Equestrian Campground

Hello, Washingtonians! For those who share a deep love for horses and the great outdoors, finding the perfect place where you and your equine companions can truly thrive is paramount. Look no further than the Equestrian Campground at Riverside State Park in Spokane, WA. This is more than just a campground; it’s a dedicated facility meticulously designed to cater to horse enthusiasts, offering a seamless blend of comfortable camping and unparalleled access to miles of scenic equestrian trails right here in our beautiful state.

The Equestrian Campground provides a unique opportunity to immerse yourselves in the natural beauty of Riverside State Park, known for its diverse landscapes and extensive trail systems. It’s a place where you can ride all day, then return to a campsite specifically equipped for your horse, ensuring both of you are comfortable and ready for the next adventure. For locals who participate in horseback riding, this campground is an invaluable resource, eliminating the logistical challenges often associated with traveling with horses.

What sets this campground apart is its thoughtful design. It’s not just a few campsites near a trail; it’s a comprehensive equestrian facility that understands the specific needs of horse owners. From dedicated corrals at each site to wide parking areas for trailers, every detail is considered to make your visit as enjoyable and hassle-free as possible. This commitment to the equestrian community makes it a standout destination for riders across Washington.

We understand that for many, horseback riding is more than just a hobby; it's a lifestyle. The Equestrian Campground at Riverside State Park fosters a welcoming environment for this community, allowing you to connect with fellow riders, share experiences, and explore the stunning natural beauty that surrounds Spokane. This overview will provide you with all the essential details to plan your next memorable equestrian adventure in Washington.

The Equestrian Campground is a part of the expansive Riverside State Park, conveniently located in Spokane, WA 99224, USA. More precisely, it is situated on the west side of the Spokane River, approximately two to three miles northwest of downtown Spokane. Its specific location within the park is often described as being just off Government Way, a mile north of Spokane Falls Community College.

For Washington residents, reaching Riverside State Park is straightforward, typically involving well-maintained state and local roads. The park's proximity to the city of Spokane means that while you are immersed in a natural setting, you are never too far from urban conveniences like grocery stores, restaurants, and other essential services. This balance of seclusion and accessibility is highly valued by visitors.

Accessibility within the campground itself is also a key feature. The campsites are designed with spacious parking areas to accommodate RVs and horse trailers of various sizes, with sites capable of fitting trailers/RVs from 20 to 40 feet. Clear driving directions are available, often directing visitors from Ft. Wright Drive onto Government Way, then a right onto Aubrey L. White Parkway, followed by another right into the Equestrian parking area. The roads within the park and leading to the campground are generally well-maintained, ensuring a smooth arrival. The convenient access allows horse owners to easily transport their animals and equipment, making the focus of their trip the enjoyment of riding and camping.

The Equestrian Campground at Riverside State Park offers a comprehensive array of services tailored specifically for horse owners and campers seeking a comfortable outdoor experience.

• Campsites with Corrals: The campground features 21 campsites, with 16 sites officially listed, and each complete with corrals for your horses. This is a crucial amenity, providing a secure and convenient place for your equine companions right at your campsite. Sites 15 and 18 are ADA accessible.

• Spacious RV and Trailer Parking: Campsites offer generous parking areas designed to accommodate RVs and trailers, ensuring ample space for your vehicle and horse trailer. Sites can fit trailers/RVs ranging from 20 to 40 feet in length.

• Electric Hookups: Many sites are equipped with electric hookups (30/50 amp), including sites 2, 5, 8, 10, 12, 13, 16, 18, 19, and 20. This provides essential power for RVs and other camping needs, enhancing comfort.

• Potable Water: Drinking water is available within the campground, ensuring campers and their horses have access to fresh water. Water is typically available from mid-April to October 15, depending on weather.

• Modern Restrooms and Showers: The campground provides flush toilets and showers, offering clean and convenient facilities for personal hygiene, a welcome amenity after a day on the trails.

• Dump Station: A dump station is available for RVs, allowing for convenient waste disposal, which is essential for longer stays.

• Individual Site Amenities: Each campsite includes a picnic table, a fire ring, and a grate, perfect for outdoor cooking and enjoying campfires under the stars.

• Overflow Parking: Additional overflow parking is available, which can be useful during peak seasons or for visitors with extra vehicles.

• Ice and Firewood Sales: For added convenience, ice and firewood are often available for purchase at the park, eliminating the need to leave the campground for these essentials.

These comprehensive services highlight the campground's commitment to providing a comfortable, well-equipped, and horse-friendly environment, ensuring a pleasant and worry-free camping experience for all visitors to Riverside State Park.

The Equestrian Campground at Riverside State Park boasts an impressive array of features and highlights that make it a premier destination for horseback riding and camping in Washington.

