Lake Spokane stretches 24 miles along the Spokane River northwest of the city, a narrow reservoir created by Long Lake Dam that locals still call Long Lake more often than its official name. The lake holds walleye, bass, rainbow trout, and kokanee in water that warms enough for swimming by July and stays productive for anglers into October. Boat launches at Long Lake and at Riverside State Park’s Nine Mile recreation area put you on the water, and the lake’s length creates enough space that you can find a quiet cove even on a summer weekend.
The camping situation around Lake Spokane has always been thin. Riverside State Park offers some sites near the Bowl and Pitcher area, and there are a handful of rustic options along the lake’s northern reaches. But if you want full hookups, a pool, and proximity to both the lake and the city, you are looking at Spokane Valley. Roam Spokane RV Resort sits about 20 to 25 minutes from Lake Spokane’s primary boat launches and 15 minutes from downtown Spokane in the other direction, the nearest full-service RV park to the lake that also works as a base for everything else the Spokane metro offers.
Why Lake Spokane Works for Camping Trips
24 Miles of River-Lake
Lake Spokane is not a classic round reservoir. It is a long, narrow impoundment that follows the Spokane River’s natural channel, which gives it the winding character of a river with the depth and stillness of a lake. The result is over 24 miles of navigable water with coves, rock walls, and timbered shoreline that feel remote despite being within a 30-minute drive of a city of 230,000. Power boats, pontoons, kayaks, and canoes all work here. Wake restrictions apply in some narrower sections, which keeps the water calm for paddlers and anglers.
Warm-Water and Cold-Water Fishing
Lake Spokane supports both warm-water and cold-water species, which makes it unusual for eastern Washington. Walleye are the headline fish. Smallmouth bass hold along rocky shoreline structure. Rainbow trout and kokanee salmon occupy deeper, cooler water, and largemouth bass, crappie, and perch round out the options. You can target walleye in the morning, switch to bass in the afternoon, and troll for trout at dusk without changing locations.
Riverside State Park Access
Riverside State Park covers over 14,000 acres along the Spokane River upstream of the lake. The park’s Bowl and Pitcher area features dramatic basalt rock formations, suspension bridges, and hiking trails. The Nine Mile recreation area provides boat access to the upper end of Lake Spokane. Between the state park and the lake, you have enough outdoor recreation for a week-long trip.
Explore More Nearby
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Roam Spokane RV Resort by RJourney
Roam Spokane RV Resort is 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 travelers and long-term residents in the same 80-site footprint.
For Lake Spokane visitors, the park is about 20 to 25 minutes from the primary boat launches. That is not lakeside camping, and it is worth being honest about that. What you get in exchange is a full-service RV park with hookups, a heated pool, cabins, and the ability to restock at a Costco or grab dinner at a restaurant without a 45-minute drive. After a day running a boat out of Long Lake or Nine Mile, 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 monthly 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 stay near Lake 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 Lake Spokane
Roam Spokane is the most full-featured option near the lake, but a few other campgrounds serve visitors to the area. 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. The Bowl and Pitcher campground sits among basalt cliffs with a suspension bridge over the river. Sites are smaller than a private RV park and fill fast on summer weekends. Reservations open well in advance through the Washington State Parks system. Visit website.
Things to Do Near Lake Spokane
Lake Spokane’s 24-mile stretch handles everything from ski boats to kayaks. Boat launches at Long Lake and Nine Mile provide access. The lake’s winding character creates sheltered coves for paddling and fishing, while the wider sections accommodate water skiing and tubing. Wake restrictions in narrower sections keep conflicts between power boaters and paddlers manageable. No boat rental operations are on the lake itself, so bring your own or rent from outfitters in the Spokane metro.
Riverside State Park’s trail system offers everything from paved paths along the river to rocky scrambles through basalt formations. The Bowl and Pitcher trail 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, connecting Spokane’s urban parks, riverside paths, and the Coeur d’Alene Trail system. In winter, 5 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, a lakeside resort town with a walkable downtown, a 3,300-acre lake, and the moderate Tubbs Hill hike right in town.
Seasonal Guide for Lake Spokane Camping
Spring (March through May)
Lake Spokane warms slowly. Fishing picks up in April with walleye moving shallow to spawn. The Centennial Trail and Riverside State Park trails dry out by late April. Daytime temps climb from the 50s into the 70s. Campground availability is good, and rates may be lower than peak season.
