Three campsites tucked into dense pine forest make up this free Forest Service campground, located one mile south of the Canadian border on a narrow downhill road. Each site comes equipped with a fire ring, picnic table, and bear box, while a single vault toilet serves all campers. The campground sits uphill from small Crescent Lake, where the turquoise water draws anglers targeting stocked rainbow and brown trout.
The rough access road leads to sites best suited for tents or very small campers—larger RVs won't navigate the terrain. Andrea R. notes to "bring your own water as there is no access," though the nearby Boundary Dam Vista House offers flush restrooms for those needing additional facilities. Wildlife sightings include elk, deer, bald eagles, and bears, while turtles and frogs frequent the lake shores.
First-come, first-served camping operates without reservations or fees. The lake itself provides limited parking along a small dirt road, with space for kayaks and canoes but not boat trailers. A rope swing exists, though current water levels may not support safe use. For those exploring the broader region, campgrounds around Colville National Forest offer additional options, while Boundary Dam Campground sits just over a mile west with more developed facilities.
Description
Crescent LakeBeautiful twenty-two acre lake located nine miles north of Metaline Falls, WA and just a mile south of the Canadian border adjacent to Highway 31 which is part of the International Selkirk Loop. Open season runs from the last Saturday in April through October 31. This lake receives annual plantings of rainbow trout. A small rustic three site campground lies just above the lake. Amenities include: tables, fire rings, concrete vault toilet and animal proof garbage can. No potable water is available. It is best suited for small RV's or tent camping. Facilities 3 small campsites with picnic tables, and fire pits No drinking water 1 vault toilet Garbage disposal (animal proof)
A Discover Pass or Washington State Fishing License is required for access, and can be acquired through Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife's website.
RV Road Trip Guides
Location
Public CampgroundCrescent Lake Campground is located in Washington
Directions
From Metaline Falls WA: Head northeast on Grandview St toward International Selkirk Loop N/Lehigh Ave. Turn right onto WA-31 N/International Selkirk Loop N/Lehigh Ave continue for 11.5 miles. Sharp left onto East Side Rd for 0.3 miles to destination. Google map directions from Metaline Falls WA
Coordinates
48.98777778 N
117.3133333 W
Connectivity
T-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoors
T-MobileNo Coverage- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TNo Coverage
Connectivity
T-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoors- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TNo Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
Features
For Campers
- ADA Access
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
FREE established camping
Enjoy camping on government land. Limited or no services at this camping area.
PERMIT might be REQUIRED
We curate permit requirements across the US for our PRO members. Try PRO to see if Crescent Lake Campground needs a permit.
Drive Time
- 2 hrs 2 min from Spokane, WA
- 2 hrs 9 min from Coeur d'Alene, ID
- 3 hrs 46 min from Lewiston, ID
- 4 hrs 44 min from Wenatchee, WA
