Edgewater Campground

For local users in the Ione, Washington area and those searching online for "camping near me," Edgewater Campground, located on NF-1130 in Ione, WA 99139, USA, offers a riverside camping experience with a mix of positive and cautionary feedback from visitors. Situated near the town of Ione, this campground provides access to the Pend Oreille River and the surrounding natural environment. Reviews highlight aspects such as safety, cleanliness, and river access, while also noting potential limitations regarding campsite size and the swimming area.

One reviewer shared a very positive experience, describing their first solo camping trip with their daughter as feeling "so comfortable" due to the peaceful and safe atmosphere of Edgewater Campground. This sense of security can be a significant draw for solo female travelers or families prioritizing safety. The reviewer also praised the "really nice and spacious" campsites, particularly for tent camping, noting "lots of flat spots for tents." This suggests that for those primarily tent camping, some sites offer ample room and ease of setup.

A notable feature appreciated by this reviewer was the presence of "bear safe food storage," an essential amenity in areas with potential wildlife encounters, providing campers with a secure way to store their food and protect themselves and the local fauna. The access to the river was also a major positive, with the reviewer describing it as "peaceful and great for kids." They specifically mentioned a "lovely little beach" area suitable for young children to splash around in, along with a sandy section extending about 10 feet into the water, making it comfortable for bare feet. The river also offers varied environments, including rockier areas and deeper sections with aquatic plants, where "fun to watch the jumping fish" can be enjoyed, indicating opportunities for fishing or simply observing wildlife.

The town of Ione, while "super small," was noted to have provided the necessary amenities for the reviewer's trip. The "Food court there is good and has excellent ice cream," suggesting local dining options. The "really love the red bridge there" comment indicates a local landmark or scenic spot worth visiting near the campground. Based on this positive experience, the reviewer stated they would "definitely go again," highlighting the overall appeal of Edgewater Campground for certain types of campers.

In contrast, another reviewer provided a more mixed assessment. They acknowledged that "the campground was clean, and tidy" and specifically praised the "pit toilets" for being "really clean," which is an important factor for many campers. However, they raised concerns about the size of most campsites, stating that "with the exception of 2 (5 and 7) are extremely small and tight if you have more than a tent." This is a crucial point for RV owners or those with larger tents and camping setups, suggesting that the majority of sites might be better suited for smaller tents with limited additional space.

The issue of shade was also noted as a limitation, with "very little areas for shade during the heat of the day." This could be a significant drawback during warmer months, potentially making the campsites uncomfortable during peak sunlight hours. Campers planning to visit during such times should be prepared with their own shade provisions.

The reviewer also expressed disappointment with the "campground swimming area," describing it as "basically a goose wading area." This contradicts the previous reviewer's positive experience with the river access for children. The second reviewer further noted that the only other way to access deeper water was via "steep trails," which led to access points with "terribly thick weeds under the water" that were deemed unsafe. This suggests that while river access exists, the quality and safety of the swimming areas might vary and might not be ideal for all campers, particularly those seeking a clear and easily accessible swimming spot.

Due to the perceived limitations of the campground's swimming area, this reviewer mentioned visiting the "ione City Park," which was described as "not much better, but some." This indicates that alternative swimming options in the vicinity might also be limited. However, the reviewer did highlight the positive aspects of the natural environment, noting that "the stars were amazing, the nature sublime." This underscores the potential for enjoying the night sky and the overall beauty of the surrounding area, even if the campground itself has some drawbacks.

Overall, this second review concluded that while the nature was beautiful, the campground experience was "not stellar," primarily due to the small campsite sizes (excluding a couple of exceptions), limited shade, and the less-than-ideal swimming conditions.

Based on these contrasting reviews, potential features and aspects of Edgewater Campground include:

• **Riverside location on the Pend Oreille River:** Offering water access and scenic views.
• **Generally clean and tidy facilities:** Including notably clean pit toilets.
• **Some spacious tent sites:** Sites 5 and 7 are mentioned as being larger.
• **Bear-safe food storage:** Providing security against wildlife.
• **Calm river areas suitable for children:** With a shallow, sandy entry point.
• **Potential for fishing and wildlife viewing:** Including jumping fish in deeper river sections.
• **Proximity to the small town of Ione:** Offering basic amenities and a food court with ice cream.
• **Beautiful natural surroundings:** Including opportunities for stargazing.

However, potential drawbacks to consider include:

• **Small and tight campsites (most):** May not be suitable for larger tents or RVs.
• **Limited shade:** Can make campsites hot during the day.
• **Potentially poor swimming conditions:** The main swimming area described as a "goose wading area" with limited clear access to deeper water.
• **Steep and weedy access points to deeper water:** Posing potential safety concerns.

No specific promotional information is available in the provided reviews. Local users interested in camping at Edgewater Campground should contact them directly at (509) 446-7500 or +1 509-446-7500 to inquire about campsite availability, sizes, specific amenities at each site, current fees, and any regulations. It would be beneficial to ask about the best sites for tents versus RVs (if allowed), the availability of shade, and to get a clearer picture of the river access and swimming conditions based on the current water levels and any recent changes.

In conclusion, Edgewater Campground near Ione, Washington, offers a riverside setting with aspects that appeal to certain types of campers, particularly those with smaller tents who appreciate a peaceful and safe environment with direct river access for children. The cleanliness of the facilities and the bear-safe storage are also positive features. However, potential visitors should be aware of the generally small campsite sizes, limited shade, and potentially less-than-ideal swimming conditions as described by some reviewers. It is recommended to contact the campground directly for detailed information to ensure it meets individual camping needs and expectations when searching for "camping near me" in the Ione area.

Edgewater Campground

NF-1130, Ione, WA 99139, USA