Pend Oreille County Park/Campground

For those of us in Washington State who cherish the crisp air of a forest, the quiet murmur of a flowing river, and the exhilarating challenge of an outdoor adventure, Pend Oreille County Park/Campground in Newport is a destination worth discovering. This isn't just a place to set up camp; it's a vibrant hub where nature's tranquility meets recreational excitement. Nestled in the scenic beauty of Eastern Washington, this campground offers a genuine escape, providing a setting where you can unwind, explore, and create lasting memories with family and friends. From primitive camping under a canopy of old-growth trees to engaging in a round of disc golf, Pend Oreille County Park/Campground embodies the diverse outdoor spirit that defines our beloved Evergreen State. We'll explore what makes this park so appealing to locals, from its convenient location to the array of activities that cater to every outdoor enthusiast.

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 relatively easy drive for many residents across Eastern Washington. Highway 2 provides direct access, ensuring that your journey to this natural haven is straightforward and scenic. While it offers a feeling of being immersed in the wilderness, the park's proximity to Newport means that essential services, supplies, and even a quick trip to town are always within reach. This balance of secluded natural beauty and convenient accessibility is a significant draw for Washington locals who appreciate getting away without feeling entirely disconnected. The approach to the park typically involves a drive through rolling hills and forests, setting the stage for the peaceful experience that awaits. Whether you're coming from Spokane, other parts of Eastern Washington, or even crossing over from nearby Idaho, the drive to Pend Oreille County Park/Campground is an enjoyable part of the adventure, leading you to a cherished spot where the great outdoors truly comes alive.

Pend Oreille County Park/Campground is designed to offer a robust and enjoyable outdoor experience, particularly for those who appreciate a more rustic and natural setting. Based on available public data, the services offered cater to both day-use visitors and overnight campers.

• Primitive Tent and Small RV Camping: The campground provides 26 designated camping sites, each equipped with a picnic table and fire pit. It's ideal for tent campers and smaller RVs (some sites limited to vehicles 18 feet in length or smaller), though it's important to note there are no electrical or water hookups for RVs, nor an RV dump station.
• Vault Toilets: ADA-accessible vault toilets are available throughout the park, ensuring basic restroom facilities for all visitors.
• Water Access: Potable water is available at multiple locations throughout the park, convenient for drinking and cooking.
• Day Use Picnic Area: A dedicated day-use area includes a medium-sized open picnic shelter, additional picnic tables, fire rings, and BBQ grills, perfect for family gatherings or a quick stop.
• Large Parking Lot: The day-use area features a spacious parking lot capable of accommodating 20-25 vehicles, including school buses.
• Equestrian Use: The park trails are open year-round for horse riders, with parking, water access, and even camping additions for equestrian users (pending approval) at the end of the paved road.
• Campground Host: A camp host is typically on-site to assist campers and ensure the smooth operation of the campground.
• First-Come, First-Served Camping: While some booking might be available, the campground primarily operates on a first-come, first-served basis for overnight camping, especially in peak season.

Pend Oreille County Park/Campground shines with a variety of features and highlights that make it a compelling destination for Washingtonians seeking outdoor recreation.

• Extensive Trail System: The park boasts over 7 miles of trails, including a main loop and various adjoining trails, accessible year-round for hiking, snow-shoeing, and cross-country skiing. This extensive network caters to all levels of hikers and provides ample opportunities to explore the park's natural beauty.
• 18-Hole Disc Golf Course: A significant highlight, explicitly mentioned in reviews, is the "great disc course." The Pend Oreille County Park DiscGolf Course is an established 18-hole course, free to play, offering a challenging and rugged terrain that disc golf enthusiasts will appreciate for its elevation changes and natural setting. This feature alone is a major draw for many.
• Old-Growth Trees and Abundant Wildlife: The park spans 440 acres and is renowned for its majestic old-growth trees, providing ample shade and a sense of deep forest immersion. Wildlife such as elk, white-tailed deer, moose, bobcat, bear, and various small mammals and bird species are abundant, offering fantastic opportunities for wildlife viewing.
• Rocky Beach and River Access: While reviews note the beach is rocky and the current can be strong, there is a small beach area adjacent to the Pend Oreille River. This offers a place for relaxation, cooling off, and provides access for non-motorized boating like kayaking, canoeing, and paddleboarding, as well as fishing.
• Peaceful and Private Environment: Despite its accessibility, the campground maintains a private and quiet atmosphere. Campers often feel like they are "in the middle of the woods with nobody around," thanks to well-spaced sites and dense forest cover, which provides a serene escape.
• Clean Facilities: Visitors frequently praise the cleanliness of the vault toilets and the well-maintained campsites, indicating a dedication to visitor comfort and hygiene.
• Family-Friendly Environment: The park includes a nature trail with educational plaques about native plant life and the Kalispel tribe, making it a great spot for families with small children to learn and explore.
• Seasonal Beauty: Especially in spring, the park is noted for its lush greenery, various mushrooms, and wild strawberries, offering a beautiful setting for exploration.

For those planning a visit to Pend Oreille County Park/Campground, here is the essential contact information:

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

For direct inquiries related to the campground, especially regarding current conditions or the camp host, you may try:

Camp Host Charles (direct line, when on-site): 509-442-4125

For general inquiries when the Camp Host is not on-site, or for broader Parks & Recreation information, you can contact:

Box Canyon Visitor's Center: 509-447-6703 (Monday - Thursday 6:00 AM - 4:30 PM, excluding holidays)

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

It is always recommended to check the official Pend Oreille County Parks & Recreation website for the most current information regarding camping availability, seasonal closures, specific rules, and any updates to contact details before planning your trip.

Pend Oreille County Park/Campground stands out as an exceptionally suitable destination for us Washington locals, offering a blend of accessible outdoor recreation and tranquil immersion in nature that perfectly aligns with our regional lifestyle. We Washingtonians cherish our state's diverse landscapes and the opportunities they provide for escape and adventure. This park, with its straightforward access via US-2 from many parts of Eastern Washington, makes it an ideal spot for a weekend getaway or a longer family vacation without the need for extensive travel.

The core appeal for locals lies in the park's dual offering: serene camping amidst majestic old-growth trees and a wealth of engaging activities. The "glad they're open again for camping" sentiment expressed by a reviewer highlights the community's anticipation and appreciation for this welcoming outdoor space. We understand the value of primitive camping, where the focus is truly on connecting with nature, and the park delivers this with well-maintained sites and essential amenities like clean vault toilets and potable water.

Moreover, the mention of "a great disc course" immediately resonates with the growing community of disc golf enthusiasts across Washington. Having a dedicated 18-hole course directly within the park adds a unique and compelling recreational layer, providing hours of fun and a good workout amidst beautiful scenery. Beyond disc golf, the extensive network of over 7 miles of hiking trails allows us to explore the park's natural beauty, observe local wildlife, and simply breathe in the fresh, clean air that our state is famous for. The opportunity for year-round trail use, whether hiking in summer or snowshoeing in winter, ensures that the park remains a valuable resource regardless of the season.

For families, the nature trail with its educational plaques offers an engaging way for children to learn about the local ecosystem and tribal history, fostering a deeper appreciation for our surroundings. The presence of the Pend Oreille River, with its access for non-motorized boating and fishing, further enhances the park's appeal, providing classic Washington outdoor experiences. In essence, Pend Oreille County Park/Campground offers a well-rounded, authentic outdoor experience that caters to the preferences and passions of Washington locals, making it a cherished and often revisited destination for those seeking both relaxation and adventure in the heart of our beautiful state.