Spokane & Eastern Washington RV Trip: Dry Heat, Lakes & Hidden Campground Gems
When many people think of Washington camping, they picture towering evergreens, misty coastlines, and Olympic National Park. While Western Washington certainly deserves its reputation, there's an entirely different side of the state waiting to be explored.
Eastern Washington offers sunshine-filled summers, warm lake days, rolling vineyards, rugged canyons, and miles of scenic highways perfect for RV adventures. If you've never taken your travel trailer or fifth wheel east of the Cascades, you're missing one of Washington's best road trips.
Whether you're planning a long weekend in Spokane or a week-long adventure exploring hidden campgrounds and crystal-clear lakes, this guide covers everything you need to know before hitting the road.
Why Eastern Washington Is Perfect for RV Camping
Crossing Snoqualmie Pass feels like entering another state.
The lush forests of Western Washington gradually give way to:
Rolling wheat fields
Pine-covered mountains
Wide-open valleys
Sunny weather
Warm lakes
Small historic towns
Unlike the coast, Eastern Washington enjoys a much drier climate during summer, making it ideal for camping from late spring through early fall.
Average summer temperatures range from the upper 70s into the 90s, creating perfect conditions for boating, hiking, paddleboarding, and evenings around the campfire.
Looking for even more incredible destinations? Explore our complete Washington State RV Camping Guide for road trip inspiration across every corner of the Evergreen State.
Stop #1: Spokane
Spokane is the perfect starting point for your Eastern Washington RV adventure.
Washington's second-largest city combines outdoor recreation with excellent restaurants, breweries, shopping, and family-friendly attractions.
Must-see stops include:
Spokane also offers several convenient RV parks and campgrounds, making it an excellent basecamp before exploring the surrounding region.
Best RV Campgrounds Near Spokane
Riverside State Park
Just minutes from downtown Spokane, Riverside State Park is one of Washington's largest state parks.
Visitors enjoy:
RV campsites
Hiking trails
Horseback riding
Spokane River access
Mountain biking
Scenic overlooks
Liberty Lake Regional Park
Perfect for families wanting easy lake access.
Amenities include:
Swimming
Fishing
Kayaking
Paddleboarding
Hiking trails
Spokane KOA Journey
A great option for travelers looking for:
Full hookups
Wi-Fi
Laundry facilities
Pull-through sites
Pet-friendly camping
Hidden Camping Gem: Steamboat Rock State Park
One of Eastern Washington's most underrated camping destinations sits beside Banks Lake.
Steamboat Rock State Park offers:
Large RV campsites
Boat launches
Sandy beaches
Incredible sunsets
Fishing
Hiking
Climbing opportunities
Its dramatic basalt cliffs make it one of the state's most photographed campgrounds.
Explore Lake Roosevelt National Recreation Area
Stretching over 130 miles, Lake Roosevelt is a paradise for RV travelers.
Popular activities include:
Houseboating
Fishing
Swimming
Boating
Paddleboarding
Wildlife viewing
Many campgrounds offer spacious RV sites with beautiful waterfront views.
Traveling with the whole family? Our guide to the best family RVs compares spacious travel trailers and fifth wheels designed for unforgettable road trips.
Coeur d'Alene: A Worthwhile Side Trip
Although just across the Idaho border, Coeur d'Alene is less than 40 minutes from Spokane and makes an excellent addition to your itinerary.
Enjoy:
Beautiful lakefront beaches
Boat cruises
Shopping
Restaurants
Scenic hiking
Waterfront parks
Many RV travelers combine Spokane and Coeur d'Alene into one memorable vacation.
Dry Falls State Park
Despite its name, Dry Falls once featured one of the largest waterfalls in Earth's history.
Today visitors enjoy:
Incredible geological formations
Lakeside camping
Fishing
Hiking
Stargazing
This hidden gem feels unlike anywhere else in Washington.
