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Chehalis, Washington provides access to a range of camping experiences from state parks to private resorts. Rainbow Falls State Park Campground offers tent and RV sites along the Chehalis River, while Thousand Trails Chehalis features cabin accommodations and RV hookups about 5 miles east of downtown. Millersylvania State Park Campground, located approximately 25 miles north near Olympia, provides tent camping, RV sites, cabins, and yurts in a forested setting. Ike Kinswa State Park Campground sits on the shores of Mayfield Lake with boat-in access and glamping options.
Most campgrounds in the area remain open year-round, though seasonal considerations affect amenities and accessibility. According to one visitor, "Ike Kinswa State Park is really quiet in the spring and fall which is my favorite time to go." Reservations are recommended, particularly for summer weekends when waterfront sites fill quickly. Washington State Parks require a Discover Pass for day use, while private campgrounds like Thousand Trails Chehalis may have membership requirements or additional fees. Many campgrounds feature electrical hookups, water, and sanitary facilities, though amenities vary by location. Cell service is generally reliable near established campgrounds but may be limited in more remote areas.
Campers consistently rate waterfront locations highly, with Mayfield Lake at Ike Kinswa State Park receiving particular praise. One camper noted, "Lots of camping spots right on Lake Mayfield with tons of trails in and around the campground. Private swimming areas are awesome for paddle boarding and kayaking." Family-friendly amenities are common, with several campgrounds featuring playgrounds and picnic areas. Stan Hedwall Park provides camping from April through November with easy access to the Chehalis River. For those seeking more seclusion, the forested sites at Lewis & Clark State Park Campground offer a quieter experience during its May to September season. Most campgrounds in the region provide fire rings and picnic tables, though fire restrictions may apply during dry summer months.
"This is a very nice, typical Washington state park with plenty of trees, greenery, hiking, pathways and even a lake."
"This is a beautiful park located on Deep Lake just outside of Olympia. The park itself is huge offering lots of options for campers. "
from $12 - $45 / night
Check Availability"Thousand Trails Chehalis We stay two nights from August 31st through September 2, 2019 in campsite H43, the price was$o.oo due to our Thousand Trails membership."
"We paid, then they let us drive around until we found a spot to our liking. They have RV hookups and everything, but they also have primitive camping sites for tents with river access."
"27 for sites that are near the entrance. Nothing wrong with these sites, just that they are small and kind of close together and exposed, almost like overflow sites."
"The only downside is the road noise nearby. People zooming by on the country road. Outside of that, it’s a beautiful spot. Dogs played in the river. Camp was clean and spacious."
from $27 - $45 / night
Check Availability"One of my favorite campgrounds in Washington! Lots of camping spots right on Lake Mayfield with tons of trails in and around the campground."
"Let me start off by saying - if there are so many campsites in Washington, why would you want to stay at the same place multiple times??? Ike Kinswa is the place I would stay at repeatedly."
"To the west are these beautiful sites, facilities, and walking trails. In the morning, we hiked the old growth loop prior to resuming our journey."
"We got to this campground on a Saturday evening, around 5pm, and got the last first-come spot. It was a nice spot to stay for a night and the campsite was quite large."
from $12 - $45 / night
Check Availability"I love Seaquest for their beautiful campsites and the proximity to a wonderful forest to bathe in."
"I gave this park a high rating primarily because of its location."
"Judy’s Country Kitchen located at the entrance has great food. The breakfasts were amazing."
from $50 - $65 / night
Check Availability"We had a little trouble finding this spot because an industrial area moved in around the campground. Signs tell you where it is, but it feels wrong."
"Site #5 is close to main office where you can get wifi if you want, we declined though. Restrooms were good. No issues. Will definitely return again soon!"
from $40 - $60 / night
Check Availability"Located on the Neuwakim River which is well known to rock hounds and to the locals for swimming and wading on hot days. Paved roads for walking/jogging/bicycles."
from $50 / night
Check Availabilityfrom $28 / night
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TravelerParking at the trailhead itself can be a bit in the way as when I was there on a random Wednesday it was rather busy and the main parking area has multiple trail starts that make it impossible to park out of others way. The road does have plenty of spacious pull offs that are great for a night or two.
TravelerThere are a bunch of places to park and camp by the cell-towers and pull-offs on the way up but as other reviews note heading to the end of the road is where the gem lies. Probably space for three cars or so, the view south towards Astoria on a clear day is majestic, and it is peaceful. Any decent AWD should easily make the trip even after rains. No facilities, but none needed.
ScoutEven though I stay only 10 miles away from this park I never knew that this was even here whether it be only paying five dollars to be able to come take a shower whenever which is great so when you're homeless everything to keep in mind. Their thoughts are fairly spacious there's enough extra firewood and sticks and grass to go around to help you start your fires every time. The location of it is just awesome it's just it feels like you're in the woods just deep rather than sitting literally on the outside outskirts of town. The hosts are awesome the people that come in camp here their respectful and they just know how to do it and plus their dog friendly which is a super duper bonus thank you!!