• Direct Access to Extensive Trail System: A major highlight is direct access to over 25 miles of dedicated horse trails within Riverside State Park. These trails offer varied landscapes, including river views, dense forests, and open meadows, providing diverse and exciting riding experiences for all skill levels. There are multiple main trailheads that support equestrian use with ample horse trailer parking.

• 60-Foot Round Pen and Obstacle Course: For training or simply exercising horses, the campground features a 60-foot round pen and an obstacle course. This is an invaluable amenity for riders looking to work with their horses or practice specific skills in a controlled environment.

• Year-Round Operation (with seasonal considerations): While specific opening and closing dates for water services and the campground can be weather-dependent (typically April 1 – Oct. 31 for the campground, and water mid-April – Oct. 15), the equestrian day-use area is often open longer, generally March 1 – Dec. 15, allowing for extended seasonal enjoyment.

• Beautiful Natural Setting: Riverside State Park encompasses over 9,000 acres along the Spokane and Little Spokane rivers, offering stunning natural beauty. Equestrians can enjoy riding through towering ponderosa pines, along riverbanks, and through varied terrain, with opportunities for wildlife viewing, including deer and birds, and occasionally moose.

• ADA Accessibility: The campground thoughtfully includes ADA-accessible sites (sites 15 and 18) and potentially an ADA platform, ensuring that the joys of equestrian camping are available to a wider range of visitors.

• Close to Other Park Activities: While focused on equestrian use, the campground's location within Riverside State Park means visitors also have access to the park's other extensive recreational opportunities, including over 80 miles of hiking and mountain biking trails, rock climbing, fishing, kayaking, and more. The iconic swinging bridge at Bowl and Pitcher is also nearby.

• Organized Equestrian Events: The area around Spokane, including facilities like Spokane Sport Horse Farm, hosts various equestrian events like dressage shows, clinics, and horse trials (USEA and FEI), indicating a vibrant local equestrian community and supporting infrastructure.

These features collectively establish the Equestrian Campground as a top-tier destination for horse owners in Washington, providing not just a place to stay, but a comprehensive equestrian experience within a stunning natural environment.

For direct inquiries, reservations, or any further information regarding the Equestrian Campground at Riverside State Park, please use the following contact details:

Address: Spokane, WA 99224, USA (specifically within Riverside State Park)

For reservations and general inquiries about Washington State Parks campgrounds, including the Equestrian Campground, it is best to use the central reservation system or contact the park directly if a specific booth number is available.

Central Reservations:

Phone: (888) CAMPOUT (888-226-7688)

For questions directly related to Riverside State Park's Bowl and Pitcher area (which may also handle some general park inquiries, including the equestrian area):

Phone: (509) 625-5553 (Bowl and Pitcher booth)

It is highly recommended to make reservations online via the Washington State Parks website (www.parks.wa.gov) or by calling the central reservation line, especially since spots can be limited and are advised to be booked ahead. This ensures availability, particularly for specific sites with electric hookups or ADA features, and allows you to confirm current operating hours and any seasonal restrictions.

The Equestrian Campground at Riverside State Park is an exceptionally suitable destination for locals across Washington, particularly for the vibrant equestrian community. Its localized appeal is rooted in its tailored amenities, accessibility, and the comprehensive experience it offers.

Firstly, for Washingtonians who own horses, this campground eliminates the major logistical hurdles often associated with travel. Having dedicated campsites complete with corrals and spacious parking for horse trailers directly addresses a critical need. This means less worry about housing your horse and more time enjoying the beautiful trails. It's a specialized facility designed with the horse and rider in mind, making it a truly "local-friendly" resource.

Secondly, its prime location within Riverside State Park, just outside Spokane, provides both convenience and immersion in nature. It's easily accessible from major population centers in Eastern Washington, making it ideal for weekend trips or even longer stays without extensive travel. Yet, once you're there, you're surrounded by thousands of acres of diverse landscapes, offering a genuine escape.

The extensive network of 25 miles of horse trails, combined with amenities like the round pen and obstacle course, offers unparalleled recreational opportunities for riders of all skill levels. Whether it's a leisurely ride along the Spokane River or a more challenging exploration of the park's terrain, the possibilities are vast. This variety ensures that riders can return repeatedly and always find new routes and challenges.

Furthermore, the presence of modern amenities such as electric hookups, potable water, flush toilets, and showers enhances the comfort of the camping experience. This blend of rustic outdoor adventure with essential conveniences is highly valued by local campers who seek both immersion in nature and a comfortable retreat. The year-round operational capacity, with considerations for seasonal conditions, also means more opportunities for locals to enjoy the park's beauty throughout different times of the year.

In conclusion, the Equestrian Campground at Riverside State Park is more than just a place to camp; it's a community hub for horse lovers, a meticulously maintained facility, and a gateway to exploring Washington's natural beauty on horseback. For any Washington resident seeking a dedicated, convenient, and enriching equestrian camping experience, this campground stands out as a premier choice, truly serving the needs of its local users.