Top Free Dispersed Camping near Cheney, WA

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Cheney, WA (9)

    Camper-submitted photo from Hog Lake Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Hog Lake Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Hog Lake Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Hog Lake Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Hog Lake Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Hog Lake Campground

    1. Hog Lake Campground

    26 Reviews
    79 Photos
    296 Saves

    Entire area is open year round. There are no fees. There are no facilities or services available with the exception of one vault toilet at Folsom Farm. Both lakes have concrete boat launches maintained by Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (paid in advance parking permit from WDFW is required.)

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • RVs
    • Tents
    Camper-submitted photo from Fishtrap Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Fishtrap Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Fishtrap Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Fishtrap Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Fishtrap Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Fishtrap Recreation Area

    2. Fishtrap Recreation Area

    7 Reviews
    11 Photos
    48 Saves

    The Fishtrap Area offers 9,000 acres of beautiful landscapes and an old farmstead, with habitats ranging from forest to shrub-steppe, grassland, and wetlands. Fishtrap is home to two scenic fishing lakes and numerous species of birds and other wildlife. The historic Folsom Farm Recreation Site demonstrates how the landscape was converted into small farms, ranches, and communities beginning in the late 1800’s. Enjoy the chance to explore, view and study nature, picnic, backpack, horseback ride, mountain bike, or hunt throughout the entire Fishtrap area. Fishing for stocked rainbow trout is popular at Fishtrap Lake, and during the winter season at Hog Canyon Lake. Know Before You Go: Fishtrap Recreation Area is open year-round has no developed campsites. The South Loop Trailhead parking lot has substantial space for vehicle and RV parking/camping. Additional minimal space is available at the Folsom Farm, and Hog Lake Loop Trailhead parking lots. See the Fishtrap Area map. vehicle and RV parking/camping is limited to existing parking areas and camping pull-outs. Dispersed (tent) camping is allowed. Please practice the seven Leave No Trace principles when recreating on Public Lands. Check Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) fishing regulations for fishing seasons at Hog Canyon Lake and Fishtrap Lake. Both lakes have concrete boat launches maintained by Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (a paid in advance parking permit from WDFW is required.)

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • ADA Access
    • Tents
    • Group
    • Toilets
    Camper-submitted photo from Bonnie Lake Island
    Camper-submitted photo from Bonnie Lake Island
    Camper-submitted photo from Bonnie Lake Island
    Camper-submitted photo from Bonnie Lake Island
    Camper-submitted photo from Escure Ranch / Rock Creek Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Escure Ranch / Rock Creek Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Escure Ranch / Rock Creek Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Escure Ranch / Rock Creek Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Escure Ranch / Rock Creek Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Escure Ranch / Rock Creek Recreation Area
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      Camper-submitted photo from Cow Lake
      Camper-submitted photo from Cow Lake
      Camper-submitted photo from Cow Lake
      Camper-submitted photo from Cow Lake
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          Recent Dispersed Reviews In Cheney

          32 Reviews of 9 Cheney Campgrounds


          • Josh S.The Dyrt PRO User
            Camper-submitted photo from Fishtrap Recreation Area
            Sep. 3, 2024

            Fishtrap Recreation Area

            Quiet Prairie Camping

            Quiet campsite in Fishtrap Recreation Area.

            Pros:

            Very quiet open sites. Plenty of opportunity for solar 3 bar 5g Tmobile Open mostly level sites Not very busy Some larger sites able to accommodate bigger rigs (25' at least)

            Cons:

            No amenities (where we are, maybe further in they have them) Dusty and dry Fire restrictions in place Sites have some trash in them.

            Overall we enjoyed it for a layover stay. It's very quiet, open skies were good to recharge solar and stargaze and it was a nice break from some of the more crowded campsites.

          • samuel C.The Dyrt PRO User
            Camper-submitted photo from Hog Lake Campground
            Jul. 16, 2024

            Hog Lake Campground

            Good stay

            Arrived early in the afternoon and got the last spot, looked to be a lot of people staying longer term; but still was quiet and there are lots of places to walk with pets/explore around camp.

          • Overland S.
            Camper-submitted photo from Escure Ranch / Rock Creek Recreation Area
            Jul. 15, 2024

            Escure Ranch / Rock Creek Recreation Area

            Astro Photographer’s Dream

            The drive was mostly dirt roads. I managed just fine in a Subaru for context. The hike itself was incredible and a bit primitive at points. Bring bug spray and maybe a machete lol. I was getting close to where one of the waterfalls was and ran into a Coyote who would not budge. That pretty much ended the hike as I could hear others howling nearby.

            The hike back was even amazing with the Sunset and landscape making me feel like I was on another planet. The best part was pure luck as I setup camp on the road back during a new moon which was perfect for star gazing and astro photography. I’m an amateur and took my time to learn my camera a bit. This little adventure was my favorite thus far this year.

