Riverside State Park offers dedicated equestrian camping with corrals for horses and direct trail access from the camping area. Located near Spokane, this area attracts horse enthusiasts seeking access to miles of trails through forests and grasslands. The trails range from beginner-friendly routes to more challenging paths with water crossing opportunities in some sections.
What to do
Trail riding access: Riverside State Park Equestrian Campground provides direct access to extensive trail networks spanning over 25 miles through diverse terrain. One camper noted, "This area accesses many miles of hiking/biking/horseback trails along the scenic Spokane River, but the campground itself is reserved for equestrians."
Training facilities: Beyond trail riding, the park offers specialized horse training facilities. According to a visitor at Riverside State Park Equestrian Campground, "There is also an arena, round pen, and trail training course a quarter mile up the road from the campground."
Swimming access: For water recreation after a day of riding, Liberty Lake Regional Park offers swimming opportunities. A camper mentioned, "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."
Fishing opportunities: Multiple lakes around Steptoe provide fishing options. At Spring Valley Reservoir, a camper shared, "Great docks on the water, swimming, fishing, bathrooms, trash cans, and even a fish cleaning station."
What campers like
Horse-friendly amenities: The dedicated equestrian facilities receive high praise from horse owners. One camper at Riverside State Park Equestrian Campground stated, "This place is such a well put together establishment, it has the most beautiful breath taking sceneries. It also seems like the perfect atmosphere to really be able to bond with your horse."
Pet-friendly policies: Many campgrounds near Steptoe welcome both horses and dogs. At Triple H Mini Ranch, a visitor noted, "I was so happy to find this place when looking for a place to stay overnight with my horse. The facility has a perimeter gate as well as gates to each pasture."
Wildlife viewing: The natural areas around Steptoe support diverse wildlife. At Bowl and Pitcher Campground, a camper observed, "There is plenty of wildlife and lots of trails and riverbank to explore. My favorite thing was the suspension bridge over the river."
Proximity to services: Despite feeling remote, many horse camping options remain close to towns. A visitor at Liberty Lake Regional Park shared, "We spent 3 weeks at Liberty Lake Regional Park while visiting our son and grandkids in Spokane. The road in is a little narrow, but once in, it's a great little campground."
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Most equestrian campgrounds require advance booking, especially during peak season. A regular visitor to Riverside State Park Equestrian Campground advised, "For large groups and/or overflow, permission may be granted for camping in adjacent areas suitable for high lining horses."
Feed storage: Unlike some destination horse camps, most facilities near Steptoe require campers to bring appropriate feed storage containers.
Weather considerations: Temperature variations affect camping comfort. At Hells Gate State Park Campground, a camper noted, "It is also very hot in the summer. It would be a great place to take younger children if you are looking for lots of activities."
Facility limitations: Not all campgrounds offer full amenities. A camper at Ruby's Resort warned, "The sites are quite small, there is no designated pet area, and showers are .25 a minute."
Tips for camping with families
Beginner-friendly trails: Several areas offer easier riding paths suitable for children and less experienced riders. A visitor at Spring Valley Reservoir recommended, "A very easy access campsite. Close to the town of Troy and simple setup. You can camp up by the reservoir parking lot, or further in, closer to the wooded area."
Activity options: Sites with multiple recreation choices work best for families with varied interests. A camper observed, "This reservoir camping area has many amenities which make it nice. Great docks on the water, swimming, fishing, bathrooms, trash cans, and even a fish cleaning station."
Site selection: Choose campsites with appropriate space for family setups. At Bowl and Pitcher Campground, a camper advised, "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."
Tips from RVers
Access considerations: Some horse camping areas have limitations for larger RVs. A visitor at Ruby's Resort warned, "Beautiful views, calm, and quiet area. My only complaint is how tight the campground is. Definitely not made for big rigs or 40'. Smaller campers only."
Hookup availability: Electric and water access varies between horse campgrounds. At Riverside State Park Equestrian Campground, the facilities include electric hookups and drinking water, but lack full sewer connections or water hookups at individual sites.
Leveling challenges: Prepare for potentially uneven sites. A camper at Liberty Lake Regional Park mentioned, "Most of the sites are fairly level. We stayed at 2 different sites over 3 weeks, and both were level."
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