Pend Oreille County Park/Campground

For Washingtonians seeking a peaceful and genuinely welcoming outdoor experience, the Pend Oreille County Park/Campground in Newport, WA, presents an ideal retreat. This local gem offers a refreshing change from the often-crowded, amenity-rich campgrounds, providing a more natural and understated setting for those who appreciate simplicity and the great outdoors. Whether you're a seasoned camper, a family looking for a quiet weekend, or even a disc golf enthusiast, this park has something to offer, all within the beautiful landscapes of Northeastern Washington.

Locals across Washington understand the diverse beauty our state holds, from the rugged coastlines to the majestic Cascades and the serene eastern forests. Pend Oreille County Park/Campground fits perfectly into this tapestry, offering a readily accessible yet wonderfully uncrowded option for escaping urban life. This article will provide an engaging and informative overview of this cherished county park, detailing its convenient location, the essential services it provides, its unique features, and why it stands out as an excellent choice for Washington residents looking to connect with nature and enjoy a tranquil camping adventure. Get ready to discover your next favorite spot for a relaxing getaway right here in your home state.

Pend Oreille County Park/Campground is conveniently located at 318341 US-2, Newport, WA 99156, USA. This address places it just north of the Spokane County line, making it a highly accessible destination for residents throughout Eastern Washington, and a manageable drive for those coming from the Seattle area looking for a different kind of Washington experience. US-2 is a major highway, ensuring a straightforward journey to the park, which is a significant advantage for campers eager to start their relaxation without navigating complicated backroads.

Newport, a charming town, is close enough to the campground to provide easy access to any last-minute supplies, groceries, or local dining options, while still allowing the campground to maintain its secluded and natural feel. The park itself is nestled within 440 acres of beautiful forest land, offering a true immersion in the Pacific Northwest's natural beauty. This balance of being close to essential services yet feeling wonderfully remote is a key aspect of its appeal. The location is especially advantageous for those exploring the wider Pend Oreille River region, known for its scenic beauty and recreational opportunities. For Washingtonians, getting to Pend Oreille County Park is typically a pleasant drive, setting the tone for a peaceful and enjoyable camping trip right from the start.

Pend Oreille County Park/Campground provides a set of essential services designed to offer a comfortable and clean camping experience, particularly for those who prefer a more traditional, non-electric setup. While it prioritizes a natural ambiance, it doesn't skimp on the basics that truly enhance a stay.

• Primitive tent and small RV camping: The campground is well-suited for both tent campers and smaller RVs. It's important to note that there are no electrical or water hookups for RVs, emphasizing a more rustic experience.
• Potable water available: Fresh, drinkable water is accessible at multiple locations throughout the park, which is a highly valued amenity for any campground.
• Pit toilets (vault toilets): Clean and accessible pit toilets are provided, which are also ADA accessible, ensuring basic restroom needs are met in an environmentally conscious way.
• Picnic tables and fire pits: Each of the 26 camping sites comes equipped with a picnic table and a fire pit, perfect for outdoor meals and enjoying a classic campfire experience (always check for current fire restrictions).
• Trash containers: The presence of readily available trash containers, as noted by visitors, helps keep the campground clean and facilitates responsible waste disposal.
• Friendly hosts: Reviews highlight the presence of "friendly hosts," indicating a welcoming atmosphere and on-site assistance for campers.
• Day-use picnic area: A dedicated day-use area with picnic tables, fire rings, and BBQ grills is available for visitors not staying overnight, including a medium-sized open picnic shelter.

While there are no RV dump stations or electrical hookups, these services cater to campers seeking a more traditional and self-sufficient outdoor adventure. Camping is first-come, first-served, and the cost is $20.00 per night, with a limit of two tents and two cars per site.

Pend Oreille County Park/Campground boasts several distinctive features and highlights that make it a compelling destination for Washingtonians seeking a serene and activity-rich outdoor experience.

