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RV Parks In Colville, Washington

48.5466° N, 117.9055° W

Quick Overview

Colville sits in the forested northeast corner of Washington, wrapped on every side by the million-acre Colville National Forest and within easy reach of the Columbia River. For RVers it is a base for quiet, scenery-first camping: lakeside forest sites, big-water recreation on Lake Roosevelt, and free dispersed camping down the forest roads, with a handful of full-hookup parks in town for when you want power and a level pad.

The full-hookup options keep things simple. Upper Columbia RV Park and Campground sits right in Colville with full-hookup sites and stays open year-round, which matters in a place where winter closes most everything else. The Wilds offers a quiet rural full-hookup site about 10 miles east for a remote feel without giving up sewer and power, and the Northeast Washington Fairgrounds in town has full-hookup sites that are handy and central. These are your choices for big rigs and four-season comfort.

The public lands are where Colville earns its reputation. The Little Pend Oreille chain of lakes along SR-20, including the Lake Gillette area, offers lakeside national-forest campgrounds with boat access, swimming and fishing, some reservable on Recreation.gov and many first-come. About 30 minutes west, Kettle Falls Campground in Lake Roosevelt National Recreation Area puts you on a 150-mile Columbia River reservoir with a swim beach and dump station. None of the public sites have hookups, so you dry-camp and lean on your tanks, but the payoff is water, woods and space.

One honest note shapes any trip here: the season is short. Summer, roughly June through September, is when the lakes and forest are open and at their best, with warm days and cool nights. By winter most forest and lake campgrounds are closed under snow, Sherman Pass on SR-20 can shut entirely, and only the town full-hookup parks remain. Provision in Colville before you head out, match your stay to the season, and northeast Washington rewards you with some of the most peaceful camping in the state.

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Traveling to Colville by RV

Getting to Colville is straightforward on US-395, the north-south highway that runs right through town and ties into I-90 at Spokane about 70 miles south. It is an easy, all-season route with no low bridges or brutal grades, the way most RVers should arrive. From the east, SR-20 crosses Sherman Pass, the highest maintained pass in Washington at 5,575 feet; it is a stunning drive but a long climb that can be snowed shut in winter, so plan that crossing for good weather. SR-25 follows the Columbia from the south.

Treat Colville as your last full-service stop. Town has Safeway, Walmart and local grocers, full fuel including diesel along US-395, propane refills, and basic RV and auto repair, with bigger RV service back in Spokane. Once you head east or north into the forest, services thin out quickly, so top off fuel and water and stock the pantry before you leave the highway for the lakes.

Before You Go: RV Trip Essentials

Dump stations are only one piece of the trip puzzle. Before you set out for your trip to Colville, Washington, it's worth taking thirty minutes to check that the basics are in place — the four areas below are where unprepared RVers most often get stung.

Check your RV insurance coverage

A standard auto policy rarely covers a Class A, Class C, or travel trailer the way a dedicated RV insurance policy does. If you're financing a motorhome, lenders typically require comprehensive and collision; full-timers should additionally price in vacation liability and personal belongings coverage. Rates vary widely by state and travel pattern — compare quotes from multiple RV-focused carriers before each season.

Know your roadside assistance options

RV-specific roadside plans tow motorhomes and trailers that regular AAA coverage won't touch — flat beds, mobile mechanics, tire service for duallies, and even emergency lockouts at remote campgrounds. Good plans cover your spouse and trailer even if you're driving a separate vehicle, and some include trip interruption reimbursement if a breakdown costs you a reservation.

Decide about an extended warranty early

Original manufacturer warranties on new RVs typically run 12–24 months — shorter than most buyers realize. An extended service contract (essentially a mechanical breakdown policy) covers the appliances, slides, levelling systems, and drivetrain components that can run $3,000–$10,000 to replace. The time to price one is before the factory coverage expires, not after something breaks.

Set up a travel rewards card for fuel and fees

A no-annual-fee travel or gas rewards card pays for itself on a single month of RV travel. Expect to spend $400–$800 per week combined on fuel, campgrounds, and propane — 3–5% cash back on gas alone covers the next oil change. For bigger trips, a sign-up bonus can offset campground fees for the whole season.