          • Nick The Dyrt PRO User
            Camper-submitted photo from Hog Lake Campground
            Jul. 13, 2024

            Hog Lake Campground

            Spacious sites

            A lot of places to camp here all equipped with fire rings. We had a 30ft RV and drove in on the nice gravel road. We took the very last camping spot closest to the lake and it had a good amount of shade on all sides. It was big enough to fit two campers if camping with friends. The spot was very spacious and felt private. It was clean with only a couple specks of trash that we found.

            We walked down to the lake and it looked great for paddle boarding or small boats/rafts but not for swimming. There is a lot of seaweed and it’s murky.

            The area/sites are really dusty in July. Lots of dirt but the road is gravel. Sites are pretty well spread out.

            We took a little hike and saw a buck with a big rack on it, other deer, and a coyote. Great spot for back country hiking.

          • M
            Camper-submitted photo from Hog Lake Campground
            Jul. 2, 2024

            Hog Lake Campground

            Nice spot with wildflowers

            Easy access off of I90. Mostly quiet overnight stay as we heard some people from another site and the road was trafficked with people looking for sites. Train noise as well. A fire pit was available. But there was some broken glass and shell casings at our site

          • Traci B.
            Camper-submitted photo from Hog Lake Campground
            Jun. 17, 2024

            Hog Lake Campground

            Nice over night stay

            Nice over night stay, but 1st come 1st served. We got there about 4pm and luckily found the last spot. May have been one of the best spots as well.

          • LThe Dyrt PRO User
            Camper-submitted photo from Fishtrap Recreation Area
            Jun. 14, 2024

            Fishtrap Recreation Area

            Tent Camping meets dust

            A nice location! I will advise tent campers it is tent accessible but not the easiest spot in a tent. The soil is very dry and a couple of the spots were hard rocks and not accessible for tents. We did end up finding a spot in our tent, but this is site is much easier with an RV or van. Would recommend a backup plan ahead of time in case the sites available here are not compatible.

          • Sheila A.
            Camper-submitted photo from Hog Lake Campground
            Jun. 2, 2024

            Hog Lake Campground

            Lots of fire pit spots

            Access to Hog Lake was closed. Found a spot with a fire pit. All the spots are pretty spread out. Unfortunately not many treed areas for wood. Fairly rough terrain of sand and rocks

          • Angie A.The Dyrt PRO User
            Camper-submitted photo from Hog Lake Campground
            Oct. 6, 2023

            Hog Lake Campground

            Spectacular!

            We found the most amazing site! We felt like we were on top of the world! Clear open skies! Loved the sound of the cows, coyotes, and owls! Total dispersed camping! Thank you to whoever left us wood!

          • Teresa T.The Dyrt PRO User
            Camper-submitted photo from Lakes Divide Road
            Aug. 11, 2023

            Lakes Divide Road

            Definitely a place if needed

            It is a steep but well maintained forest road. There was one clear pull off early and it had someone in it. Wanted some privacy so I kept going. Someone had parked on the side of the road and went past that. Found a blocked entrance to a forest road about a mile in. Wasn't flat but not bad and off the road a bit with a place to walk the dog.

          • Anam S.
            Camper-submitted photo from Hog Lake Campground
            Aug. 8, 2023

            Hog Lake Campground

            Easy breezy

            Cutting through this area needed night to crash, stumbled upon this last minute. Easy to find easy to access in our Honda accord. Lots of spaces but also lots of ppl. Was peaceful though. Lots of cows singing at night. I didn’t mind though. Heard some coyotes in the distance. Wasn’t a problem though

          • samuel C.The Dyrt PRO User
            Camper-submitted photo from Hog Lake Campground
            Aug. 4, 2023

            Hog Lake Campground

            Stayed here in March , going back today and was a very nice campground

            Was a good site, safe, people def. Stay longer than 14 days lol

          • Stephenie C.The Dyrt PRO User
            Camper-submitted photo from Hog Lake Campground
            Mar. 17, 2023

            Hog Lake Campground

            Coyotes and trains, OH MY!

            Nice little place. The road gets a bit rough. I personally would not want to drive anything bigger than a camper van down there but there are quite a few bug turnaround spots and some nice big sites. Be careful going into the sites as there is a dip. My Kia seemed to think I was just nose diving into a crevice as I was getting across with all its sensors screaming at me. Some coyotes came through camp at some point during the night. I heard them howling from a distance but only knew they came into camp because they left footprints in the frost. Only one other person was out there so nice and quiet

          • E
            Camper-submitted photo from Hog Lake Campground
            Oct. 31, 2022

            Hog Lake Campground

            Good car camping

            A friend and I car camped here overnight on our way through the state. We couldn’t get down to the lake by car because a gate was closed but we were able to park at a pull off up the road a ways. We could hear someone shooting skeet or something and the train nearby but it didn’t bother us much.

