the Grubstick. The Grubstick is a pretty neat camping cook tool. It has a long extendable handle to keep you and yours safe. It also has along several attachments, so you can become a hit with the kids and really inventive with your camp recipes. This camp trip was an adventure and to keep it easy, we roasted some hot dogs for lunch on the second day.
First, I had the opportunity to get the starter kit and the Deluxe kit. Both pictured here. The Starter kit comes with a Handle, A grub cage (square cage for roasting smore's, fruit, or anything that will fit.) A fork to roast hotdog's and a release tool to open the cage. Its pretty basic but again, pretty great considering your options to cook on this are endless.
The deluxe kit comes with all of that plus, an extra handle, and additional fork, a burgcage, a Grub Pocket to make bacon cups, bread bowls, etc, A Grubtube for making breadsticks, and a bacon clip!
I feel like these are meant for quality food. The cheap hot dogs I had, split down the center seconds after exposing them to the fire, making it hard to turn the stick with out the hot dogs also turning, and trying to slide off the stick, so they were not getting evenly cooked. Again, not a testament to the Grubstick at all. I love the idea of it, it just didn't work right with the cheap hot dogs. I am super excited to try them in the future and use the other attachments. They shipped very quickly and they are made of high quality materials, They also came in great carry bags. I actually only brought the grubstick with me instead of my large bulky camp stove, while that would have been a nice idea, always bring a back up- in case there is a sudden torrential downpour that makes it so you cannot have a campfire.
All in all, very cool tool, I can see using these on family camp trips with the kids and making smores. Brats or polish sausage would work better than hot dogs on the fork.
TravelerBased on visit in August of 2019. The lake had a pretty significant bloom of algae and a lot of mill weed at this time, but it was still a great visit.
The lake and surrounding area is gorgeous. If coming from the West I recommend taking Hwy 2 across the Cascades then take Hwy 21 north across the Columbia (via the free Keller Ferry) and all the way to the Lake. The whole stretch of Hwy 21 between the border and Columbia is one of the best in the PNW. Take Hwy 20 back from Republic for more splendor.
Decent-sized IGA for groceries, convenience stores, and a few restaurants in Republic nearby
This is a big campground on a big lake, but the three loops help to create three different experiences. We camped in #79, one of seven tent sites on the somewhat isolated lower loop. All of the sites on the lakeside of this loop are pretty large and nice. Save for a few trees there isn't a lot separating each site and all are visible from the lake, so not exactly private either. South of the park are cabins across the bay that you can see and hear. During the day there is a lot of activity on the water, including speedboats blasting Nickelback (it is close to Canada).
Over a little hill from the lower loop is swimming beach and day-use area. This area was pretty busy with locals as the temperatures hit 100 during our visit. The bathroom has pay showers, outlets, and was recently renovated. Plan your showers for the morning or evening.
The middle loop is on top of hill that has a wooded slope on the lakeside. There are two distinct areas here, one is literally a loop of sites on grass in classic WA State Parks fashion. The other section is series of 10 or so sites on the hillside and in the woods that you have to park and walk into. The sites were all different sizes and distances from each other. More privacy here, but there is a trail just above the shore that runs by many of them, so keep your shorts on.
The upper loop is the largest and has mix of RV and drive-up sites in a little valley ringed by walk-in sites on top of the hill. Note that from the sites in the valley you can't really see the lake but there are scattered trees to provide some shade. Not my cup of tea, but there is another shower area and a little store operated by the hosts that had ice, wood, and some frozen treats.
Back to our experience: the lower loop is on edge of a small bay and natural marshland. We had a clear view of an Osprey nest (see pictures) that the hillside trails goes right by.
In addition to the Ospreys we saw many birds drawn to the marsh and trees, several kinds of fish, turtles, and nutria in the water. In addition to a few red squirrels we also were visited by a tiny skunk who sauntered up through the reeds on the hillside to lick the griddle I left on the ground by our table (always clean up, folks). It left without incident, but I was glad we didn't have out dog with us or else things could have ended quickly.
In the area are hikes in the Kettle River Range, the Ferry County Rail Trail (which I want to check out next time), and numerous back roads to explore. Because of the heat we did some trips in the van up to the border, Ranald MacDonald State Park (smallest in the state), Swan Lake, the city of Curlew, and of course the ice cream serving establishments of Republic.
