Equestrian camping near Colfax, Washington typically requires traveling beyond the immediate area for dedicated facilities. The surrounding Palouse region features rolling hills and farmland at elevations between 1,200 and 2,800 feet. Weather ranges from hot, dry summers to cold winters with occasional snow, making spring and fall optimal camping seasons.
What to do
Fishing access: Spring Valley Reservoir offers multiple fishing opportunities. "Good place for fishing and day picnic," notes Saugat B. The reservoir features stocked fish and accessible docks.
Hiking trails: Hells Gate State Park Campground provides varied trail options. "Great hiking and views of the river and canyon," says Carl. The park includes both riverside paths and more challenging elevation gains.
Water recreation: The Snake River at Hells Gate State Park supports multiple activities. "Great place to base for river adventures!" explains Erin S. Visitors can boat, swim, or simply enjoy riverside relaxation.
What campers like
Peaceful settings: Tucannon Campground offers quiet forest surroundings. "Really peaceful and quiet, very beautiful," reports Laura M., who appreciated the soothing creek sounds throughout the campground.
Wildlife viewing: The natural areas near Colfax attract diverse animals. "We saw lots of different wild life," mentions Shane M. about Hells Gate State Park. Bird watchers can spot Great Blue Herons and eagles at Spring Valley Reservoir according to reviewer Celine K.
Hammocking spots: Spring Valley Reservoir provides good hammock setup options. "Fun places to go hammocking," says Zachary C. Another camper, Gabrielle L., confirms: "Great trails and great places to put up your hammock."
What you should know
Limited cell service: Communication becomes challenging in more remote areas. Laura M. warns about Tucannon: "Zero cell reception in this entire area, pretty much all the way until hwy 12."
Site crowding concerns: Some locations get busy during peak season. Rachel A. describes Spring Valley Reservoir as "Windy and crowded. Sites are on top of each other apart from a few scattered around the res."
Weather preparedness: Ruby's Resort and other lakeside areas can experience unexpected conditions. One camper at Tucannon Campground cautions about getting "stuck with a dead car battery. Can get really cold and no phone service and very few people pass by."
Tips for camping with families
Easy access options: Select campgrounds with simple layouts for children. "A very easy access campsite. Close to the town of Troy and simple setup," notes Hayli N. about Spring Valley Reservoir, adding it's "great for families."
Kid-friendly activities: Triple H Mini Ranch provides a "park like setting" according to Ashley F., with multiple sites including group options. The property offers a contained environment with gated access.
Bathroom considerations: Facility quality varies significantly between campgrounds. Devon L. noted at Ruby's Resort that "Bathrooms and showers were far away and weren't that great," while Spring Valley campers mention outhouses that aren't always well maintained.
Tips from RVers
Site dimensions: Check space limitations before booking. At Ruby's Resort, Jen S. advises: "Definitely not made for big rigs or 40'. Smaller campers only."
Hookup availability: Palouse Empire Fair offers temporary RV accommodations during events with electric hookups, water hookups, and sanitary dump facilities. However, Justin S. clarifies this is "TEMPORARY fair that has a TEMPORARY campground on site."
Parking access: Pay attention to campground layout descriptions. Laura M. explains that at Tucannon Campground, "most [sites] didn't look level, but there were a bunch that would have fit our 26ft class c," adding that sites 15 and 16 form "one huge area off by themselves" suitable for larger groups.
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