          • EThe Dyrt PRO User
            Camper-submitted photo from Hog Lake Campground
            Sep. 4, 2022

            Hog Lake Campground

            Good quiet place for a pass through

            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. We have a 21ft trailer towed behind a pickup truck and it’s able to fit in most spots. None of these are really official spots (not flattened or bordered) but it’s a nice place to pass through. There are train tracks that parallel the highway, so the further you go down the gravel road, the further you’ll be from the train noise. Even if you’re closer to the entrance, it’s not too bad.

          • Kayln H.
            Camper-submitted photo from Hog Lake Campground
            Mar. 28, 2022

            Hog Lake Campground

            Great spot right off 90

            BLM land was easy to find right off the highway. Rough gravel road easily traveled in a truck, low clearance vehicle may have trouble. There were a few people with campers at the end of the road. A lot of dispersed sites, some close to the road, a few very private. Two nice lakes.. at the end of the road you cross to state park land which does not allow camping but is very well marked with a gate and signs. There was a fe portapottys scatter along the road. Light freeway noise, did hear one night train, but for free and a beautiful landscape not too bad.

          • Overland S.
            Camper-submitted photo from Hog Lake Campground
            Mar. 28, 2022

            Hog Lake Campground

            My fave spot

            This spot has made many memories for me. The hike is pleasant and the view is pretty awesome. Pet friendly and honestly it doesn’t feel like this place is well known. I don’t find many folks there every time I go.

          • Brian L.
            Camper-submitted photo from Escure Ranch / Rock Creek Recreation Area
            Mar. 4, 2022

            Escure Ranch / Rock Creek Recreation Area

            Beautiful spot in the scablands

            Rock creek runs through this lovely BLM land with 2 sets of falls. It's a great spot in late winter or early spring if you're looking for solitude. We visited in February and saw 4 or 5 people, but no one stayed the night except us. Towell falls is beautiful, but we have yet to visit Breeden falls. The ranch has an interesting history and it's fun to poke around the old structures.

          • mThe Dyrt PRO User
            Camper-submitted photo from Fishtrap Recreation Area
            Dec. 1, 2021

            Fishtrap Recreation Area

            Quick & Quiet Overnight

            Stopped here to sleep midway through a long drive. The main site is a large gravel lot with a vault toilet at the trailhead. We arrived after dark so it took some trial & error to find. Exit 254 off I-90 then travel east on Sprague Highway Rd E for at least 2 miles then left on Miller Ranch Rd then take the next right. About a half mile on the left will be the parking lot, trailhead & toilet. There’s other spots to camp but I think it would be hard to find them in the dark if you’ve never been before. Heard the train a few times off in the distance but it wasn’t too loud. We were the only ones there on a Monday night.

          • kara H.
            Camper-submitted photo from Hog Lake Campground
            Sep. 26, 2021

            Hog Lake Campground

            Blm

            Nice open blm area, rustic campsites. there's an established trail that goes to hog lake and the boat launch area which is only accessible on foot when we were camping. The lake access (with the toilet) is not open, gate is locked. Saw a rattlesnake on the trail but we kept our distance and he went on his way. Be kind to the animals, it's their home. Can stay up to 14 days

          • D
            Camper-submitted photo from Hog Lake Campground
            Aug. 31, 2021

            Hog Lake Campground

            Hog is right

            We parked at the end of the road the gate was locked down to the water somebody had hung a dead coyote in the tree. people came and went all night long the water was stagnant and absolutely disgusting and smelled even worse

          • Jessica
            Camper-submitted photo from Hog Lake Campground
            Aug. 21, 2021

            Hog Lake Campground

            Location wrong

            The fishing area is closed for the season and there are no camping signs everywhere around it. Before you come there is a sign for the BLM land and you will follow that down. When you get to the end there’s a porta potty but the vault toilet is closed. There are no fire rings or tables but flat grass you can see used for camping. ATT service is limited.

          • Abby M.The Dyrt PRO User
            Camper-submitted photo from Fishtrap Recreation Area
            Aug. 17, 2021

            Fishtrap Recreation Area

            Great for the night

            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. The road getting into here is very bumpy the last half mile so take it slow. Close to the interstate so easy to get to. Surrounded by fields and beautiful sunsets. Definitely would stay again and it’s free!