RVingLife is supported by advertising. Third-party ads on this page may include insurance quotes, roadside plans, warranty coverage, or financial products relevant to the topics above. We don't endorse any specific provider — compare multiple offers before you commit. Privacy policy.

Dump Station Costs in Colville

Colville is one of the more affordable RV destinations in Washington. National-forest campgrounds along the Little Pend Oreille lakes and the Lake Roosevelt sites generally run 15 to 25 dollars a night, and dispersed camping across the Colville National Forest is free with a Northwest Forest Pass, which is hard to beat for a self-contained rig. Private full-hookup parks in and around town cost more, typically 35 to 50 dollars a night, still modest compared with resort or gateway-town pricing.

Because this is a rural, uncrowded area rather than a marquee destination, you avoid the premiums you would pay near a national park or the coast. Longer stays at the private parks often earn weekly discounts, and if you are comfortable boondocking, the free forest camping can drop your nightly cost to almost nothing. Budget mainly for fuel, since the area is remote and you will drive to reach the trailheads, lakes and the Columbia.

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Best Time to Visit Colville by RV

❄️

Winter

Nov - Feb

20F - 33F

Crowds: Low

Cold and snowy. Most forest and lake campgrounds close and Sherman Pass on SR-20 can shut for weather. Only full-hookup town parks like Upper Columbia stay open, and you will want a four-season-ready rig.

🌸

Spring

Mar - May

34F - 57F

Crowds: Low

Cool and muddy early, greening up by late May. Higher forest campgrounds reopen as the snow melts off, while town parks are available throughout. A quiet, uncrowded season.

☀️

Summer

Jun - Aug

50F - 84F

Crowds: High

The prime window. Warm dry days, cool nights, and every campground open. Reserve the popular lakeside forest loops on Recreation.gov ahead of summer weekends. Late-summer wildfire smoke is the main wildcard.

🍂

Fall

Sep - Oct

36F - 60F

Crowds: Low

Crisp, colorful and peaceful, with thin crowds and good fishing before the snow. Many forest sites close by mid-October, so confirm openings and bring warm bedding for cold nights.

Explore the Colville Area

Provision in town first. Once you turn off US-395 toward the lakes or the dispersed sites, groceries, fuel and propane disappear fast, so fill up in Colville. For the popular lakeside forest loops on the Little Pend Oreille chain, reserve the reservable sites on Recreation.gov a month ahead for summer weekends, and arrive early on a weekday to grab the first-come spots.

Time your trip to the snow-free window. Most forest and lake campgrounds are only open roughly June through mid-October, so a winter visitor is limited to the full-hookup town parks and needs a four-season rig. If you plan to cross Sherman Pass on SR-20, check the grade and forecast first. In late summer, watch air-quality reports for wildfire smoke and confirm any campfire bans before you light up, since burn restrictions are common in dry years. A small backup heater and extra layers are smart even in summer, when nights up here drop into the 40s and 50s.

National Parks Nearby

Frequently Asked Questions About Dump Stations in Colville

What are the best RV parks and campgrounds near Colville, WA?

It depends on whether you want hookups or forest. For full hookups, Upper Columbia RV Park and Campground sits right in Colville and stays open year-round, and The Wilds offers a quiet rural full-hookup site about 10 miles east. The Northeast Washington Fairgrounds in town also has full-hookup sites. For a public-land experience, the Colville National Forest wraps the town with lakeside campgrounds along the Little Pend Oreille chain on SR-20, and Lake Roosevelt National Recreation Area to the west has Columbia River sites. Town parks for convenience, forest sites for scenery.

Do campgrounds near Colville have full hookups?

The private and fairgrounds parks do, but the public lands do not. Upper Columbia RV Park, The Wilds and the Northeast Washington Fairgrounds all offer full hookups with water, sewer and 30 or 50 amp power, which makes them the choice for big rigs or anyone who wants to run appliances. The national forest campgrounds along the Little Pend Oreille lakes and the Lake Roosevelt sites have no hookups at all, just vault toilets, drinking water and sometimes a dump station. Plan to dry-camp and use your tanks if you stay on public land.

How much does RV camping cost around Colville?

