Riverside State Park Equestrian Campground caters specifically to horse enthusiasts with dedicated facilities 20 minutes from Spokane. The campground offers a designated arena, round pen, and obstacle course for horse training. Direct access to miles of bridle trails along the Spokane River makes this an ideal destination for equestrian camping near Airway Heights, Washington. The park's climate ranges from hot, dry summers to cold winters, with spring and fall offering moderate temperatures ideal for trail riding.
What to do
Horse training sessions: The obstacle course at Riverside State Park Equestrian Campground provides excellent training opportunities. "This place is such a well put together establishment, it has the most beautiful breath taking sceneries. It also seems like the perfect atmosphere to reallly beable to bond with your horse," notes Keila C.
Hiking forest trails: Liberty Lake Regional Park offers multiple hiking options through wooded terrain. "Several hiking trails, including an equestrian trail, waterfall, fishing and lots of wildlife. There were deer in the campground every day, we saw moose, owls, pilated woodpecker, and hawks," reports Joel R.
Water recreation: Silver Lake provides swimming and fishing opportunities during summer months. Jen S. mentions that Ruby's Resort offers "Beautiful views, calm, and quiet area," making it perfect for lakeside activities.
Wildlife viewing: Parks in the region host diverse wildlife populations. Liberty Lake campers report regular deer sightings within the campground plus occasional moose encounters. The natural habitat supports various bird species, making it suitable for casual birdwatching.
What campers like
Spacious sites: Kootenai County Fairgrounds RV Park receives praise for its layout. "The sites are all pretty level with the parking areas paved. Grass and groomed gravel areas too," notes Joseph. Another camper adds, "We loved how large the sites and overall area was, so we could back our rig in easily."
Trail connectivity: Horse enthusiasts appreciate accessing trails directly from camp. Gary M. from Riverside State Park Equestrian Campground states, "This area accesses many miles of hiking/biking/horseback trails along the scenic Spokane River, but the campground itself is reserved for equestrians."
Family-friendly beaches: Bowl and Pitcher Campground at Riverside State Park offers river access. Arica C. notes, "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."
Convenient locations: Most campgrounds in the region sit within 30 minutes of Spokane, making them accessible for weekend trips. Multiple campgrounds offer proximity to stores, restaurants, and urban amenities while maintaining natural settings.
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Popular equestrian sites fill quickly during peak season (May-September). Advance bookings are recommended, especially for weekend camping.
Site privacy varies: Some campgrounds offer more separation between sites than others. Annika W. mentions about Liberty Lake: "I stayed in the tent part of the campground, and 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."
Weather considerations: Summer temperatures regularly exceed 90°F with limited shade at some locations. At Kootenai County Fairgrounds RV Park, one camper noted "90+ degrees was brutal in this tar paved" area, adding "they have planted trees but it is going to be a while for them to mature."
Generator policies: Generator rules differ between campgrounds. At Riverside State Park, generators are permitted at the equestrian campground but prohibited at Bowl and Pitcher Campground, creating different noise levels.
Tips for camping with families
Beach access options: Ruby's Resort provides lakefront sites ideal for families with children. Devon L. shares, "Great spot for fishing and playing with the kids. We stayed on the premium lake view site which was solid and away from much of the other campers so it felt private."
Kid-friendly trails: Several parks offer shorter hiking loops suitable for children. At Bowl and Pitcher, the suspension bridge across the Spokane River creates an exciting landmark for kids to explore.
Playground proximity: Liberty Lake Regional Park features play structures near the campground. Angel A. notes, "This is a nice site that is know for its hiking trail. It is also close to play structure and small beach."
Wildlife education: Morning and evening hours offer prime wildlife viewing opportunities. Children can participate in wildlife spotting with several campgrounds reporting regular deer sightings within camping areas.
Tips from RVers
Size considerations: Ruby's Resort has limitations for larger rigs. Jen S. cautions, "My only complaint is how tight the campground is. Definitely not made for big rigs or 40'. Smaller campers only."
Dump station locations: Some campgrounds have on-site dump stations while others require driving to nearby facilities. At Kootenai County Fairgrounds RV Park, Joseph mentions "There is also a sewer dump station with 4 dumps, located just west of this park."
Leveling requirements: Come prepared with leveling blocks for some sites. Adam B. advises "Bring your blocks" when visiting Liberty Lake Regional Park.
Road access challenges: When approaching Kootenai County Fairgrounds RV Park, Rick Shannon P. recommends: "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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