Panhandle
Closed — Closed for the season. Typically operates mid-May through early September. Reservations available through Recreation.gov.
Air Stagnation Advisory issued December 29 at 11:45AM PST until January 1 at 12:00PM PST by NWS Spokane WA
* WHAT...Stagnant conditions will have potential to trap pollutants near the ground with deteriorated air quality. * WHERE...Portions of North and North Central Idaho and North Central, Northeast, and Southeast Washington. * WHEN...Until noon PST Thursday. * IMPACTS...Periods of air stagnation can lead to the buildup of pollutants near the surface.
Alcohol Prohibitions
This Order describes acts that are prohibited upon lands, roads and trails within the National Forest System administered by the Forest Service Pacific Northwest Region in regards to alcoholic beverages.
Aquatic Invasive Species
This Order prohibits 1) possessing, storing, or transporting any aquatic invasive animal species AND 2) prohibits possessing, storing, or transporting any aquatic or riparian invasive plant species - on National Forest System lands in the Pacific Northwest Region as specified in the Order.
Restrictions on Use of Forage and Mulch Products
This Order prohibits unloading, storing, or using any straw, hay, grain, seed, or other forage or mulch products that are not state-certified weed free on the National Forest System lands, roads or trails in any Closure Area as specific in the Order.
Snow Peak and Katy Creek Fires - Area Closure Terminated
The Area Closure for the Katy Creek and Snow Peak Fire have been terminated as of October 17, 2025.
Termination Sept. 27, 2025 - Public Use Restrictions Stage 1
Public Use Restrictions Stage 1 ends on Saturday 27, 2025.
Occupancy and Use / Camping Restrictions Order: 06-21-00-25-01
Prohibits camping and/or long term occupancy by any person or group, within the boundaries of National Forest System lands administered by the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest and the Colville National Forest, for more than 14 consecutive days in one location and more than 28 calendar days annu
Food Storage Order: 06-21-00-21-02
The goal of this special order is to minimize the potential for bears and other wildlife to access human foods. Animals that have repeatedly obtained unsecured human foods can learn to associate the presence of humans with a food reward and begin to lose their natural fear of man.
Aquatic Invasive Species Order: 06-00-00-21-01
This order prohibits possessing, storing, or transporting any aquatic invasive animal species on the national Forest System lands in the Pacific Northwest Region.
About
Panhandle Campground is nestled in a heavily forested area along the east bank of the Pend Oreille River in northeast Washington's Colville National Forest. This intimate 13-site campground provides a thick middlestory that offers excellent privacy between campsites while keeping all sites within a short walk of the river. The campground features river access with a boat ramp, a swimming area, and small wetlands on the south end that attract an abundance of birds, making it popular for birding and wildlife viewing. The Pend Oreille River is wide and deep, suitable for canoeing, power boating, and water skiing with a speed limit of 35 mph. Fishing opportunities are excellent for bass and trout. The campground sits within the 1.1 million-acre Colville National Forest, where beautiful mountains and valleys were shaped by glaciers during the Ice Age. The river flows north for about 130 miles into Canada, eventually merging with the Columbia River. Sites accommodate both tents and large RVs, with vault toilets, drinking water, and picnic tables provided. Bears and cougars frequent the area, requiring proper food storage. The campground entrance gates are locked from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m., and quiet hours are enforced during this period. Scenic forest roads within a 30-mile radius offer opportunities for wildlife viewing and exploring scenic overlooks.
Directions
From Newport, travel east on U.S. Highway 2 for 0.75 miles. After crossing the Pend Oreille River bridge, turn left on LeClerc Road and travel 32 miles north to the campground. Alternatively, from Newport follow State Highway 20 north for 15 miles to Usk, cross the bridge over the Pend Oreille River, turn north onto LeClerc Road (County Road 9325), and continue 15 miles to the campground entrance.
Nearby Campgrounds
Amenities
| Water | Yes |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | No |
| Water Hookups | No |
| Sewer Hookups | No |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $31 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | 33ft |
| Max Trailer Length | 33ft |
| Big Rig Friendly | Yes |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (509) 447-7300 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | Yes |
| Verizon | Yes |
| T-Mobile | Yes |
Availability
Photos
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