Mill Pond Campground

For Washingtonians seeking a tranquil escape into the heart of the Selkirk Mountains, where the sounds of nature prevail and the night sky truly shines, Mill Pond Campground in Metaline Falls offers an idyllic setting. This charming, understated campground provides a refreshing change of pace from more bustling destinations, inviting visitors to reconnect with the simplicity and beauty of the natural world. It’s a place where the air is fresh, the surroundings are serene, and the simple pleasures of camping are elevated by thoughtful maintenance and a peaceful atmosphere.

Mill Pond Campground is often described as a "wonderful little campground," a testament to its intimate size and well-kept facilities. What truly sets it apart, as many satisfied campers attest, are its remarkably clean and even "nicest smelling" vault toilets – a rare and highly appreciated amenity in forest campgrounds. Beyond its practical comforts, the campground offers a quiet solitude that makes it perfect for those looking to decompress and immerse themselves in nature. It's a particularly fantastic spot for experiencing celestial wonders; being away from significant light pollution, it provides an unparalleled vantage point for watching meteor showers and stargazing, making every night a potential astronomical event. Mill Pond Campground is the ideal choice for those who value peace, cleanliness, and the raw beauty of Washington's northeastern wilderness.

Mill Pond Campground is situated in Metaline Falls, WA 99153, USA. This places it in the very northeastern corner of Washington State, within Pend Oreille County, and deep within the Colville National Forest. Metaline Falls is a small, historic town, and the campground itself lies along Sullivan Creek, creating a scenic and naturally rich environment.

Accessibility to Mill Pond Campground, while in a rural setting, is manageable. It is typically accessed via State Route 31, which connects Metaline Falls to other towns in the region. From Metaline Falls, visitors generally head northeast on Grandview St/Hwy 31, then turn onto Sullivan Lake Road. The campground is located a few miles along Sullivan Lake Road. While the immediate area around Metaline Falls offers paved roads, some approach roads within the forest might be gravel, but generally well-maintained for public access. The drive to Metaline Falls from larger cities like Spokane is scenic but takes approximately 1 hour and 58 minutes, emphasizing its remote, yet accessible, location for a true getaway. It's suitable for both tents and smaller RVs, with a maximum recommended RV length of around 28 feet. Due to its forested location, checking for current road conditions and potential closures, especially during shoulder seasons, is always a good practice before traveling. The journey offers glimpses of the beautiful Selkirk Mountains and the vast Colville National Forest, setting the stage for a peaceful camping experience.

Mill Pond Campground, despite its smaller size and emphasis on a natural experience, provides essential services that contribute to a comfortable and enjoyable stay. It’s designed for campers who appreciate rustic charm balanced with crucial amenities. Based on public information and visitor reviews, the services typically available include:

• Campsites: Approximately 10 to 20 sites are available, suitable for both tent camping and smaller RVs (up to 28 feet in length). Sites generally include a picnic table and a fire ring. Sites are often available on a first-come, first-served basis, especially for a campground of this size in the National Forest.
• Vault Toilets: A significant highlight, the campground provides vault toilets that are consistently praised for being exceptionally clean and well-maintained, a rarity in many forest campgrounds.
• Potable Water: Drinking water is available at the site, which is a key convenience for campers.
• Picnic Tables: Each campsite is equipped with a picnic table for outdoor dining and relaxation.
• Fire Rings: Designated fire rings are available at each site for campfires, provided local fire restrictions are observed.
• Trash Disposal: While not always explicitly mentioned, most forest campgrounds provide designated receptacles for trash disposal, encouraging responsible waste management.
• No Hookups: It's important to note that Mill Pond Campground does not offer utility hookups (electric, water, sewer) for RVs. Campers should be prepared for dry camping.
• No Dump Station: There is no dump station within the campground for RV waste.
• Quiet Hours: Standard quiet hours are enforced, typically between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m., contributing to the peaceful atmosphere.
• Pets Welcome: Pets are allowed but must be kept on a leash.
• Maximum Stay: There is a maximum length of stay, typically 14 days, to ensure fair access for all visitors.