• Excellent Disc Golf Course: A major highlight, as enthusiastically noted by a customer, is its "great disc course." The park features an 18-hole disc golf course, offering a fantastic recreational opportunity for enthusiasts and casual players alike.
• Clean and friendly atmosphere: Visitors consistently praise the campground for being "Clean and friendly." This speaks to the well-maintained facilities and the welcoming nature of the hosts, creating a pleasant environment for all.
• Private and not crowded: Even during a "holiday weekend," one review noted that finding a spot was possible and that the campground felt uncrowded. This sense of peace and lack of congestion is a significant draw for those seeking a tranquil escape.
• Spacious sites: While not explicitly stated as "wide open" like some, the "large piece of beautiful forest land" implies generous spacing between sites, contributing to privacy.
• Majestic old-growth trees: The park is home to "majestic old-growth trees," which create a serene backdrop for all activities and provide ample shade, a crucial comfort during warmer Washington summers.
• Extensive trail system: The park boasts over 7 miles of trails, including a main loop and various adjoining paths, suitable for hiking, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing year-round. Equestrian use is also permitted on trails, with dedicated parking and camping additions.
• Abundant wildlife: The park is teeming with wildlife, including elk, white-tailed deer, moose, bobcats, bears, and a variety of small mammals and bird species, offering excellent opportunities for wildlife viewing and photography.
• Open year-round for trails: While camping is seasonal (typically May to late fall), the first access point adjacent to Highway 2 remains open year-round for trail access, allowing for winter snowshoeing or strolls.

For those planning a visit or seeking further information about Pend Oreille County Park/Campground, direct contact details are available through the county's park and recreation department.

Address: 318341 US-2, Newport, WA 99156, USA

Phone for Camp Host Charles: (509) 442-4125 (available Thursday, Friday, & Saturday 11:30 AM – 8:00 PM through Labor Day for Campbell Park, though likely a good point of contact for general county campground info).

Phone for Box Canyon Visitor's Center (for inquiries when Camp Host is not on-site): (509) 447-6703 (Monday - Thursday 6:00 AM - 4:30 PM, excluding holidays).

General Pend Oreille County Parks & Recreation Department Phone: (509) 447-6459.

Email for reservations/inquiries: campgroundhosts@pendoreille.org

It is highly recommended to call ahead or email for the most current information regarding camping availability (as it's first-come, first-served), seasonal opening/closing dates, current fire restrictions, and any updates on park conditions. Utilizing these direct contacts will ensure a smooth and well-informed trip to the campground.

Pend Oreille County Park/Campground is an outstanding choice for Washington locals seeking a refreshing and accessible outdoor experience that truly captures the essence of the Pacific Northwest. Its appeal lies in its welcoming atmosphere, its dedication to natural simplicity, and its diverse recreational offerings, all within a reasonable distance for many residents.

For Washingtonians, the desire to escape to nature often involves finding places that are both convenient and genuinely uncrowded. This campground excels on both fronts. As noted by satisfied visitors, it’s a "clean and friendly" place, even on a busy holiday weekend, thanks to the helpful "friendly hosts." This welcoming environment is paramount for a relaxing stay, allowing campers to truly unwind and enjoy their surroundings. The ability to find a spot when "passing thru on a holiday weekend" speaks volumes about its capacity to absorb visitors without feeling overwhelmed, a significant advantage for those spur-of-the-moment adventures.

Furthermore, the presence of a "great disc course" adds a unique layer of activity that caters to a growing community of outdoor sports enthusiasts within Washington. This, combined with over 7 miles of diverse trails suitable for hiking, snowshoeing, and even equestrian use, ensures there's ample opportunity for active recreation. For those who appreciate stunning natural scenery, the "majestic old-growth trees" provide a beautiful backdrop and welcome shade, characteristic of Washington's rich forest lands.

The practical amenities, such as "potable water and pit toilet available, non-electric" and the suggestion to "Bring leveling blocks" for smaller RVs, show that the campground caters to a self-sufficient camping style that many Washingtonians embrace. It’s not about luxury, but about providing essential comforts in a pristine natural setting. This emphasis on primitive camping allows for a more authentic connection with the environment, free from the distractions of modern hookups.

In essence, Pend Oreille County Park/Campground offers a quintessential Washington outdoor experience: accessible wilderness, a friendly atmosphere, diverse activities, and the peace and quiet needed to truly rejuvenate. For any Washington local looking for a reliable, clean, and engaging spot to pitch a tent or park a smaller RV, this county park campground is a top-tier choice that promises memorable moments in the heart of Northeastern Washington's natural beauty.

Pend Oreille County Park/Campground

318341 US-2, Newport, WA 99156, USA