Everett Slough Campground

For Washingtonians yearning for a truly secluded and rustic camping experience, Everett Slough Campground near Metaline Falls offers a unique and authentic escape into the wilderness. This "pretty small, but very clean campground" is praised by locals for its sense of privacy, beautiful natural setting, and the opportunity to truly disconnect. While it requires a bit of preparation and flexibility, the rewards of tranquil solitude, beautiful views, and direct access to nature make it a compelling destination for those who appreciate primitive camping.

Visitors appreciate the individual feel of each campsite and the abundance of natural edibles like huckleberries and wild raspberries, adding a foraging adventure to the trip. Though it comes with the understanding that you're embracing the wild – including potential encounters with mosquitoes and the need for self-sufficiency – Everett Slough Campground provides a genuine connection to Washington's beautiful, untouched landscapes within the Colville National Forest.

Everett Slough Campground is located at Co Hwy 2975, Metaline Falls, WA 99153, USA, placing it within the Colville National Forest in the northeastern corner of Washington State. This region is known for its dense forests, mountains, and numerous lakes and rivers. While older information might suggest it's accessible only by boat, recent visitor experiences confirm that the campground can be reached by vehicle via National Forest Development Road 305. It's important to note that GPS systems may not recognize this road, so careful navigation using a map or forest service directions is advised.

The campground is one of several water-access-only primitive recreation sites managed by the BLM along the west bank of the Boundary Reservoir (which is on the Pend Oreille River). This prime location offers beautiful views and direct access to the water. While feeling wonderfully remote, Everett Slough is still relatively close to small towns like Metaline Falls, and about a half-hour's drive from Kettle Falls and Republic, which offer amenities like stores and unique attractions such as fossil hunting and good coffee. This balance of seclusion and nearby conveniences makes it an attractive choice for those looking to immerse themselves in nature without being entirely cut off.

Everett Slough Campground provides basic, primitive camping amenities, encouraging a self-sufficient and close-to-nature experience.

• Campsites: The campground is quite small, with reviews noting around three to four primitive campsites available. These sites are designed to feel private and spacious, offering a sense of seclusion. Each site typically includes a designated tent pad.
• Picnic Tables: Each campsite is equipped with a picnic table for convenient outdoor dining and food preparation.
• Fire Rings: Fire rings are available at each site, allowing campers to enjoy campfires (when conditions permit). It is crucial to always check for current fire bans or restrictions upon arrival, as these can change rapidly due to weather conditions.
• Vault Toilet: The campground provides a single vault toilet. While one reviewer found its design ("one wall to hide it from the road but is open on all other sides") to be "strange," it offers a basic sanitary facility. Other reports indicate basic sanitary facilities with a privacy fence.
• Bear-Proof Storage Containers: Some sources indicate that primitive campsites, including Everett Slough, may include bear-proof storage containers, which are essential for safely storing food in bear country.
• No Potable Water: A critical detail for planning, there is no potable (drinking) water available at Everett Slough Campground. Campers must bring their entire water supply for drinking, cooking, and washing.
• No Showers: As a primitive campground, showers are not available.
• First-Come, First-Served: Many primitive sites in the area operate on a first-come, first-served basis, meaning reservations are not typically taken. This allows for spontaneous trips but requires arriving early during peak times to secure a spot.

Everett Slough Campground offers several appealing features that make it a unique and desirable destination for Washington locals seeking a rugged yet beautiful outdoor experience.

• Secluded and Private Campsites: Despite its small size, the campsites are designed to feel "a little bit more private than many camp sites do," providing a sense of solitude and immersion in nature.
• Waterfront Access: The campground offers "access to lake" (Boundary Reservoir/Pend Oreille River), with sites potentially right on the water. While access might be "slippery," the beauty of the waterfront is highlighted.
• Opportunities for Foraging: Reviewers rave about the "lots of huckleberry and wild raspberries growing throughout the property," offering a fun and delicious foraging activity during the summer months.
• Quiet Atmosphere: Being a small, primitive campground, it often experiences low visitation, especially on weekdays, contributing to a very quiet and peaceful environment.
• Hiking Opportunities: Everett Slough is unique among some nearby primitive sites for offering a hiking opportunity. Hikers can travel along an old 1-mile-long dirt road grade that leads directly to the recreation site, providing a scenic forest walk.
• Beautiful Scenery: The location within the Colville National Forest, with its dense forests and proximity to the Boundary Reservoir, ensures a very picturesque setting.
• Proximity to Local Towns: The campground's relative closeness to Metaline Falls, Kettle Falls, and Republic means campers can access amenities or unique local attractions like fossil hunting and good coffee at Sparky's, balancing wilderness with a touch of convenience.
• Fishing and Water Sports: The Boundary Reservoir offers opportunities for motorized and non-motorized boating, fishing (with various fish species available), picnicking, and nature viewing.
• Wildlife Viewing: The Colville National Forest is home to a variety of wildlife, including moose, deer, bears, and various bird species, offering opportunities for nature observation.

For current conditions, fire restrictions, or any questions regarding Everett Slough Campground, it's best to contact the local Forest Service Ranger District that manages this area within the Colville National Forest.

Address: Co Hwy 2975, Metaline Falls, WA 99153, USA (This is a general area address; precise directions are often best obtained from a forest service map or direct contact).

Phone: (509) 536-1200

Mobile Phone: +1 509-536-1200

These phone numbers typically connect to the main information line for the Colville National Forest or a related district office (possibly the Newport-Sullivan Lake Ranger District). Given the primitive nature and lack of on-site staff, calling ahead to confirm accessibility, any specific fire bans, or other important alerts is crucial for a successful trip. Remember to verify road conditions, especially if traveling during off-peak seasons or after inclement weather.

For Washingtonians who cherish a raw, authentic, and truly quiet outdoor experience, Everett Slough Campground is an ideal destination. Its location within the vast Colville National Forest, near the striking Boundary Reservoir, offers a genuine escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life. This campground is not for those seeking extensive amenities or large crowds; rather, it caters to individuals and small groups who embrace self-sufficiency and the serene beauty of the wilderness.

The unique selling points of Everett Slough are its undeniable sense of privacy, with campsites feeling more secluded than many others, and its direct "right on water" access, providing beautiful views and opportunities for quiet water activities. The chance to forage for wild huckleberries and raspberries adds a delightful and interactive element to the camping trip, connecting visitors directly with the natural bounty of Washington. While the challenges of no potable water and potential mosquitoes require preparation, these aspects are part of the authentic, primitive experience that many seasoned campers seek.

Moreover, the surprisingly accessible road (National Forest Development Road 305) means that this "boat-in" site is now more readily available to vehicle campers, opening up this beautiful spot to a wider range of outdoor enthusiasts. Its proximity to charming small towns like Republic and Kettle Falls means that a quick trip for a good coffee or some fossil hunting is within reach, providing a balanced experience. Everett Slough Campground is a true testament to Washington's diverse outdoor offerings – a quiet, beautiful, and slightly rugged "gem" waiting to provide a deeply restorative escape for locals willing to embrace its natural simplicity.

Everett Slough Campground

Co Hwy 2975, Metaline Falls, WA 99153, USA