Camping near Bonney Lake, Washington provides easy access to both Mount Rainier and Puget Sound with elevations ranging from sea level to 600 feet across the region. The area receives an average of 40 inches of rainfall annually, creating lush forests and vibrant camping environments. Most campgrounds in the area stay open year-round but offer different amenities depending on the season.
What to do
Explore riverside trails: Game Farm Wilderness Campground offers access to the Stuck River where visitors can enjoy riverside views. "This campground features a diverse landscape with wooded areas, meadows, and riverside views along the Stuck River," notes one camper at Game Farm Wilderness Campground.
Visit Deep Lake: Located just 10 minutes from Kanaskat-Palmer State Park, Deep Lake offers swimming and paddleboarding opportunities. "10 minute drive from Deep Lake which is beautiful and great for swimming and paddle boarding," explains Ashlie M., who visited Kanaskat-Palmer State Park.
Experience underwater exploration: Saltwater State Park offers unique scuba diving opportunities. As one visitor mentioned, "There are also trails for an easy hike or post-takeout digestion walk," while noting that people were "fishing, diving, sailing" at the park.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Many campgrounds offer good separation between camping areas. At Dash Point State Park, campers appreciate "how spread apart the sites were, I think they could have fit another in between each of them!" according to Katie S. Another camper at Dash Point State Park noted it's "remarkable in the privacy between each of the camping spots, the bird life, the wild and deep forest vibes, and the walking trails."
Clean facilities: Many campgrounds maintain well-kept bathrooms and shower facilities. At Kanaskat-Palmer, "Bathrooms in that loop were pretty nice... heated and very clean," according to Jay F., while another camper noted the "great clean and heated bathrooms."
Proximity to urban amenities: Campers appreciate the ability to access stores and restaurants when needed. "Thankfully, civilization is only about 15 minutes away. There's a grocery store, takeout options, and even coffee if you're feeling soft," reported Saraj B. about their stay at Dash Point.
What you should know
Age restrictions for RVs: Some RV parks enforce age limits on vehicles. Enumclaw Expo Center RV Park "doesn't allow drop-ins or vehicles older than 20 yrs," according to Madeline W. at Enumclaw Expo Center RV Park.
Campground security levels: Park ranger presence varies between locations. At Kanaskat-Palmer State Park, one camper reported, "This campground is heavily patrolled by the park rangers. I usually have contact with them in my campsite at least twice a day."
Noise considerations: Aircraft noise can impact some campgrounds near SeaTac. A 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."
Seasonal closures: Some facilities operate only during specific months. Saltwater State Park's "campground is open April 1– mid-December but the day use area is open year-round," according to one visitor.
Tips for camping with families
Lake activities: Some campgrounds offer family-friendly water access. Camp Lakeview provides "access to a lake, fishing is welcome, swimming allowed, great playground for kids," according to molly N. at Camp Lakeview.
Pet-friendly options: Many sites accommodate dogs with specific rules. At Lake Sawyer Resort, one visitor noted, "If you can look past the rundown bathrooms and strict rules about dogs and everything else you're doing then you can appreciate the beauty of Lake Sawyer every morning."
Multiple bathroom options: Kanaskat-Palmer State Park features "6 very clean individual (one person) bathrooms with a shower in each," making it convenient for families with children.
Alternative swimming locations: If river water is too rough, nearby lakes provide options. At Kanaskat-Palmer, a camper shared, "The riverfront accessed from the campground tends to be a bit too raging for my taste with children. We usually take the kids to the lake at Nolte state park (approx. 3 miles away) for water play."
Tips from RVers
Electrical hookup details: Understand what connections are available at each site. At South Prairie Creek RV Park, visitors find "flat spots" though one camper noted there are "no picnic tables and only a small outdoor area."
Dump station availability: Some parks offer dump stations while others don't. At South Prairie Creek RV Park, facilities include "sanitary-dump" options, though one visitor found customer service lacking when they "seemed annoyed when I asked for quarters which were necessary for laundry and showers."
Site leveling challenges: Be prepared for uneven sites at some locations. At Kanaskat-Palmer State Park, one RVer noted the "gravel pull through was so not level the jacks pushed the front tires 6 inches off the ground."
Cancellation policies: Check the refund terms before booking. At Lake Sawyer Resort, "They require you to cancel 7 days prior to your trip. If you do not, they take your money and offer no refund," according to one camper who had a negative experience.
