Best Campgrounds near Ford, WA
The rural landscape surrounding Ford, Washington features a mix of established campgrounds and recreational areas along waterways and forested terrain. Lake Spokane Campground within Riverside State Park offers tent and RV camping with water hookups and showers, operating from May through October. Nearby, Bowl and Pitcher Campground provides year-round access with full hookups for RVs and cabin options. The region extends from the Spokane River watershed to Lake Roosevelt National Recreation Area at Porcupine Bay, where boat-in camping adds variety to the standard drive-in sites. Most campgrounds maintain picnic tables, fire rings, and basic toilet facilities, with varying levels of hookups depending on the location.
Washington's Discover Pass is required at many state-managed sites, costing $10 daily or $30 annually. Cell service varies significantly throughout the area, with some remote locations having no coverage. According to one camper at South Skookum Lake, "The beauty of being so close to the entrance is there is cell service, but it's about a two-minute walk if you need to contact anyone." Road conditions can limit access to certain campgrounds, particularly those near lakes and rivers. A reviewer at Twin Lakes noted, "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." Summer temperatures typically range from 75-90°F, while spring and fall bring cooler conditions and occasional rain.
Waterfront sites consistently receive the highest ratings from visitors, particularly those at Lake Spokane. One camper described it as "very spacious where we weren't too close to our neighbors but were close enough to holler some of our camp fire stories around night time." Riverside State Park maintains multiple recreation areas with varying amenities and crowd levels. The Bowl and Pitcher area tends to fill quickly, with one visitor noting, "Make a reservation ahead of time if you want to be guaranteed a site. The campground is full and a bit loud. But very clean and well maintained, including the bathrooms." Wildlife viewing opportunities include deer, eagles, and various small mammals, particularly in less developed areas. Fishing access points are common throughout the region, with some lakes restricting watercraft to non-motorized vessels only.
