Riverside State Park Equestrian Campground offers horse owners exclusive camping access with dedicated corral facilities. Located 20 minutes from Spokane and about 25 miles from Cheney, Washington, the campground connects to extensive trail networks throughout the 9,000-acre park. Equestrians can access miles of trails directly from the campground, with terrain suitable for horses of all experience levels. The camping area includes utilities like electricity, drinking water, and pit toilets for riders staying overnight.
What to do
Trail riding with horses: Riverside State Park's equestrian area provides direct access to the Spokane River trails system. According to Dawn, the area offers "tons of riding trials, and arena, round pen and obstacle course." The park features varied terrain from riverside paths to more challenging wooded sections.
Horse training and practice: Beyond trail riding, Riverside State Park Equestrian Campground includes specialized equestrian training facilities. Keila C. notes this area "seems like the perfect atmosphere to really be able to bond with your horse, so you both can be comfortable while being train together."
Swimming and fishing: Bowl and Pitcher Campground at Riverside State Park offers water recreation options along the Spokane River. Mary C. mentions "lots of space for swimming and fishing" and highlights the suspension bridge as a notable feature. The campground includes access points where families can enjoy water activities during summer months.
Hiking and wildlife viewing: Liberty Lake Regional Park has extensive trail systems with varied difficulty levels. According to Joel R., visitors can enjoy "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."
What campers like
Spacious sites for horses and trailers: The equestrian campground is designed specifically for horse owners with trailers. Gary M. says, "For large groups and/or overflow, permission may be granted for camping in adjacent areas suitable for high lining horses." This flexibility makes the area popular for equestrian clubs and groups traveling together.
Close-to-town convenience: Liberty Lake Regional Park offers camping with trail access while remaining close to urban amenities. Steve M. notes, "it is very close to Spokane and has beautiful hiking trails, a beach where you can swim and kayak and canoe and fish, birds and wildlife around singing beautifully day and night."
Family-friendly water access: Ruby's Resort provides lakefront camping options near Cheney. Devon L. shares that it's 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."
Year-round accessibility: For campers seeking off-season options, some campgrounds in the area remain open throughout the year. Terrie M. notes about Riverside State Park, "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."
What you should know
Reservation requirements: During peak season (May through September), equestrian camping areas fill quickly. Gary M. mentions, "Even though this area is only 20 minutes from our home, we frequently camp there just for fun!" Make reservations well in advance for summer weekends.
Limited facilities: Ruby's Resort offers lakefront camping but has some limitations. Cindy points out that "the sites are quite small, there is no designated pet area, and showers are .25 a minute." Plan accordingly for these constraints when booking.
Weather considerations: The Cheney area experiences hot, dry summers and cold winters with occasional snow. Lisa K. notes about Riverside State Park: "The mosquitoes on the trail were very present, but in the campground we saw very few." Bring appropriate gear for seasonal conditions.
Permit requirements: Washington State Parks require a Discover Pass for day use and camping. Some campgrounds have additional fees. Lisa K. shares that she "rated the campground at four because of its expense," indicating costs may be higher than expected.
Tips for camping with families
Beginner-friendly horse trails: When introducing children to equestrian camping near Cheney, start with the gentler trails. Keila C. recommends Riverside State Park Equestrian Campground as "such a well put together establishment" with "the most beautiful breath taking sceneries" that creates a comfortable environment for horses and riders.
Beach swimming options: Kootenai County Fairgrounds RV Park provides a convenient base for exploring nearby swimming areas. Roger P. calls it a "Great Campground to Explore Coeur d'Alene" that's "perfectly situated to explore Coeur d'Alene and the area."
Kid-friendly water access: Arica C. recommends Riverside State Park because "There is a nice cement slab just in the water so it makes a safe place for kids" to enjoy the river without strong currents. This feature makes it more approachable for families with younger children.
Noise considerations: For families seeking quiet environments, choose campsites away from main roads. Samantha W. notes that Riverside State Park can be "Simple" with "basic facilities and the campsites all in the dirt," but offers great hiking opportunities.
Tips from RVers
Site length limitations: When bringing horse trailers and RVs, verify site dimensions before booking. Jen S. warns about Ruby's Resort: "My only complaint is how tight the campground is. Definitely not made for big rigs or 40'. Smaller campers only."
Hookup availability: Electric service is available at many campgrounds but amperage varies. Rick Shannon P. shares that 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."
RV dump stations: Not all campgrounds offer on-site dump stations. Joel R. notes about Liberty Lake Regional Park, "The dump station is quite a drive, back out, up the hill," indicating planning is needed for longer stays.
Shade considerations: During summer months, shade can be limited at some campgrounds. Stacey G. mentions that Kootenai County has "No shade, good for solar. Good cell and internet connection. Campground is designed well so sites have more space than other campgrounds."
