Spokane sits in the eastern Washington high desert, where the Spokane River cuts through basalt and pine forest on its way to the Columbia. For a city of 230,000, the camping access is unusual: Riverside State Park’s 14,000 acres start at the western edge of town, five ski resorts are within 90 minutes, and the Idaho border with Coeur d’Alene and its 3,300-acre lake is 15 minutes east. The Centennial Trail runs 37 miles from Nine Mile Falls to the state line, stitching urban parks, river paths, and the Idaho trail system together.
The challenge near Spokane is not finding a campground. It is figuring out which one fits your trip. State parks give you basalt scenery and river access but basic facilities. Private RV resorts give you full hookups, a pool, and year-round operation. This guide covers the major campgrounds within about 45 minutes of downtown, what each does well, and where the trade-offs land. The featured campground is Roam Spokane RV Resort in Spokane Valley, the most full-service base in the metro.
Why the Spokane Area Works for Camping
Gateway Between Two States
Spokane Valley sits on the Washington-Idaho border. That geography puts two states’ worth of campgrounds, lakes, trails, and towns within easy reach. Downtown Spokane is 15 minutes west, Coeur d’Alene is 15 minutes east, and Liberty Lake sits in between. You can camp in Spokane Valley and day-trip in every direction without driving all day.
Riverside State Park and Public Lands
Most midsized cities do not have a 14,000-acre state park inside their borders. Spokane does. Riverside State Park stretches along the Spokane River from the Bowl and Pitcher basalt formations upstream past Nine Mile Falls, with hiking, biking, horseback riding, and rock climbing. Mt. Spokane State Park adds backcountry camping 30 minutes northeast, and national forest land opens up across the Idaho line.
Four-Season Recreation
Spokane’s climate supports camping from April through October for most visitors, with hardy campers extending into the shoulder months. Summer highs sit in the mid-80s to low 90s. Fall brings cool, clear days. Winter shifts the focus to skiing at five resorts within 90 minutes, and a year-round campground like Roam Spokane keeps full hookups and heated bathhouses open through the cold months.
Explore More Nearby
More RV parks and campgrounds near you:
Roam Spokane RV Resort by RJourney
Roam Spokane RV Resort is the most full-featured campground in the immediate Spokane metro, a year-round park in Spokane Valley positioned between downtown Spokane (15 minutes west) and Coeur d’Alene, Idaho (15 minutes east). The park transitioned from the Spokane KOA to the Roam brand in November 2025 and has been in the RJourney network since. GM Mellisa and her team run the operation for a mix of weekend campers and long-term residents in the same 80-site footprint. You get full hookups, a heated pool, cabins, and the ability to restock at a Costco or grab dinner without a long drive. After a day at Riverside State Park or on Lake Spokane, you come back to a hot shower, a cold drink, and a pool for the kids.
Sites & Hookups
The park has 80 pull-through RV sites, every one of them full hookup: water, sewer, electric with 30/50-amp service, and cable TV. It is big-rig friendly, so 40-foot fifth wheels and Class A motorhomes fit without a tight squeeze. WiFi covers most of the property.
Site layout matters in winter. Rows H through K close for the cold season and water gets shut off to those sections. Rows A through C stay open for overnight bookings year-round, and rows G and F handle long-term residents. A winter guest should call ahead and ask Mellisa about placement; she knows which sites drain best and which catch the morning sun. Roads and pads are gravel, which means some dust in dry weather. A dump station is on-site, free for all guests, available at any hour.
What's On-Site
For a campground near Spokane, the amenities that matter are the ones you touch every day. Roam Spokane’s laundry room runs 24 hours with 5 washers, 3 large dryers, and 1 super washer, all coin-operated. Two bathhouses are open 24 hours, both ADA compliant with coded doors. WiFi covers most of the park and handles browsing and email; remote workers will want a cellular hotspot to back it up for video calls. Cable TV reaches every RV site. A dump station is free and available all hours. Propane refill is on-site and open to the public, so there is no drive across town to fill a tank. The camp store carries ice, drinks, ice cream, and basics. The heated pool runs seasonally, Memorial Day through Labor Day, 10 AM to 8 PM on weekdays.
