Equestrian camping options flourish in the Newport-Spokane region with trail systems spanning various terrain types. Between May and September, temperatures typically range from 45-85°F, with summer highs occasionally reaching 90°F in July and August. Most horse-friendly sites require advance booking during peak season, with weekends filling 2-3 months ahead.
What to do
Trail riding beyond the grounds: Pack River Dispersed Site offers riverside camping with trail access. "There are several dispersed sites up here along Pack River. Good for horses, camping and solitude," notes a T&A Adventures review. These areas typically don't have corrals, so bring portable fencing or highlines.
Train in dedicated facilities: Riverside State Park Equestrian Campground includes training areas beyond standard corrals. "This place is such a well put together establishment... It also seems like the perfect atmosphere to really be able to bond with your horse, so you both can be comfortable while being trained together," explains Keila C. The facilities include specialized equipment for skill development.
Attend local events: The region hosts seasonal equestrian events, particularly at fairgrounds. While staying at Kootenai County Fairgrounds RV Park, one camper mentioned a bonus experience: "There was a Fjord Horse show while we were here. Cool to see the horses," notes Carol.
What campers like
Uncrowded trail systems: Riders appreciate the ability to access trails without trailers. Gary M. notes about Riverside State Park Equestrian Campground: "This area accesses many miles of hiking/biking/horseback trails along the scenic Spokane River, but the campground itself is reserved for equestrians."
Proximity to water features: Round Lake State Park Campground offers lakeside recreation after rides. "Spending the hot afternoon floating and fishing the lake was perfect. Morning walks in the trails were peaceful with coffee in hand!" reports Cody H. The lake provides cooling options for both horses and riders.
Accessible amenities: Campers appreciate the practical conveniences. Dawn observes at Riverside: "Beautiful horse campground with tons of riding trials, and arena, round pen and obstacle course." These features allow riders to vary their training routines between trail rides.
What you should know
Reservation timing matters: Horse camping sites fill quickly, especially in prime season. For Lionhead Campground at Priest Lake State Park, Scott B. advises: "Lionhead is by far my favorite campground of hundreds I've been to... Reservations are 9 months in advance and it is a phone call of luck that will get you this prime area."
Campground restrictions vary: Not all equestrian sites allow all rig sizes. Most have specific rules regarding waste management and grazing. As one camper noted about Riverside, "There is also an arena, round pen, and trail training course a quarter mile up the road from the campground."
Weather considerations: The region experiences seasonal extremes. Nic F. reports from Round Lake: "Swung by here yesterday (late Dec) after calling to confirm hookups were still functional. There was only one hookup spot plowed, and its connectivity was not stable." Winter camping requires additional planning.
Tips for camping with families
Non-equestrian activities: Liberty Lake Regional Park offers multiple recreation options. Joel R. notes: "There is a clean shower/bathroom building and a beach within walking distance of the campground... Several hiking trails, including an equestrian trail, waterfall, fishing and lots of wildlife."
Kid-friendly campgrounds: Some parks offer educational opportunities. Heather M. shares: "The camp visitor center has a cool place for kids to learn about the wildlife in the area with foot prints in sand, bird calls, samples of the different types of trees and more. They also have boards to rent and games as well."
Timing visits: Families should consider seasonal crowds. A visitor to Liberty Lake reports: "The swimming area is nice with kind of sandy beach, but there is a bit of seaweed in the swimming area. There are also two docks perfect for fishing... the campground and swim area can get very busy during peak summer weekends."
Tips from RVers
Site selection for horse trailers: When booking equestrian sites with RVs, verify length accommodations. At Bowl and Pitcher Campground, Joel R. advises: "The largest site length is 45 feet, so large RVs won't fit." Many equestrian sites offer pull-through options for trailer parking.
Utility connections: Power availability varies significantly between equestrian camps. Rick Shannon P. notes about Kootenai: "This place was very well kept and very friendly campground host. This place is big rig friendly. I stayed in a 45 class A motorhome with a tow vehicle. I had no problem with the access to the rv park."
Access roads: Some horse campgrounds have challenging approaches. Emma T. warns about Pack River: "Lots of washboard/rutted sections on the road and some steep areas getting to certain campsites." RVers with horse trailers should research road conditions before booking remote sites.
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