TravelerBeautiful quiet spot on the tip of Bay Center. There are like 14 spots and there was only one other camper. Check-in was after hours but clearly laid out - only $20 for the night. There are bathrooms, but i had my own & it was raining so didn't venture out to them. Each spot has a picnic table & a firepit. Had spot #5 that is right next to the trail that goes down through the forest to the beach. Had service and a great night's sleep.
ScoutThe first time going was amazing! It was fall, and with the crowds gone, it was heaven on earth. The next time was the weekend and a summer getaway, with EVERYONE else, so it was noisy, crazy noisy. Now we only go during the week to avoid all the noise! Great, clean restrooms, and friendly staff. The lake and river offer plenty to do and see. We visit every year or two for the peace and quiet.
ScoutLong dirt road with multiple branch of campsites to pick along. No facilities to use, but easy for more private campers. Beautiful scenery!
ScoutThe lake is lovely! Portos and fire rings. Medium-full on a June weeknight. Minor road noise. A little trash, a little local-party-spot vibe at times, but not bad. Would stay again as a solo female.
ScoutVFW 969 Rec Park is clean and quiet. It's run by the VFW and has until recently been just for veterans and active military. They have now opened it to civilians for RV camping at just $50/day, tent camping at $20/day and up to 7 days. It is located right on the Carbon River with a couple awesome swimming holes. Nested between South Prarie and Orting. There is a biking/walking/running path that goes all the way between both towns and then some. There is onsite showers/toilets and coin operated laundry. Full court basketball, softball/kickball field, children's playground/swingset. There is guest parking first come first serve. Guests are allowed to use the clubhouse as long as they clean up after themselves. There is a big screen TV and comfy couch for movie nights and there are also board games and books. The clubhouse can also be rented out for events. (Speak to management for pricing) This place is a little slice of heaven tucked back out of the way of the hustle and bustle of the metro areas surrounding it. There is so much to do around the PNW and this is the perfect base camp.
ScoutBeautiful and clean campgrounds! Everyone was very respectful and the nights are very nice and quiet. No loud music was heard during our stay! Just real traditional camping. Very clean bathrooms that were cleaned twice a day! There are three facilities to buy firewood if needed around the campgrounds, and lake access was very close by!
The camping sites near Chehalis, Washington offer diverse terrain with elevations ranging from 150 to 450 feet above sea level. Most campgrounds in the region are situated within mixed conifer forests where Douglas fir and western red cedar predominate. Winter camping is available year-round at several locations, though many visitors report better experiences in spring and fall when temperatures typically range between 45-75°F.
River activities: At Rainbow Falls State Park Campground, the Chehalis River provides swimming opportunities during summer months. One visitor mentioned, "The river had a lot of great swimming holes for all ages," while another noted you should "Bring bug spray, they werent too bad, but I am prone to mosquito bites and got hit."
Lake recreation: Ike Kinswa State Park Campground offers extensive water activities on Mayfield Lake. "The park is right near the water and you can walk to little beaches, kayak off of them or go to the big swimming area/park which is lovely. Big protected swim area and there's even a protected kayaking area that goes up the river," explains one camper.
Hiking trails: At Millersylvania State Park Campground, you'll find miles of forest paths. A visitor commented, "There are ample trails throughout the park including a lovely trail along the lake, which is not far from the campground." Trail difficulty ranges from beginner to intermediate, with most routes under 3 miles.
Educational programs: Seaquest State Park offers interpretive programs near Mount St. Helens. "At night the campground had a great Junior Ranger program with a very enthusiastic park ranger that kept the almost 50 people/kids entertained. She was great at engaging all the kids and teaching them about the park," one camper reported.
Privacy between sites: Campers at Lewis & Clark State Park Campground appreciate the secluded feel. "Sitting in our peaceful and private campsite amid a grove of trees, I felt I must share kudos for this state park. Many of the structures were built in the 1930's by the CCC and it has an iconic feel," a visitor shared.
Waterfront access: Many visitors praise the lakeside locations at Ike Kinswa State Park. One camper noted, "We had a pull-through site right across from the dumpster, bathrooms, and camp host. We had decent service for Verizon."
Year-round availability: Several campgrounds remain open during winter months. At Millersylvania State Park, one camper reported, "After months of trying to get reservations for this popular campground, we finally got one for Thanksgiving weekend! The park is on their winter schedule so only sites 1-7 and 226-248 were open. It made for a nice, quiet weekend even though the open sites were 80% full."
Playground facilities: Family-friendly amenities score high ratings. Rainbow Falls State Park features "a large field with a playground, pavilion, and playground," according to one review.
Reservation requirements: Most popular campgrounds fill quickly, particularly waterfront sites. For Millersylvania State Park, a visitor advised, "We come here often as we live in Olympia. Pros: close to the city in case you forget something or a little one has a meltdown... Cons: can get crowded and the campsites are pushed up pretty close together so you'll likely get to know your neighbor."
