Flodelle Creek Campground

Introduction / Overview

For those in Washington seeking an authentic and unpretentious outdoor experience, Flodelle Creek Campground in Stevens County offers a compelling rustic retreat. This isn't a sprawling resort-style campground with all the bells and whistles, but rather a charming, secluded gem designed for campers who appreciate privacy, natural beauty, and a quiet connection with the wilderness. Nestled within a forest of mature western larch trees and surrounded by prime wildlife habitat, Flodelle Creek Campground provides a genuine escape from the clamor of everyday life. Its intimate size, with only a handful of campsites, fosters a sense of tranquility and offers a refreshing contrast to more crowded recreational areas.

The campground’s appeal lies in its simplicity and its deep integration with the surrounding natural environment. Flodelle Creek itself flows gently beside the campground, eventually emptying into the larger Little Pend Oreille River, adding to the serene ambiance and providing opportunities for riverside enjoyment. It's a place where the sounds of the forest take precedence, and the absence of extensive modern amenities encourages a focus on the natural world. For Washington locals eager to unplug and immerse themselves in a genuine outdoor setting, Flodelle Creek Campground stands as an inviting and highly suitable destination, promising a peaceful and unadorned camping adventure in the heart of Stevens County.

Location and Accessibility

Flodelle Creek Campground is located in Stevens County, WA 99114, USA, positioning it within the scenic and largely wild expanses of northeastern Washington. Its precise location, within the Little Pend Oreille State Forest, places it in an area renowned for its natural beauty and outdoor recreation opportunities. While offering a sense of seclusion, the campground is strategically accessible, making it a feasible destination for many Washington residents seeking a genuine wilderness experience.

Access to Flodelle Creek Campground is generally via well-maintained roads, making the journey less challenging than some truly remote sites. For those approaching from the larger regional center of Colville, which serves as a common starting point for explorations in this part of Washington, the directions are relatively straightforward. From the junction of State Route 20 and US Highway 395 in Colville, campers would typically travel east on SR-20 for approximately 19.4 to 19.5 miles. From there, a turn right onto a two-lane gravel road leads you further into the forest. After about 0.3 miles on this gravel road, staying left for another 0.1 mile will bring you directly to the campground. This route ensures a reasonably smooth approach for most vehicles, though as with any forest road, conditions can vary depending on weather and recent maintenance.

The campground's location is a significant asset for local Washington users. It provides an accessible entry point into the vast Little Pend Oreille State Forest, offering a convenient base camp for exploring the numerous trails and natural attractions of the region. This balance of being "out there" while remaining within reasonable driving distance from population centers makes Flodelle Creek Campground an ideal choice for Washingtonians looking for a true escape without an overly arduous journey.

Services Offered

• Campsites: The campground offers a limited number of campsites, noted for being "super small" with only about 5 total, which contributes to its sense of privacy. Sites are very large, accommodating up to a 26-foot trailer, though sizes may vary.
• Vault Toilets: Well-maintained vault toilets are available on-site, providing essential restroom facilities.
• Fire Rings: Each campsite is equipped with a fire pit, typically with a metal ring and a cooking grate, for campfires (subject to burn ban regulations).
• No Garbage Service: Campers are required to "pack out garbage and litter," emphasizing a Leave No Trace ethic.
• No Potable Water: There is no drinking water available directly at the campground. Campers should bring their own water.
• First-Come, First-Served: Sites are generally available on a first-come, first-served basis, meaning no reservations are typically taken.
• Discover Pass Required: A valid Washington State Discover Pass is required to use this campground, as it is managed by the Department of Natural Resources (DNR). With the pass, camping is free.
• Equestrian Friendly: The campground is welcoming to equestrians.

Features / Highlights

• Secluded and Private Sites: Flodelle Creek Campground is highly praised for its exceptional privacy, allowing campers to "really feel out there" and enjoy solitude away from other groups.
• Located in Mature Larch Forest: The campground is situated among beautiful, mature western larch trees, providing ample shade and a picturesque natural setting, especially stunning when the larches change color in the fall.
• Proximity to Flodelle Creek: Flodelle Creek flows directly next to the campground, offering soothing sounds, a natural water source for non-potable uses (like for dogs), and potentially opportunities for stream-side enjoyment.
• Access to Extensive Trail Systems: The campground serves as a trailhead for the 3-mile Flodelle Creek Trail, which connects to the much larger and extensive Tacoma Divide Trail System. These multi-use trails are popular for hiking and motorcycling.
• Prime Wildlife Habitat: The surrounding area is noted as prime wildlife habitat, offering excellent opportunities for wildlife observation, including potential sightings of deer, moose, elk, and various bird species.
• Free Camping with Discover Pass: For Washington residents who already possess a Discover Pass (or are willing to obtain one), this campground offers a cost-effective way to enjoy a quality camping experience.
• Well-Maintained Vault Toilets: Visitors have noted that the vault toilets are surprisingly well-maintained, exceeding expectations for a rustic campground.
• Large Campsites: Despite being a small campground, the individual sites are described as very large, providing ample space for setting up camp and ensuring comfort.
• Sense of Disconnection: With limited to no cell service or modern amenities, the campground offers a genuine opportunity to unplug and fully immerse oneself in nature, ideal for those seeking a digital detox.
• Near Little Pend Oreille River: Flodelle Creek flows into the Little Pend Oreille River, providing further recreational opportunities in the vicinity.

Contact Information

Address: Stevens County, WA 99114, USA

While no direct phone number for Flodelle Creek Campground specifically is publicly listed, as it is managed by the Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR), general inquiries for the Northeast Region, which covers Stevens County and this campground, can be directed to the DNR Northeast Region office. Their general contact number is (509) 684-7474. It is advisable to contact them for current conditions, burn bans, or any specific questions about the campground before your visit.

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

For Washington residents, Flodelle Creek Campground represents an exceptional and accessible opportunity to experience the state's wild beauty in a truly authentic, unadorned manner. Its location in Stevens County, within the Little Pend Oreille State Forest, places it within a manageable driving distance for many, making it ideal for weekend escapes or longer, immersive trips. The straightforward access via well-maintained roads minimizes travel stress, allowing more time to be spent enjoying the natural surroundings.

What makes Flodelle Creek particularly suitable for locals is its focus on a core camping experience. In an age of increasingly commercialized outdoor recreation, this campground offers a refreshing return to simplicity. The privacy of its "super small" and "very large" campsites, nestled amongst mature larch trees, provides a tranquil setting for relaxation and contemplation. The soothing sounds of Flodelle Creek flowing nearby and the rich wildlife habitat contribute to a deep sense of connection with nature, allowing Washingtonians to truly disconnect from their busy lives and rejuvenate their spirits.

Furthermore, the campground's integration with the extensive trail systems, including the Flodelle Creek Trail and Tacoma Divide Trail System, caters perfectly to the active Washingtonian. Whether you enjoy hiking, trail running, or motorcycling, the immediate access to these pathways offers endless opportunities for exploration and adventure right from your campsite. The fact that camping here is free with a Discover Pass—a pass many Washingtonians already own for state parks and lands—adds significant value, making it an incredibly economical choice for quality outdoor recreation.

While the absence of potable water and garbage service necessitates a responsible "pack in, pack out" mentality, this encourages a greater sense of stewardship for the environment, aligning with the values of many outdoor-minded Washingtonians. The clean, well-maintained vault toilets are a testament to the DNR's commitment to basic comfort even in a rustic setting. In summary, Flodelle Creek Campground is a quintessential Washington outdoor destination for those who cherish peace, privacy, direct access to nature's trails, and an unpretentious, yet profoundly rewarding, camping experience.