Can you reserve a site at Panhandle?

Yes, Panhandle is reservable through Recreation.gov.

How many campsites does Panhandle have?

13 sites in total, of which 12 can be booked.

What is the maximum RV length at Panhandle?

33 ft. That is the longest vehicle the sites here are recorded as taking; individual sites may be shorter.

Are campfires allowed at Panhandle?

Campfires are allowed at Panhandle. Check for a current fire restriction before you go.

Panhandle, Washington — 12 sites, fees and cancellation alerts

Overview

Panhandle Campground is set in a heavily forested area on the Pend Oreille River in northeast Washington. This small campground offers sites with views of the river, plus a swimming area right along the campground.

Recreation

Canoeing and birding are popular activities. Small wetlands areas lie on the south end of the campground, attracting an abundance of birds. Excellent fishing opportunities for bass and trout exist in the river as well.

Power boating and water skiing are possible on the wide, deep Pend Oreille River. Boating speeds are limited to 35 mph. A boat ramp is located on-site.

Facilities

Sites are suitable for tents and large RVs. Most sites are private and all are within a short walk of the river. Drinking water, vault toilets and picnic tables are among the campground's amenities.

Natural Features

The campground stretches along the east bank of the Pend Oreille River. A thick middlestory offers good privacy between campsites. The Pend Oreille River flows north for about 130 miles into Canada and merges with the Columbia River. The beautiful mountains and valleys were shaped by glaciers in the Ice Age.

The Colville National Forest encompasses 1.1 million acres in the northeast corner of Washington State. The forest's great salmon runs first attracted Native Americans to the area, then miners, homesteaders and fur trappers. Its variety of resources and natural beauty continues to attract visitors today.

Nearby Attractions

Cruise the forest roads within a 30-mile radius and find an abundance of scenic overlooks and chances to see wildlife.

The facts

Season: May 17 – Labor Day Weekend — USDA Forest Service, Aug 24, 2026
12 bookable sites
13 sites in total, including non-bookable
Vehicles up to 33 ft
Up to 8 people per site
Loops: AREA PANHANDLE

Site types

12 Standard Nonelectric
1 Management

Amenities

Campfires allowed
Shade

Not recorded upstream: electric hookups, water hookups, sewer hookups, fire pits, picnic tables, grills, pets allowed.

Book on Recreation.gov

13 campsites at Panhandle

Check-in 2:00 PM · Check-out 12:00 PM

Site	Loop	Type	Entry	Surface	Max rig	People
001	AREA PANHANDLE	Management	Back In	Gravel	33 ft	8
002	AREA PANHANDLE	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Gravel	33 ft	8
003	AREA PANHANDLE	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Gravel	33 ft	8
004	AREA PANHANDLE	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Gravel	33 ft	8
005	AREA PANHANDLE	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Gravel	33 ft	8
006	AREA PANHANDLE	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Gravel	33 ft	8
007	AREA PANHANDLE	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Gravel	33 ft	8
008	AREA PANHANDLE	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Gravel	33 ft	8
009	AREA PANHANDLE	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Gravel	33 ft	8
010	AREA PANHANDLE	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Gravel	33 ft	8
011	AREA PANHANDLE	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Gravel	33 ft	8
012	AREA PANHANDLE	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Gravel	33 ft	8
013	AREA PANHANDLE	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Gravel	33 ft	8

Getting there

From 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.

48.51000, -117.27139 · 48°30'36.0"N 117°16'17.0"W

Directions (Google Maps) · Directions (Apple Maps)

Typical weather

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
High °F	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—
Low °F	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—
Precip in	6.5	4.6	5.7	4.3	4.4	4.4	1.7	1.3	2.1	4.5	6.7	6.7

1991–2020 averages from the nearest NOAA station, 13.1 mi away — not measured at the facility itself, and elevation can make a real difference over that distance.

Map

Common questions about Panhandle

Can you reserve a site at Panhandle?: Yes, Panhandle is reservable through Recreation.gov.
How many campsites does Panhandle have?: 13 sites in total, of which 12 can be booked.
What is the maximum RV length at Panhandle?: 33 ft. That is the longest vehicle the sites here are recorded as taking; individual sites may be shorter.
Are campfires allowed at Panhandle?: Campfires are allowed at Panhandle. Check for a current fire restriction before you go.

Also listed by

Panhandle also appears in other federal recreation data. Facts below are matched by name and location, not confirmed by Panhandle's operator.

USDA Forest Service — data as of Aug 24, 2026

Camping: $29/single site
Extra vehicle: $10 (Overflow Parking)
Day use: $10
Season Day Pass for Colville and Idaho Panhandle: $52

Restrictions:

Quiet hours between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m.
Campfire in developed fire ring only
Fireworks are prohibited
Pets must be on leash
OHV use prohibited in the campground
Maximum length of stay: 14 days
Food and wildlife attractants must be properly stored at all times

USDA Forest Service's own page

Camping near Panhandle

Gillette Campground 13.9 mi · Campground · we watch it
Lake Gillette Campground 14.1 mi · Campground · we watch it
Luby Bay 16 mi · Campground · we watch it
Outlet AT Priest Lake 16.2 mi · Campground · we watch it
Osprey 17.3 mi · Campground · we watch it
Browns Lake Campground 6.2 mi · Campground
South Skookum Lake Campground 9.1 mi · Campground
Lake Leo Campground 14.1 mi · Campground
Lake Thomas Campground 14.4 mi · Campground
Luby Bay Campground 16.1 mi · Campground
Outlet at Priest Lake Campground 17.3 mi · Campground
Kalispell Island Group Site and other Campgrounds 17.5 mi · Campground

Contact

Recreation.gov last updated this record on 2026-02-25.

Panhandle