This is an affordable corner of Washington. National-forest campgrounds along the Little Pend Oreille lakes and Lake Roosevelt sites typically run in the 15-to-25-dollar range per night, and dispersed forest camping is free with a Northwest Forest Pass. Private full-hookup parks in and around Colville cost more, generally 35 to 50 dollars a night, still reasonable by RV standards. Because this is a rural, uncrowded area rather than a resort destination, you will not face the premium pricing of coastal or national-park-gateway towns, and longer stays often earn weekly discounts.

How far ahead should I reserve a campsite near Colville?

For most of the area, less than you might think, but the popular lakes are the exception. The reservable loops at the Little Pend Oreille forest campgrounds and the Lake Roosevelt sites get busy on summer weekends, so book those on Recreation.gov a month or more ahead for July and August. Many forest sites remain first-come, first-served, and arriving early on a weekday usually lands a spot. The private town parks rarely fill, so you can often reserve those on short notice. Outside summer, availability is wide open everywhere.

When is the best time to go RV camping near Colville?

June through September is the window. Summer brings warm, dry days, cool comfortable nights, and every campground open, which is exactly when the lakes and forest shine. Early fall is a quiet, colorful bonus with good fishing before the snow. The catch in late summer can be wildfire smoke, which occasionally settles into the valleys. Avoid winter unless you are headed for a full-hookup town park with a four-season rig, because most forest and lake campgrounds close under snow and the high passes can shut down entirely.

Can big rigs camp near Colville?

Yes, with the right choice of site. The private full-hookup parks in and near Colville, like Upper Columbia RV Park, and the fairgrounds sites handle big rigs comfortably and sit on easy, level ground reached by US-395. The national-forest lake campgrounds are more variable: some loops fit larger rigs, but many older forest sites are short and tight, so check length limits before committing. One route note for big rigs: SR-20 east climbs Sherman Pass, a long mountain grade, so plan that crossing carefully or stick to the gentler US-395 corridor.

Are there free or first-come camping options near Colville?

Plenty, which is one of the joys of this area. The Colville National Forest allows dispersed camping across much of its land, free with a Northwest Forest Pass, especially along the forest roads off SR-20, so a self-contained rig can find quiet, no-cost sites. Many developed forest campgrounds along the Little Pend Oreille lakes also keep first-come, first-served sites alongside their reservable ones. Come fully self-contained with water and a plan for waste, practice Leave No Trace, and you can camp cheaply and remotely here in a way that is hard to find elsewhere.

What public campgrounds are near Colville?

The standouts sit on water. The Little Pend Oreille chain of lakes along SR-20 east of town, including the Lake Gillette area in the Colville National Forest, offers lakeside forest sites with boat access, swimming and fishing. To the west, Kettle Falls Campground in Lake Roosevelt National Recreation Area puts you on the huge Columbia River reservoir with a dump station and beach. Closer in, Douglas Falls and other county and forest sites round out the options. None have hookups, but they deliver the scenery that brings RVers to northeast Washington.

Is there good camping on Lake Roosevelt near Colville?

Yes. Lake Roosevelt National Recreation Area, managed by the National Park Service, stretches 150 miles along the dammed Columbia River and starts about 30 minutes west of Colville near Kettle Falls. The Kettle Falls Campground there has restrooms, a dump station, a swim beach and boat access, making it a great base for a water-focused trip. Sites have no hookups, so plan to dry-camp, but the boating, fishing and big-water scenery are the draw. It is a popular summer destination, so reserve ahead for peak weekends and bring everything you need self-contained.

How do I get to Colville with an RV?

US-395 is your friend. It runs north-south right through Colville and connects to I-90 at Spokane about 70 miles south, making for an easy, all-season approach with no low bridges or punishing grades. From the east, SR-20 comes over Sherman Pass, the highest maintained pass in Washington at 5,575 feet, which is scenic but a long climb and can be snowed in during winter. SR-25 follows the Columbia from the south. For most RVers, the simplest plan is to come up US-395 from Spokane and provision in town before heading into the forest.

Are the campgrounds near Colville pet friendly?

