Boundary Dam Campground

For those of us in Washington who cherish the tranquility of nature and the beauty of our state's waterways, Boundary Dam Campground offers an inviting escape. Tucked away near Metaline Falls, this campground provides a serene setting directly overlooking the calm waters of the Pend Oreille River, adjacent to the impressive Boundary Dam. It’s a perfect destination for locals seeking a quiet, clean, and refreshing outdoor experience, whether for a quick overnight stay or a longer, relaxing getaway.

Boundary Dam Campground is known for its peaceful atmosphere and well-maintained facilities, making it a reliable choice for campers. It’s a place where the sounds of nature prevail, offering a welcome respite from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. With opportunities for boating, fishing, and simply enjoying the scenic views, this campground allows Washingtonians to reconnect with the natural splendor of our own backyard. Its unique features, from the lack of mosquitoes to the beautiful setting by the dam, contribute to a memorable and enjoyable camping experience for all who visit.

Boundary Dam Campground is conveniently located near Metaline Falls, Washington, with the address being Metaline Falls, WA 99153, USA. This places it in the northeastern corner of Washington State, within Pend Oreille County. The campground is situated directly on the Pend Oreille River, adjacent to the hydroelectric Boundary Dam, which is operated by Seattle City Light.

Accessibility to Metaline Falls typically involves traveling on State Route 31, a scenic highway that runs north-south through the Pend Oreille River Valley. While Metaline Falls is a small, somewhat remote community, the roads leading to the campground are generally well-maintained. This makes Boundary Dam Campground relatively accessible for many Washington residents, particularly those in Eastern Washington or even those from the Seattle area willing to make the scenic drive across the state.

The location by the dam means campers get unique views and a specific type of river environment – calm and wide. While offering a sense of seclusion, the campground is not excessively difficult to reach, allowing for spontaneous trips or planned longer stays. Its position in this less-populated region of Washington guarantees darker skies for stargazing and a peaceful ambiance that can be harder to find in more heavily trafficked areas of the state.

Boundary Dam Campground provides a range of essential services and amenities, focusing on cleanliness and convenience to enhance your outdoor experience.

• Campsites with Basic Amenities: The campground offers numerous tent and RV/van spots. Each spot typically includes a "clean picnic table" and "fire pits," allowing for comfortable outdoor dining and campfires (when no burn ban is in effect).

• Clean Restrooms: Reviews consistently highlight "clean bathrooms that actually had toilet seat covers." This attention to hygiene is a significant comfort for campers.

• No RV Hookups: It's important to note that "RV spots have no services available" (meaning no water, electric, or sewer hookups). RV campers should be prepared for dry camping.

• Boat Launch and Dock: The campground features "good boat ramps and dock," providing excellent access for motorboats to the Pend Oreille River.

• Separate Kayak Launch Area: There is a "separate area for launching kayaks," catering specifically to paddlers and ensuring easy water access for non-motorized vessels.

• Paved Roads and Parking: The campground benefits from "very nice paved roads and parking," which contributes to ease of navigation and setup, particularly for RVs and vans.

• Registration Required: While payment might not always be collected on-site, campers "need to register," indicating a system for tracking visitors and ensuring compliance with park rules.

• Leashed Animals Allowed: The campground permits "leashed animals," making it a friendly destination for pet owners, though warnings about cougars and bears advise caution.

Boundary Dam Campground boasts several features and highlights that make it a highly desirable spot for camping and outdoor recreation in Washington.

• Overlooks a Calm River: The campground "overlooks a calm river that's beautiful by the Dam." This provides serene water views and a peaceful atmosphere, ideal for relaxation.

• Quiet Environment: Visitors consistently describe it as "Quiet and clean," making it a perfect retreat from noise and crowds. This tranquility is a significant draw for those seeking a peaceful escape.

• Low Mosquito Activity: A major highlight for many campers is "not as many mosquitoes as other places," significantly enhancing comfort during warmer months.

• Beautiful Setting: The overall "beautiful setting" combines the natural beauty of the river, the surrounding landscape, and the impressive structure of the dam, creating a unique visual experience.

• Accessibility for Water Sports: With both "good boat ramps and dock" and a "separate area for launching kayaks," the campground is an excellent base for various water activities on the Pend Oreille River.

• Cell Service Available (T-Mobile): Despite being in a somewhat remote location, at least one reviewer noted having "service" with T-Mobile, which can be a comfort for those who need to stay minimally connected (though no Wi-Fi is available).

• Wildlife Presence (with caution): The "Cougar and Bear warnings" indicate the presence of significant wildlife, offering a true wilderness feel, while also reminding campers to be vigilant and practice safe food storage.

• Well-Maintained Facilities: The consistent mention of "clean bathrooms" and "clean picnic tables" highlights the dedication to upkeep, providing a more pleasant experience for campers.

For more information, current conditions, or inquiries about Boundary Dam Campground, you can use the following contact details:

Address: Metaline Falls, WA 99153, USA

While no direct phone number for the campground itself was explicitly provided in the reviews, Boundary Dam is managed by Seattle City Light as part of its Boundary Dam hydroelectric project. Therefore, for inquiries or updated information, it is best to contact Seattle City Light's visitor information or public lands department. A general contact number for Seattle City Light might be (206) 684-3000. Alternatively, local tourism offices or the Metaline Falls Chamber of Commerce might offer guidance.

Given the first-come, first-served nature often associated with such campgrounds, arriving early, especially during peak season, is advisable to secure a spot. It's also wise to check for any current advisories regarding burn bans, water levels, or wildlife activity before your visit.

For those of us who call Washington home, Boundary Dam Campground is an exceptionally suitable and appealing destination, perfectly aligning with our state's love for accessible natural beauty and serene outdoor experiences. It's an ideal choice for locals for several compelling reasons.

Firstly, its location on the "calm Pend Oreille River by the Dam" offers a unique and picturesque setting. Washingtonians appreciate water-based recreation, and the excellent "boat ramps and dock" along with a "separate area for launching kayaks" make it incredibly convenient to get out on the water. Whether it's for fishing, paddling, or simply cruising, the calm river provides an ideal environment. The views themselves are a testament to the quiet, understated beauty of Eastern Washington.

Secondly, the campground's commitment to cleanliness and a peaceful atmosphere resonates strongly with local preferences. Reviews consistently highlight "quiet and clean" conditions and "clean bathrooms that actually had toilet seat covers." These basic comforts significantly enhance the camping experience, making it more enjoyable for families and those who prefer a tidy environment without sacrificing the feeling of being in nature. The bonus of "not as many mosquitoes as other places" is a major win for any Washingtonian spending time outdoors during warmer months!

Furthermore, the allowance of "leashed animals" means that many Washingtonians can bring their beloved pets along for the adventure, making it a truly inclusive outdoor escape. While there are "Cougar and Bear warnings," this is a familiar aspect of camping in our wild state, prompting responsible food storage practices that most local campers are accustomed to. The presence of cell service for T-Mobile users, even without Wi-Fi, offers a reassuring touch for those who need a minimal connection.

In essence, Boundary Dam Campground provides a serene, clean, and amenity-rich (for a primitive site) experience perfectly tailored for Washingtonians seeking a peaceful lakeside retreat. It’s a place where we can effortlessly enjoy boating, relax by the fire, and soak in the natural beauty of the Pend Oreille River, making it an invaluable local treasure for a refreshing outdoor getaway.

Boundary Dam Campground

Metaline Falls, WA 99153, USA