Summer (June through August)
Peak season on the lake and at the park. Water temps reach swimmable levels by July. Boating, water skiing, and swimming are in full swing. Walleye and bass fishing is strongest early and late in the day. Daytime highs hit the 80s and 90s, with occasional 100-degree spikes. The heated pool at Roam Spokane earns its keep. Book 2 to 4 weeks ahead for weekend stays.
Fall (September through October)
The best fishing season on Lake Spokane as water cools and fish become more active. Walleye and bass fishing peaks, and kokanee salmon make their spawning run. Crowds thin dramatically. Fall colors along the river and lake are outstanding. Daytime temps in the 50s to 70s, cool nights in the 30s and 40s.
Winter (November through February)
Lake Spokane does not fully freeze in most winters, but activity slows. Some hardy anglers fish from shore or in sheltered coves. Roam Spokane stays open year-round with winter rates at $900/month. Skiing replaces lake activities as the primary draw, and the park’s position between 5 ski areas makes it a practical winter base.
Practical Tips for Lake Spokane Camping
The Long Lake launch and Nine Mile recreation area launch are the primary access points. Weekends fill up by mid-morning in summer, so arrive before 9 AM or go in the evening. Idaho-registered boats entering Washington waters need a current aquatic invasive species inspection.
Lake Spokane's walleye respond to jig-and-minnow combos, bottom bouncers with crawler harnesses, and trolled crankbaits. Focus on rocky points and the river channel. Early morning and late evening produce the best bites.
The lake's north-south orientation funnels wind through the valley. Afternoon winds from the south can create chop, especially in wider sections. Plan paddling trips for morning.
Reliable at Roam Spokane and throughout Spokane Valley. Coverage gets spotty along the more remote northern sections of Lake Spokane.
Spokane Valley has grocery stores, big box retail, outdoor outfitters, and restaurants. The camp store at Roam Spokane covers basics, and Costco is 15 minutes away.
The railroad runs near Roam Spokane. If you are a light sleeper, bring earplugs or request a site further from the tracks. Mellisa knows which rows are quietest.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there an RV park near Lake Spokane?
Yes. Roam Spokane RV Resort at 3025 N Barker Rd, Spokane Valley, WA 99027 is 20 to 25 minutes from Lake Spokane’s primary boat launches. The park has 80 pull-through sites with full hookups, cabins, a heated pool, a pickleball court, and year-round operation. It is part of the RJourney network.
What fish are in Lake Spokane?
Lake Spokane holds walleye, smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, rainbow trout, kokanee salmon, crappie, and yellow perch. Walleye are the primary draw for anglers. A Washington fishing license is required.
Can you swim in Lake Spokane?
Yes. Water temperatures become comfortable for swimming by July. There are no designated, lifeguarded swimming beaches, so swim at your own risk. Access the water from boat launches or informal shoreline points along Riverside State Park and the lake’s eastern shore.
How far is Roam Spokane from Lake Spokane?
Roam Spokane RV Resort is approximately 20 to 25 minutes from the primary boat launches on Lake Spokane. The park sits in Spokane Valley, which also puts it 15 minutes from downtown Spokane and 15 minutes from Coeur d’Alene, Idaho.
Does Roam Spokane have monthly rates?
Yes. Summer RV rates (May through September) are $1,300/month. Winter RV rates (October through April) are $900/month. Winter cabin rates range from $1,000 to $1,200/month depending on cabin type. All rates include full hookups and amenities, and there is no maximum stay limit.
Is Roam Spokane open year-round?
Yes. The park operates year-round. Some sections close in winter (rows H through K), but the core of the park remains open with full hookups and heated bathhouses. Winter rates apply from October through April.
Where do you launch a boat on Lake Spokane?
The two primary launch points are the Long Lake boat launch on the lake’s western shore and the Nine Mile recreation area (part of Riverside State Park) at the lake’s upper end. Both have concrete ramps that handle standard recreational boats.
Book Your Lake Spokane Camping Trip
Lake Spokane gives Inland Northwest residents and visitors a 24-mile stretch of multi-species fishing, calm-water boating, and river canyon scenery that most people drive past on their way to somewhere else. Pair it with Roam Spokane's full hookups, heated pool, and central location between Spokane and Coeur d'Alene, and you have a base that covers the lake, the city, and 5 ski resorts within 90 minutes. 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 RV Site (509) 924-4722