Dispersed camping locations spread across eastern Washington and northern Idaho provide rustic alternatives to established campgrounds near Rockford, Washington. The region sits where the Palouse prairie transitions to mountainous terrain with elevations ranging from 2,200 to 4,500 feet. Temperature fluctuations between day and night can exceed 30 degrees in summer months, requiring appropriate gear for nighttime cooling.
What to do
Paddling opportunities: Lake access at Camp Coeur D Alene allows both beginners and experienced paddlers to enjoy the water. "This place has great amenities (free canoes, hot showers, flush toilets, free firewood) which made it the nicest campground I had been to for awhile," notes reviewer Jared.
Biking: Trail connections from Hawleys Landing Campground provide dedicated paths for cycling enthusiasts. "The Trail of the Coeur D'Alene runs through this campground. Biking the 7 mile ride to Harrison is a great way to spend the day, you cross the lake over a bridge, watching eagles swoop over the lake as you ride," explains Samantha W.
Wildlife viewing: Bird watching opportunities expand beyond typical forest creatures. The wetland habitats surrounding Liberty Lake RV Campground attract diverse bird species. As one visitor noted, "Hiking trail around marshy lake and lots of birds. Sites are close together."
What campers like
Privacy options: Some Beauty Creek Campground sites offer more seclusion than others. "We stayed in a big open central meadow that had a few sites in it, but the campground also had some sites that were more tucked back in the vegetation," explains Elise Z., helping campers find their preferred setting.
Clean facilities: Maintained bathrooms consistently receive positive comments despite being primitive. "Pit toilets were very clean/well maintained. Site #7 is definitely the best site for tent camping," notes Haley M. about Beauty Creek Campground.
Urban proximity: The convenience of staying at Spokane KOA Journey means easy access to services while still enjoying camp life. "This KOA was a convenient stopover for us during our travels on I-90. The staff were nice and the site was level," shares James W.
What you should know
Train noise: Several campgrounds have railway lines nearby that create notable noise. The Spokane KOA Journey receives consistent mentions about this disturbance: "It is right next to an active railroad, so bring earplugs if you don't want to be woken up by trains several times," advises Kristen M.
Seasonal insects: Specific campgrounds experience insect population increases during warmer months. At Beauty Creek Campground, "There was a bit of a wasp problem there (we were there in August), so not the best place to go if you're afraid of or allergic to bees and wasps," cautions Elise Z.
Boondocking options: Free overnight parking serves travelers needing basic stopover locations. Cabela's in Post Falls offers designated RV areas with specific rules. "There were probably 20 RVs/vehicles camping over the 4th of July weekend. Cabela's has a sign saying RVs are permitted for stays up to 48 hours," reports Cary N.
Tips for camping with families
Beach activities: Dedicated swimming areas provide safe recreation zones for children. At Blackwell Island RV Park, "They had a clean beach along the Spokane River with plenty of high quality beach chairs to relax in and watch the parade of boats coming from upriver," notes Love4travel T.
Recreation amenities: Kid-friendly facilities enhance family camping experiences. "They've added cute touches around the premises. A kids BMX dirt bike area, secret gardens, walking nature paths and a pond with their own resident ducks," describes Love4travel T. about Blackwell Island RV Park.
Site selection: For tent camping families, carefully choose specific sites. "The tent sites had a nice triangular metal and wood canopy for shelter from rain and also for shade," shares Kristen M. about Spokane KOA Journey, offering practical structural benefits for family setups.
Tips from RVers
Site dimensions: Understanding exact spacing helps with larger rigs. At Bowl and Pitcher Campground, "The largest site length is 45 feet, so large RVs won't fit. Reservations can be made online," advises Joel R.
Seasonal availability: Winter camping options remain limited but available. Joel R. explains that Bowl and Pitcher Campground at Riverside State Park remains open "very close to the city, so you can eat out if you don't want to cook. Lots if hiking trails along the Spokane River."
Hookup variations: Electrical amperage differs between campgrounds near rockford mn and surrounding areas. "Sites are 30/50 amp, most are pull through but the outer ring is back in. They also have propane," notes Joel R. about Liberty Lake RV Campground, important for RVers planning power needs.
