Dispersed camping options near Orient, Washington provide access to the Colville National Forest's remote terrain at elevations ranging from 1,800 to 5,000 feet. The region sits within 30 miles of the Canadian border and experiences significant seasonal temperature variations. Forest roads typically open by late May, though higher elevation access often remains limited until mid-June.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Pierre Lake Campground offers a quiet fishing spot away from crowds. "Found this campground at the end of the season right before winter. 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," reports Terrie M.
Water activities: North Lake RV Park & Campground provides multiple water-based recreation options within a single location. "Weather was great for hanging out in the lake all day swimming and kayaking. We had no problem getting around in our 50 ft rig," writes Mike K.
Wildlife viewing: The region offers exceptional wildlife spotting opportunities. "I had a great campfire and 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!" notes John W. about his stay at Iron Mountain Ranch.
What campers like
Waterfront access: Kamloops Campground provides direct water access from select sites. "Very well serviced, we had a direct water access site & the sites have a lot of space, felt like our own private lake!" shares Brett and Amanda T.
Off-grid experience: Iron Mountain Ranch offers a truly disconnected experience for those seeking solitude. "I enjoyed staying in the screen house cabin and will definitely be back. Lots to do in the area if you like fishing, hiking, biking, horses, and much more," explains John W.
Summer climate: While temperatures often reach into the 90s during peak summer months, water proximity helps keep campers comfortable. "We stayed here a week in late July. Weather was great for hanging out in the lake all day swimming and kayaking," Mike K. notes about North Lake RV Park & Campground.
What you should know
Road conditions: Forest roads require preparation, particularly for accessing remote sites. "The drive wasn't bad, but the last 45 mins was on a windy dirt road," Misty B. mentions about reaching Davis Lake Campground.
Pack-out requirements: Most primitive sites lack garbage services. "There are no garbage dumpsters on site so you must pack out what you pack in but there is running water concrete fairly secure our houses," Eric P. reports about Pierre Lake.
Insect activity: Kettle Falls Campground and other sites experience seasonal bug activity. "Only complaint was the number of bugs made it less enjoyable outside when it was warm," notes Terrie M. Another camper warns, "Be aware of bees during the day and mosquitoes at night."
Connectivity challenges: Cell service limitations affect most campgrounds. "Heads up, your cell coverage will be spotty here. (Bring a book). :)" advises Craig S. about North Lake RV Park.
Tips for camping with families
Child-friendly locations: Snag Cove Campground provides a calm environment. "This campground was secluded and empty! It was an absolutely wonderful place to look at the stars and feel alone in the universe!" shares Andrea R.
Campground activities: Paved loops provide recreational options. "It seems kids love to ride their bikes around the paved loops for entertainment," Emily J D. notes about Kettle Falls Campground.
Water access considerations: Water access can require navigation. "The campground is 20 or so vertical feet above the water line and it is a steep path to the water. Easier access is a drive or long walk away," cautions Henry H. regarding Kettle Falls Campground.
Bathroom facilities: Most campgrounds offer basic toilet facilities. "The pit toilet was nice and well taken care of! The hand sanitizer was out, but otherwise very clean. The only toilet is at the parking lot, so it's a short walk from the campsites," reports Allie W. about Kamloops.
Tips from RVers
Size restrictions: Most forest campgrounds have limitations for larger rigs. "We stayed here with our 21' travel trailer. There are no hookups so we brought a our generator and made sure we had a full tank of water," explains Eric H. about Kettle River Campground.
Site selection strategy: When choosing the best places to camp near Orient, Washington in an RV, consider site location carefully. "Sites near entrance to loops were more unlevel. This year all loops are reservation only," Dave S. advises about Kettle Falls Campground.
Parking challenges: "The sites were far enough apart to provide some sense of separation, which we liked. The paved parking was quite small for the 'max vehicle length' rating. This left us using every in of pavement we had," notes Eric H. about his Kettle River Campground experience.
Generator policies: Policies vary between campgrounds. "This place is great. Super rustic, tons of things for kids to get into, water was clean, power was solid," according to Craig S. at North Lake RV Park & Campground.
