Kayaking, swimming, and fishing draw campers to Sullivan Lake's south shore, where Noisy Creek Campground sits on the edge of the water within Colville National Forest. The campground gives access to a boat launch that works for both kayaks and motorboats, and the lake water, while cold, is clear enough that multiple reviewers mention swimming as a reliable draw. Sites include bear boxes, fire pits, picnic tables, and tent pads, and the Forest Service provides drinking water, trash pickup, and firewood for sale from the camp host, which matters given the 20-30 minute drive to the nearest small town.
Site quality is worth thinking through before you book. Tent campers should note that at least one visitor found the ground hard and the layout more oriented toward RVs, which can accommodate rigs up to 45 feet. The larger sites fill quickly on weekends, and reviewers consistently recommend reserving well ahead. The campground also sits in active wildlife territory. Cougars and deer have been spotted on-site, and bear country protocols apply.
"The cleanest pit toilets I have ever seen," writes Terrie M. about the facilities, which reflects the general maintenance standard campers report here. A trail along the lake provides views of the water and surrounding ridgeline, though a past fire has left some sections more exposed to sun. Nearby, Sullivan Lake West Campground provides another option on the same lake if Noisy Creek is full. The season runs mid-May through late August, so weekend reservations in July fill especially fast.
Description
Overview
Noisy Creek Campground is located at the south end of Sullivan Lake. The campground is a perfect getaway just 20 miles from the US-Canada border. Campsites are set back from the lake. Beyond the campground are scenic mountains where hiking is popular. Fishing, swimming and boating are favorite activities.
Recreation
The Sullivan Lake Basin provides campers with opportunities for swimming, fishing, boating and hiking. Common fish species in the lake include burbot (ling cod) and Kokanee salmon. Fishing in this lake is most successful from a boat. Canoeing, kayaking and paddle boarding are among the water sports popular on the lake. Two major hiking trails can be accessed directly from the campground. The Lakeshore Trail is a designated National Scenic Trail that runs along the eastern shore of the lake. This 4.2 mile trail offers viewpoints of the lake and is a popular day-hike for all ages. The Noisy Creek Trail follows along the creek for two miles, and then veers sharply upslope to the top of Hall Mountain. There are rich opportunities for bird watching and wildlife viewing in general in the area. Individual animals from the Hall Mountain bighorn sheep herd sometimes pass through the campground. Cougars, bobcats and black bears can all be seen in the local area.
Facilities
Campsites are pleasant and within walking distance of the lake and swimming area. Amenities include a picnic area, boat ramp, picnic tables, fire rings, vault toilets, drinking water and garbage service.
Natural Features
Sullivan Lake covers 1,291 acres and has a depth of 320 feet. Hall Mountain rises abruptly from the eastern shore of the lake to a height of over 6000 feet. Abundant western larch, aspen and cottonwood trees create vibrant colors in the area during the fall.
Nearby Attractions
Sullivan Lake is about four miles southeast of Metaline Falls, a quaint town with historic buildings. Crawford State Park is located on the west side of the Pend Oreille River near the U.S.- Canada border. In the summer, a park ranger conducts under-ground tours of Gardiner Cave, the main attraction at this park. Seattle City Light offers tours of their Boundary Hydroelectric Project, on the main-stem Pend Oreille River one mile from the international border.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsNoisy Creek is located in Washington near Metaline Falls
Directions
Campground is located ninety miles north of Spokane, Washington. From the junction of State Highway 20, take Highway 31 north for three miles to the junction of the Sullivan Lake Road (County Road 9345Follow the Sullivan Lake Road for 8 miles to the campground entrance. The campground is located at the south end of Sullivan Lake.
Address
12391 SULLIVAN LAKE RD BOX 10
Metaline falls, WA 99153
Coordinates
48.7838889 N
117.2786111 W
Connectivity
T-MobileNo Coverage- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TNo Coverage
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TNo Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Boat-InSites accessible by watercraft.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
Features
For Campers
- Trash
- Firewood Available
- Reservable
- Drinking Water
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Pull-Through Sites
- Big Rig Friendly
Drive Time
- 1 hr 46 min from Spokane, WA
- 1 hr 53 min from Coeur d'Alene, ID
- 3 hrs 30 min from Lewiston, ID
- 4 hrs 7 min from Wenatchee, WA
