Tent camping near Orient, Washington takes place in the mountainous terrain of the Colville National Forest where elevations range from 1,600 to over 7,000 feet. The area features numerous small alpine lakes accessible via forest service roads, with summer temperatures typically 10-15 degrees cooler than the surrounding valleys. Camping regulations follow standard Forest Service rules with most sites operating on a first-come, first-served basis during the primary season from late May through September.
What to do
Fishing in alpine lakes: Sherman Pass Overlook Campground provides access to several stocked fishing lakes within a short drive. Teresa H. notes, "Cool sleeping at this elevation when hot weather persists in lower lands," making it comfortable for summer fishing trips.
Hiking accessible trails: Canyon Creek Campground connects to several day hiking options through lush forest terrain. According to Scott J., the area is "Quiet, beautiful, lush," with "well maintained" facilities that make it an ideal base for exploring nearby trails.
Wildlife observation: Highland Glenn Ranch offers opportunities to observe local wildlife in their natural habitat. Jake C. describes it as "an awesome spot with a great way to connect with the wilderness in this Northern US Border Ranch," making it suitable for photography and nature study.
What campers like
Natural swimming spots: Davis Lake Campground features a natural swimming area in its small mountain lake. One visitor noted it offers "good swimming and weak fishing," making it better for water recreation than angling.
Peace and solitude: Sherman Pass Campground provides relatively private camping with natural buffers between sites. As Emily B. explains, it's "A great place if you're looking for a quick overnight stop with easy highway access," and includes "a nice ADA trail at site" for accessible outdoor exploration.
Moderate temperatures: Campers frequently mention the relief from summer heat at higher elevation campgrounds. One camper at Sherman Pass Overlook noted, "Cool sleeping at this elevation when hot weather persists in lower lands," making it popular during July and August when valley temperatures rise.
What you should know
Access challenges: Many campgrounds require traveling on unpaved roads that may be difficult for standard vehicles. Davis Lake Campground requires persistence to reach, with a camper reporting that "the drive wasn't bad, but the last 45 mins was on a windy dirt road."
Limited amenities: Most primitive sites lack running water, electricity, and cell service. One camper at Sherman Pass Campground mentioned they found "Water from a hand pump well and vault toilets available," which represents better facilities than many area campgrounds.
Seasonal availability: Most campgrounds in the Colville National Forest operate seasonally. Canyon Creek Campground and Sherman Pass are typically open "Memorial Day to Labor Day," according to forest service information, with gates closed during winter months.
Tips for camping with families
Accessible nature trails: Sherman Pass features a wheelchair-accessible interpretive trail suitable for all ages. Teresa H. mentions there's a "simple walking wheelchair loop at Overlook parking lot," making it appropriate for families with varied mobility needs.
Tent site selection: When camping with children, choose sites away from drop-offs and water hazards. At Davis Lake, look for the "7 sites" that are set back from the water but still provide lake access for supervised swimming.
Wildlife education opportunities: Many campgrounds post educational information about local species and ecosystems. Canyon Creek offers wildlife viewing opportunities in a setting described as "Quiet, beautiful, lush," perfect for introducing children to nature observation.
Tips from RVers
Limited turnaround space: Sherman Pass accommodates smaller trailers but requires careful maneuvering. Teresa H. explains, "Turn around loop is tight but doable with full size Dodge and 32' trailer," suggesting caution for larger rigs.
Site leveling considerations: Most forest campgrounds have minimal site preparation. At Sherman Pass Overlook, a reviewer noted they had "near level parking pads," but recommended bringing leveling blocks for comfort.
Seasonal water availability: Water systems at highland campgrounds may be unreliable or shut down periodically. One RVer reported that "Water was off due to Covid and was no trash dumpster but did have outhouses," suggesting campers should bring adequate water supplies regardless of listed amenities.
