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Best FREE campsites for an RV in the Northwest

Aug. 27 2020 Miscellaneous By Olivia Nees

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Camping in the Pacific Northwest is unbeatable. There is an endless amount of different scenery, wildlife, and different campgrounds. If you are wanting to have the best free camping experience yet, make sure you visit some of our top campsites for an RV in Washington, Idaho, and Oregon down below. Also, don’t forget, these are just a few of the hundreds available. Go out before summer is over to have your next RV adventure with us!

Washington


Sahara Creek Horse Camp

Located in Ashford, Washington, Sahara Creek Horse Camp is beautiful, quiet, well maintained, and free with a Discovery Pass! Like you would expect, this campsite is amazing for horseback riding. The trails are perfect, the scenery is gorgeous, and there is much room for horse trailers. This campsite does not fill up due to their large area of 20+ sites with room for 40 trailers, but on the weekends it can get busy. There are water spigots throughout the campground and few vault toilets. There is tree coverage for seclusion, fire rings available, and depending on your provider there is some cell service. Another amazing thing about this campsite is that it is only seven miles from Mount Rainier, so if you are looking for free camping near Mount Rainier, this is the perfect spot for you. 

Picture courtesy from: Jennifer Morrison England


Big Meadow Lake

Big Meadow Lake lies in the Colville National Forest. The campground is equipped with tent and trailer sites, several wildlife trails, a boat launch, and dock for fishing. There are seventeen campsites with picnic tables, fire pits, and tent pads. Some of the campsites are private and some have views of the lake. There is no drinking water so if you plan to visit this campsite make sure to bring an ample amount of water for yourself! There are some toilets but no garbage disposal so you need to make sure whatever you bring in,  you take it out! This campsite is on a first-come-first-serve basis so make sure you get out there early! For more details about restrictions, notes, and directions check it out here: https://bit.ly/32oqS30

Picture courtesy from: USDA Forest Service


Middle Waddel Campground

If you want to head over to the west-side of Washington State, make sure you have your RV adventure at Middle Waddell Campground. All campsites are just a quick walk to the lake for some more gorgeous scenery. The campground has several trails making it perfect for ATV adventures and mountain biking, and it offers access to the capitol State Forest’s 89 miles of motorized trail. This campsite has 24 campsites but only four toilets. Campers are required to register on-site, and a Discover Pass is required to enter. You can buy your discover pass here: https://bit.ly/2QqWakd and you can get directions to Middle Waddell Campground here: https://bit.ly/3jeBic6

Picture courtesy from: Eugene Carsey


Idaho


Crater Lake Camp

Crater Lake Camp is one of three primitive backcountry campsites along Forest Road 301. There is one vault toilet provided but that is the only service provided here. Hiking, fishing, horseback riding, and wildlife viewing are very popular here. For directions, you can visit here: https://on.doi.gov/2EwQi6b 

Picture courtesy from: US Department of the Interior BLM


Deadman Hole Recreation Site

The Deadman Hole Recreation Site is located near Challis Idaho and has five campsites adjacent to the Scenic Salmon River. This attracts many anglers due to the endless fishing opportunities. “The campground is named after the deep pool that sits below the rocky cliffs, providing a stunning backdrop for your getaway.” There are water, toilets, and picnic tables available here at this campsite. The campsites here are all on a first-come-first-serve basis. Most RV campers camping here are looking to enjoy some perfect relaxing fishing, so if you are looking to hike, this campsite might not be the best for you because there are not any actual formed trails. For more information and directions visit: https://on.doi.gov/2CVGr9w 

Picture courtesy from: US Department of the Interior BLM


 McArthur Lake WMA

The WMA is at the narrowest point in the valley between the Selkirk and Cabinet Mountain ranges. There are a variety of activities to do here. McArthur Lake WMA is one campground in Idaho that has some of the most diverse wildlife, and because of this wildlife hunters and anglers are very attracted to this area. There is a shallow lake, marshes, upland forests and meadows, and so many trails. The lake provides an enjoyable boating opportunity and the endless trails provide perfect hiking opportunities. This campground is open year-round, seven days a week so you never have to wait to go camping again! For more information, you can visit https://bit.ly/2CVGxho 

