Campers exploring RV parks near Eatonville, Washington gain easy access to Mount Rainier National Park from an elevation of 800-900 feet. The region experiences mild summers with average highs around 75°F and cooler winters with significant rainfall rather than heavy snowfall. Most RV campgrounds in this area operate on gravel or hard-packed surfaces that can become muddy during the typical 150 days of precipitation annually.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Several campgrounds maintain stocked fishing ponds, including Thousand Trails Paradise RV Campground where families can enjoy catch-and-release fishing. "Beautiful park with two stocked fishing ponds," notes one camper who looks forward to returning after facility upgrades.
Pool activities: Swimming options exist even during cooler weather at some RV parks Eatonville area. "This campgrounds has an awesome swimming area with three pools, one 8ft deep, on 6ft, and one wading pool. Also has a large spa," shares a visitor at Thousand Trails Paradise.
Recreation facilities: Campgrounds near Eatonville provide various indoor and outdoor activities. At Thousand Trails Chehalis, "activities we found at the campground to keep busy was billiards, two lodges, and two pools, Bingo was being played in one of the lodges," according to a recent visitor who used the park as a base camp for exploring Mount Rainier.
What campers like
Accessible base camp: The Eatonville area serves as a strategic location for exploring major attractions. "My wife and I enjoyed the campground, we will be back the next time we want to hike at Mt. St. Helens," explains a camper who stayed at Thousand Trails Paradise, noting the convenient location just off Highway 12.
Kid-friendly programming: Many parks offer organized activities for children. "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," reports a family who stayed at Thousand Trails Chehalis.
Pet accommodations: Most RV parks welcome pets with dedicated facilities. At Sun Outdoors Gig Harbor, campers appreciate the pet amenities: "They even had a dog wash," notes a first-time RVer who found the park met all their needs.
What you should know
Water system issues: Several campgrounds experience periodic water problems. At Thousand Trails Paradise, one camper reported "there was some sort of water issue and the restrooms had to be closed, forcing the use of very few port-a-potties."
Power reliability concerns: Electrical service varies significantly between parks and even within the same facility. At Thousand Trails Paradise, campers report testing multiple sites: "We spent a number of minutes testing pads that were at the best poor, for power. A number of the sites did not have power and were not marked as such."
Site leveling challenges: Uneven camping pads present difficulties at several parks. One full-time RVer warned about Thousand Trails Paradise sites being "horrifically unlevel to the worst degree, front back side to side, every space is HORRID. If you have auto levelers, you'll have an easier time but still rough."
Tips for camping with families
Pool access: For families with children, campgrounds with swimming facilities offer important recreation options. "Cascade Peaks Family Campground provides "swimming pools" according to a satisfied camper who "had a blast" during their stay.
Affordability options: Membership programs can reduce costs for extended stays. "We stay two nights from August 31st through September 2, 2019 in campsite H43, the price was $0.00 due to our Thousand Trails membership," reports a camper who enjoyed free blackberry picking at their level site.
Entertainment alternatives: Indoor recreation helps during rainy days. Thousand Trails Chehalis offers "a great store, basketball court, pools and overall, the experience was phenomenal! It's kept clean and we loved it," according to families who appreciated the organized activities.
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategy: Privacy levels vary dramatically between sites at most parks. At Enumclaw Expo Center RV Park, campers note "very nice small park with basic amenities and large private or cramped sites based on what you choose and pay for. Some have fire rings. All with picnic tables but you will be sitting right next to your neighbors if you choose the sites in middle section of park."
Utility connections: Full-service sites with reliable hookups represent top priorities for RVers. "Horrifically unlevel to the worst degree, front back side to side, every space is HORRID. If you have auto levelers, you'll have an easier time but still rough," warns one frustrated camper about the challenging conditions at Thousand Trails Paradise.
Site width considerations: Space between RVs varies widely across parks. At South Prairie Creek RV Park, visitors note "pretty nice park for a quick stopover or base camp. No picnic tables and only a small outdoor area. Almost everyone at this campground just stayed in their campers all day."
