Spokane is the county seat of Spokane County, and it lies along the Spokane River in eastern Washington. It is adjacent to the Selkirk Mountains, west of the Rocky Mountain foothills, and 92 miles south of the Canadian border. Locally, it is known as the birthplace of Father's Day and has the nickname "Lilac City." However, it has the regional nickname of "Hooptown USA" due to the annual hosting of the Spokane Hoopfest. As of the 2010 census, Spokane's population was 208,916, making it the state's second-largest city.
The region's original inhabitants were members of the Spokane Tribe, which means "children of the sun" in Salishan. David Thompson established the North West Company's Spokane House in 1810. This site was the area's first long-term European settlement. Then, the completion of the Northern Pacific Railway brought more settlers in 1881.
Gold and silver were discovered late in the 19th century, hastening development. The city's economy depended on mining, timber, and agriculture until the 1980s. Nevertheless, the city has experienced a revival in the 21st century. After the Great Fire of 1889, architect Kirtland Kelsey Cutter redesigned many of Spokane's downtown Romanesque revival-style buildings. Spokane is still transitioning to a more service-oriented economy, developing the medical field. Opening River Park Square in 1999 acted as a catalyst for a downtown rebirth and led to the expansion of the Spokane Convention Center.
Today, the city is home to the Riverfront and Manito parks and the Fox and Bing Crosby theaters. During your visit, you may also want to take time to see the world-famous Davenport Hotel and the Northwest Museum of Arts and Culture.
North Spokane RV Campground is the closest RV park to the city center and is only minutes from downtown. Moreover, it is central to many local amenities and attractions. The park offers full hook-ups, back-in and pull-through sites, and onsite pools and hot tubs.
Willow Bay RV Resort & Marina is farther from the city center, but it is still only a 30-minute drive. It is situated on a lake, making it great when you want to escape. Travelers report that the sites are grass but come with electric and water hookups. Plus, there is great fishing, and the restroom is large with clean showers.
Alderwood RV Express is merely 14 minutes from Spokane International Airport. Daily rates at this RV campground begin at $70, and the park resembles a self-contained neighborhood. The facility has 108 sites overall, and they offer both 30-amp and 50-amp hook-ups. This campground is a great getaway from the high desert of eastern Washington.
Riverside State Park is a mere 14-mile journey northwest of Spokane via N Old Trails Rd. The park is home to 9,194 acres, and it is loaded with activities for nature lovers. Visitors can enjoy kayaking, horseback riding, and freshwater fishing. The park originally began as a fur trading post, and it was also an important cultural site for Native Americans. Summer temperatures can be seen ranging from 45 F to 75 F, and they drop to 24 F to 34 F during the winter.
Heyburn State Park is 44.8 miles southeast of Spokane via WA-27. It sits right where the Benewah, Charcolet, and Hidden Lakes converge with the St. Joe River. This area is also the northwest's oldest state park and includes 8,000 acres of pristine wilderness. Initially, the Coeur d'Alene Indians inhabited the area, fishing from well-stocked lakes. Today's visitors can partake in recreational activities all year, such as hiking, biking, horseback riding, boating, swimming, and bird watching.
Farragut State Park is 53 miles northeast of Spokane, and it is located on Lake Pend Oreille's southern tip in the Coeur d'Alene Mountains. The park contains five 18-hole disc golf courses, miles of trails, and a lovely lake for swimming. An onsite museum also explores the site's history as the world's second-largest naval training station. If you wish, you may view the park from the back of a horse, and there is a boat launch to put your rig in the water.
Lake Roosevelt National Recreation Area is 95 miles northwest of Spokane via US-395 and is an area created by the construction of the Grand Coulee Dam. Traveling families can take a guided tour of the dam to learn how it works, and in the summer, laser lights are projected onto its walls. The Colville Tribal Museum also offers a glimpse at Native American beadwork, basketry, tools, and clothing. Finally, you can tour the Fort Spokane Visitor Center & Museum, which showcases the region's history in a decommissioned fort.
Whitman Mission National Historic Site is 173 miles south of Spokane and is the site of an ancient murder mystery. It is situated at the confluence of the Columbia and Walla Walla Rivers and is near the end of the original Oregon Trail. Marcus and Narcissa Whitman were murdered at the site in 1847, initiating a chain of events that led to the creation of the Oregon Territory. You can explore the Fort Walla Walla Museum and experience Indian culture, 17 pioneer buildings, and a military establishment.
Nez Perce National Historical Park is 111 miles south of Spokane, and it covers 38 sites in Idaho, Montana, Oregon, and Washington. Archeologists have discovered evidence of the Nez Perce's habitation over 1,000 years ago in these lands. At the historical park, there are interpretive exhibits detailing the 1,200-mile flight of the Nez Perce people. You can learn about their fate as they fled and tried to escape capture by U.S. Army forces in the late 19th century.
