Tent camping near Cheney, Washington offers accessibility to both forested and lakeside settings across eastern Washington. Located in the Columbia Basin region at approximately 2,400 feet elevation, the area experiences hot, dry summers with temperatures routinely exceeding 90°F and cold winters that can drop below freezing. Most campgrounds remain open from May through September, with limited winter accessibility at certain locations.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: At Rock Creek BLM Campground, campers can access multiple fishing spots in a less crowded environment. "After visiting nearby Palouse Falls, we found this great free place to camp on BLM land near Escure Ranch in eastern Washington. There are nature trails available as well with wildlife throughout (we saw mainly birds)," notes Kelsey L.
Wildlife viewing: The campgrounds surrounding Cheney provide excellent wildlife observation opportunities, particularly bird watching. The Camp Gifford at Deer Lake area supports diverse bird species and occasional deer sightings. Rachel A. describes it as an "inclusive children's camp" with access to wildlife viewing areas.
Stargazing: Clear night skies make for exceptional stargazing conditions at remote sites. Wilber S. from Rock Creek BLM Campground mentions, "Very dry area so expect dust. The stars at night were amazing." Many campgrounds in the region have minimal light pollution, creating ideal conditions for astronomy enthusiasts.
What campers like
Waterfront access: Nine Mile Recreation Area receives high praise for its lakeside setting. Taesagh M. writes, "We stayed here for one night and were absolutely thrilled at how peaceful and quiet the space was. You're right off the water and get an amazing view of the sunset."
Cost-effective options: Several campgrounds near Cheney offer free or low-cost camping. Chandra B. highlights Twin Lakes as "Great FREE camping near lakes, fishing. Vault toilets. Limited internet at top of road but none at lake side."
Family-friendly amenities: Kamiak Butte County Park provides facilities that appeal to families with children. "The sites are inexpensive. Running water and pit toilets on site. Very nice playground in the day use area," reports Cheryl S. Megan S. adds it's "Super cute small campground. So many chipmunks, dog friendly, well organized. Fairly cheap and good for families."
What you should know
Access limitations: Some campgrounds have challenging access roads. Richard M. notes about Twin Lakes: "The road that leads down to the lake/camping area is steep and winding. I would not suggest anything over 25 foot length try to go down because you may not get back up."
Seasonal conditions: Water levels and shore conditions fluctuate seasonally at lakeside campgrounds. Pat S. reports about Nine Mile Recreation Area: "Took our waverunners out there for the day so much seaweed couldn't launch them. Thought maybe spend the day at the beach but so much goose poop couldn't get to water without stepping in piles."
Cell service gaps: Most campgrounds have limited or no cellular connectivity. At Twin Lakes, Richard M. notes "once you drive down to the lake/camp sites there is ZERO cell reception." Consider downloading offline maps before arrival.
Tips for camping with families
Activity variety: When camping with children, select sites with multiple recreation options. Aaron P. recommends Nine Mile Recreation Area: "Great family place, so much to do for everyone. Especially if you love the water. The campsite is butted up to the lake, which makes it great for sunsets and sunrises."
Space considerations: Extraordinary Camping offers secluded sites ideal for families wanting privacy. Ethan V. reports, "It is a very nice place to camp, since there probably won't be any people outside your own group. The owner was very responsive to texts and was helpful with all of my questions."
Shade availability: Note that some campgrounds lack adequate shade. Shiloh I. mentions about Twin Lakes: "The campsite is fairly nice, although there is no shade. The pictures that are uploaded must be from a long time ago."
Tips from RVers
Site size variations: When bringing an RV, carefully check site dimensions. Kelsey G. from Kamiak Butte County Park advises, "We stayed in site #4 which was right at the end with glimpses of the Palouse through the trees and lots of space. You could easily set up 2 tents there."
Alternative locations: If primary campgrounds are full or unsuitable, consider nearby alternatives. Richard M. suggests: "There is a second site about 22 minutes away (coffee pot recreation site) that is more accessible friendly for larger rigs and setups and a boat launch to the lower lake."
Hookup limitations: Most tent campgrounds near Cheney offer minimal RV hookups. Jim T. cautions about Nine Mile Recreation Area: "The entry road is narrow, it is not paved, and meanders through private property, so slow down!"