I wish the lake would have been more pleasant to be in, that's the only reason for the 4 star review. I'm not sure if it is like that every year, so I would contact the park office or check on social media to see.
RangerThis is for Crescent Lake in the NE corner of washington, not the one in the olympics(which is also a wonderful campground). This campground consists of 3 sites decked out with picnic tables, a fire pit, tent pad and bear boxes. There is a vault toilet close to all sites and a bear proof trash bin. There is no host, store, water, or other amenities, the perfect rustic getaway! It is run by the US Forest Service and is TOTALLY free!!! No pass or fee needed. It is just up the hill from the pristine small lake on the road to the Vista House. The vista house is a single room with windows overlooking the Pendorile river as it flows through Boundary Dam and into Canada. The Vista House hase mens and womens flush restrooms if you are camping here and need a bit of civilisation! It is 1 mile from a canadian border crossing yet gets very little traffic. The best feature of this campground is the gorgeous turquoise water in Crescent Lake. It is stocked seasonally with brown and rainbow trout. I have seen MANY turtles and frogs on the shores, as well as elk, deer, bald eagles and even a bear! The Boundary Dam is about 20 minutes away and offers free tours plus there are the Gardner Caves close to that, so there are always activities to do. This is a must see treasure of washington and I HIGHLY recommend at least visiting.
RangerHey Dyrt users! Today I have a little gem of an area for you to experience, Nile lake in Washington. This little lake is just of highway 20 on a small dirt road about 2-3 blocks long. It is dispersed and very primitive, so bring what you need and pack out everything! There is a field around the lake with a few rock circles for fire pits. There are also a few rock circles in the forest along the dirt road. The national forest sign at the beginning of the road has the usual postings for a dispersed campground. The road runs to a small loop at the lakes edge. When I was there the water seems to have risen to the road itself. The lake is open to watercraft, but there is no launch/ramp. There are also more than a few trails around the area if you grow tired of the lake. Overall it is tough to beat a free campsite in untouched nature.
TravelerIt was a steamy 90 plus degrees as we finally hit the road, believing to be on the right trail we drove a frosty ac filled truck two hours north towards Colville. Believing this dreamy lake to be, only a few minutes away from us along with our group of several friends, whom, to our unfortunate luck, had been here previously. And to our unfortunate downfall, we had not.
The quick jaunt from spokane out to Usk and the 20 minute skip up the road till it turned into a dusty trail, was all well and good for our traveling comrades however for us, a ragtag pair of best good buddies trotting along unbeknownst to us, about to fall into a pit of emotional disparity. Yes, indeed we had gone the wrong way.. the Browns Lake I had googled was a larger more well known lake in the Colville area, however do not be fooled, there is a smaller, more secluded lake tucked nearly two more hours east and just a smidge north. A small pool of a lake hidden amongst the fire torched woodlands only years before, now beautifully flushing out in lush greenery.
The long winding trails finally dropped us amongst Usk, the sweet little logging town, a hop across a bridge and a skip up a dirt road and we were pulling in and around the pine tree cooled atmosphere of the sweet smelling, calm energy of a family friendly, dog happy camp ground. With tents popped up and a small fire started out awaiting friends happily greeted us. After a tad bit of jazzy do to my poor direction skills but nonetheless getting us to journey there. We unloaded the rest of logs, tent gear and dogs. Once all set up, in the much cooler shade of the basking 94degrees around us down on the lake. We changed suits and though the 10ft or so to get to the lake was a bit of a hassle with the steep slope of roots and weeds, and the lack of a sandy beach.. the calm, clear, nearly bath temperature water, easily made up for it.
I am happy to say the night sky was immaculate and immense. How’s spent star gazing by the water after hours spent floating in the sun, and even a few hours spent hiking the woodlands after dust when the sun cooled down. With hotdogs and salmon cooked over the fire and a cozy Ozark Trails tent, camp chairs and even tin coffee cup to ease any remote tension. It was without a doubt, a pleasant first camp trip of the season 🏕
Camping near Northport, Washington offers diverse backcountry experiences within the Colville National Forest at elevations reaching 4,000 feet. Summer temperatures typically range from 75-90°F during day and 50-60°F at night, with cooler conditions at higher elevations like Big Meadow Lake Campground. Water access varies significantly between locations, from small swimming lagoons to kayak-accessible waterfalls.
