Dispersed camping opportunities near Spokane Valley, Washington extend throughout surrounding national forests and public lands. The region features a mix of primitive campsites and established campgrounds with tent sites typically situated at elevations between 1,500-2,500 feet. Most dispersed areas require self-contained camping with no facilities, while developed campgrounds provide varying levels of amenities including fire rings and vault toilets.
What to do
Fishing access: Breakwater Campground provides direct access to a tributary of the Coeur d'Alene River where anglers can enjoy fly fishing. "This campground stretches along a tributary of the CdA river, and there is great tent camping and fly fishing," notes one Breakwater Campground visitor.
Trail exploration: Lakes Divide Road offers multiple entry points to surrounding forest trails. "It is a steep but well maintained forest road. Found a blocked entrance to a forest road about a mile in. Wasn't flat but not bad and off the road a bit with a place to walk the dog," reports a camper at Lakes Divide Road.
Fruit picking: Campers near Amongst The Pines can combine their camping trip with seasonal fruit picking at nearby orchards. One visitor mentioned, "We got there early and were able to check out the nearby brewery/fruit picking spot which made for a pretty ideal road tripping night."
What campers like
Privacy and solitude: Dispersed sites along forest roads provide significant separation between campers. A visitor to Extraordinary Camping noted, "It is a very nice place to camp, since there probably won't be any people outside your own group. This has been one of my favorite camping locations so far."
Waterfront sunsets: Several campgrounds offer prime waterfront real estate for evening views. Campers at Mica Bay Boater Park enjoy "big long docks for fishing or sunbathing" with one visitor highlighting "sleeping on the boat, campfires and watching the sun sets" as their favorite experience.
Wildlife viewing: The region's lakes and waterways support diverse bird populations. Mica Bay visitors report "bald eagles and Osprey fighting for fish" as a common sight during summer months.
What you should know
Cell service limitations: Most dispersed camping areas have no connectivity. At Breakwater Campground, campers should "be prepared for no cell service. 0 amenities. It's just a place to pitch a tent and have a fire. And it cost nothing."
Seasonal closures: Many sites close during winter months or have unannounced closures. Visitors to Nine Mile Recreation Area have reported finding "the park was closed" after driving up winding access roads.
Access challenges: Several of the best tent camping near Spokane Valley requires advanced planning for access. At Skookum Creek Campground, visitors note "it's a gravel road, ideal for tent camping" while Mica Bay Boater Park requires alternate access methods as one camper clarified: "NOTE: Campground is NOT a Drive-in. You can Boat in, Park on road, or Hike in only."
Tips for camping with families
Animal encounters: Farms and wildlife viewing opportunities appeal to younger campers. At Amongst The Pines, one visitor shared, "Robin was unbelievably accommodating with our situation and even introduced my daughters to all the farm animals. On top of that, the space was perfect for a couple young kids to run around and explore."
Recreation facilities: Look for campgrounds with built-in activities. Mica Bay offers "swing sets and slide for youngsters, horseshoe pit (when camp host is present), for older kids, large grass field for frisbee or football."
Shoulder season advantages: Fall camping provides more availability and quieter experiences. At Skookum Creek, September campers reported having "the whole campground to ourselves" with 9 empty sites out of 11 total.
Tips from RVers
Limited hookup options: Most tent camping sites near Spokane Valley accommodate small RVs but with minimal amenities. The Lil Red Barn offers 11 tent sites that include drinking water, electric hookups, and thirty-amp service for smaller rigs.
Navigation challenges: Forest roads leading to prime camping spots can present difficulties. Campers heading to Nine Mile Recreation Area noted, "The drive out was beautiful amongst the tall trees" but experienced "difficulties with the waypoint" getting there.
Site selection: When camping with RVs, arrive early to secure level spots. Skookum Creek Campground offers "grassy sites with fire rings and tables" that are "spaced quite far apart" making them suitable for smaller recreational vehicles seeking more distance from neighbors.
