Panhandle Campground Introduce
Are you a Washington resident dreaming of a serene escape into the heart of the Evergreen State's natural beauty? Look no further than Panhandle Campground, a charming and well-maintained retreat nestled along the picturesque Pend Oreille River in northeast Washington. For locals seeking a genuine outdoor experience without venturing too far from home, Panhandle Campground offers a fantastic blend of stunning river views, essential amenities, and a true sense of tranquility, despite its proximity to a local road. It's a place where you can unwind, reconnect with nature, and enjoy the diverse recreational opportunities that Washington's national forests are famous for.
This comprehensive guide is designed to provide you with all the vital details about Panhandle Campground, helping you plan your next adventure. We'll cover its precise location and how easily accessible it is for Washingtonians, the specific services it offers to ensure a comfortable stay, and the unique features that make it a compelling choice for your outdoor itinerary. We will also address some common feedback from previous visitors to give you a well-rounded and factual perspective, ensuring you know exactly what to expect from this local gem. Our aim is to present Panhandle Campground as a prime destination for your next camping trip, highlighting why it's so suitable for residents across Washington State.
Panhandle Campground, part of the expansive Colville National Forest, offers a quintessential Pacific Northwest camping experience. Imagine waking up to the gentle sounds of the river, surrounded by a heavily forested landscape that provides ample shade and a sense of privacy. While reviews mention some road noise in the mornings, the overall consensus points to a campground that is "very well taken care of" and boasts "great views." Whether you're an avid angler, a family looking for a peaceful getaway, or simply someone who appreciates the beauty of riverside camping, Panhandle Campground promises an authentic and memorable outdoor escape right here in your home state.
Panhandle Campground is situated at LeClerc Rd N, Cusick, WA 99119, USA. This location places it firmly within the Colville National Forest in northeast Washington, specifically along the east bank of the Pend Oreille River. For Washington residents, accessing the campground is relatively straightforward. From downtown Newport, travelers can head east on U.S. Highway 2 for about 0.75 miles, then turn left onto LeClerc Road (also known as County Road #9325) and continue approximately 32 miles north until they reach the campground entrance. This route offers a scenic drive through the heart of northeast Washington's forests and rural landscapes, setting the tone for a relaxing outdoor retreat.
The campground's position on LeClerc Road N makes it easily reachable by both cars and RVs, with sites suitable for various sizes of recreational vehicles, including large RVs and trailers up to 33 feet. While the road is adjacent to the campground, providing a direct access point, some visitors have noted that the proximity can lead to noise from trucks in the morning, particularly for sites closer to the road (sites 8-12). However, the overall accessibility and the short drive from communities in eastern Washington make it a convenient option for local campers seeking to immerse themselves in the region's natural beauty without extensive travel.
The strategic location along the Pend Oreille River is a major draw, offering direct water access and stunning views. The river flows north for approximately 130 miles into Canada before merging with the Columbia River, providing a vast waterway for recreation. The surrounding Colville National Forest, encompassing 1.1 million acres, further enhances the setting, offering a truly wild and natural environment. This combination of straightforward access, a beautiful riverside setting, and inclusion within a national forest makes Panhandle Campground an appealing choice for Washingtonians looking to explore the outdoor wonders of their own backyard.
Services Offered:
Campsites: The campground features 12 standard, non-electric campsites suitable for both tents and RVs up to 33 feet. These sites offer varying levels of privacy and proximity to the river.
Vault Toilets: Clean vault toilets are available for campers' convenience. (Note: One review mentioned a waft of outhouse stench at a specific site near the bathrooms, suggesting campers consider site placement.)
Drinking Water: Potable water is generally available at the campground. (Note: One past review mentioned an isolated incident where water faucets were closed for purification with no prior notification, so it's always advisable to confirm water availability, especially during off-peak seasons or after maintenance.)
Picnic Tables: Each campsite is equipped with a picnic table for outdoor dining.
Fire Rings: Designated fire rings are provided at each site for campfires, adhering to safety guidelines and respecting any fire restrictions.
Garbage Service: Trash disposal is available, with animal-resistant food storage boxes for safety.
Boat Launch: An on-site boat launch provides direct access to the Pend Oreille River for boating activities.
Swimming Area: A designated swimming area is available along the riverbank near the campground.
Camp Hosts: Friendly and helpful camp hosts are typically on-site to assist campers and ensure the campground is well-maintained.
Features / Highlights:
Prime Riverside Location: Panhandle Campground boasts an enviable position right on the Pend Oreille River. This provides campers with beautiful river views, especially from sites 1-7, and direct access for water-based activities.
Excellent Fishing Opportunities: The Pend Oreille River is known for bass and trout, offering excellent fishing for anglers. The direct river access from the campground makes it convenient for casting a line.
Boating and Water Sports: With an on-site boat launch and the wide, deep Pend Oreille River, campers can enjoy power boating, water skiing (within speed limits), canoeing, kayaking, and paddleboarding.
