I have a book that has tons of them, you are right, most are hike-in or pretty secluded, and sometimes don't have drinking water, etc. Give me an idea of what area you live in or want to camp in and I will look in my book for ya!

I live in Spokane Washington and would be interested in the eastern part of WA and Northern Idaho. Also what is the name of that book and is it available to purchase anywhere? Thank you.

Hey Amy, I live in Seattle now but I'm from spokane. The book is called "Washington Camping". It is a Foghorn Outdoors book by Stephani and Tom Stienstra. They would definitely have it at REI (that's where I got it), I have also found it used on Amazon.com for pretty cheap. The book has more than 650 campgrounds in WA (none in Idaho). I will go through it and find a few free ones in there for you (there are so many, it will take me a little while). If you don't mind paying, I highly suggest Priest Lake in N. Idaho. I grew up camping there and it is the greatest place ever! Even better, hike or canoe to upper priest lake where it is secluded (maybe free), hardly anyone up there. You can't drive to the upper part of the lake, but it is well worth the effort to get there.

You should definitely get the book, but I can look for you in the meantime. Are you trying to stay close to spokane? What kind of place are you looking for; rivers, lakes, mountains??

I am not picky on where to camp but would like to stay on the Eastern side nearer to Spokane. I like it all mountains, lakes, and rivers. Thanks for looking and for the great book advice. Thank You.

Okay, so I found ALOT of free ones that seem pretty good. I will list all the ones that seem to fit what you want, then just google the campground names and you can find out all the info on them. Alot of the campgrounds I found are on this site: http://www.fs.fed.us/r6/uma/recreation/campgrounds/pomeroy-cg.shtml

Here is a list, let me know if you can't find info on any of them (when you google, add WA at the end so you get washington state) example: Davis Lake Campground WA

look into these ones:
*Davis Lake
*Trout Lake
*Sheep Creek
*Big Meadow Lake
*Williams Lake
*Douglas Falls
*Starvation Lake
*Flodelle Creek
*Skookum Creek
*Dragoon Creek (really close to spokane, I've been there, not too great IMO)
*Tucannon
*Alder Thicket
*Big Springs
*Teal Springs
*Godman

so all these ones are free and most are already open, some open on June 1. Most should be within a few hours of Spokane. Alot are really secluded with only a few camp sites at each one. You should be able to find more info and directions online. (but get the book and you will never run out of new places to go). Happy Camping!

Thank you so much for those ideas they will help me so much in our last minute camping getaways that we do all summer. Thanks Again.

Another good source for free campgrounds is "Rays Guides to free campgrounds"..He has three books out that cover Washington State, Oregon and Idaho...I've got all three books and have stayed at some really beautiful spots in all three states...
Happy camping...