Several dispersed camping areas exist within driving distance of Tumtum, Washington, offering free primitive campsites on BLM and national forest land. 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.
"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."
"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."
"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. "
"I updated the location here on The Dyrt app. The exact address is 3399 Sand Canyon Rd, Chewelah, WA. There are at least 10 dispersed fire rings. Many of the sites have direct access to the creek."
"I don’t normally leave reviews like this, but there is some confusion about the location of this place. I believe there is another location listed here on the dyrt app."
"Nice free spot for campervan, sign said camping limit 14 days."
"I found this looking for the BLM land by Fishtrap lake. It might even be called that not Hog lake campground, but it was a little hard to find. You can't camp at the fishtrap lake trail head."
"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."
"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."
"Very flat spot several miles off ethe interstate. Small 2 lane road next to it. Lots of sites, nothing marked just back in and hang out. No water and electricity, but great for FREE!"
"This is dispersed camping at its best: flat, open land with plenty of space to spread out and breathe. The picnic tables were a nice touch, making it easy to settle in comfortably for the evening."
"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."
"Multiple free camp locations with 5 or 6 sites each throughout the refuge. Camping in designated sites only. This is one of the few NWR you can camp in and its beautiful."
TravelerVery flat spot several miles off ethe interstate. Small 2 lane road next to it. Lots of sites, nothing marked just back in and hang out. No water and electricity, but great for FREE! Convience store down the road with gas and a few things.
RangerNot far off the main, road was decent. Not a ton of shade but good places to park or pop a tent. Only a few flies, really pretty scenery. Good cell signal, nice place.
GuideStopped here for a quick one-night stay while driving from Seattle to Montana. It's a free campsite located very close to the main highway, making it super convenient for a rest stop. If you want to head down to the lake and enjoy the views, note that a $10 Discover Pass/permit is required (day-use only). However, free overnight dispersed camping is available further uphill. Highly recommend it for a quiet, easy stop along the route!
Legendone of the more boring stops I've made. Easy access, clean pit toilet, no shade.
GuideI had a great time here with my huskies and my cat. I updated the location here on The Dyrt app. The exact address is 3399 Sand Canyon Rd, Chewelah, WA. There are at least 10 dispersed fire rings. Many of the sites have direct access to the creek. There are multiple trails that go up and down both sides of the creek and many logs that have fallen over it so you can walk across to the other side. The entire creek is fully shaded by trees and doesn’t get much sun. It only gets to about knee-deep in some parts - it’s July right now. People use this area for snow activities in the winter. There are many large areas with hard packed dirt that are relatively level and good for big rigs. There is one pit toilet bathroom that I can see and a few picnic tables. This is an active logging road right now so trucks go by every hour or so. There is definitely wildlife out here. Be cautious for bears and other large predators. I have seen wild turkeys, squirrels, tons of different birds, butterflies, and something large ran behind our campsite last night. There is plenty of shade and also plenty of open areas for setting up solar panels with all day sun. There is no cell service up here, but Starlink works great. The creek is beautiful and clear and cold. So refreshing and if you really needed to drink it, you probably could. I have not seen any hiking trails per se, however, you could walk up and down the logging roads and explore the forest line pretty easily in many parts. If you go up the logging road to the right, there is an old mine that you can access. There seems to be little pathways spread out randomly through the forest as you continue down the road. This is the perfect spot for boondocking, unless you’re worried about cell service. I’ve been able to leave my dogs off leash and they are so happy to run free through the creek and around the fields and through the forest. This place really does have so much to offer. We’re here by ourselves right now, so we have the luxury of privacy and perfect quietness to enjoy the sound of the creek and the bugs and the birds.
GuideMe and my dog had a great time and running RC cars had good cell service satellite service. They also have some shaded and some non-shaded spots and you can put any size rig you want stay there for two weeks
TravelerThe long gravel road was bumpy but navigable with our RAM pickup and 26' fifth wheel. The lots are not very level and are dusty. Currently, it is a burn ban in the area. However, there were young men ignoring the ban.
ScoutWe were there 2 days and found at least 20 ticks on our dog. There are a ton of spaces open, most of the spaces have no tree cover and some are close to other campers. You can hear coyotes howling at night. There are rattlesnakes as well. Lots of trash left behind by previous campers and it’s difficult to access the lake.
