Camping options near Eatonville, Washington range from forested lakeside sites to mountain-adjacent retreats, with elevations varying from 760 to 1,200 feet. The region experiences mild summers with average highs of 75°F and cool, wet winters where temperatures often drop below freezing. Several campgrounds offer yurt accommodations as alternatives to traditional tent camping, providing sturdy shelter during the area's frequent rainfall.
What to do
Lake activities at Alder Lake Park: Located within minutes of downtown Eatonville, this park offers swimming, boating, and fishing opportunities. A camper noted, "The water is that beautiful blue/green glacier water color. The campground we stayed at did not have designated fire rings, but did have a metal BBQ that we used for the kids to make s'mores on."
Hiking near Mounthaven Resort: Mounthaven Resort serves as an excellent base for Mount Rainier exploration with its proximity to park entrances. "We stayed here with friends from Colorado and explored the park and did some great hiking outside of the park. It's a small mostly quiet campground with around 17 sites and 10 cabins," shares Eric P.
Evening stargazing at Millersylvania State Park: The park's large open spaces and minimal light pollution make for excellent night sky viewing. According to a visitor, "Super easy to get our trailer in and out of the spaces and there was lots of extra parking for our larger group. A quick walk around the grounds offered a nice hike and showed us some pretty awesome sites I'd like to stay at in the future."
What campers like
Private, well-spaced sites at Elkamp Eastcreek: Campers consistently praise the layout and spacing between sites. William B. explains, "The campsites are far enough apart that they feel relatively private, and most appear completely level. Trees abound. Dogs are welcome!"
Clean facilities at Ike Kinswa State Park: Ike Kinswa State Park Campground maintains exceptionally clean restrooms and shower facilities. A recent visitor mentioned, "This campground is on Mayfield Lake where the Cowlitz River flows into the lake. Very good Verizon cell service. The day use area is out of the campground and across the main road. There is a playground and beach area."
Yurt camping options near Eatonville: Camp Lakeview offers comfortable yurt accommodations that appeal to those seeking a glamping experience. Julia B. shares, "We stayed at site number C10 A in our tent with our children. It was a larger site that sits next to the small creek. There is a playground next to a volleyball court and basketball court. A small beach with a large dock was available for use during the day as well as a boat launch and fishing dock."
What you should know
Seasonal water level changes: Alder Lake experiences significant water level fluctuations throughout the year. One camper reported, "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."
Limited provisions near mountain campgrounds: Dash Point State Park Campground offers easier access to supplies than more remote options. A camper noted, "I spent a weekend tent camping at Dash Point State Park, and honestly, it was a great time even though I completely failed to plan any meals. Thankfully, civilization is only about 15 minutes away. There's a grocery store, takeout options, and even coffee if you're feeling soft."
Cell service variability: Reception varies significantly between campgrounds. At Mounthaven Resort, a camper reported, "WIFI works well; cell service not so much (Verizon). It is beautiful in the woods." Plan accordingly if you need to remain connected.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access at Camp Lakeview: Families with children appreciate the recreational facilities. A visitor mentioned, "The weekends get very busy but during the weeks it is a cozy little community. The bath house isn't too far and was usually well stocked and clean."
Swimming areas with safety features: Millersylvania State Park offers designated swimming areas appropriate for various skill levels. One reviewer shared, "The beach is the main attraction and it is hopping. We went early in the morning and staked a claim and were happy all day. There is a nice shallow area and two large swimming areas as well as a fishing dock."
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Alder Lake Park provides chances to observe local wildlife from campsites. "My kids enjoyed playing in the sand and watching deer from our campsite. I especially liked how the sites were layed out in the trees on the side of a hill. Lots of privacy even when crowded," notes a camper.
Tips from RVers
Site selection considerations: At Ike Kinswa State Park, RV sites offer different advantages. A camper advised, "If you want a water view you will find full hook up does inn loop A, or no hook up sites on loop C. T-Mobile access was ok, not great. Showers were free and very warm."
Limited maneuverability at some campgrounds: Tight spacing can make parking challenging at certain locations. At Majestic Mobile Manor & RV Park, one RVer reported, "It took a long time to get set up because of the ridiculously small amount of space I had to maneuver my 33ft RV and my 8ft extended cab truck."
Hookup availability for yurt camping Eatonville: When choosing between standard campsites and yurt camping near Eatonville, Washington, consider utility needs. At Camp Lakeview Resort, an RVer noted, "Great Place To Stay. RV Hookups At A Decent Price. Friendly And Helpful Staff. Boat Launch, Designated Swimming Area, Picnic Sitting Area, Bathrooms, Showers."