Sun Lakes-Dry Falls State Park
Adjacent to Dry Falls lies another favorite campground.
Visitors love:
Full-hookup campsites
Boating
Swimming
Golf nearby
Scenic drives
It's one of Eastern Washington's most popular summer destinations.
Lake Chelan (Eastern Approach)
Many travelers associate Lake Chelan with Central Washington, but it's a perfect stop when exploring Eastern Washington.
Activities include:
Wine tasting
Paddleboarding
Beaches
Want to experience both sides of Washington? Pair your Eastern Washington adventure with our guide to the best RVs for beach camping along the Pacific Coast.
Boat rentals
Waterfront dining
Nearby campgrounds accommodate everything from compact travel trailers to large fifth wheels.
If your adventure continues west, don't miss our guide to Leavenworth and Eastern Washington, featuring scenic drives, wineries, and family-friendly camping destinations.
Best Lakes for Summer Camping
Eastern Washington is filled with incredible lakes.
Our favorites include:
Banks Lake
Perfect for:
Fishing
Boating
Jet skiing
Cliffside scenery
Liberty Lake
Ideal for:
Families
Swimming
Paddleboarding
Picnics
Lake Roosevelt
Excellent for:
Houseboats
Fishing
Wildlife viewing
Long weekends
Sullivan Lake
Located near Metaline Falls, Sullivan Lake offers:
Crystal-clear water
Quiet campgrounds
Excellent kayaking
Hiking
What Makes Eastern Washington Different?
Compared to Western Washington, you'll notice:
☀️ More sunshine
🌡️ Warmer summer temperatures
🏜️ Lower humidity
🌲 Open forests
🚤 Larger lakes
⭐ Incredible night skies
It's a completely different camping experience—and one every Washington RVer should experience.
Preparing Your RV for Eastern Washington
Long drives and hotter temperatures mean your RV should be ready before heading east.
Inspect:
Tires
Brakes
Roof seals
Air conditioner
Wheel bearings
Battery
Cooling systems
Propane
Hot weather places additional stress on both your RV and tow vehicle.
Before heading into Eastern Washington's summer heat, complete these essential RV maintenance checks to help prevent unexpected roadside breakdowns.
Fuel Up Before Remote Areas
Unlike Interstate 90, some scenic highways have limited services.
Carry:
Drinking water
Emergency kit
Tire pressure gauge
Basic tools
Extra snacks
Planning fuel stops ahead of time is always a good idea.
Why Tacoma RV Center Is Ready for Your Next Adventure
Whether you're exploring the lakes of Eastern Washington or planning a cross-state road trip, Tacoma RV Center has an RV designed for every type of adventure.
We proudly carry:
Our knowledgeable staff understands the unique camping conditions throughout Washington and can help you choose the perfect RV for wherever the road leads.
Thinking about upgrading before your next road trip? Learn what AI often overlooks about buying an RV that's built for Washington's diverse camping conditions.
Get Road-Trip Ready with Tacoma RV Service Center
Before making the drive over the Cascades, let our experienced technicians help prepare your RV.
Our service department offers:
Wheel bearing service
Brake inspections
Roof inspections
Tire inspections
Electrical diagnostics
Propane inspections
Appliance service
Preventative maintenance
Tacoma RV Service Center
8507 Pacific Hwy E
Tacoma, WA 98422
📞 Service Department: 253-455-7837
Our certified technicians can help ensure your RV is ready for the warmer temperatures and longer drives of Eastern Washington.
Start Planning Your Eastern Washington Adventure
Eastern Washington is filled with hidden gems waiting to be discovered. From the waterfalls of Spokane to the cliffs of Steamboat Rock, the beaches of Lake Roosevelt, and the sunshine of Banks Lake, there's no shortage of unforgettable destinations.
If you're ready to explore a different side of Washington, Tacoma RV Center is here to help you find the perfect RV for every adventure.
Visit our dealership in Fife or browse our inventory online to start planning your next road trip.
