Canyon Creek Campground
4.509 reviewsCanyon Creek Campground, Colville National Forest, Washington
Canyon Creek Campground
$2.00 - $6.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$6.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
$6 per single campsite per night, $2 per night for extra vehicle.
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About this campground
Tucked just a quarter-mile down a peaceful dirt road from the highway, this hidden gem offers the perfect balance of accessibility and seclusion. The campground's distinctive circular loop design creates a welcoming community feel while maintaining privacy, and its pack-it-in/pack-it-out philosophy ensures pristine conditions for every visitor. Whether you're seeking a quick overnight rest or settling in for an extended wilderness retreat, the gentle sounds of nearby Canyon Creek—discretely flowing behind select campsites—provide a natural soundtrack to your stay, while the distance from the highway keeps traffic noise to a whisper.
Canyon Creek Campground caters to tent and small group campers, offering a basic and serene camping experience. There are no facilities for RVs, cabins, or glamping options.
Historical SignificanceStep back in time along the paved walking trail that leads from your campsite to the fascinating Sherman Pass Log Flume Heritage Site. This easily accessible piece of logging history offers a glimpse into the region's industrious past, when massive timber operations shaped the landscape and local economy. The well-maintained interpretive trail makes for an educational morning walk or sunset stroll, connecting modern campers with the generations of workers who once harvested these ancient forests.
Weather and SeasonsExperience the dramatic seasonal transformations of this mountain paradise. Summer unveils its warmest welcome, with crystal-clear skies and comfortable temperatures dancing between 60°F and 90°F—perfect for hiking, stargazing, and campfire gatherings. As winter descends, the landscape transforms into a snow-dusted wonderland where temperatures frequently dip below freezing, creating a stunning but challenging environment that rewards the prepared adventurer with serene, frost-kissed mornings and the quiet magic of a forest at rest.
ElevationPerched at a comfortable 2,300 feet above sea level, this campground offers the sweet spot of mountain camping—high enough to escape the valley heat in summer, yet low enough to remain accessible when higher elevations are locked in snow. This moderate elevation provides refreshing mountain air without the altitude challenges, making it ideal for families and those acclimating to mountain adventures.
Natural Features and SceneryImmerse yourself in a living cathedral of towering lodgepole pines, where dappled sunlight filters through the canopy to illuminate an enchanting understory of wild roses and native shrubs. This natural privacy screen between campsites creates intimate spaces perfect for quiet contemplation or family gatherings. Near the entrance, a charming meadow serves as nature's welcome mat, offering prime wildlife viewing opportunities at dawn and dusk. As you explore this bear country habitat, you'll practice time-honored food storage techniques while sharing the forest with its rightful inhabitants, adding an element of wilderness authenticity to your camping experience.
Geological RegionNestled within the expansive Colville National Forest, this campground showcases the region's signature lodgepole pine ecosystem at its finest. The forest's generous spacing and thriving understory of wild roses and diverse shrubs create natural barriers between sites, offering a rare combination of wilderness immersion and personal space. This carefully preserved pocket of the Colville's diverse landscape provides an authentic Pacific Northwest forest experience, where the interplay of tall pines, flowering shrubs, and forest floor creates a multi-layered tapestry of green that changes subtly with each season.
Campsite details
AccessibilityThe paved walking trail leading to the Sherman Pass Log Flume Heritage Site is wheelchair accessible. However, a user review noted challenges with gravel near the trail entrance: 'We could not get the wheelchair onto the trail from by the sign because of the gravel.'
Sites SizeSites accommodate standard-sized camping setups. Parking aprons are gravel and uniform in size.
Sites PrivacySites provide good privacy due to ample spacing and an understory of wild roses and shrubs.
Total Campsites12 campsites
Recommended CampsitesChoose sites near Canyon Creek for proximity to water and those in the back for larger tent space.
Best Campsites"The one in the very back is a much bigger space enough for at least 3 or so nice size tents." (User Review: Irie P).
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
2:00 p.m.
Check-out
12:00 p.m.
Stay Limit
14 days maximum length of stay.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutSingle large circular loop. "Ample separation and an understory of wild roses and other shrubs give good privacy between sites."