Colville National Forest is 82 miles north of Spokane in the far northeastern corner of Washington. Since it is more remote, it does not get the same attention as the Cascades or Olympic National Forest. Therefore, the smaller crowds make it easy for visitors to soak in the natural wonders in solitude. Flume Creek Trail snakes around the forest for an eight-mile round-trip adventure. It is found in the Abercrombie-Hooknose Roadless Area, and it will take you into the hills. If you want to climb a mountain, the Abercrombie Mountain Trail is along the way.
A group of forests collectively known as the Idaho Panhandle National Forests can be found 118 miles east of Spokane via 1-90. This area includes the Coeur d'Alene, Kaniksu, and St. Joe Forests, which are jointly administered. Elevations range from a low of 2,100 feet to a high of 7,600 feet. Adventurers can enjoy cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, and snowshoeing.
Lolo National Forest is 106 miles east of Spokane via I-90. It was established in 1906, covering two million acres of land and encompassing four wilderness areas. There are over 700 hiking trails within the forests, and the park is open all year long. Take the Babcock Mountain Trail to see bighorn sheep as they graze, and there is a good chance you will spot some migratory birds on the trip.
Glacier National Park is 272 miles east of Spokane via I-90. It has earned the nickname "Crown of the Continent" and encompasses over one million acres of land. Inside the park's boundaries are over 130 named lakes, 1,000 species of plants and animals, and 734 miles of trails. Elevations reach as high as 10,000 feet above sea level in the park, and it is home to a massive variety of ecosystems and microclimates. While on an expedition, you could see bighorn sheep, elk, bats, mountain lions, and grizzly bears. Access to many of the park's features is impeded during the winter, but daytime temperatures stay in the 60s and 70s in the summertime.
North Cascades National Park is 379 miles northwest of Spokane, making it one of the most remote parks in the US. It sits on the US-Canadian border and is home to the snow-capped Cascade Mountains. Visiting families can anticipate turquoise blue lakes, glaciers, and wildflower fields. Nearly one-third of all glaciers in the continental US are found within the park, but you will need a backcountry permit to get close to them. Visitors can enjoy hiking, kayaking, camping, and fishing within the park.
Mount Rainier National Park is 269 miles southwest of Spokane and is home to the country's most glaciated peak. Mount Rainier's peak stands tall at 14,410 feet, and the lower slopes are filled with old-growth forests and meadows. In total, the park includes 236,000 acres, and it sees almost one and a half million visits annually. The park remains open year-round, and the average highs range from 21 F to 65 F. The lowest slopes melt by late spring, but the peak is always covered in snow.
When renting an RV in Spokane, WA you can expect to pay $250 a night for motorhomes and $110 a night for travel trailers.
What does RVshare Protection cover with my Spokane, WA RV rental?RVshare's protection plan standard package covers Up to $300,000 in comprehensive and collision coverage based on the value of the RV. It also includes free 24/7 roadside assistance and free towing and tire service. For more information on RVshare insurance, click here.
What do I need to know before renting an RV in Spokane, WA?Spokane is an eastern Washington city that's home to the Northwest Museum of Arts and Culture. The Spokane River flows through town, and is a great spot for boating, tubing, and swimming. There are lots of other outdoor activities in Spokane as well, like hiking and biking.
What are the RV rental requirements in Spokane, WA?There is no special license needed to rent an RV but check in with the state before your trip if you have any questions.
What are some tips for first-time RV renters in Spokane, WA?Renting an RV in Spokane, Washington means access to lots of water activities and outdoor fun. Spokane is on the eastern side of the state, and gets considerably less rain than coastal cities like Seattle. Thanks to the many outdoor activities available, there are plenty of campgrounds in the area. Summer is the best time to visit, but you'll want to make reservations or travel in the off-season if you want to be assured of a campsite.
What are the minimum age requirements for renting an RV in Spokane, WA?The minimum age requirement for renting an RV is 25.
What is included in my Spokane, WA RV rental?Check your RV listing and ask the owner about what is included with your RV rental. Every rental may not have the same inclusions.
Are there pet friendly RVs for rent in Spokane, WA?Looking for a pet friendly RV rental? Use the pet-friendly filter when searching on RVshare.com to find the perfect one for you!
Can I have my Spokane, WA RV rental delivered to a specified location?Many owners on RVshare.com offer delivery. They will drop the RV off and some will even set it up for you at the campsite. Check the listing or ask the owner to see if this service will be offered and its associated cost.
Are there one way rental options from Spokane, WA?One way costs will strongly depend on your destination. You can use this page to find out what the one way costs may be for your trip.