Riverside State Park Equestrian Campground has individual horse corrals and a trail training course a quarter mile from the main camping area. Located near Plummer, Idaho, this area experiences warm summers with daytime temperatures often exceeding 85°F and cool nights in the 50s. The equestrian facilities can accommodate horses on high lines in overflow areas with permission from park staff. Riders appreciate direct access to the extensive trail system along the Spokane River.
What to do
Trail riding with horses: At Riverside State Park Equestrian Campground, riders can access numerous trails along the Spokane River. "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. The campground features "an arena, round pen, and trail training course a quarter mile up the road from the campground."
Fishing at local lakes: Spring Valley Reservoir offers good fishing opportunities about 30 miles south of Plummer. "Great docks on the water, swimming, fishing, bathrooms, trash cans, and even a fish cleaning station," writes Hannah C. The reservoir is "located conveniently near Troy, and is about a 25 minute drive to Moscow."
Hiking scenic trails: Liberty Lake Regional Park maintains several trails for day use. "This is a nice site that is know for its hiking trail. It is also close to play structure and small beach," explains Angel A. The park is "surrounded by a heavily wooded area that is very beautiful and well kept up."
What campers like
Privacy between sites: The campground layout at Bowl and Pitcher Campground provides some separation between campers. "Sites are pretty open not offering a good amount of privacy, though most are along the Spokane River. Each site has a picnic table and fire ring, with bbq grate," writes Mary C. The campground has "showers and flushing toilets!"
Wildlife viewing: The natural setting supports diverse wildlife observation. Joel R. notes that at Liberty Lake Regional Park, "We saw moose, owls, pilated woodpecker, and hawks. We were there over July 4th weekend and they had a fireworks display on the beach." Bird watchers at Spring Valley Reservoir often see "a Great Blue Heron and often eagles as well," according to Celine K.
Swimming areas: Many campgrounds offer water access for cooling off during summer months. "The water is clean and nice through most of the summer," reports Celine K. about Spring Valley Reservoir. At Liberty Lake Regional Park, Steve M. mentions "a beach where you can swim and kayak and canoe and fish, birds and wildlife around singing beautifully day and night."
What you should know
Cell service varies: Connectivity differs significantly between campgrounds near Plummer. At Breakwater Campground, Dealspeed warns, "Be prepared for no cell service. 0 amenities. it's just a place to pitch a tent and have a fire." Meanwhile, at Bowl and Pitcher Campground, Mary C. notes this is "a perfect getaway for people looking to unplug as no cell service (tested on sprint, verizon, and google fi) is available."
Summer heat considerations: The region can get quite hot during peak months. Adam B. reports at Liberty Lake Regional Park, "Was very hot here in July with no wind." Similarly, at Kootenai County Fairgrounds RV Park, Mary F. cautions, "90+ degrees was brutal in this tar paved. Noted, they have planted trees but it is going to be a while for them to mature before they provide shade."
Reservation requirements: Many campgrounds fill quickly during peak season. Lisa K. advises about Bowl and Pitcher Campground, "We did not have reservations beforehand and got the last space available on a Monday. Advise reservations." The more popular equestrian sites should be booked well in advance.
Tips for camping with families
Look for kid-friendly water access: Several campgrounds feature swimming areas suitable for children. At Spring Valley Reservoir, Hayli N. notes it's "a very easy access campsite. Close to the town of Troy and simple setup. You can camp up by the reservoir parking lot, or further in, closer to the wooded area." The site is "great for fishing" and "great for families."
Consider noise levels: Some campgrounds are quieter than others. Annika W. cautions about Liberty Lake Regional Park, "The sites (especially the first few) are awfully close. This is a great campground for camping with friends but I don't recommend it for a quiet getaway." In contrast, Ruby's Resort offers a "Beautiful, calm, and quiet area," according to Jen S.
Check for play areas: Some campgrounds include recreational facilities for children. Angel A. mentions Liberty Lake Regional Park is "close to play structure and small beach. It has paved/gravel roads." These features make it easier to entertain children during your stay.
Tips from RVers
Site length limitations: Check campground restrictions before arriving with larger rigs. At Ruby's Resort, Jen S. cautions, "Definitely not made for big rigs or 40'. Smaller campers only." Similarly, Joel R. notes that at Bowl and Pitcher Campground, "The largest site length is 45 feet, so large RVs won't fit."
Hookup availability: Electrical and water connections vary between sites. Rick Shannon P. says Kootenai County Fairgrounds RV Park "is big rig friendly. I stayed in a 45 class A motorhome with a tow vehicle. I had no problem with the access to the rv park." Hannah C. appreciates that Spring Valley Reservoir has "RV sites have water and electricity unlike most campgrounds in the area."
Access road considerations: Some campgrounds have challenging approach roads. Angel A. warns about Liberty Lake Regional Park, "The road in was kinda sketchy if you are pulling a large RV." Rick Shannon P. advises for Kootenai County Fairgrounds RV Park, "If you are coming off of interstate 90, don't use exit 13. The round about is way to small to handle big rig or any camper. The best route is exit 12 big rig friendly."
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