          • A
            Camper-submitted photo from Hog Lake Campground
            Jun. 17, 2021

            Hog Lake Campground

            Lovely wild camping

            Beautiful BLM area! Plenty of drive-in areas and tons of land around the lake to access. The single vault toilet is down at the lake, but helpful if needed. We will be back!

          • jeremy B.The Dyrt PRO User
            Camper-submitted photo from Cow Lake
            Jun. 13, 2021

            Cow Lake

            Welcome to the Wild West - Beautiful but Busy

            At first glance, Cow Lake is a beautiful and secluded oasis tucked away in the scablands of Eastern Washington.

            However, the area is a very popular local fishing and recreation spot and gets crowded on the weekends.

            Cow Lake is about 10 miles east of Ritzville and is a free, dispersed camping area.

            The road here is dirt and the last mile or so is pretty rough. But, most vehicles shouldn’t have any problems.

            There are no services, facilities or potable water but cell service was good.

            We arrived early Friday afternoon and there were just 2 other vehicles here. But, by evening there were over a dozen boisterous people fishing along the shore. Sound travels well over water and it was very noisy.

            Luckily, the people fishing left and we basically had the area to ourselves until Saturday morning when family groups arrived for a day of fishing and fun.

            By far the worst of it was the yahoos who came in later that evening to drink and shoot their guns. It was like we were camping in the middle of a shooting range.

            We would not camp here again. Too crowded, too noisy & too many guns.



          Guide to Cheney

          Camping near Cheney, Washington, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or a fun family adventure, there are several campgrounds to choose from.

          What to do:

          • Hiking and Trails: Explore the numerous hiking trails around the area. One camper mentioned, "It's a well-kept campground in a gorgeous state park with great hiking and walking trails!" at Bowl and Pitcher Campground — Riverside State Park.
          • Water Activities: Enjoy swimming or boating at Lake Spokane Campground—Riverside State Park. A visitor shared, "The swim area doesn’t appear to be toddler-friendly as it isn’t a gradual incline into the water."
          • Wildlife Watching: Keep an eye out for local wildlife. One reviewer at Hog Lake Campground noted, "We took a little hike and saw a buck with a big rack on it, other deer, and a coyote."

          What campers like:

          • Scenic Views: Campers appreciate the stunning views. A visitor at Liberty Lake Regional Park said, "Nice level car camping spot... treated with a great sweeping view of the lake with a stellar sunset."
          • Clean Facilities: Many campgrounds are noted for their cleanliness. One reviewer at Dragoon Creek Campground mentioned, "The campground is very nicely set up and clean."
          • Friendly Staff: Campers often highlight the helpfulness of campground staff. A visitor at Northern Quest RV Resort said, "Friendly staff and nice level concrete slabs."

          What you should know:

          • Crowded on Weekends: Some campgrounds can get busy, especially during weekends. A camper at Hog Lake Campground noted, "The weekend can get pretty busy during the summer."
          • Limited Amenities: Not all campgrounds have full amenities. A visitor at Fishtrap Recreation Area pointed out, "No amenities... dusty and dry."
          • Close Campsites: If you prefer privacy, be aware that some campgrounds have sites close together. A reviewer at Bowl and Pitcher Campground mentioned, "The loops part of this campground have the sites close together with no privacy."

          Tips for camping with families:

          • Kid-Friendly Activities: Look for campgrounds with activities for kids. One camper at Lake Spokane Campground mentioned, "The camp ground is tiny but well worth the visit whether you're boating, swimming, or just wanting to get out of town."
          • Choose Spacious Sites: Opt for campgrounds with larger sites. A visitor at Hog Lake Campground noted, "It was big enough to fit two campers if camping with friends."
          • Plan for Quiet Time: Some campgrounds can be noisy. A camper at Spokane KOA Journey shared, "Train runs directly next door and passing late at night can be VERY loud."

          Tips from RVers:

          • Check Site Size: Make sure the campground can accommodate your RV size. A reviewer at Liberty Lake RV Campground mentioned, "The sites were nice and large, with paved pads and all pull-through."
          • Look for Full Hookups: If you need full hookups, check ahead. A camper at Northern Quest RV Resort noted, "The RV facilities are very nice."
          • Be Prepared for Noise: Some campgrounds are near busy roads or train tracks. A visitor at Spokane KOA Journey warned, "Be aware that there is a train that runs by very close to the camping spots."

          Camping near Cheney, Washington, has something for everyone, whether you're looking for a family-friendly spot or a peaceful getaway.

          Frequently Asked Questions

          • Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Cheney, WA?

            According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Cheney, WA is Hog Lake Campground with a 4.2-star rating from 26 reviews.

          • What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Cheney, WA?

            TheDyrt.com has all 9 dispersed camping locations near Cheney, WA, with real photos and reviews from campers.