Day Use & Boat Ramp | Edgewater Campground

Introduction / Overview

For local enthusiasts in Northeast Washington, the name Edgewater Campground is synonymous with serene, family-friendly outdoor recreation set against a backdrop of breathtaking natural beauty. Situated gracefully along the banks of the majestic Pend Oreille River and nestled deep within the expansive Colville National Forest, Edgewater provides an authentic Pacific Northwest camping experience. It serves as an ideal retreat for those seeking to unplug and reconnect with the quiet rhythms of nature, yet still enjoy essential water-based activities.

The core identity of Edgewater Campground is built around its stunning natural features and its commitment to quiet, responsible outdoor enjoyment. Perched on a bluff at an elevation of approximately 2,000 feet, the campground offers many sites with spectacular, scenic views overlooking the river below. The surrounding landscape is a picturesque blend of towering cedar, hemlock, and Douglas fir, with the magnificent peaks of the Selkirk Mountains forming a dramatic horizon. The forest floor is richly carpeted with native shrubs like thimbleberry and wild rose, inviting respectful exploration and wildlife viewing.

Critically, Edgewater is a multifaceted site, functioning not only as an overnight destination but also as an important Day Use & Boat Ramp facility. This dual function ensures that even those unable to secure an overnight reservation—or locals simply looking for a few hours of riverside recreation—can launch a boat, enjoy a picnic, or cast a line into the famously fishable waters of the Pend Oreille River. Managed in partnership with the Colville National Forest, the site maintains a rustic yet well-equipped standard, ensuring a high-quality, memorable outdoor escape for residents of the Ione and broader Spokane regions. The atmosphere is deliberately quiet and family-oriented, making it the perfect sanctuary away from the hustle of urban life. The focus is always on preserving the pristine condition of the Colville National Forest, home to vast natural resources and a rich history, from early Native American settlements to pioneering miners and trappers.

Location and Accessibility

Edgewater Campground is located in the northeastern corner of Washington State, deep within the Colville National Forest, yet remains highly accessible for local users. Its coordinates place it directly on the east bank of the Pend Oreille River, a vital regional waterway. For locals in the Ione, Washington, area, the campground is easily reached via a short, scenic drive.

Specifically, the location is approximately 90 miles north of Spokane, WA. Directions are straightforward for local travelers: From the junction of State Highway 20, drivers follow State Highway 31 north for about three miles to the junction of the Sullivan Lake Road (County Road 9345). After crossing the Ione Bridge eastbound over the Pend Oreille River, visitors immediately turn left (north) onto County Road 3669 (Box Canyon Road) and proceed approximately two miles to the campground entrance. This route, while scenic, is generally well-maintained, allowing access for various vehicle types.

The site’s accessibility is further enhanced by its infrastructure. The parking spurs are a mix of level gravel and grass, designed to accommodate any size RV or trailer, though it must be noted that the sites are unpowered. Furthermore, the inclusion of a dedicated, on-site Boat Ramp makes access to the Pend Oreille River seamless for watercraft owners. The location also serves as a trailhead for nearby hiking opportunities, cementing its role as a premier recreational access point for the entire community. The Day Use area has separate, clear access and pricing, ensuring convenient short-term use for visitors who are not camping overnight.

Services Offered

The services at Edgewater Campground are carefully curated to provide the necessary comforts for an authentic forest camping experience while maintaining the natural feel of the Colville National Forest.

• Reservations System: Overnight camping reservations can be conveniently made online via the national system (Recreation.gov) up to six months in advance of the first day of the camping stay, which is highly recommended due to the campground's popularity.
• Day Use Access: A specific $10 fee per vehicle is charged for day-use visitors, who can access the boat ramp and picnic areas without an overnight reservation. A season pass is also available for frequent visitors.
• Essential Utilities: Potable, safe drinking water is provided on-site. The campground also includes clean, well-maintained vault toilets for necessary sanitation.
• On-Site Assistance: A dedicated, friendly campground host is always on-site during the operating season to assist visitors, answer questions, and ensure rules are followed for a safe experience.
• Firewood and Waste Management: Firewood is available for sale to guests, and trash collection services are provided via dumpsters and animal-resistant food storage boxes, promoting clean and safe wilderness camping practices.

Features / Highlights

Edgewater Campground is distinguished by several unique features that make it a standout destination in the northeast Washington region for both overnight campers and day visitors.

• Integrated Boat Ramp: A major highlight is the dedicated, easy-access boat ramp on the Pend Oreille River, which is crucial for anglers and recreational boaters looking to explore the waterway.
• Scenic River Views: Many of the 19 available campsites are perched directly on a bluff, offering truly spectacular, often sought-after scenic views of the river and the surrounding Selkirk Mountains.
• Direct Trail Access: The campground serves as a gateway to local trail systems, including nearby Terry Trail and the Box Canyon area, perfect for day hikes and forest exploration.
• Wildlife Viewing Opportunities: The remote location in the Colville National Forest offers excellent opportunities for wildlife watching, with sightings of white-tailed deer, moose, and, on rare occasions, the endangered woodland caribou.
• Rustic Charm with Convenience: All sites are equipped with picnic tables and fire rings, maintaining the rustic charm of forest camping, while still offering the convenience of being able to accommodate large RVs on gravel and grass spurs.

Contact Information

Edgewater Campground operates under the management of the Colville National Forest and its recreational partners. For the most accurate, current information on reservations and seasonal status, official channels should be utilized.

Address (General Area): Located on Box Canyon Road, near Ione, WA 99139, USA

Phone (Colville National Forest Supervisor's Office): 509-446-7500 (Use this for general inquiries and official park information.)

What is Worth Choosing

Choosing Edgewater Campground is the definitive choice for any local user in the Ione/Northeast Washington region who seeks a harmonious blend of serene forest camping and dynamic water-based recreation. What truly makes this destination worth choosing is its status as a vital recreational hub: it is one of the few places that offers both secluded, forested campsites and an immediately accessible Boat Ramp directly onto the mighty Pend Oreille River. This integration is invaluable for avid anglers pursuing trout and bass, or for families simply wishing to spend a day on the water. Furthermore, the location in the Colville National Forest ensures an immersive experience, with breathtaking views of the Selkirk Mountains and direct access to renowned hiking trails like Terry Trail. The facilities, while rustic (vault toilets, no showers/hookups), are consistently praised for their cleanliness and the presence of an on-site host and dedicated storm shelter, which provides essential safety and reassurance. Edgewater is the perfect choice for the family or individual seeking a tranquil, affordable, and actively recreational escape within the unspoiled wilderness of Washington’s Selkirk Loop region.