Best Campgrounds near Cheney, WA

Campgrounds near Cheney, Washington span from established RV parks to dispersed public lands, with several options clustered around nearby lakes and recreation areas. Peaceful Pines RV Park & Campground in Cheney provides tent and RV camping with full hookups, while Fishtrap Recreation Area offers free dispersed camping on BLM land about 20 miles southwest. Clear Lake Recreation Area and Military sites provide lakefront access with cabins, tent sites, and RV hookups. The region includes both publicly managed sites and privately operated campgrounds, with varying levels of development from primitive sites to fully serviced RV resorts.

Camping is available year-round at some locations like Fishtrap Recreation Area, though many campgrounds operate seasonally from May through September. Willow Creek Retreat, a small private campground with seven sites, operates during the summer months and provides electric hookups for both tent and RV campers. Most established campgrounds near Cheney require reservations, particularly during peak summer months. Several military-affiliated campgrounds, including Clear Lake Recreation Area and Fairchild AFB FamCamp, restrict access to active and retired military personnel and their families. A camper noted about Willow Creek Retreat: "Small quiet campground, very clean, fun atmosphere. Host was great and messaged us and made sure we knew how to get there."

Waterfront access represents a significant draw for campers in the Cheney area, with Clear Lake and Silver Lake offering popular camping options. Several visitors mentioned Silver Lake's scenic views as a highlight, though some noted the compact nature of camping sites. Ruby's Resort at Silver Lake provides lakefront sites that reviewers praised for fishing opportunities and holiday celebrations, though some mentioned issues with campground sprinklers affecting tent sites. Military campgrounds receive mixed reviews, with some praising their maintenance and family-friendly amenities while others note limited shade at certain sites. For those seeking a more pastoral setting, Willow Creek Retreat earned consistently positive feedback for its spacious, grassy sites under willow trees, though some reviewers mentioned noise from nearby transportation corridors including airports and railroads.

Best Camping Sites Near Cheney, Washington (118)

    1. Hog Lake Campground

    34 Reviews
    Sprague, WA
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (509) 536-1200

    "We have stayed here twice while driving through the area. It’s quiet and really close to the highway. There are 10-12 spots along the gravel road to Hog Lake."

    "Can’t drive right down to the lake , but you can walk in and take the trail around it ."

    2. Bowl and Pitcher Campground — Riverside State Park

    30 Reviews
    Spokane, WA
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (509) 465-5064

    "Multiple water spigots close by. Lots of walking trails nearby and a cool suspension bridge over the river. Other than the lack of solitude, absolutely no complaints."

    "If you want to camp but still be close to all the city amenities then this is the spot for you. Beautiful location by the river with miles of biking & walking trails."

    3. Willow Creek Retreat

    8 Reviews
    Airway Heights, WA
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (509) 218-6519

    $55 - $89 / night

    "There is an airport near by but I only heard one plane during our stay! Would love to stay here longer next time!"

    "I loved being out near the pastures, with plenty of adorable and sweet animals. The host is so kind and responsive and I am so grateful to her for opening the property up to campers :) 12/10!!"

    4. Northern Quest RV Resort

    9 Reviews
    Airway Heights, WA
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (833) 702-2082

    $65 - $75 / night

    "Easy to get around, quick access to a gas station and Wal-Mart is super close."

    5. Peaceful Pines RV Park & Campground

    5 Reviews
    Cheney, WA
    1 mile
    Website
    +1 (509) 235-4966

    "Small campground just outside of Cheney. Clean restrooms and showers. Has a game room and laundry facility. Friendly staff."

    "Small grocery and Mexican restaurant a short drive away about a mile. Cute town with small state university. 9 miles southeast of I90 but only adds about 5 miles to east-west I90 trip (triangulates)."

    6. Clear Lake Recreation Area

    5 Reviews
    Medical Lake, WA
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (509) 247-5920

    "Only $15 for a dry tent space with shade and view of the lake! Why not give it 5 stars? The visitors are primarily young, drinking, playing loud music, driving fast and kicking up dust."

    "Clear Lake Recreation Area is amazing! The scenery is beautiful, and there are plenty of activities for everyone."

    7. Fishtrap Recreation Area

    15 Reviews
    Sprague, WA
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (509) 536-1200

    "Stayed for a night to breakup a long drive. Arrived Monday evening and was the only one here. It’s just a large gravel parking lot with a single vault toilet, no other services."

    "But it has a really nice hiking trail behind it. Worth a stop, but not for long term camping"

    8. Fairchild AFB FamCamp

    5 Reviews
    Medical Lake, WA
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (509) 247-5920

    "If you have access to military facilities I strongly recommend it."

