How much does camping cost at Panhandle?

Camping fees at Panhandle are $31/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Panhandle first-come first-served or reservation?

Panhandle accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Panhandle before I book?

Yes! Panhandle has 5 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Panhandle?

Panhandle is open May 22 to September 07. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Panhandle?

Panhandle does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

How many campsites does Panhandle have?

Panhandle has 15 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Panhandle?

Pets are not allowed at Panhandle. This policy helps protect local wildlife and other campers. Consider nearby pet-friendly campgrounds if traveling with animals.

What amenities are available at Panhandle?

Panhandle offers: Restrooms, Potable Water. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Panhandle?

Popular activities at Panhandle include Fishing, Swimming, Boating. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Panhandle

Q: Can I have a campfire at Panhandle?

Fire policies at Panhandle: Don't Move Firewood: Please protect Pacific Northwest forests by preventing the spread of invasive species. Firewood can carry insects and diseases that can threaten the health of our western forests. You can make a difference by obtaining and burning your firewood near your camping destination. Visit Dontmovefirewood.org for further information.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

4.25

70 reviews

15021 LECLERC RD, CUSICK, WA, 99119, USA

Top 23% in WASummer

B-Report Card

Scenic ViewsSwimmingSummer Destination

Quick Facts

2,083 ft

Price

$31/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

15 campsites

Season

Open during peak sea...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Book on Colville National Forest Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

2,083 ft

Price

$31/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

15 campsites

Season

Open during peak sea...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Book on Colville National Forest Official Website

Get Directions

Panhandle

$31.00 / night

Campsite Fees

STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $31.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in person).

No campsite fee categories listed.

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Campground Map

15021 LECLERC RD, CUSICK, WA, 99119, USA

Panhandle

15021 LECLERC RD, CUSICK, WA, 99119, USA

Nearby places

Newport (~32 miles south, ~40-45 minute drive)

Weather at Panhandle

Current alerts(4)

Bears and cougars frequent the area; keep all food out of sight in approved containers or locked inside your vehicle and remove all food from the area after eating
Click here for more information on Colville National Forest
No electric hookups at this facility
SCRS & Recreation.gov policy states we will keep your reserved site until check-out time on the day after the scheduled arrival date. If you haven't occupied it at any time during this period, your reservation is null and void and we will give it to first come first serve…

Best Time to Camp at Panhandle

Best season: summer. Summer offers warm, sun-drenched days (typical highs around 70–90°F / 21–32°C, with cool nights in the mid-40s to mid-50s°F / 7–13°C) and full access to river-based recreation. Fishing, boating, swimming and paddling are at their peak when the Pend Oreille is warm and low, and trails and wildlife-viewing opportunities are most accessible. Because Panhandle is remote and rustic, crowds remain lower than at more developed lakeside parks, though weekends and holiday periods are noticeably busier. Peak months: July, August, June, May Avoid: September, October, November, December

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.5 / 5

Top 23% in WA

Open May 16–Sep 1; summer is peak season with full river access and warm weather for activities.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 22 to September 07. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open during peak season from May 16 to September 1. Closed outside this range.

About Panhandle

Panhandle sits along the Pend Oreille River in Colville National Forest, a small campground managed by the Forest Service near Cusick in northeastern Washington's foothills. The setting offers direct river access for fishing, swimming, and boating during the warm summer months, with vault toilets, potable water, and fire rings at each site. Camp hosts maintain the grounds and help visitors navigate the overnight gate closure and seasonal operations.

The campground accommodates a range of camping styles, including tent camping and RV sites. Sites provide a mix of privacy and proximity to the river.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer offers warm, sun-drenched days (typical highs around 70–90°F / 21–32°C, with cool nights in the mid-40s to mid-50s°F / 7–13°C) and full access to river-based recreation. Fishing, boating, swimming and paddling are at their peak when the Pend Oreille is warm and low, and trails and wildlife-viewing opportunities are most accessible. Because Panhandle is remote and rustic, crowds remain lower than at more developed lakeside parks, though weekends and holiday periods are noticeably busier. Peak months: July, August, June, May Avoid: September, October, November, December

Elevation2083 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe Pend Oreille River flows directly past the campground, its valley carved by ancient glaciers. Forested mountains rise from the water's edge, covered in evergreens with a thick understory of shrubs and ferns. Elevation sits at 2,083 feet. The dense vegetation creates natural screens between most sites, though riverside spots 2 and 3 are in direct sunlight. Sites 4-7 have better shade. Reviews consistently praise the "gorgeous views" and clean surroundings.

Lodging & AccommodationsThere is no hotel-style lodge available. Accommodations are limited to campsites.

Programs & ActivitiesThere is no mention of cultural or educational programs.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Maximum stay of 14 consecutive nights is allowed.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through Recreation.gov.

Site SizeSites can accommodate both tents and large RVs.

PrivacyThe campground offers good privacy between most sites due to the thick middlestory: "Most sites are private." However, some reviewers mentioned issues with privacy: "Not much room for tents. Low privacy.

Total Campsites15 campsites

Recommended SitesFor shade, choose sites 4–7. Sites 2 and 3 are great for views but can be exposed to direct sunlight. Bring a canopy for shade.

Best CampsitesSites 2 and 3 offer direct river views but sit in full sun. Sites 4-7 provide better shade. Sites 1-7 are all riverside, while 8-12 sit closer to the road and pick up more traffic noise.