ScoutWe had a nice big tree to shade the trailer in the evening. It was unseasonably hot. Only about a mile on down the road was the lake. Disappointing with previous campers leaving trash and toilet paper. We stayed 2 nights and enjoyed our stay.
Dispersed camping near Tumtum, Washington offers adventurous campers access to remote locations throughout the nearby Colville National Forest and BLM lands. The region sits at elevations between 1,500-4,000 feet with a mixed coniferous forest ecosystem. Summer temperatures typically range from 50-90°F with minimal rainfall, while nights can drop below 50°F even in summer months. Road conditions to primitive sites vary significantly with winter access often limited by snow.
Fishing opportunities: At Fishtrap Recreation Area, the lake provides good fishing spots with established access points. "One of my favorite day spots. Lots of fire rings and beautiful sunsets," notes one camper, highlighting the prime conditions.
Hiking trails: Several maintained paths run through these public lands. At Bear Creek Little Pend Orielle Wildlife Refuge, "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."
Water recreation: Kayaking and swimming are available at several locations. A visitor to Little Pend Orielle mentioned, "Both the lake and the pond would be amazing places to kayak, we would have if the weather had been a bit nicer." The smaller water bodies maintain relatively warm temperatures during summer months.
Wildlife viewing: The forests contain diverse animal species. At Cee Cee Ah Creek, campers can observe various forest wildlife. The region supports deer, small mammals, and bird species with dawn and dusk offering best viewing opportunities.
Privacy between sites: Many free camping areas feature well-spaced sites. At Hog Lake Campground, "There were about six spots already taken when we arrived at about 7pm but still plenty to chose from. The area was clean, had a dumpster, and a porta potty. The sites were spaced out well though."
Scenic water views: Multiple campgrounds offer waterfront access. One camper at Cooks Lake reported, "We opted for a spot right by potters pond. It was very spacious and was walking distance from the dock and a toilet facility... We had a lovely view of the pond."
Quiet atmosphere: Remote sites allow for peaceful experiences. A camper at North Fork Chewelah Creek observed, "Most of my time spent in this area has been dead quiet and usually quite private." The sound of creeks and wildlife creates natural white noise at many sites.
Established fire rings: Most primitive sites include basic fire facilities. According to a Fishtrap camper: "Campsites are equipped with rings and there is a restroom. Parking is level."
Road conditions: Many sites require driving on rough forest roads. A Hog Lake visitor noted, "Road is a little bumpy but worth the drive in once you find your spot. There are several, very large, pull offs perfect for your stay."
Limited amenities: Bring everything you need. "It's a primitive site on an island in Bonnie Lake... The island is rocky and brushy with enough flat spaces for a tent or two and trees for hammocks. Please use sanitary bags to pack out your waste (poop). The island's soil isn't deep enough for proper burial," explains a Bonnie Lake Island camper.
Vault toilet conditions: Where available, toilet facilities may be basic. A Cooks Lake visitor warned, "There is a vault toilet that was disgusting, beware."
Wildlife considerations: Be prepared for animal encounters. A camper reported hearing "coyotes singing back and forth" across canyon walls, while others mention the importance of proper food storage in bear country.
Child-friendly fishing spots: Some lakes are stocked and easily accessible. At Cooks Lake, "There is a family friendly fishing dock on Potters pond, and it is stocked with good sized rainbow trout the little kids had a blast fishing."
Shallow water play areas: Creek access points provide cool relief on hot days. At North Fork Chewelah Creek, one camper shared, "The godson loved it - he even played in the freezing cold water. I enjoyed the peace and quiet!"
Bug protection: Insects can be abundant near water. A Hog Lake visitor cautioned, "This campsite was the perfect break in our drive from North Cascades to Glacier. The road was easy to find and there were so many great sites. There is a porta potty too. We found a site that was both tent-able and hammock-able. Lots of mosquitoes though!"
Safety considerations: Some areas require extra vigilance. Multiple reviewers note the importance of keeping food secured and children supervised near water features.
Size limitations: Most dispersed sites accommodate smaller rigs only. One Cooks Lake camper advised, "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."
Level parking areas: Look for established pull-offs. At Fishtrap Recreation Area, "It's a fine large gravel pull out. I did see 3 little spots on the way in as well. No shade and it's windy. Almost lost my canopy."
Maneuvering challenges: Forest roads can be narrow and winding. A camper at Bear Creek noted, "Roads into the area are narrow gravel roads, so 'large' rigs and/or trailers may find it a challenge."
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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