    "It is fairly close to base amenities. Nice commissary and PX store on base."

    9. Clear Lake Military

    4 Reviews
    Medical Lake, WA
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (509) 299-5129

    10. Spokane KOA Journey

    32 Reviews
    Greenacres, WA
    24 miles
    Website
    +1 (509) 924-4722

    $50 - $300 / night

    "Nice little place in the Spokane Valley close to shopping Idaho boarder. Has small outdoor pool bike rentals. Good bathroom and showers."

    "We were driving from Glacier NP to North Cascades NP and decided to stay here to have use of amenities."

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Recent Reviews near Cheney, WA

601 Reviews of 118 Cheney Campgrounds


  • Vinny A.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 1, 2025

    Spokane KOA Journey

    KOA Stay

    Campground itself was nice. We were driving from Glacier NP to North Cascades NP and decided to stay here to have use of amenities. Typically we stay at free spots, but the showers, coin operated laundry, water, and dump station was all needed and appreciated. Its in a busy neighborhood, so its noisy and theres a train that goes by, but i expected the noise when seeing where it was on google maps so it is what it is. I would stay here again if i was in the same situation.

  • Meghan B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 1, 2025

    Spokane KOA Journey

    Spokane KOA Journey

    This KOA was a convenient location for us as we travel after an "errand day" in Spokane. Other than for convenience, I wouldn't make a vacation destination out of this place. The restroom facilities are clean, the cell service is great, standard KOA set up (sardine rows for RVs, tents/cabins, back-ins along the edge). However, this KOA is surrounded by residences and businesses, and also right next to very active train tracks. The trains have been quite frequent day and night... and for some reason so has a rooster (all morning, day, and evening... it's crazy). The grass here is beyond dead, so tent campers beware: if it rains, you'll be all mud. All in all, the KOA itself is well-maintained, has the amenities you want, and a convenient spot if you need something near the city... but this is NOT a place to sit back, relax, and get away from it all.

  • yThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 24, 2025

    Tamarack RV Park And Vacation Cabins

    Pretty rv park with mature trees

    A really pretty setting, though the spaces feel a little narrow. I’d definitely come back.

  • Doug B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 23, 2025

    Spokane KOA Journey

    Terrible

    Grass dead and too expensive for no sewer hookup.

  • PThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 23, 2025

    Camp Coeur D Alene

    Cabins, tent camping, RVs, Store

    The camp is close to the freeway and on the edge of the lake. The camp offers tent camping, full service RV camping, and cabins for rent. There are hiking trails adjacent, a well stocked camp store and laundry facilities.

  • CThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 22, 2025

    Pend Oreille County Park

    Camp hosts Jerry and his lovely wife Boss Teresa

    Great sites, well water, and amazing hiking trails. Close to chataroy, elk, mead & deer park for supplies, meals etc. We will be back!

  • CThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 16, 2025

    Pend Oreille County Park

    Pend Orielle County Park & Campground

    Amazing Camp hosts! Great inexpensive, clean spot. Best experience so far in WA.

  • Emma A.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 15, 2025

    Hog Lake Campground

    Boondocking

    A good spot to stay a night or more. Currently NO FIRES due to high risk of forest fires. Several spots to boondock. There is a dumpster and port a poty. Several others here. Sites are spaced out well though.


Guide to Cheney

Dispersed camping near Cheney, Washington includes BLM land options like Fishtrap Recreation Area, located about 20 miles southwest of town. This eastern Washington region sits at approximately 2,400 feet elevation with hot, dry summers and cold winters. Camping in the Cheney area features a mix of lakefront sites, military facilities, and primitive camping with varying accessibility depending on weather conditions.

What to do

Hiking at Fishtrap Recreation Area: This free BLM site offers more than just camping with trails connecting directly from the camping area. A camper noted, "It has a really nice hiking trail behind it. Worth a stop, but not for long term camping." The area provides opportunities to view local wildlife including wild turkeys and coyotes.

Fishing at Ruby's Resort & RV @ Silver Lake: Located on Silver Lake, this campground provides lakefront access for anglers. According to a reviewer, the resort is a "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."

Explore suspension bridge at Bowl and Pitcher Campground — Riverside State Park: Located near Spokane, this established campground features notable geological formations and river access. A visitor explained, "I love the swinging bridge. The bathrooms are nice, the river is beautiful. Campsites are a little small." The park offers numerous trails along the Spokane River.