Kayak to waterfalls: At Boundary Dam Campground, Peewee Falls is accessible by water. "Peewee falls is only a 5 minute paddle from the campground, if that! Highly recommended!" notes Megan W. The falls are approximately 10 minutes by kayak from the beach area.
Wildlife viewing: Iron Mountain Ranch provides opportunities to observe local wildlife in natural settings. John W. reports, "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!"
Swimming: Campbell Park at Box Canyon Dam features a small swimming lagoon outside designated swimming areas where pets can access water. "This place is absolutely charming... you can find vault toilets here as well as a small swimming lagoon," writes Mac.
Fishing: Multiple lakes offer fishing opportunities with varying species. At Crescent Lake in Colville National Forest, Douglas S. notes, "It is stocked seasonally with brown and rainbow trout. I have seen MANY turtles and frogs on the shores, as well as elk, deer, bald eagles and even a bear!"
Free camping options: Boundary Dam Campground provides no-cost camping with maintained facilities. Lisa H. states, "Absolutely beautiful! Access to so many different attractions...all free!!!" The campground underwent recent renovations with new facilities.
Privacy between sites: Despite proximity, many campsites maintain separation through natural vegetation. At Pierre Lake Campground, Eric P. explains, "Although they are fairly close together there is enough trees and brush that you feel like you're not around anybody."
Interconnected trails: Pet owners appreciate trail systems that connect camping areas. "The entire campground has trails interconnected all throughout that lead from one end of the sites to another," reports Eric P. about Pierre Lake Campground, creating convenient walking routes.
Swimming access: Campbell Park at Box Canyon Dam offers swimming opportunities. "There is a fishing/swimming pond for the kids, free firewood, one of the sites has a cute small waterfall, IN THE SITE!!!" explains Andrea R.
Pack-out requirements: Some campgrounds require visitors to pack out all waste. At Pierre Lake Campground, "There are no garbage dumpsters on site so you must pack out what you pack in," notes Eric P.
Limited services: Most campgrounds have basic facilities without hookups. "There is no running water so you must bring your own," Beth S. advises about Big Meadow Lake Campground.
Seasonal considerations: Big Meadow Lake Campground operates from Memorial Day to Labor Day with higher elevation providing cooler temperatures. Kendra C. mentions, "Been going here since I was a kid. Fishing on this lake in a little boat will always be special to me."
Wildlife precautions: Local wildlife includes bears, deer, and occasionally cougars. Boddy P. reports from Sheep Creek Campground, "At 1255 am a big cougar walked right into our camp. I was fully prepared for bears but not a big cat."
Life jacket availability: Campbell Park provides life jackets for children. Andrea R. notes, "The campground also provides life jackets, if your child needs one!"
Boat-accessible attractions: When camping at Boundary Dam, families can access Peewee Falls via short boat ride. Alex D. states, "Peewee falls is about a 10 minute kayak from the beach. Great stay. Definitely recommend staying during the week. Weekend traffic is intense."
Campground layout considerations: For tent camping families, site arrangement matters. At Boundary Dam, Becky explains, "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."
Fishing opportunities: Kettle River Campground offers water access for family fishing. Scott B. reports, "Beautiful river waters and some sandy beaches. The kettle river is usually good for swimming and floating from the beginning of July until the end of August. Lots of bald eagles and other birds to watch."
Limited hookup options: Most pet friendly camping near Northport requires self-sufficiency. Eric H. shares about Kettle River Campground, "We stayed here with our 21' travel trailer. There are no hookups so we brought our generator and made sure we had a full tank of water."
Site size limitations: Many campgrounds have smaller sites than advertised. "The paved parking was quite small for the 'max vehicle length' rating. This left us using every inch of pavement we had," explains Eric H.
Site separation: Despite basic facilities, RV sites often maintain decent spacing. Mitchell F. notes about Kettle River, "This was a clean and well maintained campground. Only 12 sites most of which are right off the bank of the Kettle River. There was some space between most of the sites."
Upper Columbia options: For full-hookup requirements, Upper Columbia RV Park and Campground provides complete services. Andrew F. states, "We had a great experience here. 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."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Northport, WA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Northport, WA is Sheep Creek Campground with a 4.7-star rating from 3 reviews.
What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Northport, WA?
TheDyrt.com has all 102 dog-friendly camping locations near Northport, WA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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