Mill Pond Campground offers several distinct features and highlights that make it a cherished destination for those seeking a genuine outdoor experience in Eastern Washington:

• Exceptional Cleanliness of Facilities: The most frequently praised feature is the outstanding cleanliness and maintenance of the vault toilets. This attention to detail significantly enhances the comfort and overall positive impression of the campground.
• Peaceful and Quiet Atmosphere: Located away from major urban centers and high-traffic areas, the campground provides a tranquil environment, making it perfect for relaxation, reading, and simply enjoying the sounds of nature.
• Prime Stargazing and Meteor Shower Viewing: With minimal light pollution in the Metaline Falls area, Mill Pond Campground is an excellent spot for clear night skies, offering spectacular opportunities for stargazing and observing meteor showers. This is a unique draw for astrophotography enthusiasts and anyone who appreciates the night sky.
• Access to Sullivan Creek and Mill Pond: The campground is situated along Sullivan Creek and near Mill Pond (though the former dam that created the pond was removed in 2017 for habitat restoration, the area is still referred to as Mill Pond and offers access to the creek). This provides opportunities for stream fishing and enjoying the sounds of flowing water.
• Hiking Trail Access: The campground connects to a looped trail system, including the Mill Pond Flume Trail #520 and other trails within the Mill Pond Historic Site. These trails offer easy hikes through beautiful forests, with interpretive signage detailing local history and the ongoing habitat restoration efforts.
• Wildlife Viewing: The surrounding Colville National Forest is rich in wildlife. Visitors have opportunities to view a variety of species, from common white-tail deer to diverse bird species, enhancing the natural experience.
• Rustic Charm: For campers who prefer a more traditional, less developed camping experience without the crowds, Mill Pond offers an authentic forest retreat.
• Proximity to Historic Sites: The Mill Pond Historic Site, located nearby, offers an interesting historical component with its interpretive trails and a historic cabin, providing cultural enrichment to the outdoor adventure.
• Scenic Beauty: The campground is nestled in a forested setting within the Selkirk Mountains, offering beautiful scenery and fresh mountain air.

For inquiries about Mill Pond Campground, including availability and current conditions, the best point of contact is the managing agency, which is typically the U.S. Forest Service, specifically the Newport-Sullivan Lake Ranger District of the Colville National Forest.

Address: Metaline Falls, WA 99153, USA (While this is the general location, detailed driving directions from Metaline Falls are often provided by the Forest Service, typically involving Sullivan Lake Road.)

Phone: (509) 446-7500

Mobile Phone: +1 509-446-7500

It is highly recommended to call the Newport-Sullivan Lake Ranger District of the Colville National Forest directly before planning your trip to Mill Pond Campground. Since campsites are often on a first-come, first-served basis, calling ahead can provide insights into expected availability, especially during peak season. Furthermore, the Ranger District can offer the most up-to-date information on operating seasons (typically May to Labor Day Weekend), current fire restrictions, any alerts regarding wildlife, and precise directions to the campground, which can be invaluable in a more remote area. They can also provide details on hiking trails, fishing regulations for Sullivan Creek, and other recreational opportunities in the immediate vicinity, ensuring you have all the necessary information for a safe and enjoyable visit.

For Washingtonians, Mill Pond Campground offers a unique and highly suitable opportunity for a peaceful retreat within their own state's beautiful northeastern wilderness. Its relatively remote location in the Colville National Forest ensures a genuine escape from urban life, providing the quiet and dark skies that are increasingly hard to find. This makes it an ideal spot for locals who cherish stargazing, seeking solitude, or simply wishing to decompress in a serene natural setting.

The campground's reputation for exceptionally clean facilities, particularly its vault toilets, stands out as a significant comfort that enhances the overall camping experience. Combined with opportunities for stream fishing, exploring historical trails, and observing abundant wildlife, Mill Pond Campground delivers an authentic and well-maintained outdoor adventure. For Washington residents seeking a tranquil, no-frills yet comfortable base to explore the scenic Selkirk Mountains and truly reconnect with nature, Mill Pond Campground is an excellent and highly recommended choice right in their backyard.

Mill Pond Campground

Metaline Falls, WA 99153, USA