Grandview Campground

For Washington residents seeking a truly unique and remarkably accommodating outdoor experience, Grandview Campground in Metaline Falls is a must-visit destination. Tucked away in the scenic Pend Oreille Village, this campground offers a blend of accessibility, thoughtful amenities, and breathtaking natural beauty, all with the added bonus of being free. It stands as a testament to the generosity and commitment to public access by its benefactors, providing a fantastic opportunity to enjoy the serene landscapes of Northeastern Washington without the usual associated costs.

Grandview Campground is more than just a place to park your RV or pitch a tent; it’s a gateway to adventure and relaxation on the Pend Oreille River. Visitors consistently rave about its well-maintained facilities and the easy access to local attractions, particularly Peewee Falls, which is just a short kayak or boat ride away. Whether you're an avid angler, a keen kayaker, or simply someone looking to unwind in a beautiful setting, Grandview Campground offers a welcoming and comfortable environment. It strikes a balance between providing essential comforts like flush toilets and potable water, while immersing you in a stunning natural environment, making it an excellent choice for both short getaways and longer stays for Washingtonians eager to explore their own backyard.

Grandview Campground is nestled in the picturesque Pend Oreille Village, at Metaline Falls, WA 99153, USA. This location places it in the very northeastern corner of Washington State, within Pend Oreille County. The campground sits directly by the Pend Oreille River, near the impressive Boundary Dam, making it a prime spot for water-based activities and scenic views.

Accessing Grandview Campground is relatively straightforward. From Metaline Falls, you'll typically take Highway 31 north, turning onto Boundary Road to reach the Seattle City Light's Boundary Dam / Forebay Recreation Area. Grandview Campground is one of three water-access-only primitive recreation sites along the reservoir's west bank, managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). This means the Grandview campsite itself is accessible primarily by boat, usually via the boat launch at Seattle City Light's Forebay Recreation Area, located at Boundary Dam. While this might sound like a minor hurdle, it adds to the secluded charm of the campground. For those with RVs, the area around Metaline Falls offers ample opportunities, and the specific Grandview campground is more geared towards a boat-in experience for primitive camping. However, the larger Boundary Dam Campground area, which includes Grandview as a component, does offer vehicle access for day use and other sites. Visitors should be aware that while the broader area is accessible by road, the specific Grandview "boat-in" site requires water access. The primary recreation season generally runs from Memorial Day through Labor Day.

• Free Camping: One of the most significant advantages of Grandview Campground is that it is absolutely free, thanks to Seattle City Light, which manages the facilities around Boundary Dam. This makes it an incredibly budget-friendly option for extended stays.

• Primitive Campsites: Grandview offers primitive campsites. Each site is equipped with a tent pad, a picnic table, a fire ring, and a bear-proof container. While primitive, these amenities ensure a comfortable basic camping experience.

• Flush Toilets: Unlike many primitive sites, Grandview Campground boasts clean and well-maintained flush toilets, a highly appreciated amenity by visitors. These are located in general access areas near the boat launch and day-use facilities.

• Potable Water: Access to potable drinking water is available, with spigots typically near the main facilities, ensuring campers have a clean water source.

• Trash Disposal: Trash disposal is provided, with dumpsters available, encouraging visitors to keep the area clean and pristine.

• Boat Launch and Dock: A significant service for water enthusiasts is the presence of a boat launch and dock facilities, providing direct access to the Pend Oreille River and Boundary Reservoir.

• Picnic Shelter and Day Use Facilities: There is a picnic shelter area and rocky shore area for day use, perfect for gatherings or simply enjoying the lakeside ambiance.

• RV Accommodation (Limited at specific Grandview site, but available in area): While the specific Grandview "boat-in" campsite is primitive, the broader Boundary Dam Campground area caters well to RVs, though without hookups. Reviews suggest the overall facility is great for RVs, despite a more "cramped" experience for tent-only sites that are close to the dam's lights.

• Stunning Natural Beauty: Grandview Campground is praised for its "absolutely beautiful" surroundings. Situated on the Pend Oreille River by Boundary Dam, it offers picturesque views of the water, surrounding forests, and dramatic landscapes of the region.

