Tent camping options in Usk, Washington provide access to the densely forested northeastern region of the state, characterized by elevations ranging from 2,000-4,000 feet with summer temperatures typically ranging from 50-85°F. The Pend Oreille River valley forms the geographic backbone of the region, with numerous tributary creeks and small lakes scattered throughout the surrounding Colville National Forest lands. Most tent sites in this area remain open from late May through September, with some sites experiencing seasonal closures due to high mountain snow.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Priest Lake accessible from Bartoo Island Boat-in Campground offers excellent fishing. "The waters are a little cold but crystal clear and on a clear night, you'll see the bulk on the Milky Way," notes camper Alen C.
Explore forest trails: National forest lands surrounding Skookum Creek Campground provide extensive hiking options. "Lots of area to the NE to hike," mentions Janet R., highlighting the accessible wilderness.
Water activities: Kayaking at Kalispell Island Boat-in Campground provides a unique camping access method. Camper Missy S. reports: "A group of us stocked up our kayak and we trekked out to Kalispell Island! Storms all around us but the views were beautiful."
Wildlife viewing: Lake Thomas Campground offers diverse wildlife observation opportunities. A visitor noted: "Large range of wildlife, birds, fish, deer, moose, and we even saw bunnies!!"
What campers like
Privacy between sites: The secluded nature of Flodelle Creek Campground receives consistent praise. According to Andrea R., "I loved the privacy of this campground. Small creek runs by it... You really feel out there. The Vault toilets are well maintained, better than expected."
Free camping options: DNR campgrounds provide no-cost tent camping with proper permits. One camper at Flodelle Creek notes: "You have to have a discover pass to stay here, but if you do it's free. Best camping near colville natl forest."
Island camping experience: First-come, first-served sites on Bartoo Island provide unique lakefront camping. Saraj B. shares: "With it being island camping, there is less traffic, fewer people, and plenty of lakefront sites... I paid for my site upon arriving in cash, then set up my very private site."
Well-maintained facilities: Campers frequently mention the quality of basic amenities at Skookum Creek. Henry H. writes: "The vault toilets are relatively new and well maintained. The day-use area is a really neat structure with an open grill in the middle and a great view of the meadow through which Skookum Creek wanders."
What you should know
Water availability: Most tent campgrounds near Usk require bringing your own drinking water. At Skookum Creek Campground, Dominic C. noted: "There were primitive bathrooms, and from my memory no running water."
Campground occupancy: Off-peak seasons offer increased solitude. "When we camped there in September of 2017, there were 3 occupied spaces, all of whom left the next day so we had the whole campground to ourself," reports one camper about Skookum Creek.
Boating requirements: For island camping, prepare for proper watercraft regulations. "Bring a shovel and make sure your watercraft has an Invasive Species sticker (I bought mine at Cabelas in Post Falls on the way up)," advises Saraj B.
Weather considerations: Summer thunderstorms are common in this region. Kayakers should plan accordingly: "If you kayak be wary of the afternoon as the waves get high from power boats but settle in the evening and morning."
Tips for camping with families
Multi-activity options: Camp Gifford at Deer Lake provides structured camping environments. Rachel A. describes it as an "Inclusive children's camp" with a 4-star rating.
Spacious campsites: Family groups find ample room at certain locations. At Skookum Creek, "each site has a nice fire ring, large picnic table, and loads of elbow room," according to Henry H.
Natural amenities: Unexpected food sources exist at some campgrounds. "There's an apple tree just hanging out across from the day use area. Yes, the apples are tasty," noted one Skookum Creek visitor.
Site selection strategy: When tent camping with families at lakeside locations, consider sun exposure. "When choosing a site remember sunrise and sunset as I was lucky to have a place on the south side so there was shade during the hottest parts of the day and less sun at 5am when you want to sleep."
Tips from RVers
Site spacing considerations: Skookum Creek offers "Nice spots spaced quite far apart. Grassy with fire rings and tables," though Janet R. notes that "Sometimes people stay awhile because it's so nice."
Generator noise management: DNR campgrounds may allow generators with varying policies. At Skookum Creek, one camper mentioned, "even though the other site was running a couple of generators, I had enough room that the breeze and sounds of nature drowned it out."
Group camping options: For larger RV gatherings, Bartoo Island Boat-in Campground offers group sites. Stacy A L. describes them as "Large and private, nice beach, good wind block. Will definitely be back."
Beach access for equipment: When boat-in camping with gear, beach conditions matter. "It's about a 1.5-mile boat ride to the island and there is no dock there so I just beached it since it was pure sand," notes a camper about Bartoo Island.