Seasonal facilities: Off-season camping offers quieter experiences but limited amenities. At Rainbow Falls State Park, a winter camper observed, "Stayed here for 2 nights at the end of December and had almost the whole place to ourselves - there were only 2 other campers. It was lovely and quiet, but expect to hear road noise from the nearby highway."
Cell service variations: Connectivity varies significantly between campgrounds. One camper at Millersylvania noted, "Beautiful campsite, amazing trails just no cell service," while others report stronger signals near town.
Water quality notices: Occasionally campgrounds issue water advisories. At Lewis & Clark State Park, a camper encountered "a slight concern with using this bathhouse because there was a current e coli water warning which was displayed throughout camp on all water spigots."
Pool access: Thousand Trails Chehalis offers swimming facilities approximately 5 miles from downtown. A family reported, "Kids are helping review campgrounds we visited this summer. They loved that there was scavenger hunts for pigs in morning, tractor rides in afternoon, face painting, slushees, movie in lodge, crafts, slushees, a great store, basketball court, pools and overall, the experience was phenomenal!"
Child-friendly activities: Several campgrounds provide organized programs. One visitor to Seaquest State Park noted, "My kids loved the addition of a playground. Many parks dont have this and it kept them entertained for hours. There is a bathroom and extra parking right next to the playground. They also host junior ranger programs during the summer."
Location convenience: Proximity to services matters for families. A Millersylvania camper explained, "We come here often as we live in Olympia. Pros: close to the city in case you forget something or a little one has a meltdown, lots of varied activities: biking, light mtb, trail running, hiking, paddling & fishing (there's a small lake)."
Cabin options: For families not ready for tent camping, several parks offer alternative accommodations. At Millersylvania, a visitor shared, "They have glamping! Or as the campground calls it: pampered camping. The canvas tent option was one I didn't know about until I got there. The tents are cabin shaped and have a few chairs and BBQ grill outside it. Great option for families."
Hookup availability: American Heritage Campground near Olympia provides full services for larger vehicles. A camper noted, "Lovely and secluded sites 30 amp, dump station, playground, great well stocked store, laundry, and helpful staff. Trails in area."
Power quality considerations: Be aware of electrical system variations. At Thousand Trails Chehalis, one RVer warned, "The worst part for us, however, was that the power was really variable. Sometimes it would spike to 130 volts and then drop suddenly to 110. Luckily we have a great EMS and it alerted us to the problem."
Site leveling challenges: Some campgrounds require additional preparation. A camper at Millersylvania mentioned, "The only reason for 4 stars instead of 5 is because our site had a huge mud puddle from the road going to the power and water hook-up. The thin layer of mud on the pavement made things quite slick as I was trying to get leveling blocks down."
Spacing between sites: Privacy levels vary significantly between campgrounds. At Lewis & Clark State Park, an RVer explained, "The RV section had six spots. 3 of those spots back up to a busy paved road with traffic. The road is mere feet from the camper. Dangerous for dogs and kids."
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Millersylvania State Park a good camping option near Chehalis?
Millersylvania State Park Campground is an excellent camping option near Chehalis. This typical Washington state park features abundant trees and greenery, hiking trails, and a lake for water activities. The park includes amenities like a camp store and several large outdoor kitchen facilities that are ideal for groups. Many of the structures, including the kitchens and bathrooms, were built during the CCC era, adding historical charm. With its mix of natural beauty and practical facilities, Millersylvania provides a classic Pacific Northwest camping experience within easy reach of Chehalis.
Can I find good RV parks in Chehalis, Washington?
Yes, Chehalis offers several quality RV parks. Thousand Trails Chehalis is a popular option with electricity and water hookups on level sites. This membership-based resort provides a comfortable setting with amenities tailored for RV campers. For those preferring a different experience, Brookhollow RV Park offers another quality option in the area. Additional nearby alternatives include Midway RV Park near Centralia and American Heritage Campground closer to Olympia, both offering full hookups and big-rig-friendly sites for larger vehicles.
Where are the best camping spots near Chehalis, WA?
The Chehalis area offers several excellent camping options. Seaquest State Park Campground is a standout choice with beautiful campsites set in a forested environment. It's conveniently located near Silver Lake and the Mount St. Helens Visitor Center, making it an ideal base for exploration. Another great option is Rainbow Falls State Park Campground, which offers a forested setting along the Chehalis River. For those seeking additional options, Lewis & Clark State Park and Ike Kinswa State Park are both within easy driving distance and provide well-maintained facilities in natural settings.
What amenities are available at Chehalis River campgrounds?
Campgrounds along the Chehalis River typically offer a range of practical amenities. Rose Creek Retreat provides access to the Columbia River with sites nestled in a lush hillside setting. At Stan Hedwall Park, you'll find water access, toilets, and sites suitable for both tents and RVs. Most river campgrounds in the area feature basic facilities including potable water, restrooms, and picnic tables. Some offer additional amenities like fire rings, shower facilities, and electrical hookups. Many sites along the river provide water access for fishing, swimming, or paddling, though amenities can vary significantly between established campgrounds and more primitive sites.
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