On-site recreation: a basketball court, a pickleball court, a playground, a game room, and a clubhouse. The pavilion has 2 BBQ grills, picnic benches, and a fire pit, rentable at $75 per hour. The standout for pet owners is the dual dog setup, a separate off-leash area and an on-leash area, so a dog gets real exercise without leaving the property.
What Guests Say
3.8 stars across 914 Google reviews. What guests praise: the park is clean and well-maintained, the location between Spokane and Coeur d’Alene is convenient, and staff get steady mentions for being friendly and responsive. The pull-through sites handle big rigs without trouble, and the pool, pickleball, and dog areas draw positive notes. Guests describe the park as fun and family-friendly. What guests flag: the roads and pads are gravel, so there is dust in dry weather, and the park sits near a rail line, so some guests mention train noise, particularly at night. Neither is a dealbreaker for most visitors, but both are worth knowing before you book.
Other Campgrounds Near Spokane
Roam Spokane is the most full-featured campground in the metro, but the area has standout public-land options for tent campers and those who want a more rustic stay. Availability and policies change, so call ahead before making plans.
Riverside State Park (Bowl and Pitcher)
Over 14,000 acres of state parkland along the Spokane River and the crown jewel of Spokane-area public camping. The Bowl and Pitcher campground sits among basalt cliffs with a suspension bridge over the river and trails fanning out in every direction. The setting is spectacular and the camping is basic: no full hookups, no sewer at sites, no pool. Sites fill fast on summer weekends. Reserve through the Washington State Parks system. Visit website.
Farragut State Park (Idaho)
Over 4,000 acres on the southern tip of Lake Pend Oreille, Idaho’s largest lake, on the grounds of a former WWII naval training station. Multiple campground loops cover tent, partial hookup, and full-hookup sites, with a swimming beach, boat launch, disc golf course, and trail system. The lake access and big trees make it worth the drive from Spokane for a weekend, especially if you bring a boat. Reserve through Idaho State Parks. Visit website.
Things to Do Near Spokane Campgrounds
Lake Spokane, the 24-mile reservoir on the Spokane River northwest of the city, holds walleye, bass, rainbow trout, and kokanee, with boat launches at Long Lake and at Riverside State Park’s Nine Mile recreation area. Closer to the metro, Coeur d’Alene Lake covers 3,300 acres 15 minutes east, with boat cruises from the Coeur d’Alene Resort and a walkable lakeside downtown. Liberty Lake, right on the state line, adds swimming and an 8-mile loop trail. No boat rental operations sit on Lake Spokane itself, so bring your own or rent from outfitters in the metro.
Riverside State Park’s trail system covers over 55 miles, from paved river paths to rocky scrambles through basalt. The Bowl and Pitcher loop is the signature hike, a 2.5-mile loop crossing a suspension bridge over the Spokane River with views of volcanic rock pillars. The Centennial Trail runs 37 miles from Nine Mile Falls to the Idaho border. Mt. Spokane State Park rises to 5,883 feet northeast of the city with summer hiking and mountain biking, and in winter five ski areas sit within 60 to 90 minutes: Mt. Spokane, Schweitzer, 49 Degrees North, Silver Mountain, and Lookout Pass.
Downtown Spokane is 15 minutes from the park. Riverfront Park sits on the Spokane River in the city center, built for Expo ’74, with a carousel, a gondola ride over Spokane Falls, and open green space. The restaurant scene is strong in the Garland District, Perry District, and South Hill, and the Northwest Museum of Arts and Culture covers regional history and Native American art. Cross the state line 15 minutes east and you are in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. Green Bluff, 25 minutes north, is a farming plateau with U-pick orchards, cideries, and country stores, with apple picking the big fall draw.
Seasonal Guide for Spokane Camping
Spring (March through May)
Trails dry out by late April and lake access opens as water warms. Daytime temps climb from the 50s into the 70s, wildflowers appear in the state parks, and fishing picks up on Lake Spokane and the Spokane River. Campground availability is good and rates may be lower than peak season, which makes spring a strong window for a quieter trip.
Summer (June through August)
Peak camping season. Daytime highs hit the mid-80s to low 90s with occasional triple-digit spikes, so pools, lakes, and rivers earn their keep, and the heated pool at Roam Spokane gets steady use. State park campgrounds fill on weekends. Book 2 to 4 weeks ahead for popular sites. Long daylight hours, up to 16 hours in June, stretch your outdoor time.
