Riverside State Park stretches across 14,000 acres along the Spokane River northwest of Spokane, just 27 miles east of Ford, Washington. The park sits at 1,800 feet elevation with ponderosa pine forests dominating the landscape. Winter temperatures often drop below freezing while summer daytime temperatures typically reach the 80s with minimal rainfall, creating dry camping conditions from June through September.
What to do
Suspension bridge hiking: Cross the 200-foot suspension bridge at Bowl and Pitcher Campground spanning the Spokane River. "My favorite thing was the suspension bridge over the river. Lots of space for swimming and fishing!" according to Mary C., who appreciated the numerous trails connected to this landmark.
Wildlife viewing: Bring binoculars to spot diverse wildlife around the camping areas. "We enjoyed the beauty of the Spokane River, walking across the suspension bridge and hiking the trails. The mosquitoes on the trail were very present, but in the campground we saw very few," notes Lisa K. about her experience at Bowl and Pitcher.
Disc golf: Play a round at the 18-hole disc golf course at Pend Oreille County Park, open from 7 a.m. until dusk. The course winds through forested areas with moderate elevation changes. "Day Use, Hiking, Horseback riding, Over 7 miles worth of trails and Disc Golf all free. We just ask that you donate to the park, if able," explains a park representative.
Waterfall exploration: Visit the waterfall at Hawk Creek Campground during spring runoff when water levels are highest. "The waterfall was about 30-40' high and emerged from a rock crevice," describes Judy T., who visited in mid-May when the falls were flowing strongly.
What campers like
Private campsites: At South Skookum Lake, campers enjoy secluded sites separated by thick forest. "I love how private the campsites feel! Thick trees are always a plus for me. Easy fishing access. So beautiful," writes Chrissy E., who chose this location for solo camping.
Clean facilities: Consistently clean bathrooms stand out to visitors at multiple campgrounds. "Pit toilets were the cleanest I've ever seen. There is a nice trail that goes around the lake where you will see a variety of wildlife," notes Scott B. about South Skookum Lake's facilities.
Beach access: Porcupine Bay offers direct lake access with a dedicated swimming area. "There's a designated swimming area for kids, a dock, and a playground. Definitely a busy spot mid summer season, but good for the whole family," says Natasha S., highlighting the family-friendly nature of this location.
Wildlife encounters: Deer, moose, and birds frequent many camping areas. "We saw deer in the campground every day, we saw moose, owls, pilated woodpecker, and hawks," reports Joel R., who spent three weeks at Liberty Lake Regional Park.
What you should know
Seasonal limitations: Most campgrounds operate from May through September, with reduced services in shoulder seasons. "It was empty when we went, the sites are very close together, and not private. There is a great waterfall that is accessible by boat only when the water levels are higher in the summer," shares Andrea R. about Hawk Creek.
Reservation requirements: Many popular sites now require advance booking, especially during summer months. "We did not have reservations beforehand and got the last space available on a Monday. Advise reservations," warns Lisa K. about Bowl and Pitcher Campground.
Water level fluctuations: Lake Roosevelt's water levels vary significantly throughout the season. "When Grand Coulee starts letting the water down in Lake Roosevelt the Hawk Creek boat launch gets closed. Don't worry there are a few other boat launches within a short drive (10-15 minutes)," advises Patrick R.
Cell service variability: Connectivity is spotty throughout the region. "This is a perfect getaway for people looking to unplug as no cell service (tested on sprint, verizon, and google fi) is available," notes Mary C. about Riverside State Park.
Tips for camping with families
Beachfront camping: Book waterfront sites at Porcupine Bay Campground for direct beach access. "This camping spot is conveniently located off a well groomed gravel road just a mile or so from the main paved road. But the lake and beach are huge and there's plenty of room for your dogs to play," says John F.
Wildlife exploration opportunities: Bring nets for kids to catch and observe small creatures. "The last couple times there were literally 1000's of baby frogs that my son was catching and playing with. There is a ton of wildlife. Crawfish. Birds. Small snakes if you go looking for them," shares Gary S. about Hawk Creek.
Safety considerations: The shallow entry points at some beaches make swimming safer for younger children. "This is a place that my family and I visit a lot. We love how calm the river is and the convenience of bringing it dogs. There is a nice cement slab just in the water so it makes a safe place for kids," explains Arica C. who frequents Bowl and Pitcher.
Tips from RVers
Site selection: At Albeni Cove, just across the border in Idaho, experienced RVers recommend specific sites. "Site 12 is the best site and I highly recommend reserving that one. The campground hosts were extremely kind and helpful," advises Taylor M.
Hookup availability: Full hookups are limited in the region. "We stayed at 2 different sites over 3 weeks, and both were level. They are close together! They provide a fire pit if you want one. Picnic table, water and electric," explains Joel R. about Liberty Lake Regional Park's RV accommodations.
Size restrictions: Larger RVs won't fit at some campgrounds. "Bowl and Pitcher campground has several partial-hookup sites with electricity and water, and several with no hook ups. The largest site length is 45 feet, so large RVs won't fit," cautions Joel R.
Proximity to services: Many campgrounds offer convenient access to nearby towns for supplies. "It is very close to the city, so you can eat out if you don't want to cook," mentions Joel R., highlighting the advantage of camping near Spokane when glamping in Ford, Washington.