Need help booking Panhandle?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

Free alerts for this campground

Amenities available

The Panhandle Campground offers a range of amenities, including vault toilets, drinking water, picnic tables, and a boat ramp. As stated in the main source, "Sites are suitable for tents and large RVs. Most sites are private and all are within a short walk of the river." The area has a thick middlestory providing privacy between campsites. User reviews highlight clean restrooms and well-maintained sites, though one user noted, "ALL of the water faucets were closed off for some sort of purification process," which suggests potential maintenance issues on occasion.

Potable water

Fire rings

Food storage lockers

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

RV details

Things to do at Panhandle

The campground offers a mix of recreational activities, with particular emphasis on water-based recreation. Canoeing and birding are popular, and there are "excellent fishing opportunities for bass and trout." The Pend Oreille River also supports power boating and water skiing, with a speed limit of 35 mph. A boat ramp provides easy access to the water.

Fishing4.0/5

Swimming4.0/5Top 18% in Washington

Boating4.0/5

Boat launch and boating (powerboats, water skiing, canoeing) are cited; boating signal=1.00.

Wildlife viewing4.0/5

Abundant birds and small wetlands noted; birding is a popular activity.

Water Sports3.5/5

Canoeing/paddling mentioned; river supports paddling though powerboating is also common.

Winter Activities

Not sure what to pack?Our complete camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

No Flush ToiletsNo flush toilets are mentioned; vault toilets are the main sanitary facility.

Food Storage RequiredBear-proof food lockers are available at the campground.

No Electric HookupsElectric hookups are not available at this campground. RV campers should arrive with a full battery and plan for off-grid power (generator hours/quiet rules permitting).

No Water HookupsSite-level water hookups are not available. RV campers should fill freshwater tanks before arrival; check the No Potable Water note above if applicable for drinking water.

No Dump StationThere is no dump station at this campground. Plan to use a dump station along your route or at a nearby facility before or after your stay.

Fire PolicyDon't Move Firewood: Please protect Pacific Northwest forests by preventing the spread of invasive species. Firewood can carry insects and diseases that can threaten the health of our western forests. You can make a difference by obtaining and burning your firewood near your camping destination. Visit Dontmovefirewood.org for further information.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are 10 p.m to 6 a.m

Trash & RecyclingTrash collection is available on-site, as noted in the authoritative content's amenities list.

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

Researching this campground? Ask anything — other campers and our team will weigh in. No visit required.

Tips from campers

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.

Reviews

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From Booking Sources

4.3

70 reviews

Satisfactory

Panhandle is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews for Panhandle Campground are mixed, with an average sentiment of 4.185 indicating generally positive experiences. Campers frequently praise the cleanliness of the facilities, the beauty of the natural surroundings, and the friendly hosts. Negative comments highlight noise from nearby roads, limited privacy, and occasional issues with hosts or water availability.

Review Summaries

Based on 70 reviews

Best sites at a glance

Pulled from per-site mentions in 70 reviews.

Site 2Loved
Site 2 and Site 3 are noted for their excellent river views but are "in direct sunlight" and may require shade.
Site 8Loved
Site 8 accommodates larger RVs and is described as "secluded."

What Campers Love

Clean bathrooms, scenic views, and friendly hosts are common themes in positive reviews. For instance, "The bathrooms were clean, and the campground was clean." Many also appreciated the "gorgeous...

Based on 70 reviews

Common Concerns

Complaints include vault toilet odors, road noise, and limited privacy, as noted in reviews like, "Arguably one of the most picturesque sites...you continually get a waft of outhouse stench," and the...

Based on 70 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring a canopy for shade if staying at riverside sites 2 or 3, as they are "in direct sunlight." One user advised, "wear shoes while swimming" due to fishing hooks in the water. Another tip includes...

Based on 70 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer is the most popular season, as users noted the pleasant water activities and scenic views. Some complaints about heat and mosquitoes were noted during peak summer months.

Based on 70 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Been camping here for years because of the river access," "Peaceful camping on the Pend Oreille River," "Bathrooms were clean, great access to water," and "The views are stupefying and at times left...

Based on 70 reviews

Accessibility Features

There are no specific mentions of accessibility features or experiences in the reviews.

Based on 70 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pet policies are not discussed in detail in the reviews.

Based on 70 reviews

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Panhandle

$31.00 / night

Campsite Fees

STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $31.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in person).

No campsite fee categories listed.

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

Free to start · paid plans add 2-min scans

256,000+ sites monitored · Email alerts to start; SMS and in-app with an account

Learn more about alerts →

Share this campground

Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

509-447-7300comments@AmericanLL.com

Go if

You want a small, hosted campground on the Pend Oreille River with swimming and fishing access during summer.

Skip if

You need 24-hour gate access or plan to arrive late without a reservation.

Nearby Campgrounds

Frequently Visited

4.0

(46)

Browns Lake Campground

Located 25 miles northeast of Newport, WA

Browns Lake Campground sits at 3,400 feet in Colville National Forest, offering 18 primitive sites near a motor-free lake popular with fly-fishers. Recent logging has reduced shade and changed the feel from forested to more sun-exposed. Sites run $27-29 per night and fill up on summer weekends.

Panhandle

Quick Facts

Quick Facts

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Campground Map

Weather at Panhandle

Current alerts(4)

Best Time to Camp at Panhandle

Planning Tips

About Panhandle

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Reserving a campsite

Need help booking Panhandle?

Amenities available

RV details

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Policies & Safety

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What Campers Love

Common Concerns

Get Notified When Available

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How campers graded it

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Ask Camp Sage about Panhandle

Current alerts(4)

Best Time to Camp at Panhandle

Planning Tips

Best Campsites

Reserving a campsite

Need help booking Panhandle?

Amenities available

Things to do at Panhandle

Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

Reviews

What Campers Love

Common Concerns