Fall (September through October)
Cool, clear days in the 50s to 70s with fall colors along the rivers and in the mountains. Crowds thin sharply. Fishing peaks on Lake Spokane as water cools, and Green Bluff apple-picking season draws families. Arguably the best camping weather of the year if you do not need swimming. Watch August and September for occasional wildfire smoke from regional fires.
Winter (November through February)
Camping shifts to hardened sites and year-round parks. Roam Spokane stays open with winter rates at $900/month for RV sites and $1,000 to $1,200 for cabins. Some sections close (rows H through K), but the core park keeps full hookups and heated bathhouses. Skiing replaces hiking as the primary draw, and the park’s position between five ski areas makes it a practical winter base.
Practical Tips for Spokane Area Camping
Riverside State Park and Mt. Spokane fill on summer weekends. Reservations open well in advance through the Washington State Parks system, and midweek availability is much better than weekends.
The railroad runs through the valley, and trains pass at all hours. Light sleepers should bring earplugs or ask about site placement relative to the tracks. Mellisa knows which rows are quietest.
Roam Spokane's location off I-90 makes it a natural stopover for cross-country RV travelers. If you are heading between Seattle and Montana, Spokane is a logical overnight or multi-day stop.
If you camp in Spokane but fish in Idaho (Coeur d'Alene, Lake Pend Oreille), you need an Idaho fishing license. Washington licenses do not cross state lines. Buy online through Idaho Fish and Game.
August and September can bring wildfire smoke from regional fires, and air quality varies year to year. Check current conditions before planning outdoor-intensive trips in late summer.
Spokane Valley has grocery stores, big box retail, outdoor outfitters, and restaurants. The camp store at Roam Spokane covers basics, and a Costco is 15 minutes away.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best campground near Spokane?
It depends on what you need. Riverside State Park offers the best natural setting with basalt formations and river access but limited amenities. Roam Spokane RV Resort in Spokane Valley has 80 full-hookup pull-through sites, cabins, a heated pool, and year-round operation for campers who want full services. It is part of the RJourney network.
Are there RV parks with full hookups near Spokane?
Yes. Roam Spokane RV Resort at 3025 N Barker Rd, Spokane Valley has 80 pull-through sites with full hookups (water, sewer, electric with 30/50-amp service) and cable TV. Nightly rates start at $40.50, with monthly rates of $900 in winter and $1,300 in summer.
Can you camp at Riverside State Park near Spokane?
Yes. The Bowl and Pitcher campground has 32 standard sites and 16 partial-hookup sites among basalt formations along the Spokane River. There are no full hookups or sewer connections at individual sites, but a dump station is available. Reserve through the Washington State Parks system for summer weekends.
Is there year-round camping near Spokane?
Yes. Roam Spokane RV Resort operates year-round with winter RV rates at $900/month and cabin rates from $1,000 to $1,200/month. Some sections close in winter (rows H through K), but the core park stays open with full hookups and heated bathhouses.
Does Roam Spokane have cabins?
Yes. Three types: Cozy Cabins (queen plus bunk, shared bathhouse), Deluxe Cabins (private bedroom, full bathroom, kitchenette), and Premier Cabins (full kitchen, electric fireplace, fully furnished). Cabins are available for long-term winter stays from October through April, with winter rates from $1,000/month.
How far is Coeur d'Alene from Spokane campgrounds?
Coeur d’Alene is about 30 minutes from downtown Spokane and 15 minutes from Spokane Valley campgrounds like Roam Spokane. The I-90 corridor makes the drive straightforward for any size rig, which lets you base in Spokane Valley and day-trip into Idaho easily.
Book Your Spokane Camping Trip
Spokane puts 14,000 acres of state parkland, two states' worth of lakes, five ski resorts, and a growing city restaurant scene within a 30-minute radius of your campsite. Pair that with Roam Spokane's 80 full-hookup pull-through sites, cabins, heated pool, and central location between Spokane and Coeur d'Alene, and you have a base that covers the parks, the lakes, and the city. Nightly rates start at $40.50, and monthly rates run $900 to $1,300 depending on the season.
See all site types, rates, and live availability on the Roam Spokane RV Resort page.
Book Your Campsite (509) 924-4722