Riverside State Park Equestrian Campground provides exclusive camping opportunities for horse owners within the 14,000-acre Riverside State Park. The campground features designated equestrian campsites with corrals for securing horses during overnight stays. Located about 20 minutes from downtown Spokane, this facility serves as a basecamp for riders exploring the park's extensive trail network. Visitors have direct access to miles of multi-use trails without needing to trailer horses between rides.
What to do
Trail riding from camp: Riders access trail systems directly from Riverside State Park Equestrian Campground, connecting to routes throughout the park. "This area accesses many miles of hiking/biking/horseback trails along the scenic Spokane River, but the campground itself is reserved for equestrians," notes Gary M.
Train at the equestrian facilities: Practice at the dedicated horse training areas near the camping sites. Dawn explains, "Beautiful horse campground with tons of riding trials, and arena, round pen and obstacle course."
Explore nearby Bowl and Pitcher: Visit this popular area within Riverside State Park featuring a unique rock formation and suspension bridge. "I love the swinging bridge," writes Samantha W. from Bowl and Pitcher Campground, adding that hiking trails offer "wildlife viewing."
Day trips to Liberty Lake: Take a short drive east to Liberty Lake for additional outdoor recreation. Angel A. reports that Liberty Lake Regional Park "is a nice site that is know for its hiking trail. It is also close to play structure and small beach."
What campers like
Designated horse facilities: The equestrian-specific amenities make this campground ideal for horse owners. According to Keila C., "This place is such a well put together establishment... It also seems like the perfect atmosphere to really be able to bond with your horse, so you both can be comfortable while being trained together."
Convenience to Spokane: Despite feeling remote, the campground sits just minutes from urban amenities. Gary M. points out, "Even though this area is only 20 minutes from our home, we frequently camp there just for fun!"
Natural setting: The park preserves natural landscapes along the Spokane River. At nearby Bowl and Pitcher Campground, Mary C. appreciates that "there is tons of wildlife and lots of trails and riverbank to explore."
Swimming opportunities: The river provides cooling options during summer months. Arica C. notes that at Riverside State Park, "We love how calm the river is and the convenience of bringing dogs. There is a nice cement slab just in the water so it makes a safe place for kids."
What you should know
Reservation requirements: The equestrian campground requires advance booking, especially during peak riding seasons. Equestrian campsites fill quickly during summer months and holiday weekends.
Limited amenities: The facility focuses on horse accommodation rather than camper luxuries. The campground has "fire rings, picnic tables, trash collection, and drinking water," but lacks showers.
Cell service limitations: Connectivity can be spotty within the park boundaries. Lisa K. from Bowl and Pitcher Campground reported, "TMobile cell service was surprisingly slow given our proximity to Spokane."
Seasonal considerations: Weather conditions affect trail quality throughout the year. Joel R. notes, "It can be dry and hot in the summer," making morning or evening rides more comfortable during peak summer heat.
Tips for camping with families
Look for swimming spots: Riverside State Park offers safe water access for children. "There is a nice cement slab just in the water so it makes a safe place for kids," mentions Arica C. when describing riverside areas.
Consider nearby alternatives: If the equestrian campground is booked, families can find alternatives nearby. Mary C. describes Bowl and Pitcher as "a larger campground great for RV, trailers and tents. The sites are enclosed in a circle, making a nice walk or bike ride."
Day-use park access: Plan day trips from Kootenai County Fairgrounds RV Park if seeking more developed facilities. Roger P. says, "Really nice and clean campground perfectly situated to explore Coeur d'Alene and the area."
Pack for variable weather: Spokane experiences significant temperature fluctuations, even in summer. Evening temperatures can drop quickly, requiring layers even after hot days.
Tips from RVers
Size restrictions: The equestrian campground accommodates smaller RVs but has limitations. Most equestrian sites work best for shorter trailers with living quarters rather than large motorhomes.
Consider full-hookup alternatives: For extended stays with horses, some RVers alternate between the equestrian campground and nearby Ruby's Resort for full hookups. Devon L. notes, "We stayed on the premium lake view site which was solid and away from much of the other campers so it felt private."
Nearby dump stations: Plan for waste management if staying in the equestrian area. Joel R. observes that at nearby campgrounds, "The dump station is quite a drive, back out, up the hill."
Generator rules: Unlike some parks, the equestrian campground permits generator use during daytime hours, allowing RVers to recharge batteries when staying multiple nights.