Generally very much so, since this is dog-friendly outdoor country. The private parks in town welcome leashed pets, and on the public lands the national forest is among the most pet-friendly settings you will find, allowing leashed dogs in campgrounds and on most trails. Lake Roosevelt also permits leashed pets at campgrounds and many areas, though dogs are kept off designated swim beaches. Bring water, watch for wildlife, and keep dogs leashed both for their safety in bear and moose country and out of courtesy to other campers.

Do I need to worry about wildfire smoke camping here?

It is worth checking before a late-summer trip. Northeast Washington, like much of the inland West, can see wildfire smoke settle into the valleys during August and September, which occasionally turns blue-sky camping into hazy, eye-stinging days and can prompt air-quality advisories. It varies a lot year to year and week to week, so check current conditions and any fire restrictions before you head out. Early summer and the cooler shoulder of June and early fall are less smoke-prone. Always confirm campfire rules, since burn bans are common during dry, smoky stretches.

What is there to do around Colville while camping?

A lot of quiet outdoor recreation. The Colville National Forest surrounds town with over a million acres of trails, lakes and forest roads for hiking, fishing, paddling and mountain biking. Lake Roosevelt offers big-water boating, fishing and swimming on the Columbia. The Sherman Pass Scenic Byway on SR-20 makes a gorgeous drive with overlooks and trailheads, and the Little Pend Oreille National Wildlife Refuge is great for wildlife viewing. In town, Colville has the basics plus a historical museum. It is a destination for unplugging in the woods rather than for crowds and attractions.

What are the best RV parks and campgrounds near Colville, WA?

It depends on whether you want hookups or forest. For full hookups, Upper Columbia RV Park and Campground sits right in Colville and stays open year-round, and The Wilds offers a quiet rural full-hookup site about 10 miles east. The Northeast Washington Fairgrounds in town also has full-hookup sites. For a public-land experience, the Colville National Forest wraps the town with lakeside campgrounds along the Little Pend Oreille chain on SR-20, and Lake Roosevelt National Recreation Area to the west has Columbia River sites. Town parks for convenience, forest sites for scenery.

Do campgrounds near Colville have full hookups?

The private and fairgrounds parks do, but the public lands do not. Upper Columbia RV Park, The Wilds and the Northeast Washington Fairgrounds all offer full hookups with water, sewer and 30 or 50 amp power, which makes them the choice for big rigs or anyone who wants to run appliances. The national forest campgrounds along the Little Pend Oreille lakes and the Lake Roosevelt sites have no hookups at all, just vault toilets, drinking water and sometimes a dump station. Plan to dry-camp and use your tanks if you stay on public land.

How much does RV camping cost around Colville?

This is an affordable corner of Washington. National-forest campgrounds along the Little Pend Oreille lakes and Lake Roosevelt sites typically run in the 15-to-25-dollar range per night, and dispersed forest camping is free with a Northwest Forest Pass. Private full-hookup parks in and around Colville cost more, generally 35 to 50 dollars a night, still reasonable by RV standards. Because this is a rural, uncrowded area rather than a resort destination, you will not face the premium pricing of coastal or national-park-gateway towns, and longer stays often earn weekly discounts.

How far ahead should I reserve a campsite near Colville?

For most of the area, less than you might think, but the popular lakes are the exception. The reservable loops at the Little Pend Oreille forest campgrounds and the Lake Roosevelt sites get busy on summer weekends, so book those on Recreation.gov a month or more ahead for July and August. Many forest sites remain first-come, first-served, and arriving early on a weekday usually lands a spot. The private town parks rarely fill, so you can often reserve those on short notice. Outside summer, availability is wide open everywhere.

When is the best time to go RV camping near Colville?

June through September is the window. Summer brings warm, dry days, cool comfortable nights, and every campground open, which is exactly when the lakes and forest shine. Early fall is a quiet, colorful bonus with good fishing before the snow. The catch in late summer can be wildfire smoke, which occasionally settles into the valleys. Avoid winter unless you are headed for a full-hookup town park with a four-season rig, because most forest and lake campgrounds close under snow and the high passes can shut down entirely.

Can big rigs camp near Colville?

