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Best Dispersed Camping near Tumtum, WA

65 Reviews

Several dispersed camping areas exist within driving distance of Tumtum, Washington. Hog Lake Campground, located on BLM land about 30 minutes from Spokane, offers primitive campsites with established fire rings but minimal amenities. The area features a gravel access road suitable for most vehicles, though some reviews note "the road gets a bit rough" in sections. Sites are spacious and spread apart, providing privacy despite occasional popularity. A vault toilet is available near the boat launch, but the lake access gate is sometimes locked during certain seasons.

North Fork Chewelah Creek in Colville National Forest provides multiple free dispersed sites along a creek. According to visitors, "There are a few different pull-offs to camp sites" with some featuring established stone fire pits. The area includes a clean vault toilet in the main camping loop. Reviews note the creek is "very small but powerful" - not suitable for swimming but good for cooling off. Most sites are shaded, keeping temperatures moderate even in summer heat. Local wildlife includes various small mammals and potentially larger predators, as the area sits in active bear and cougar territory.

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Tumtum, Washington (9)

    1. Hog Lake Campground

    35 Reviews
    Sprague, WA
    36 miles
    Website
    +1 (509) 536-1200

    "BLM land was easy to find right off the highway. Rough gravel road easily traveled in a truck, low clearance vehicle may have trouble. There were a few people with campers at the end of the road."

    "I personally would not want to drive anything bigger than a camper van down there but there are quite a few bug turnaround spots and some nice big sites."

    2. North Fork Chewelah Creek

    5 Reviews
    Chewelah, WA
    32 miles
    Website
    +1 (509) 684-7000

    "At first I entered the coordinates listed on the page and it took me to the opposite entrance to Colville National Forest - there are no places to camp on that side due to the steep drop.  "

    "Small space with multiple dispersed camp sites along the creek and throughout the wooded area. The creek is very small but powerful. You can not swim but still a great place to get wet."

    3. Fishtrap Recreation Area

    15 Reviews
    Sprague, WA
    39 miles
    Website
    +1 (509) 536-1200

    "Plenty of opportunity for solar 3 bar 5g Tmobile Open mostly level sites Not very busy Some larger sites able to accommodate bigger rigs (25' at least) Cons:

    No amenities (where we are, maybe further"

    "A nice location! I will advise tent campers it is tent accessible but not the easiest spot in a tent. The soil is very dry and a couple of the spots were hard rocks and not accessible for tents."

    4. Cooks Lake

    3 Reviews
    Usk, WA
    39 miles

    "Cute little dispersed campground approx 6 sites. At least 2 of them are good for me trailer although I wouldn't try if you're not experienced with towing."

    "Swimming/small boat access is through the main campground."

    5. Little Pend Orielle Campground

    3 Reviews
    Colville, WA
    40 miles
    Website

    "It was very spacious and was walking distance from the dock and a toilet facility. However the toilet was very foul and we opted out of using it."

    6. Cee Cee Ah Creek

    2 Reviews
    Cusick, WA
    41 miles
    Website

    "Nearby campsites are far enough away that you have plenty of privacy. There is a creek that runs through this area, which is great for cooling off on hot days."

    7. Bonnie Lake Island

    1 Review
    St. John, WA
    43 miles
    Website

    "This is a primitive site on an island in Bonnie Lake in Eastern Washington. Bonnie lake is a canyon lake, about 4 miles long and narrow."

    8. Crab Creek at Rocky Ford

    2 Reviews
    Sprague, WA
    49 miles

    9. Bead Lake

    1 Review
    Newport, WA
    39 miles
    Website
    +1 (509) 684-7000
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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Tumtum, WA

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Dispersed Camping Reviews near Tumtum, WA

65 Reviews of 9 Tumtum Campgrounds

  • Jennifer R.
    Jul. 28, 2021

    Cooks Lake

    Great quiet place

    Cute little dispersed campground approx 6 sites. At least 2 of them are good for me trailer although I wouldn't try if you're not experienced with towing. The road to get there was approx six miles of gravel winding single lane road. But so worth the drive for the beautiful shaded sites and the open Lakeview sites. Not alot of traffic comes through during the week. Has one vault toilet that was pretty clean but bring your own tp. Also it is bear county so be sure to bring bear proof containers although it was so hot when we went that the wildlife was hiding out...lol

  • Josh S.
    Sep. 3, 2024

    Fishtrap Recreation Area

    Quiet Prairie Camping

    Quiet campsite in Fishtrap Recreation Area.

    Pros:

    Very quiet open sites. Plenty of opportunity for solar 3 bar 5g Tmobile Open mostly level sites Not very busy Some larger sites able to accommodate bigger rigs (25' at least)

    Cons:

    No amenities (where we are, maybe further in they have them) Dusty and dry Fire restrictions in place Sites have some trash in them.

    Overall we enjoyed it for a layover stay. It's very quiet, open skies were good to recharge solar and stargaze and it was a nice break from some of the more crowded campsites.

  • L
    Jun. 14, 2024

    Fishtrap Recreation Area

    Tent Camping meets dust

    A nice location! I will advise tent campers it is tent accessible but not the easiest spot in a tent. The soil is very dry and a couple of the spots were hard rocks and not accessible for tents. We did end up finding a spot in our tent, but this is site is much easier with an RV or van. Would recommend a backup plan ahead of time in case the sites available here are not compatible.

  • Kayln H.
    Mar. 28, 2022

    Hog Lake Campground

    Great spot right off 90

    BLM land was easy to find right off the highway. Rough gravel road easily traveled in a truck, low clearance vehicle may have trouble. There were a few people with campers at the end of the road. A lot of dispersed sites, some close to the road, a few very private. Two nice lakes.. at the end of the road you cross to state park land which does not allow camping but is very well marked with a gate and signs. There was a fe portapottys scatter along the road. Light freeway noise, did hear one night train, but for free and a beautiful landscape not too bad.

