Dispersed camping options near Cheney, Washington provide access to lakefront sites, hiking trails, and wildlife viewing. The area sits on the eastern edge of the Columbia Plateau with basalt rock formations and rolling hills. Summer temperatures average 85°F with minimal rainfall, while spring and fall camping offers mild weather conditions and fewer crowds.
What to do
Hiking at Fishtrap Recreation Area: This Bureau of Land Management site offers free camping with multiple hiking trails. "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," notes camper Linnea W. about Fishtrap Recreation Area.
Water activities at Clear Lake: The lake provides swimming, fishing, and boating opportunities. According to one visitor at Clear Lake Military, "Cute little campground on a lake. Beach isn't the greatest, full of goose poop. Water isn't the clearest, but works for kayaking and paddle boarding. Both are available for rent from the office."
Wildlife viewing: Many campgrounds offer opportunities to spot local wildlife. A camper at Willow Creek Retreat observed, "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. I loved being out near the pastures, with plenty of adorable and sweet animals."
What campers like
Quiet country settings: Rural camping options provide peaceful experiences. At Willow Creek Retreat, a reviewer noted, "This is five acres in a lovely pasture by a creek with large trees. There is 30 amp electricity and a porta-potty. The host is a good communicator. Sites are big and grassy. Relaxed and quiet place."
Convenient overnight stops: Travelers appreciate accessible camping options near major routes. "A nice place to pass through 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," reports a camper at Hog Lake Campground.
Clean facilities: Maintained bathrooms are valued by tent campers. "Nice RV park with Wi-Fi and Pool. Spacious lots with grass and asphalt pads. Easy to get around, quick access to a gas station and Wal-Mart is super close," shares a visitor at Northern Quest RV Resort.
What you should know
Pet policies vary significantly: Many campgrounds near Cheney have specific rules for dogs. At Bowl and Pitcher Campground, pets are allowed but must be leashed. A camper notes, "Campground right in Spokane. Bowl and Pitcher campground has several partial-hookup sites with electricity and water, and several with no hook ups. There is a dump station, and two restrooms both with showers."
Weather conditions impact camping: Summer heat affects site comfort. "Would try this again maybe when it's nicer weather. It was too hot for us to hang around. Not many spots with shade," reports a visitor at Fishtrap Recreation Area.
Noise considerations: Some campgrounds experience noise from trains or nearby facilities. A KOA visitor explains, "A nice campsite close to Spokane and Idaho. Friendly staff and clean. I really like this spot, but the noise from the trains is loud. Be sure to bring earplugs if you are tent camping."
Tips for camping with families
Accessibility to amenities: Families benefit from campgrounds with clean facilities and activities. At Hog Lake Campground, a visitor shares, "This campsite was the perfect break in our drive from North Cascades to Glacier. The road was easy to find and there were so many great sites. There is a porta potty too. We found a site that was both tent-able and hammock-able."
Wildlife education opportunities: Children can observe local animals safely. "We enjoyed our stay here. We experience wild turkeys, a variety of birds, the sound of coyotes not far, field squirrels and snakes," reports a camper at Fishtrap Recreation Area.
Military family options: Service members have additional camping options. "Very clean, shaded camping. The laundry room was well maintained and very affordable. If you have access to military facilities I strongly recommend it," notes a visitor at Fairchild AFB FamCamp.
Tips from RVers
Site spacing and hookups: RV campers appreciate adequate site dimensions. "Great and quiet spot. Nice RV park with Wi-Fi and Pool. Spacious lots with grass and asphalt pads. Easy to get around, quick access to a gas station and Wal-Mart is super close," shares a visitor about Northern Quest RV Resort.
Highway access: Proximity to Interstate 90 makes certain campgrounds ideal for overnight stops. At Hog Lake Campground, a camper notes, "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."
Budget-friendly options: Free dispersed camping provides economical alternatives for pet friendly camping near Cheney. "Great free camping near Spokane and supplies," reports a camper about Fishtrap Recreation Area.