Panhandle

Star4.37
70 reviews
15021 LECLERC RD, CUSICK, WA, 99119, USA
SwimmingSummer 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

Opens Colville National Forest site

Official Website
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Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026
Panhandle
$31.00 - $31.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Fees are $31 per night for standard nonelectric sites during the peak season of May 16 to September 1.
Standard Site Fee$31.00
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

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What Campers Say

4.37

Recommended

Based on 70 reviews

32 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewscleanfriendly

Some mention

noise

"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."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

15021 LECLERC RD, CUSICK, WA, 99119, USA

Panhandle

15021 LECLERC RD, CUSICK, WA, 99119, USA

Driving directionsFrom downtown Newport, travel east on U.S. Highway 2 for 0.75 miles. Immediately after crossing the Pend Oreille River bridge, turn left on LeClerc Road and travel 32 miles north to Panhandle Campground.
The campground is accessible via paved roads, but noise from nearby major roads has been noted in user reviews.
Nearby places
Newport (~32 miles south, ~40-45 minute drive)
Nearby supplies
Supplies can be accessed in Newport, approximately 32 miles south of the campground.

Best Time to Camp at Panhandle

Northeast Washington's dramatic seasons paint Panhandle Campground in ever-changing colors throughout the year. Summer brings warm, sun-drenched days perfect for river activities, though temperatures can soar to create those quintessential hot afternoon moments that make a dip in the cool Pend Oreille River irresistible. As autumn arrives, crisp mornings give way to comfortable days, while winter transforms the landscape into a snow-dusted wonderland. Spring emerges with moderate rainfall that awakens the forest and fills the air with the scent of pine and fresh earth.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.5 / 5
Top 23% in WA

Peak season May 16–Sept 1; summer praised for water activities, scenic views, and pleasant days.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
Not recommended

Campground closes after Sept 1; fall season largely outside operating dates.

Spring(Mar-May)
Not recommended

Opens May 16; spring season largely closed except late-May opening day.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Closed outside May 16–Sept 1; winter camping and activities not supported.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: May 16 to September 1.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open during peak season from May 16 to September 1. Closed outside this range.
  • Current Alerts: No specific alerts were mentioned.

About Panhandle

Tucked away in the pristine wilderness of Colville National Forest, Panhandle Campground offers adventurous souls a peaceful retreat along the meandering Pend Oreille River. This hidden gem attracts those seeking solitude and authentic outdoor experiences, where the gentle rush of river water replaces the buzz of crowded destinations. While its rustic charm means fewer modern conveniences, visitors are rewarded with unparalleled access to pristine fishing spots and tranquil paddling waters. The intimate size of this riverside haven creates a sense of discovery, though travelers should come prepared for a true back-to-basics camping experience.
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.
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
  • Check-in time is set by the facility
  • no specific time mentioned.
Check-out
  • Check-out time is set by the facility
  • no specific time mentioned.
Stay Limit
Maximum stay of 14 consecutive nights is allowed.

Amenities available

Potable water
Fire rings
Food storage lockers
Picnic tables
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

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.
FishingFishing is a prominent activity at the campground, with "excellent fishing opportunities for bass and trout" in the Pend Oreille River. A user review mentioned, "good river fishing," affirming the quality of the fishing experience.
SwimmingThe campground features a swimming area directly on the Pend Oreille River. A user review observed, "The water felt wonderful," advising swimmers to "wear shoes because I found two different types of fishing hooks where my granddaughter and I were swimming." Another user noted, "swimming area was very small," but it was still a draw for visitors.
BoatingBoating is a significant activity at the campground, with power boating, water skiing, and canoeing highlighted in the authoritative content. The Pend Oreille River's wide and deep waters support these activities, and a boat ramp is available on-site.
Wildlife viewingThe campground attracts an abundance of birds due to small wetlands in the southern area. Furthermore, exploring within a 30-mile radius offers ample opportunities to view wildlife.
Beach activitiesThe beach area is mentioned in user reviews as "pretty grassy," and while not expansive, it provides a space where children can play.
Winter Activities
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsBear and cougar activity is common; visitors must take precautions with food storage. Users have also reported fishing hooks in swimming areas and uneven boat ramps.
Active AlertsNo specific alerts were mentioned.
Food Storage RequiredBear-proof food lockers are available at the campground.

Weather at Panhandle

Reviews

4.4
70 reviews
Recommended
Recommended
Panhandle is recommended, placing it in the top 40% 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

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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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Based on 70 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site 2 and Site 3 are noted for their excellent river views but are "in direct sunlight" and may require shade. Sites 4, 5, 6, and 7 are recommended for their shade. Site 8 accommodates larger RVs...
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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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Last updated January 13, 2026
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