Campsites near Carbonado, Washington range from full-service RV parks to rustic tent camping within 30 minutes of Mount Rainier National Park. The area sits at approximately 800-1,200 feet elevation with a temperate climate that features mild summers and wet winters. Most campgrounds in the region remain open year-round, though many reduce services between November and March when rainfall averages 6-8 inches per month.
What to do
Explore riverside trails: Kanaskat-Palmer State Park offers hiking trails along the Green River with rocky outcroppings perfect for wildlife viewing. "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," notes Ashlie M. from Kanaskat-Palmer State Park.
Visit nearby lakes: Multiple campgrounds provide access to lakes within 15-30 minutes of Carbonado. "There's a day use lake and we had a wonderful time camping here!" reports Brittany L. about Dash Point State Park Campground. The park includes beach access and water activities throughout summer.
Set up base camp for Rainier exploration: Campgrounds like Mounthaven Resort position visitors for quick access to national park entrances. "This is a great small campground for exploring Mt Rainier. We stayed here with friends from Colorado and explored the park and did some great hiking outside of the park," writes Eric P., who appreciated the clean facilities.
What campers like
Private, forested campsites: Many campers note the privacy between sites as a key feature of camping in the Carbonado area. "The campground itself is tucked into a beautiful, forested area with plenty of trees and privacy between sites. Ours had a tent pad, fire ring, and picnic table," writes Saraj B. about Dash Point State Park Campground.
Clean bathroom facilities: Consistently clean facilities stand out in camper reviews across multiple sites. One visitor to Elkamp Eastcreek called it "the nicest campground bathrooms we have ever experienced," while another noted the campground was "very clean with the nicest bathrooms." At Mounthaven Resort, campers praise "beautifully clean cedar bathroom/showers and thoughtful touches, like a box of tissues in the laundry and nice-smelling lavender hand soaps provided."
Proximity to Mount Rainier National Park: The location relative to park entrances receives frequent positive mentions. "It is beautiful in the woods," notes Andrew about Mounthaven Resort, while another reviewer mentioned it puts visitors "knocking on the gates of Rainier" with Paradise village just a short drive away.
What you should know
Limited services in remote locations: Several campgrounds have minimal on-site amenities. "There is no real store nearby so have what you need before you get here," advises Andrew about Mounthaven Resort. "Visitors would be wise to come to the area with groceries in their trunk regardless."
Water activities dependent on season: Water levels at some recreation areas fluctuate significantly. At Alder Lake Park, one camper noted "the dam in Tacoma was partially drained causing a 'low tide' which exposed the dirt and poor beach area... usually when water is at normal level the beach is all sand and water is clean and clear."
Reservation requirements vary: Some campgrounds fill quickly during summer months. "We got lucky and snagged the very last spot here on a Saturday in late September," reports a camper at Kanaskat-Palmer. "Note that you can check availability online on the day of, but you cannot make same day reservations online. You have to do it in person at the ranger entrance."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Several campgrounds offer dedicated play areas for children. "This campground has... great playground for kids, allows pets, has a small store in the office with some essentials if you forget something," explains Molly N. about Camp Lakeview. The campground includes lakeside recreation facilities.
Consider campground rules: Family-friendly policies vary between properties. "The weekends get very busy but during the weeks it is a cozy little community," notes Julia B. about Camp Lakeview, which offers "a small beach with a large dock... available for use during the day as well as a boat launch and fishing dock."
Look for ranger-patrolled sites: Some campgrounds feature active ranger involvement. At Kanaskat-Palmer State Park, one camper observed: "This campground is heavily patrolled by the park rangers. I usually have contact with them in my campsite at least twice a day... these efforts keep the campground safe and pleasant."
Tips from RVers
Check hookup availability: Not all sites offer full hookups, and capacities vary. "One loop has electricity (no water or sewer hookups but has a dump station) and the other does not," explains Kelly P. about Elkamp Eastcreek, where RV sites include access to a clean dump station.
Consider site leveling requirements: Some campgrounds require significant leveling for larger vehicles. "I only took away a star because it was advertised as ok for a Motorhome but the gravel pull through was so not level the jacks pushed the front tires 6 inches off the ground," cautions Cody F. about Kanaskat-Palmer State Park.
Look for partial hookup options: When full hookups aren't available, partial options exist. "Quiet and beautiful, the dump site is out of commission but was told I could empty tanks at one of the full hookup sites, roads coming in are narrow," notes Curtis B. about Camp Lakeview.
