Riverside State Park spans over 14,000 acres along the Spokane River and features basalt rock formations shaped by ancient lava flows and glacial flooding. The park sits at elevations ranging from 1,700 to 2,200 feet, creating diverse terrain for campers to explore. Summer temperatures typically reach the 80s during day and cool to the 50s at night, making it comfortable for tent camping.
What to do
Swimming access points: Liberty Lake Regional Park offers swimming from May through mid-September where the lake water warms up nicely. "The park has a beach where you can swim and kayak and canoe and fish, birds and wildlife around singing beautifully day and night," notes a reviewer at Liberty Lake Regional Park.
Hiking trails: Dragoon Creek Campground provides a more secluded camping experience with limited recreational options. "Bathrooms were immaculate, and the sites are spacious and not right on top of each other. Other then the creek (not available from our site) there's no recreation. If you're looking to just set up and relax, it's wonderful," explains a camper at Dragoon Creek.
Horseback riding: The Riverside State Park Equestrian Campground offers dedicated facilities for horse enthusiasts. "This area accesses many miles of hiking/biking/horseback trails along the scenic Spokane River, but the campground itself is reserved for equestrians. There is also an arena, round pen, and trail training course a quarter mile up the road from the campground," writes a regular visitor.
What campers like
Proximity to town: Many campers appreciate how close Spokane camping options are while feeling removed from urban settings. "We actually live right down the road from this park and now a days, hike here regularly. This is a nice little campground with plenty of tent sites and trails to check out. It is really close to Spokane but is nestled in such a way that you would not realize the city is there," mentions one reviewer at Riverside State Park.
Cell service availability: Signal strength varies by location, providing options for those who need to stay connected. "TMobile cell service was surprisingly slow given our proximity to Spokane," notes one camper at Riverside State Park, while Northern Quest RV Resort gets praise for connectivity: "Nice park with Wi-Fi and Pool. Spacious lots with grass and asphalt pads. Easy to get around, quick access to a gas station and Wal-Mart is super close."
Suspension bridge access: The bridge at Bowl and Pitcher is frequently mentioned as a highlight. "Lots of space for swimming and fishing! My favorite thing was the suspension bridge over the river," writes a visitor to Bowl and Pitcher Campground.
What you should know
Cost variations: Expect different price points depending on amenities. "Only reason I am not giving this five stars that's because it runs between 35 to 75 a night to stay there ranging from camping to full RV hookup," explains a Liberty Lake Regional Park visitor.
Seasonal insect issues: Some campsites have significant insect populations. "This campground has way, way too many bees. They are a nuisance can't relax without having to worry about a bee flying in your face," warns a camper at Dragoon Creek Campground.
Site privacy differences: Campground layouts vary widely in how much separation exists between sites. "Sites one through 18 are on the river and much more spacious and have full utilities. I rated the campground at four because of it's expense and because the sites on the upper loop are a little tight," explains a visitor to Riverside State Park.
Tips for camping with families
Shade importance: When camping with kids, consider sun exposure at your site. "There is hardly any shade at the campsite. The RV/camper sites have full or partial hook-ups. All back in," notes a camper at Nine Mile Recreation Area.
Water features: Look for campgrounds with easy water access for children. "This is a place that my family and I visit a lot. We love how calm the river is and the convenience of bringing it dogs. There is a nice cement slab just in the water so it makes a safe place for kids," shares a visitor.
Off-grid preparation: Cell service varies significantly between locations. "This is a perfect getaway for people looking to unplug as no cell service (tested on sprint, verizon, and google fi) is available," writes a camper at Spokane KOA Journey.
Tips from RVers
Noise considerations: Train noise affects some campgrounds more than others. "The tent sites had a nice triangular metal and wood canopy for shelter from rain and also for shade. It is right next to an active railroad, so bring earplugs if you don't want to be woken up by trains several times," advises a Spokane KOA Journey visitor.
Site leveling: Be prepared for uneven sites at some locations. "Nice cozy camp site. Can be a bit crowded but is nice here. Cell service is solid att and Verizon. Nice hiking and cycling trails. Lake looks pretty but didn't go in. Was very hot here in July with no wind. Shower is ok not great," warns a camper about site conditions.
Limited big-rig access: Some roads and sites have restrictions. "The road in was kinda sketchy if you are pulling a large RV," notes a Liberty Lake Regional Park camper, while another at Riverside State Park cautions, "The largest site length is 45 feet, so large RVs won't fit."
