Panhandle
4.4327 reviews15021 LECLERC RD, CUSICK, WA, 99119, USA
Quick Facts
Price
$31/night
Booking
Reservable
Sites
15 campsites
Season
Open during peak sea...
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Not Allowed
RV Friendly
Get DirectionsQuick Facts
Price
$31/night
Booking
Reservable
Sites
15 campsites
Season
Open during peak sea...
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Not Allowed
RV Friendly
Get DirectionsPanhandle
$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
Total Campsite Fees$31.00
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Provider509-447-7300comments@AmericanLL.com
What Campers Say
4.43
Recommended
Based on 27 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."
Fees & Passes at Panhandle
$31/night
Campsite fees
Standard Site
Basic tent/RV spot
Stay Limit: Maximum stay of 14 consecutive nights is allowed.
Cancellation: Cancellations are allowed before the check-in date. Late cancellations (within one calendar day befo...
Prices verified November 27, 2025
Prices may vary by season and site type. Always confirm current rates on the official Colville National Forest website.
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.
Spring (Mar-May)
Wildflowers bloom, mild temperatures, fewer crowds. Great for hiking and photography.
Best
Summer (Jun-Aug)
Peak season with warm weather, perfect for water activities. Book early.
Fall (Sep-Nov)
Beautiful fall colors, cooler temps, quieter campgrounds. Ideal for peaceful trips.
Winter (Dec-Feb)
Snow activities available. Some facilities may close. Check conditions.
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.
Historical SignificanceThe waters of the Pend Oreille River have witnessed centuries of human history, from the ancestral salmon runs that sustained Native American communities to the adventurous spirits of fur trappers who navigated these waterways in search of fortune. The surrounding Colville National Forest echoes with stories of determined miners who carved their dreams from the mountainsides and resilient homesteaders who built new lives in this rugged landscape. Today's visitors camp on ground that holds layers of American frontier history, where each bend in the river might have sheltered a prospector's camp or served as a trading post.
Weather and SeasonsNortheast 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.
ElevationNestled within the rolling mountainous terrain characteristic of northeast Washington, the campground rests at an elevation that perfectly balances accessibility with that authentic mountain atmosphere. The surrounding peaks and valleys create a natural amphitheater that captures both morning mists and evening alpenglow.
Natural Features and SceneryThe Pend Oreille River serves as the campground's stunning centerpiece, its glacially carved channel reflecting the surrounding peaks like a natural mirror. Dense forest canopy creates a living cathedral overhead, while a lush understory of ferns and shrubs provides natural privacy screens between campsites. Morning mists often drift through the towering evergreens, creating an ethereal atmosphere that photographers dream about. The interplay of water, forest, and mountain creates a landscape that shifts from intimate forest groves to sweeping river vistas, offering visitors a front-row seat to the Pacific Northwest's raw beauty.
Geological RegionPerched on the eastern bank of the Pend Oreille River, the campground showcases the dramatic results of ancient glacial artistry. Massive ice sheets once carved through this region, sculpting the deep river valley and shaping the surrounding peaks into their current majestic forms. The forested mountains of northeast Washington rise dramatically from the water's edge, their slopes clothed in evergreen forests that have reclaimed the land since the glaciers' retreat. This dynamic landscape tells a geological story millions of years in the making, where every rock face and river bend reveals another chapter in Earth's history.
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Campsite details
AccessibilityNo specific accessibility features are mentioned in the authoritative sources or user reviews.
Sites SizeSites can accommodate both tents and large RVs.
Sites 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 CampsitesFor 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 Campsites
Curated by campers, for campers
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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.
Groups
No specific group camping sites are mentioned.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutThe campground is small with 15 sites. Sites 1-7 are river-side, with sites 8–12 closer to the road.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen during peak season from May 16 to September 1. Closed outside this range.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through Recreation.gov.
Walk-in AvailabilityThe facility holds reserved sites until check-out time the day after scheduled arrival. Afterward, sites are open to first-come, first-served campers.
Cancellation PolicyCancellations are allowed before the check-in date. Late cancellations (within one calendar day before check-in) incur a $10 fee plus forfeit the first night's fee.
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.
Fishing
Fishing 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.Swimming
The 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.Boating
Boating 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 viewing
The 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 activities
The beach area is mentioned in user reviews as "pretty grassy," and while not expansive, it provides a space where children can play.Winter Activities
No winter activities are mentioned.Water Sports
Water-based activities such as canoeing and water skiing are popular on the Pend Oreille River, which features wide and deep waterways suitable for these sports.Advertisement
Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Campfires are allowed, but visitors are reminded to source firewood locally to prevent the spread of invasive pests.
- Quiet hours are 10 p.m. to 6 a.m.
Hazards
General hazardsBear 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.
Weather at Panhandle
33
°F
Dec 7
Sunday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Humidity: 92%
High humidity, may feel muggy
Wind: 2.7 mph
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Overcast
Weather History
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Detailed 7-Day Forecast
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Reveal forecast
Emergency Services
Nearest emergency services are in Newport, which is approximately 32 miles south.
Good to know
Peak season datesMay 16 to September 1.
Trash and recyclingTrash collection is available on-site, as noted in the authoritative content's amenities list.
Proximity to water featuresSituated along the Pend Oreille River. There's a small, grassy swimming area and a boat ramp on-site.
Common complaintsNoise from nearby roads and inconsiderate campers (e.g., loud partying) have been recurring complaints. Additionally, some reviews noted maintenance issues like closed water faucets.
HostReviews of the camp hosts are mixed. Some describe the hosts as friendly, helpful, and attentive, while others found them overly strict or intrusive.
Campground Map
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.
Reviews from booking and map sources
4.4
27 reviews
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 27 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...
Based on 27 reviewsShow more
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 27 reviewsShow more
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 27 reviewsShow more
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 27 reviewsCamper 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 27 reviewsShow more
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...
Based on 27 reviewsShow more
Accessibility Features
There are no specific mentions of accessibility features or experiences in the reviews.
Based on 27 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pet policies are not discussed in detail in the reviews.
Based on 27 reviewsCamper Reviews by Outdoorithm campers
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Last updated November 27, 2025
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