Open and Closed SeasonOpen seasonally from Memorial Day Weekend to October 27.
Reservation PlatformsNo reservations available.
Walk-in AvailabilityAll sites are first-come, first-served.
Cancellation PolicyNo reservations, thus cancellation policy is not applicable.
Amenities available
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
The activities at Canyon Creek Campground focus on outdoor relaxation and exploration. Visitors can enjoy hiking along a short paved trail, wildlife observation, and fishing nearby.
Hiking
There are two paved hiking trails: the Canyon Creek Trail #93, a 0.5-mile wheelchair-accessible walk, and the Log Flume Interpretive Trail #77, which is also 0.5 miles long. User feedback highlights the trails as a family-friendly feature, with one reviewer noting, 'There are paved trails so kids can bring their wheeled toys.'Fishing
Fishing for rainbow trout is available in nearby Sherman Creek, making it a viable option for anglers.Wildlife viewing
The area includes a meadow near the entrance that suggests opportunities for wildlife viewing.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfires allowed only in developed fire rings.
- Quiet hours are 10:00 p.m. - 6:00 a.m.
Hazards
General hazardsBear country requires safe food storage practices. "Be careful of those tiny wasps, they seem to be everywhere around the campsite specially." (User Review: jr Adem).
Weather forecast
88
°F
Aug 26
Tuesday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 11%
Very dry conditions, stay hydrated
Wind: 5.5 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Clear sky
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Nearest emergency services are likely located in Kettle Falls, WA.
Good to know
Peak season datesMemorial Day Weekend through Labor Day.
Trash and recyclingCampers are required to pack out their trash as there are no trash or recycling facilities on-site.
Proximity to water featuresA few campsites back up on Canyon Creek, although the creek is hidden from view.
Common complaints"Very dark at night no reflectors or guidance getting to and from the camp site, so if your like me and my 2 friends u could easily get lost..." (User Review: Irie P).
Campground Map
Canyon Creek Campground, Colville National Forest, Washington
Driving directionsFrom Kettle Falls, WA: Follow US-395 N for 3.7 miles. Turn left onto WA-20W for 7.7 miles. Turn left onto Bangs Mountain Rd/NF-136 for 0.1 miles to campground entrance.
Dirt road access. "Quite peaceful quaint nice spacing in between the camp sites. Just so u know there's only one way in and one way out both same road lol. It's a bit of a bumpy rough sketchy. Small one vehicle at a time drive in and out." (User Review: Irie P).Nearby places
Kettle Falls, WA - approximately 12 miles
Nearby supplies
Kettle Falls for groceries, camping supplies, and fuel. "Close to town and the forest." (User Review: M Aboud).
Camper Reviews
4.5
9 reviews
Canyon Creek Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews generally praise the campground for its peaceful and secluded atmosphere, though some express concerns about road access and maintenance.
Review Summaries
Based on 9 reviews
What Campers Love
Visitors appreciate the spacious and well-separated sites, as well as the peaceful and relaxing environment. The paved trails are highlighted as a family-friendly feature.
Based on 9 reviewsCommon Concerns
Criticisms include the rough and narrow access road, the absence of cell service, and the presence of dead trees obstructing forest exploration. One reviewer noted, 'The peace was blissful, but wish...
Based on 9 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Campers recommend bringing all necessary supplies, including water and lighting, as the site lacks these amenities. One user suggested that clearing the dead trees would enhance the experience.
Based on 9 reviewsSeasonal Insights
The campground is busiest during the summer months when trails and outdoor activities are more accessible. Winter conditions are harsh, with significant snowfall.
Based on 9 reviewsCamper Quotes
- 'Just so u know there's only one way in and one way out... It's a bit of a bumpy rough sketchy [road].' - 'Once u get safely into the camp site it's very cozy fresh and just relaxing.' - 'Love...
Based on 9 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
The site at the back of the loop is highlighted as being larger and suitable for group camping.
Based on 9 reviewsAccessibility Features
A review noted that wheelchair access to the trail is impeded by gravel near the trailhead.
Based on 9 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are allowed, but they must be kept on a leash as per campground rules.
Based on 9 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025