Camping options near Rockford, Washington span a 15-mile radius around the Spokane River, with elevations typically ranging from 2,000-2,400 feet. The region features a mix of pine forest and lake environments, with summer temperatures averaging in the mid-80s during peak camping season. Most campgrounds in the area maintain moderate to high occupancy from June through August when water activities become popular on the surrounding lakes.
What to Do
Hiking at Bowl and Pitcher: The trail system at Riverside State Park offers multiple difficulty levels with river views. "Lots of hiking trails along the Spokane River," mentions a reviewer who appreciates the park's proximity to urban areas while feeling remote.
Beach activities at Liberty Lake: The sandy beach area provides swimming access during summer months. "The campground is close to the water and lots of picnic areas. The RV spots are pretty close, but is surrounded by nature and trails," notes one visitor about the lake access.
Paddling on Coeur d'Alene Lake: Camp Coeur D Alene provides water equipment for lake exploration. "We took the paddle boat our for a sunset cruise and it was a very memorable experience! Overall, felt safe and had a great time," reports a camper who enjoyed the complimentary watercraft.
Wildlife viewing: Several campgrounds maintain protected habitat areas for native species. "There were deer in the campground every day, we saw moose, owls, pilated woodpecker, and hawks," describes one camper who documented their wildlife sightings over a three-week stay.
What Campers Like
Proximity to Spokane: Many campgrounds provide access to urban amenities while maintaining natural settings. "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," according to a review highlighting this convenient location.
Clean facilities: Riverside State Park maintains well-kept shower houses and restrooms. "Sites are pretty open not offering a good amount of privacy, though most are along the Spokane River. Each site has a picnic table and fire ring, with bbq grate. The site has showers and flushing toilets!!"
Accessible water recreation: Multiple campgrounds provide direct water access. "Great place to explore. Lots of hiking trails. Nice beach area for swimming," states a camper who appreciates the combination of land and water activities.
Spacious camping areas: Some campgrounds feature well-spaced sites. "It was a very great experience camping here the spots are very spacious and fairly quiet and clean. I enjoyed staying here will definitely be coming back to stay again," notes a visitor to Liberty Lake Regional Park.
What You Should Know
Reservation requirements: Most popular glamping near Rockford requires advance booking. "We pulled in to the public park and the attendant told us to check with the camp host even tho the sign said full," explains a camper who fortunately found availability despite the busy conditions.
Site variations: Clear Lake Recreation Area offers diverse accommodation types with varying levels of privacy. "Sites 1-15 have zero shade and are close together. Dogs are not allowed on the beach or lake areas. Ports-potties for close bathrooms," advises a visitor regarding site selection.
Military ID requirements: Some recreation areas restrict access. "Military ID required," notes a reviewer about Clear Lake Recreation Area, an important detail for planning purposes.
Seasonal operations: Campground facilities vary throughout the year. "The shower house is on the other side of Gilmore CG. The sites over there have older trees and more shade," explains a camper who discovered the uneven distribution of amenities.
Highway noise levels: Some campgrounds experience traffic sounds. "This campground is next to the interstate. I called last minute as we were driving through and was offered a tent site next to 'the creek'—turns out the creek is the ditch between the highway and campsite," warns a camper about noise levels at one location.
Tips for Camping with Families
Playground access: Camp Coeur D Alene provides child-friendly recreation areas. "Very friendly. Great facilities!" mentions a parent who found the campground well-suited for family activities.
Swimming safety: Look for designated swimming areas with gradual entry points. "This place had everything i could possibly want for an affordable price. Boat, kayak and other equipment rentals, restaurant, bathrooms, changing rooms, showers, fishing dock, swimming area, shaded lawns and picnic tables," describes a visitor who appreciated the structured water access.
Campground activities: Some locations coordinate group events. "This camp is close to the freeway and on the edge of the lake. 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," notes a camper about the variety of options available.
Noise considerations: Family-oriented campgrounds may have varied sound levels. "This is more of a family oriented Campground but great for a couple of nights," suggests a reviewer who found the atmosphere suitable for short stays.
Tips from RVers
Leveling challenges: Liberty Lake Regional Park may require adjustment equipment. "Nice cozy camp site. Can be a bit crowded but is nice here. Cell service is solid att and Verizon. Nice hiking and cycling trails. Lake looks pretty but didn't go in. Was very hot here in July with no wind," advises an RVer who recommends bringing leveling blocks.
Road access limitations: Some campgrounds have narrow approach roads. "The road in was kinda sketchy if you are pulling a large RV. It is surrounded by a heavily wooded area that is very beautiful and well kept up," cautions a driver who navigated the entrance with a larger vehicle.
Hookup variations: Electric, water, and sewer connections differ between campgrounds. "The RV sites are very close together on a gravel lot, but are full hookup. The location is right next to the biking trail and river boardwalk a short distance to the city park," explains a camper who prioritized utility access over site spacing.
Dump station locations: Not all campgrounds offer convenient waste disposal. "Most of the sites are fairly level. 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. The dump station is quite a drive, back out, up the hill," notes an RVer about the somewhat inconvenient placement of sanitation facilities.
