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Dispersed Camping

North Fork Chewelah Creek

CAMPER SUMMARY PRESENTED BYFord

North Fork Chewelah Creek is located in the Colville National Forest, WA, featuring forested terrain with a mix of trees and open spaces. Temperatures can range from lows in the 30s Fahrenheit during spring and fall to highs in the 80s during summer. Nearby attractions include the Colville National Forest trails and the scenic views of Chewelah Peak.

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Location

North Fork Chewelah Creek is located in Washington

Detail location of campground

Directions

From the Three Rivers Ranger District Office take Meyers St to US-395 S. Follow US-395 S to Sand Canyon Road in 33 miles. Take a left onto Sand Canyon Road. Stay on Sand Canyon Road for 7.2 miles. Park at the signed area on the right.

Coordinates

48.34479011 N
117.60700036 W

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Connectivity

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Site Types

  • Dispersed

Features

For Campers

  • Alcohol
  • Pets
  • Fires

For Vehicles

  • Pull-Through Sites

DISPERSED CAMPING

Enjoy dispersed camping on government land and leave no trace. Pack in and pack out. No (or limited) services at this camping area. Permit may be required.


PERMIT might be REQUIRED

We curate permit requirements across the US for our PRO members. Try PRO to see if North Fork Chewelah Creek needs a permit.

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5 Reviews

Reviewed Jun. 17, 2025

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!

Month of VisitJune
  • Review photo of North Fork Chewelah Creek by Naomi C., June 17, 2025
  • Review photo of North Fork Chewelah Creek by Naomi C., June 17, 2025
  • Review photo of North Fork Chewelah Creek by Naomi C., June 17, 2025
  • (9) View All
Reviewed Apr. 3, 2023

Nice area. Plenty of dispersed spots around.

Usually visit in April. There are a TON of dispersed camping areas within a mile of this "campground" so if its full, it's not a big deal.

With that said, I've never run into any issues with folks using this campground but there's a first time for everything. Most of my time spent in this area has been dead quiet and usually quite private.

Month of VisitApril
Reviewed Jul. 20, 2022

Comfortable

The good -A beautiful camp ground. 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. If you have a tube bring it and enjoy a short river ride. Not a good place to fish. The main camp area is completely shaded keeping things cool. The camp is very close to the creek. Still there was no issues with bugs. I did not need bug spray. There are established stone fire pits or you can gather up some rocks and make your own. Plenty of deadfall and fire wood all over the place. There is also a fence that runs the perimeter of the camp area. Helping to keep the predators out. The only animal I saw besides squirrels and birds was a skunk. Bears, coyotes, wolves and cougars are know to frequent the area.  

The bad - Many of the locals are not friendly and claim the whole creek portion of the camp ground for themselves. There are about 6 different camp sites directly on the main creek. The others are spread out through the woods. People often use the creek just to bring their kids down to frolic in the water for a few hours. More than once I have been approached and ran off by hostile creek users. Im sure there are good folks around their too. That said the few people I have met out there are nasty and will refuse to share the campground causing all kinds of drama until you just get mad and leave. Last weekend I was approached by 4 men who were not camping just using the creek to tube with their kids. I was told that I better go find another place to camp. That they were using the creek and I could not be there. I set up anyways camping away from them and was not in anyway a bother to them. Still they continued to come over and harass me about leaving. Until I finally I strapped on my pistol approached them and told them I wasn't going any where. I was met with a lot of cussing and threats. But finally They did leave! So sad a beautiful place I truly loved the area. Not sure if I will continue to go back. It was not worth the ignorance or drama of other human beings. No toilets or electricity, No wifi or fresh drinking water. If you can avoid ignorant humans I would recommend this place to camp.

SiteThe meadows
Month of VisitJuly
  • Review photo of North Fork Chewelah Creek by King K., July 20, 2022
  • Review photo of North Fork Chewelah Creek by King K., July 20, 2022
  • Review photo of North Fork Chewelah Creek by King K., July 20, 2022
  • (7) View All
Reviewed Jul. 9, 2021

Great area for exploring

We found a great spot to camp but since it was dispersed we made our own fire ring and camped in this area. There were some other sites that were occupied or we did not like it as much as the spot we ended up pitching up camp. Saw no ticks, but did get a few bites from other insects.

Hearing the birds was really cool.

SiteDispersed
Month of VisitJuly
  • Review photo of North Fork Chewelah Creek by Megan K., July 9, 2021
  • Review photo of North Fork Chewelah Creek by Megan K., July 9, 2021

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Sand Canyon Campground located and how do I get there?

It appears there may be confusion in the question. The campground in question is North Fork Chewelah Creek, not Sand Canyon. North Fork Chewelah Creek is located in the Colville National Forest. To get there, you'll need to use the correct coordinates as there are multiple entrance points to the forest. Some visitors have reported navigation challenges when using incorrect coordinates, so it's advisable to verify directions before heading out. The campground is accessible by car, though specific road conditions may vary seasonally.

What camping options are available in Chewelah near Sand Canyon?

At North Fork Chewelah Creek, you'll find multiple dispersed camping options rather than a traditional developed campground. The area features several informal sites scattered along the creek and throughout the wooded area. These sites are suitable for tent camping and possibly small trailers, depending on access. The campground is relatively small but beautiful, offering a natural setting. For those unable to find a spot in the immediate area, there are additional dispersed camping opportunities within a mile radius, providing plenty of alternatives.

Is dispersed camping allowed near Sand Canyon Campground?

Yes, dispersed camping is definitely allowed and popular in the North Fork Chewelah Creek area. There are numerous dispersed camping sites available within a mile of the main campground area. Campers often create their own fire rings at these spots. If the main camping area is full, you'll likely find alternative dispersed sites along the creek and throughout the wooded areas nearby. These sites offer good options for those seeking more solitude or when the primary spots are occupied.

What activities are available at Chewelah Creek near Sand Canyon Campground?

The North Fork Chewelah Creek area offers several outdoor activities for visitors. The creek itself is small but powerful, making it unsuitable for swimming but perfect for wading and cooling off on hot days. Tubing is popular for short river rides if you bring your own equipment. The wooded surroundings provide opportunities for hiking and nature exploration. The peaceful setting makes it ideal for relaxation, wildlife watching, and introducing newcomers to camping. The area generally has minimal bug activity, though some visitors report occasional insect bites, and the serene environment is great for enjoying nature.