Yes, with the right choice of site. The private full-hookup parks in and near Colville, like Upper Columbia RV Park, and the fairgrounds sites handle big rigs comfortably and sit on easy, level ground reached by US-395. The national-forest lake campgrounds are more variable: some loops fit larger rigs, but many older forest sites are short and tight, so check length limits before committing. One route note for big rigs: SR-20 east climbs Sherman Pass, a long mountain grade, so plan that crossing carefully or stick to the gentler US-395 corridor.

Are there free or first-come camping options near Colville?

Plenty, which is one of the joys of this area. The Colville National Forest allows dispersed camping across much of its land, free with a Northwest Forest Pass, especially along the forest roads off SR-20, so a self-contained rig can find quiet, no-cost sites. Many developed forest campgrounds along the Little Pend Oreille lakes also keep first-come, first-served sites alongside their reservable ones. Come fully self-contained with water and a plan for waste, practice Leave No Trace, and you can camp cheaply and remotely here in a way that is hard to find elsewhere.

What public campgrounds are near Colville?

The standouts sit on water. The Little Pend Oreille chain of lakes along SR-20 east of town, including the Lake Gillette area in the Colville National Forest, offers lakeside forest sites with boat access, swimming and fishing. To the west, Kettle Falls Campground in Lake Roosevelt National Recreation Area puts you on the huge Columbia River reservoir with a dump station and beach. Closer in, Douglas Falls and other county and forest sites round out the options. None have hookups, but they deliver the scenery that brings RVers to northeast Washington.

Is there good camping on Lake Roosevelt near Colville?

Yes. Lake Roosevelt National Recreation Area, managed by the National Park Service, stretches 150 miles along the dammed Columbia River and starts about 30 minutes west of Colville near Kettle Falls. The Kettle Falls Campground there has restrooms, a dump station, a swim beach and boat access, making it a great base for a water-focused trip. Sites have no hookups, so plan to dry-camp, but the boating, fishing and big-water scenery are the draw. It is a popular summer destination, so reserve ahead for peak weekends and bring everything you need self-contained.

How do I get to Colville with an RV?

US-395 is your friend. It runs north-south right through Colville and connects to I-90 at Spokane about 70 miles south, making for an easy, all-season approach with no low bridges or punishing grades. From the east, SR-20 comes over Sherman Pass, the highest maintained pass in Washington at 5,575 feet, which is scenic but a long climb and can be snowed in during winter. SR-25 follows the Columbia from the south. For most RVers, the simplest plan is to come up US-395 from Spokane and provision in town before heading into the forest.

Are the campgrounds near Colville pet friendly?

Generally very much so, since this is dog-friendly outdoor country. The private parks in town welcome leashed pets, and on the public lands the national forest is among the most pet-friendly settings you will find, allowing leashed dogs in campgrounds and on most trails. Lake Roosevelt also permits leashed pets at campgrounds and many areas, though dogs are kept off designated swim beaches. Bring water, watch for wildlife, and keep dogs leashed both for their safety in bear and moose country and out of courtesy to other campers.

Do I need to worry about wildfire smoke camping here?

It is worth checking before a late-summer trip. Northeast Washington, like much of the inland West, can see wildfire smoke settle into the valleys during August and September, which occasionally turns blue-sky camping into hazy, eye-stinging days and can prompt air-quality advisories. It varies a lot year to year and week to week, so check current conditions and any fire restrictions before you head out. Early summer and the cooler shoulder of June and early fall are less smoke-prone. Always confirm campfire rules, since burn bans are common during dry, smoky stretches.

What is there to do around Colville while camping?

A lot of quiet outdoor recreation. The Colville National Forest surrounds town with over a million acres of trails, lakes and forest roads for hiking, fishing, paddling and mountain biking. Lake Roosevelt offers big-water boating, fishing and swimming on the Columbia. The Sherman Pass Scenic Byway on SR-20 makes a gorgeous drive with overlooks and trailheads, and the Little Pend Oreille National Wildlife Refuge is great for wildlife viewing. In town, Colville has the basics plus a historical museum. It is a destination for unplugging in the woods rather than for crowds and attractions.

Are there free dump stations in Colville?

Yes — there are free RV waste disposal options available near Colville.