  • Gary M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 2, 2020

    Little Pend Orielle Campground

    Remote, secluded, no services, narrow gravel roads

    If you like camping completely self contained, this is for you.  There is a pit toilet (locked due to current COVID restrictions), and a fire ring at each dispersed campsite.  No water, except for the creek, and not even any cell phone reception.  Parking is level.  Roads into the area are narrow gravel roads, so "large" rigs and/or trailers may find it a challenge.  "High line" capabilities for horse campers.  As for activities, there are many miles of trails and rugged roads to explore, but a CAUTION is to bring a GPS and have good map reading skills to avoid getting lost; it's easy to lose yourself.   We camped September 28-29, and saw very little wildlife (probably due to hunting season), and were probably two weeks early to see the fall colors.  If you like to be by yourself, away from people and can camp without any services (pack it in, pack it out), you will enjoy this place.

  • Stephenie C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Mar. 17, 2023

    Hog Lake Campground

    Coyotes and trains, OH MY!

    Nice little place. The road gets a bit rough. I personally would not want to drive anything bigger than a camper van down there but there are quite a few bug turnaround spots and some nice big sites. Be careful going into the sites as there is a dip. My Kia seemed to think I was just nose diving into a crevice as I was getting across with all its sensors screaming at me. Some coyotes came through camp at some point during the night. I heard them howling from a distance but only knew they came into camp because they left footprints in the frost. Only one other person was out there so nice and quiet

  • kara H.
    Sep. 26, 2021

    Hog Lake Campground

    Blm

    Nice open blm area, rustic campsites. there's an established trail that goes to hog lake and the boat launch area which is only accessible on foot when we were camping. The lake access (with the toilet) is not open, gate is locked. Saw a rattlesnake on the trail but we kept our distance and he went on his way. Be kind to the animals, it's their home. Can stay up to 14 days

  • NThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 17, 2025

    North Fork Chewelah Creek

    Very refreshing and beautiful!

    First time taking the godson camping and this was the perfect spot.  The godson's mom told me she went to this area when she was young and then I saw it here on The Dyrt.  At first I entered the coordinates listed on the page and it took me to the opposite entrance to Colville National Forest - there are no places to camp on that side due to the steep drop.  Make sure you follow the written directions - just follow Sand Canyon all the way out and it will take you to the proper entrance to Colville National Forest.  There are a few different pull-offs to camp sites.  The one we stayed at was a bit further down the rock road.  It is a loop off the main road and there are several camp sites along the creek.  There is also a vault toilet - very clean - in this area.  The godson loved it - he even played in the freezing cold water.  I enjoyed the peace and quiet!

Guide to Tumtum

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Tumtum, Washington, where nature lovers can find serene spots away from the crowds. With a variety of locations offering unique experiences, this area is perfect for those seeking adventure and tranquility.

Tips for free and dispersed camping near Tumtum, Washington

  • Many spots, like Hog Lake Campground, allow for free camping, making it an excellent choice for budget-conscious adventurers.
  • Be prepared for a pack-in, pack-out experience, as facilities are minimal; for instance, North Fork Chewelah Creek has no toilets or trash services.
  • Arrive early to secure a good spot, especially during peak seasons, as some areas can fill up quickly, like the popular Fishtrap Recreation Area.

Enjoy wildlife and nature while free camping near Tumtum

  • The Little Pend Orielle Campground offers a chance to see various wildlife, including deer and coyotes, making it a great spot for nature enthusiasts.
  • For those who enjoy fishing, Cooks Lake provides access to stocked waters, perfect for a relaxing day by the lake.
  • Hiking opportunities abound in the area, with trails leading to stunning views and secluded spots, particularly around Bead Lake.

Dispersed campers should check out Hog Lake Campground

  • Hog Lake Campground features spacious sites that are RV accessible, making it a versatile option for different camping styles.
  • The area is known for its peaceful atmosphere, with minimal traffic and clean surroundings, ideal for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle.
  • Campers can enjoy evening campfires, as fires are allowed, enhancing the overall camping experience under the stars.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Tumtum dispersed camping located in Washington?

Tumtum dispersed camping is located in eastern Washington, near the Spokane area. While not directly in Tumtum, nearby Fishtrap Recreation Area offers dispersed camping options about 30 minutes west of Spokane. The area features BLM land with open, mostly level sites suitable for various camping styles. When looking for dispersed camping near Tumtum, focus on public lands in Stevens County and surrounding areas, which offer numerous opportunities for remote camping experiences.

What amenities are available at Tumtum dispersed camping areas?

Dispersed camping areas near Tumtum are typically primitive with minimal amenities. At Cooks Lake, you'll find approximately 6 dispersed sites with basic fire rings but no developed facilities. Similarly, Little Pend Orielle Campground offers primitive camping with fire rings at each site and pit toilets (though these may be seasonally closed). Most dispersed sites in the region have no running water, electricity, or garbage service. Cell reception varies significantly by location, with some areas having good coverage while others have none. Bring everything you need and be prepared to pack out all trash.

Are there any free camping spots near Tumtum, Washington?

Yes, there are several free camping options near Tumtum, Washington. Hog Lake Campground is a free BLM dispersed camping area with multiple rustic sites. It's accessible via a gravel road that can be rough in spots but offers nice open areas with lake access. North Fork Chewelah Creek also provides free dispersed camping in the Colville National Forest region, offering a peaceful setting for those seeking a more remote experience without fees.

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