Dispersed camping options near Bonney Lake, Washington range from lakeside retreats to forested campsites within an hour's drive of Mount Rainier National Park. The region sits at elevations between 500-1,000 feet with a mild Pacific Northwest climate that supports year-round camping in most areas. Summer temperatures typically range from 60-85°F while winter months can drop to 30-45°F with significant rainfall.
What to do
River activities: Kanaskat-Palmer State Park offers easy access to the Green River with spots perfect for wading or fishing. A visitor noted, "Short hike to river spots that are perfect for wading or fishing. 10 minute drive from Deep Lake which is beautiful and great for swimming and paddle boarding."
Swimming opportunities: Camp Lakeview maintains a designated swimming area with docks that provide safe water access. According to reviews, "A small beach with a large dock was available for use during the day as well as a boat launch and fishing dock. The weekends get very busy but during the weeks it is a cozy little community."
Hiking trails: Multiple campgrounds connect to walking paths with varying difficulty levels. The forest trails at Dash Point State Park Campground are particularly accessible. One visitor mentioned, "There are also some nice forest trails for an easy hike or post-takeout digestion walk."
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Many campgrounds offer vegetation screens between camping spots. Elkamp Eastcreek receives high marks for site layout with one camper stating, "The campsites are far enough apart that they feel relatively private, and most appear completely level. Trees abound."
Clean facilities: Bathroom cleanliness stands out as a consistent positive in reviews. A camper at Dash Point noted, "The campground and bathrooms were very tidy," while another at Elkamp Eastcreek remarked, "Elkamp was very clean with the nicest campground bathrooms we have ever experienced."
Natural settings close to urban areas: Despite proximity to cities, many campgrounds maintain a wilderness feel. A visitor to Dash Point State Park wrote, "This campground is remarkable in the privacy between each of the camping spots, the bird life, the wild and deep forest vibes, and the walking trails."
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Most campgrounds require advance bookings, especially during summer months. Walk-up availability varies seasonally.
Utility hookups: Electric service can vary from 30-50 amp depending on location. At Tall Chief Campground, "Most sites are only 30 amp with antiquated posts. There are a few 50 amp sites but from what I saw they were all taken by RVers that are there on a more permanent basis."
Noise considerations: Some campgrounds experience noise from nearby highways or flight paths. One camper at Saltwater State Park reported, "ALL day and night the planes felt like they were in our tent/heads. Every 3-30 seconds it was LOUD."
Rules enforcement: Rangers actively patrol many area campgrounds. At Kanaskat-Palmer, "This campground is heavily patrolled by the park rangers. I usually have contact with them in my campsite at least twice a day. I have been asked by the park rangers at 10:01 p.m. to be quite."
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly swimming: Look for protected swimming areas with gradual entry points. Alder Lake Park offers "a sandy beach area that is also for public access" and "a play ground and beach area" according to reviewers.
Playground access: Several campgrounds feature play equipment. At Camp Lakeview Resort, "There is a playground next to a volleyball court and basketball court" making it ideal for families with children needing activities.
Safety considerations: Check if campgrounds are gated or have regular security patrols. One camper noted Saltwater State Park is "Fairly safe since it's gated and a park ranger was there overnight."
Tips from RVers
Dump station availability: Not all campgrounds offer sewer hookups at individual sites. A Tall Chief camper advised, "No sites have sewer hookups. We don't have room for [a honey wagon] so we used a pumping service halfway through our time there. The park provided the information for the service. It was $60."
Power limitations: Be prepared for potential electrical constraints. "Normally 30 amp posts are sufficient but we ended up here during a heat wave and an entire section of the park blew after having several days of power issues," reported an RV camper at Tall Chief.
Site leveling challenges: Some campgrounds have uneven terrain. A visitor to Kanaskat-Palmer noted, "The gravel pull through was so not level the jacks pushed the front tires 6 inches off the ground."
Cell reception variability: Tree cover affects connectivity. At Tall Chief, "Another thing that can be annoying is trying to find a site with good cell reception due to all the trees. I'm getting 120+ mbs download on AT&T in my site right now, but several sites down from me, it can dwindle down to 5mbs!"
