Yurt camping near Marshall, Washington provides access to the Spokane River watershed while being close to public lands for outdoor recreation. Most campgrounds in this region sit between 2,000-2,500 feet elevation in transitional forest zones where ponderosa pines dominate. Water levels at local recreation areas fluctuate significantly between spring and summer, with some boat launches becoming inaccessible during low water periods.
What to do
Suspension bridge exploration: The iconic suspension bridge at Riverside State Park crosses the Spokane River and connects to miles of hiking trails. "The swinging bridge is awesome. Popular area. The bathrooms are nice, the river is beautiful," notes Andrea R., who found the campsite small but well worth visiting.
Waterfall viewing: Visit Hawk Creek Campground to see the 30-40 foot waterfall that emerges from a rock crevice. "We camped close to the Falls so we had a nice view from our campspot," shares Melissa B., who enjoyed fishing and swimming in the area. The waterfall flow is strongest during spring months and diminishes as summer progresses.
Wildlife watching: Multiple campgrounds offer habitat for diverse wildlife viewing. "There is a ton of wildlife. Crawfish. Birds. Small snakes if you go looking for them. Fish," reports Gary S. about Hawk Creek. During spring at Liberty Lake, visitors might spot "deer in the campground every day, moose, owls, pilated woodpecker, and hawks," according to Joel R.
What campers like
No cell service retreats: Campers seeking to disconnect appreciate the limited connectivity at Liberty Lake Regional Park. "It runs between 35 to 75 a night to stay there ranging from camping to full RV hookup. However, it is very close to Spokane and has beautiful hiking trails, a beach where you can swim and kayak and canoe and fish, birds and wildlife around singing beautifully day and night," writes Steve M.
Primitive camping options: For those preferring more rustic experiences, Pend Oreille County Park offers basic accommodations at affordable rates. "Camping $20/night. 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 camphost theresanne V., noting the park is a "primitive (boondock) campground" ideal for those who enjoy trails or "just kicking back and listening to the birds."
Water recreation access: Most area lakes and rivers provide water activities from late spring through early fall. "The campgroundl has partial hook ups and is very camper friendly otherwise. Sites are pretty open not offering a good amount of privacy, though most are along the Spokane River," reports Mary C. about Riverside State Park, adding that "Lots of space for swimming and fishing!"
What you should know
Seasonal water level changes: Reservoirs and lakes in the region experience significant water level fluctuations. At Hawk Creek, "In spring the lake is low for flood control," explains Andrea R., while another camper noted "the water level was 60ft down due to the dams being open for the salmon and snow melt." This affects boat launch accessibility throughout the season.
Variable site spacing: Most campgrounds feature mixed site layouts with varying degrees of privacy. At Camp Coeur D Alene, a camper noted they "were lucky enough to land the island campground which made the whole experience amazing! This place has great amenities (free canoes, hot showers, flush toilets, free firewood)... If we were camping on the mainland the sites are a little too close."
Limited yurt availability: Yurt camping near Marshall, Washington requires advance booking, particularly during summer months. "The camp offers tent camping, full service RV camping, and cabins for rent. There are hiking trails adjacent, a well stocked camp store and laundry facilities," reports Phil G. about Camp Coeur D Alene, one of few facilities offering alternative accommodations to traditional camping.
Tips for camping with families
Frog watching experiences: Children particularly enjoy the amphibian populations at certain sites. At Hawk Creek, Gary S. reports: "The last couple times there were literally 1000's of baby frogs that my son was catching and playing with." This natural attraction provides entertainment without additional cost.
Safe swimming spots: Look for designated swimming areas with gradual entry points. "There is a nice cement slab just in the water so it makes a safe place for kids," describes Arica C. about Riverside State Park's swim area. Several campgrounds maintain designated swimming zones separated from boat traffic.
Water equipment rentals: At Wolf Lodge Campground, families appreciate the available recreational equipment. "Cute campground with plenty to do and lots of amenities. Canoe and float rentals, live music on weekends," writes Erin A., while another camper mentioned "We loved kayaking down the creek at the campground and saw wildlife."
Tips from RVers
Hookup variations: Electric service types differ between campgrounds. Liberty Lake offers "water and electric" hookups but no 50-amp service, while Riverside State Park provides "partial-hookup sites with electricity and water" as noted by Joel R., who added "The largest site length is 45 feet, so large RVs won't fit."
Site leveling requirements: Many RV sites in the region require leveling equipment. "Bring your blocks" advises Adam B. about Liberty Lake Regional Park, where he found "nice cozy camp site" with "solid att and Verizon" cell service but noted the need for leveling blocks to properly set up an RV.
Dump station access: RVers should plan for dump station locations. At Liberty Lake, Joel R. cautions "The dump station is quite a drive, back out, up the hill," requiring additional trip planning for those needing to empty tanks during their stay.
