Equestrian camping options near Usk, Washington provide direct trail access from campsites with corrals for horses. Located in northeastern Washington, this area sits between the Selkirk Mountains and Colville National Forest at approximately 2,000 feet elevation. Summer temperatures typically range from 75-90°F with cooler nights, while spring and fall can bring unexpected temperature shifts requiring additional layers.
What to Do
Trail riding with horses: Experienced riders can access extensive trails at Riverside State Park Equestrian Campground which features "tons of riding trials, and arena, round pen and obstacle course" according to Dawn, who visited in 2023. Gary M. noted that the area "accesses many miles of hiking/biking/horseback trails along the scenic Spokane River."
Fishing opportunities: At Outlet Campground near Priest Lake, anglers can try their luck at various species. Saraj B. mentioned that while there's "no trailer parking or good spot to anchor," fishing enthusiasts can still enjoy the activity. About 45 minutes from Usk, this location offers fishing for multiple species.
Swimming and water activities: Round Lake State Park Campground provides a designated swimming area with "kind of sandy beach," though Jason S. notes "there is a bit of seaweed in the swimming area." For fishing enthusiasts, he adds there are "two docks perfect for fishing. I had a great time casting off from them and even caught a couple of crappies and trout."
What Campers Like
Secluded riverside spots: Just north of Usk at Pack River Dispersed Site, campers appreciate the natural setting. Emma T. describes it as "very peaceful" with sites "on the river," though she warns about "washboard/rutted sections on the road and some steep areas getting to certain campsites." This free camping area requires self-sufficiency as there are no facilities.
Large, well-maintained sites: At Liberty Lake Regional Park, about 60 miles southwest of Usk, campers enjoy spacious areas. Adam B. notes the "nice cozy camp site" and mentions "nice hiking and cycling trails." Joel R. elaborated that "most of the sites are fairly level" and highlighted the wildlife viewing opportunities: "deer in the campground every day, we saw moose, owls, pilated woodpecker, and hawks."
Privacy between campsites: While some campgrounds have sites close together, others offer more separation. At Lionhead Campground, Heather J. described her site as "about 20 feet from the water" with a "sandy campsite" that she enjoyed as "a nice change of pace from dirt." The campground's layout provides adequate spacing between sites compared to more crowded options.
What You Should Know
Trail conditions vary by season: Trails accessible from equestrian campgrounds can change drastically with weather. At Riverside State Park Equestrian Campground, Gary M. explains it's so convenient that "Even though this area is only 20 minutes from our home, we frequently camp there just for fun!" The proximity makes it easier to check trail conditions before traveling.
Campsite reservations recommended: Many campgrounds fill quickly, especially during summer months. At Round Lake State Park, Gordie H. observed that "many were empty during the week," suggesting weekday visits might offer better availability than weekends.
Bathroom facilities differ significantly: Comfort facilities vary widely between campgrounds. Liberty Lake Regional Park has "clean shower/bathroom building" according to Joel R., while Pack River Dispersed Site has no toilets whatsoever. At Riverside State Park Equestrian Campground, basic toilet facilities are available but no showers.
Tips for Camping with Families
Look for educational opportunities: Some parks offer learning activities for children. At Round Lake State Park, Heather M. notes "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."
Consider noise levels: Some campgrounds experience more traffic or activity noise than others. Jason S. observed at Round Lake that "one downside was some road noise, which occasionally disrupted the peaceful atmosphere, especially in the evenings." For quieter family camping, look for sites further from main roads.
Beach access for children: When camping with kids, easy water access makes for convenient entertainment. Justice K. described Cloverleaf Campground as having "dirt trails on the water which is a beautiful little cove on lake Roosevelt" and mentioned activities like "fish, kayak, float a sun island, rock hound, bird watch."
Tips from RVers
Electric hookup reliability: Check ahead about electrical connections if depending on them. At Round Lake State Park, Nic F. cautioned about winter camping: "There was only one hookup spot plowed, and its connectivity was not stable. We decided not to stay as our Tesla kept reporting electrical risk every 10 minutes."
Site leveling needs: RV campers should prepare for varied terrain. Adam B. at Liberty Lake Regional Park suggested to "Bring your blocks" for leveling, as some sites might require adjustment for optimal positioning.
Dump station locations: Not all campgrounds with hookups have dump stations on site. Joel R. noted at Liberty Lake Regional Park that "The dump station is quite a drive, back out, up the hill," requiring planning for when to empty tanks during your stay.
