DNR reopens Dragoon Creek Campground

Dragoon Creek Campground is an easy fix for Spokane campers looking for a night under the stars.

Just 15 minutes north of Spokane off U.S. 395, turn west at mile marker 175 to the campground operated by the Washington Department of Natural Resources.

The campground, which features tent and RV sites, fire pits, restrooms, drinking water and grassy meadows near the creek, is scheduled to open this weekend after being closed last year.

Water systems were still being tested this week.

No pets are allowed. The campground gate is closed and locked at 8 p.m. and reopened at 7 a.m.to keep vehicles from going in or out during the night.

No fee is charged for camping at the 22 sites, but vehicles must have a Washington Discover Pass.

Dragoon had been closed four years for lack of funding before sales of state Discover Passes enabled it to reopen in 2012. Last year, the state couldn’t find season-long campground hosts and closed the site.

Discover Passes, $10 a day or $30 a season, are available at stores such as REI or online. Passes also can be purchased on smart phones from the Washington State Parks website. Write the confirmation code on paper and place it on the vehicle dashboard.