Picture courtesy from: Idaho Department of Fish and Game


Summit Creek Recreation Site

Summit Creek Recreation Site is located nearly 50 miles northwest of Howe, Idaho. This lush green area is filled with many creeks, ponds, and springs which make a perfect habitat for so many wildlife. Summit Creek Campground offers seven campsites and picnic tables are available. Toilets are available, campfires are allowed, and pets are allowed making this campsite perfect for your pups! There are several activities offered near the campground such as biking, hiking, climbing, boating, and even horseback riding can happen here. Make sure you check out the directions at: https://on.doi.gov/2EpNoR1 

Picture courtesy from: Mobile RVing

Oregon


Rufus Landing Recreation Area

If you want easy access, right by the Columbia River lies Rufus Landing Recreation Area in the Columbia River Gorge. There are no designated spots for parking your RV, but instead a large gravel pit, however, the views are amazing! There are no amenities except for a vault toilet, so pack lots of water, and clean up after yourself before you head out. Pets are allowed here and depending on where you go, there will be good phone service. This campsite is not reservable, but because of its large area, it most likely won’t fill up!

Picture courtesy from: Boon Docker’s Bible


Hult pond

Hult Pond is also referred to as Horton Lake, Hult Marsh, Hult Reservoir, or Mill Pond in northern Oregon. Hult pound is extremely spacious and sits right on the shoreline. There is a fire ring and some soft ground for tents if that is how you will be camping. If you are looking to get in the water and have some fun, this is the campsite for you! The seclusion and silence make for a perfect relaxing camping trip, there are a handful of isolated camp slots where you will not be seen by anyone. Not only does the water access, seclusion, and peacefulness make this a wonderful campsite, but the scenic walks make for new discoveries and views every time. For more information and directions, visit https://on.doi.gov/3hwuWo0 

Picture courtesy from: US Department of the Interior BLM


Pine Mountain Campground

In the Deschutes National Forest in Bend Oregon, lies Pine Mountain Campground. Pine Mountain Campground is located at the summit of Pine Mountain and lies near the Pine Mountain Observatory (which is known for its stargazing). The Observatory is open Friday- Saturday evenings starting at 9 PM from May- September, and a five dollar donation is encouraged. You can set up your tent and/or park your RV at one of the six camping spots, but the maximum RV length is 30 feet so keep this in mind before coming to visit. All of the six camping spots are first-come-first-serve, and all of the campsites are strung through the trees that overlook Central Oregon’s High Desert. The views are amazing here, there are few vault toilets, and some picnic tables. Check out more information and directions here: https://bit.ly/2QqMIgy 

Picture courtesy from: The Dyrt (Todd R.)


Cites used

  •  https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/colville/recarea/?recid=67976
  •  https://www.google.com/maps/place/Middle+Waddel+Campground/@46.9389865,-123.0801103,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m5!3m4!1s0x5491798783f063cd:0x731dd2ce791b76c0!8m2!3d46.9389865!4d-123.0779216
  •  https://store.discoverpass.wa.gov
  •  https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/colville/recarea/?recid=67976
  •  https://idfg.idaho.gov/wma/mcarthur-lake
  •  https://www.blm.gov/visit/summit-creek-recreation-site
  •  https://www.hipcamp.com/idaho/challis/deadman-hole-recreation-site-campground
  •  https://www.blm.gov/visit/deadman-hole-recreation-site
  •  https://www.blm.gov/visit/hult-pond
  •  https://www.outdoorsy.com/guide/hult-pond
  •  https://www.campendium.com/sahara-creek-horse-camp
  •  https://nwhorsetrails.com/blogs/sw-washington-horse-trails/sahara-creek-campground


Photos

- http://www.eugenecarsey.com/camp/capitol/middle.html

- https://www.blm.gov/visit/crater-lake

- https://www.blm.gov/visit/deadman-hole-recreation-site

- https://idfg.idaho.gov/wma/mcarthur-lake

- https://mobilerving.com/camping-in-idaho-summit-creek-campground-56014

- https://www.boondockersbible.com/camping/rufus-landing-recreation-area-rufus-oregon/