Tent camping near Colville, Washington offers access to several high-elevation forest campgrounds within the Colville National Forest. Most campsites sit between 2,500-5,000 feet elevation, providing cooler temperatures during summer months. The camping season runs primarily from Memorial Day through Labor Day due to significant snowfall that closes most campgrounds during winter months.
What to do
Fishing from shore: Lake Ellen East Campground provides direct lake access for rainbow trout fishing without needing a boat. "Wildlife viewing is great: water fowl mostly and fishing for Rainbow Trout is good," notes Emily J.D. about Lake Ellen East Campground.
Non-motorized boating: Little Twin Lakes Campground restricts motorized boats, creating tranquil paddling conditions. "Smaller camp ground, 7 sites, with boat launch, good kayaking and fishing, picnic tables and vault toilets," reports Jess G. about Little Twin Lakes Campground.
Wildlife viewing: Multiple campgrounds throughout the forest provide opportunities to spot deer, moose, bald eagles and smaller forest creatures. "Large range of wildlife, birds, fish, deer, moose, and we even saw bunnies," shares Connie S. from her stay at Lake Thomas.
Stargazing: Remote locations with minimal light pollution create exceptional night sky viewing. "See a universe of stars and enjoy feeling close to nature in this uncommercalized quaint small campground," explains Justice K. about Cloverleaf Campground.
What campers like
Natural privacy: The dense forest creates significant separation between most sites. "Campsites have good separation with lots of vegetation for privacy," mentions Emily J.D. about Lake Ellen East Campground.
Clean facilities: Despite remote locations, campground facilities receive consistent maintenance. "Well maintained, quiet during the week. Vault toilets are well maintained," notes Scott J. about Canyon Creek Campground.
Free or low-cost options: Several campgrounds require minimal fees. "When we stayed the cost was $6 for a site," reports Emily J.D. about Lake Ellen East Campground. Rocky Lake provides value with "5 total spots, last two are close together. Boat launch and hand water pump near lake," according to Mitchell M.
Cultural experiences: Some locations offer unique local elements. "Most often in the summer you can hear the big pow wows going on across the river at night," mentions Justice K. about camping near Lake Roosevelt.
What you should know
Access challenges: Many campgrounds require travel on forest roads. "The drive wasn't bad, but the last 45 mins was on a windy dirt road," cautions Misty B. about reaching Davis Lake Campground.
Limited site size: Most locations accommodate small to medium-sized camping setups. "Best for tents and small campers," notes Emily J.D. about Lake Ellen East Campground.
Seasonal availability: Most higher elevation campgrounds operate on restricted schedules. "A great place if you're looking for a quick overnight stop with easy highway access. Water from a hand pump well and vault toilets available," shares Emily B. about Sherman Pass Overlook Campground.
Water access: Hand pumps provide drinking water at limited locations. "Boat launch and hand water pump near lake," mentions Mitchell M. about Rocky Lake, while Emily B. confirms Sherman Pass has "water from a hand pump well."
Tips for camping with families
Group-friendly sites: Some campgrounds offer sites that work well for multiple tents. "Sorta small some are but others work well for group spots! Some spots even have trails from campground to the lake," recommends Connie S. about Lake Thomas Campground.
Swimming options: Several lake-based campgrounds provide water access for cooling off. "Spots are clean with fire pit and tables. Dirt trails on the water which is a beautiful little cove on lake Roosevelt," describes Justice K.
Noise considerations: Some locations experience occasional disruptions. "The only downfall is that the local teens like to have big ragers there and when that happens it's only USUALLY for one night then they leave but they get loud and obnoxious," warns Justice K. about Cloverleaf Campground.
Campground size: Smaller campgrounds mean fewer neighbors but limited availability. "It doesn't get super busy during the camping season," notes Emily J.D. about Lake Ellen East, which has only 11 sites.
Tips from RVers
Site access: Many forest campgrounds have limitations for larger rigs. "Most spots can fit trailers but some more private than other spots. Turn around loop is tight but doable with full size Dodge and 32' trailer," advises Teresa H. about Sherman Pass Overlook Campground.
Length restrictions: Forest service roads and campground layouts may challenge larger RVs. "It's a good sized lake... best for tents and small campers," confirms Emily J.D. about Lake Ellen East.
Leveling challenges: Natural forest sites typically lack paving or extensive site development. "There are 11 campsites with picnic tables, fire pits, and tent pads," notes Emily J.D., indicating minimal site preparation.
Limited hookups: Most campgrounds in this area provide primitive camping without utility connections, requiring self-contained camping capability.