• Access to Peewee Falls: A major highlight is the easy and free access to Peewee Falls. This beautiful waterfall is just a "short kayak ride away" (approximately 10 minutes or 1/4 mile from the boat launch), making it an accessible and rewarding excursion for campers.

• Excellent Water Activities: The campground’s location on the Pend Oreille River provides fantastic opportunities for various water sports. Visitors enjoy boating, kayaking, canoeing, and fishing. The presence of a boat launch facilitates easy access for personal watercraft.

• Free and Well-Maintained Facilities: Campers consistently express surprise and appreciation that such a well-maintained campground with flush toilets and potable water is completely free. This high standard of upkeep enhances the overall camping experience.

• Peaceful Ambiance (Weekdays): While weekends can be busy with RV and boat traffic, many visitors note the peaceful atmosphere during the week, making it an ideal tranquil escape for those who can plan their trips outside of peak times.

• Proximity to Local Attractions: Beyond the campground, the Metaline Falls area offers more to explore. This includes free tours of Boundary Dam, guided tours of Gardner Cave (Washington's second-longest limestone cave) at Crawford State Park, and the charm of Metaline Falls town with its eateries and historic Cutter Theatre.

• Fishing Opportunities: The Pend Oreille River and Boundary Reservoir are known for good fishing, providing an enjoyable pastime for anglers. Common species include stocked rainbow trout.

• Varied Camping Options: While the specific "Grandview" site is boat-in and primitive, the larger Boundary Dam Campground area offers a mix, with sites geared for RVs and some tent sites, ensuring a fit for different camping preferences.

Grandview Campground is part of the larger Boundary Dam Recreation Area, which is managed by Seattle City Light, the public utility of the City of Seattle. Therefore, for direct inquiries about Grandview Campground or the Boundary Dam facilities, contacting Seattle City Light's recreation division is the most effective approach.

Address: Pend Oreille Village, Metaline Falls, WA 99153, USA

Phone: (509) 536-1200 (This number appears to be a general inquiry line, possibly for the Spokane BLM District Office or a regional contact. For specific recreation area inquiries, a more direct line is provided below.)

Mobile Phone: +1 509-536-1200

For specific questions regarding Boundary Dam recreation sites, including Grandview, it is recommended to use the dedicated contact information provided by Seattle City Light for their recreation areas:

Seattle City Light Recreation Contact:

Phone: (206) 858-3061

Email: SCL_Recreation@seattle.gov

It is always advisable to contact them directly for the most up-to-date information on site availability, conditions (especially regarding the "closed until further notice" status of the boat-in Grandview site due to hazard trees, as noted in some public data), and any current regulations or restrictions.

For Washington locals, Grandview Campground, as part of the broader Boundary Dam Recreation Area, represents an outstanding and often surprising find. Its status as a free campground with genuinely well-maintained facilities, including flush toilets and potable water, makes it an incredibly valuable resource for budget-conscious families and adventurers across the state. This is a rare gem that provides comfort without cost, an appealing proposition for anyone planning frequent outdoor excursions.

The prime location on the Pend Oreille River offers immediate access to a wealth of water-based activities. Whether you own a kayak and wish to paddle to the enchanting Peewee Falls, or you enjoy fishing, boating, or simply lounging by the water, Grandview provides the perfect backdrop. While the specific Grandview campsite is a primitive boat-in site, the larger area accommodates RVs and offers a variety of camping experiences. Locals seeking a peaceful weekday escape will appreciate the quieter atmosphere, while weekend visitors can embrace the lively, family-friendly vibe. Furthermore, the surrounding area of Metaline Falls adds cultural and historical dimensions to a camping trip, with dam tours, cave explorations, and charming local eateries just a short drive away. This combination of natural beauty, recreational opportunities, convenient amenities, and a free-to-use model makes Grandview Campground an ideal and highly recommended destination for Washington residents looking to maximize their outdoor adventures without breaking the bank. It truly allows locals to discover and appreciate the diverse natural splendors of their own state.

Grandview Campground

Pend Oreille Village, Metaline Falls, WA 99153, USA