What campers like

Peaceful settings at Willow Creek Retreat: This small private campground with only seven sites operates seasonally from May through September. Campers appreciate the natural setting: "Just gorgeous. I loved it here as did my fiancé- being out in a beautiful open space but nestled under a willow tree, sites are nicely spaced out."

Lakefront views: Several campgrounds near Cheney offer water access, with Clear Lake and Silver Lake being popular options. At Ruby's Resort, a reviewer mentioned the "Beautiful views, calm, and quiet area," though noted, "My only complaint is how tight the campground is. Definitely not made for big rigs or 40'. Smaller campers only."

Free camping options at Hog Lake Campground: This dispersed BLM site provides no-cost camping with lake views. A reviewer shared, "We found this last minute after deciding to drive further than planned. Quite a few spots available. It is quite open with no tree so not so great for windy days."

What you should know

Military-only restrictions: Several campgrounds near Cheney limit access to military personnel and their families. A reviewer at Fairchild AFB FamCamp clarified: "This is a campground on a military base, access is limited to active and retired military. Use the Rambo Rd gate during normal business hours."

Seasonal considerations: Many campgrounds in the Cheney area operate seasonally, particularly from late spring through early fall. Year-round options include Fishtrap Recreation Area, where one camper reported, "Great free camping near Spokane and supplies."

Limited privacy at Peaceful Pines RV Park & Campground: Located in Cheney proper, this campground offers convenience but limited seclusion. A camper noted sites are "very close together with campers not much to see here and no privacy at all."

Tips for camping with families

Check for family amenities: Clear Lake Recreation Area offers multiple family-friendly features. A visitor reported, "This site was very well maintained, and very highly trafficked in the summer. Access to water and excellent for some good old fashioned family fun."

Consider noise factors: When selecting a campsite near Cheney, be aware of potential noise sources. At Willow Creek Retreat, one camper mentioned, "there were 2 airports and a railroad nearby, all in operation. It was a pretty place and off the interstate, and seemed to be the best option for our 1-night stopover."

Look for recreational equipment: Some lakefront campgrounds offer rental options for water activities. At Clear Lake, visitors can find "a boat launch, a fishing dock, picnic areas, and a snack bar. There are also cabins available but usually require reservations far in advance."

Tips from RVers

RV hookup availability at Northern Quest RV Resort: This well-maintained resort near Airway Heights provides full service sites. A reviewer noted, "Nice park with concrete sites available. But free Internet leaves something to be desired." Another mentioned, "Friendly staff and nice level concrete slabs."

Size restrictions matter: Not all campgrounds accommodate larger RVs. At Ruby's Resort, a camper warned about the tight spaces: "Definitely not made for big rigs or 40'. Smaller campers only."

Utilities and facilities: When selecting an RV site near Cheney, check for amenities that match your needs. At Northern Quest, a visitor shared, "Great Transit Night. For a suburban park this is gorgeous, clean, well maintained and welcoming. Not much of a camping experience but superb for what it is and the perfect place to rest on a night in transit!"

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I find tent camping opportunities around Cheney, WA?

Yes, there are several tent camping options near Cheney. Rock Creek BLM Campground offers free camping on BLM land near Escure Ranch with pit toilets, nature trails, and wildlife viewing opportunities. Lake Spokane Campground—Riverside State Park provides a more developed experience with clean facilities and helpful staff. Liberty Lake Regional Park also offers tent sites with beach access and hiking trails. These options provide a mix of primitive and more developed tent camping experiences within driving distance of Cheney.

What campgrounds are available near Cheney, Washington?

Cheney offers several camping options nearby. Peaceful Pines RV Park & Campground is a small, clean facility just outside town with restrooms, showers, a game room, and laundry facilities. For those seeking a more natural setting, Hog Lake Campground provides dispersed camping options with 10-12 spots along a gravel road that can accommodate trailers up to 21 feet. Additional options include Clear Lake Recreation Area for water activities and Willow Creek Retreat for those seeking more amenities with water and toilet facilities.

How far is Cheney, WA from Pullman for weekend camping trips?

Cheney is approximately 65 miles from Pullman, making it about a 1.5-hour drive - perfect for weekend camping trips. Along this route, you'll find several camping options. Kamiak Butte County Park is located closer to Pullman and offers a beautiful camping experience beloved by locals. For something unique, Iron Mountain Campground in Mary Minerva McCroskey State Park is accessible via Washington and offers stunning views of the Palouse farming region. The trip between these towns provides access to both Washington and Idaho camping opportunities, creating versatile weekend getaway options.