Well-Maintained Grounds: Multiple reviews highlight that the campground is "very well taken care of" and "clean," thanks in part to dedicated camp hosts who ensure the facilities are tidy and operational.
Private Campsites: Many campsites offer a good degree of privacy due to the heavily forested surroundings and thick middlestory, allowing for a more secluded camping experience.
Family-Friendly Amenities: The presence of a swimming area and opportunities for various water and outdoor activities makes it a great spot for families to enjoy quality time together in nature.
Wildlife Viewing: Small wetland areas on the south end of the campground attract a variety of birds, and the surrounding Colville National Forest means opportunities to spot local wildlife, though campers should be mindful of bears and cougars by properly storing food.
Scenic Beauty: The campground is set against a backdrop of beautiful mountains and valleys shaped by glaciers, offering picturesque scenery for relaxation and photography.
Contact Information:
Address: LeClerc Rd N, Cusick, WA 99119, USA
Phone: (509) 447-7300
Mobile Phone: +1 509-447-7300
For reservations, it is recommended to use the Recreation.gov website, as sites are typically reservable up to six months in advance. The phone numbers provided are for general campground inquiries and likely connect to the Colville National Forest district office that manages the campground. Always check the official Colville National Forest or Recreation.gov websites for the most current information regarding operational dates (typically mid-May to end of September), fees, availability, and any specific alerts or restrictions before planning your trip.
Panhandle Campground is an outstanding choice for Washington locals for several compelling reasons, making it a prime destination for your next outdoor adventure. Firstly, its location within the Colville National Forest along the Pend Oreille River offers a quintessential Pacific Northwest experience. For Washingtonians, this means easy access to the stunning natural landscapes they cherish, without the need for extensive travel across the state. The drive itself is scenic, preparing you for the tranquility that awaits.
Secondly, the campground provides a versatile camping experience that caters to different preferences. Whether you prefer tent camping or bringing your RV, Panhandle Campground accommodates both, with sites offering a good balance of river proximity and privacy. While some sites are noted for road noise, the "best spots right on the riverside" offer "great views" and an immersive experience. This variety allows locals to choose a site that best suits their camping style and desire for connection with nature.
Furthermore, the abundance of recreational activities available right at your doorstep makes Panhandle Campground incredibly appealing. The direct access to the Pend Oreille River means endless opportunities for fishing for bass and trout, boating, water skiing, canoeing, and swimming in a designated area. This is a significant draw for active Washington families and individuals who seek to make the most of their time outdoors. The presence of helpful and friendly camp hosts, often lauded in reviews for their care and attention, further enhances the overall positive experience, contributing to a welcoming and well-maintained environment that locals appreciate.
Despite minor considerations such as potential road noise or occasional water service interruptions (which are often temporary and due to maintenance), the overwhelming sentiment from visitors points to a clean, well-cared-for campground that offers a peaceful retreat. For Washington locals, Panhandle Campground is more than just a place to stay; it's an accessible haven where they can truly unwind, engage with the natural environment, and create lasting memories with family and friends. It represents the very essence of Washington's outdoor lifestyle, offering a convenient and enriching escape into the heart of the state's beautiful wilderness.
Panhandle Campground Photos










Panhandle Campground Location
Panhandle Campground
LeClerc Rd N, Cusick, WA 99119, USA
Panhandle Campground Reviews
Great little campground, very well taken care of, I booked the best spot right on the river side, great views.
May 28, 2025 · zach rIt's a lovely spot right on the water, but there are a few problems that make it so we won't be back: 1) Incredibly noisy in the morning with trucks on the road right next to the campground. 2) Arguably one of the most picturesque sites and with the best water access (site #3) lures you in, then as soon as you've set up your site and have a moment to take it all in, you realize that even though the bathrooms are clean and, how lucky for you, nearby, you continually get a waft of outhouse stench. 3) Lastly, and I'm hoping for everyone else's sake specific to our trip, ALL of the water faucets were closed off for some sort purification process, with no alternatives and no previous notification.If you do decide to camp here for yourself, sites 1-7 are water side (though only 1-kind of 4 have access) and sites 8-12 are next to the road.The biggest question we're left with is "why build the bathrooms in one of the prime camping spots, esp on the river side of the campground rather than street side?" At least we only had one night planned here.
Jul 21, 2020 · Kathy Shireman-KingAbsolutely great campingWe stayed in site 8 with our 30' 5th wheelThis is a great little 15 site campgroundMost of the sites are secluded so you feel the privacySites 2 and 3 have amazing views of the riverWe will be camping here again
Jul 26, 2020 · Scott & Marlys TaylorPeaceful camping on the Pend Oreille River. Host was wonderful. Campsites were clean.
Jun 24, 2020 · Dan DuplerClosed, we couldn't even get in. We couldn't go look at it or anything. What a waste of our time
Jun 08, 2025 · Ruth Moore
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