The area around Elbe, Washington sits at elevations ranging from 1,000 to 1,500 feet within the foothills of the Cascade mountain range. This location puts campers within 15-20 miles of Mount Rainier National Park's Nisqually entrance, providing easy access for day trips. Winter temperatures typically range from 20-40°F, while summer months average 60-80°F with occasional rain even during dry periods.
What to do
Trail exploration: Mount Rainier vicinity offers several pet-accessible paths in the surrounding Gifford Pinchot National Forest. "This is a great base for exploring the south side of Mt. Rainier as it is within minutes of the Nisquilly entrance," notes Shannon H. from Elkamp Eastcreek.
Paddling: Mayfield Lake access provides excellent opportunities for water sports near the campgrounds. One camper at Mossyrock Park reports, "Since we had a boat we went out to an island it had nice white sand no trash anywhere it was great."
Stargazing: Evening meadow views create perfect conditions for night sky viewing at several area campgrounds. Susan S. from Elkamp Eastcreek specifically mentions the "acres to gorgeous meadow and evening star viewing" that made their stay memorable.
Scenic driving: Mountain Highway route takes you through small towns with local shops. "Eaonville is reasonably close, and the Mill Haus Cider Co. is worth the drive. The food is excellent... and the outdoor patio (with a working waterwheel) is stunning," according to William B.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Many campgrounds feature well-spaced sites set amongst mature trees. At Big Creek Campground, "Camp sites are very spacious and much more private than Cougar Rock," according to Audrey E., who adds that sites #1-6 are situated right on the creek.
Clean bathroom facilities: Campgrounds in the area maintain exceptionally clean restrooms, even those with vault toilets. "Bathrooms are pit toilets—no sinks, no showers—but clean enough," notes one reviewer at Big Creek Campground. At another location, a camper mentioned the "nicest campground bathrooms we have ever experienced."
Natural water features: Creeks and lakes provide recreation and natural cooling. At Sahara Creek DNR Horse Camp, Brittany S. mentions, "We pulled in on a Tuesday night and there were lots of spots open. Great sites with a table and a fire pit... We slept in our rooftop tent and loved the nature sounds throughout the night."
Additional camping options: Beyond traditional tent and RV sites, several locations offer alternative accommodations. William B. notes that at Elkamp Eastcreek, "If you don't happen to have an RV or a tent, you can rent Elkamp's Airstream by the night. And while I don't see a link on the website, there's also a cabin you can rent."
What you should know
Discover Pass requirement: Some campgrounds operate under Washington State park rules. At Sahara Creek DNR Horse Camp, a camper emphasizes, "YOU NEED A WA DISCOVER PASS TO CAMP HERE!!! But it is free with the pass. And there's a gas station 5 minutes down the road in Ashford where you can buy one."
Seasonal water levels: Lake levels can fluctuate significantly throughout the year. One camper at Alder Lake Park 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."
Site drainage considerations: Many campgrounds in this area feature sloped sites that may require leveling. At Rocky Point, a reviewer mentioned the steep walkways to some sites, while at Alder Lake another camper reported, "Our site #10 dropped 13 inches between the rear and front axle. A few Lego blocks and jack pads addressed the problem."
Wildlife awareness: While enjoying pet-friendly camping near Elbe, Washington, remember that wildlife encounters are common. "We loved watching deer from our campsite," shares one camper, reinforcing the importance of keeping pets secured, especially during evening hours.
Tips for camping with families
Water safety measures: Lakes and creeks offer recreational opportunities but require supervision. At Ike Kinswa State Park Campground, a parent shared, "The park is large with a playground and beach area. My kids enjoyed playing in the sand and watching deer from our campsite."
Playground access: Several campgrounds feature dedicated play areas for children. "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," notes Julia B. at Camp Lakeview.
Biking opportunities: Paved roads at some campgrounds make for safe recreational cycling. "Excellent location to do both [Northwest Trek and Mt. Rainier]! However there's enough scenery and wildlife to enjoy yourself just at Alder lake. The park is large with a playground and beach area," according to Ashley Y.
Off-season benefits: Weekday camping during shoulder seasons offers quieter family experiences. "The weekends get very busy but during the weeks it is a cozy little community," notes a Camp Lakeview reviewer.
Tips from RVers
Tight turning radius: Some campgrounds have challenging access for larger rigs. At Mossyrock Park, a camper noted, "The 1-to-40 sites campground is laid out in a loop. The turn at the end is very tight for 35-foot motor home towing."
Solar considerations: Deep shade at many campgrounds affects solar power capabilities. A reviewer at Mounthaven Resort cautions, "DO NOT GO PAST THE SIGN where it tells you to stop. If you turn right to the office you will need to back out. We did. The trees are so thick and the spots are separated. It's wonderful. You have to maneuver your trailer into the spots."
Water and sewer hookup availability: Hookups vary widely between campgrounds. At Mounthaven Resort, a camper noted that the location is "a small mostly quiet campground with around 17 sites and 10 cabins," while another mentioned, "There is one toilet and one shower. They are quite nice, actually—the cleanest we've come upon so far."
Limited cell coverage: Cell service can be inconsistent throughout the area. At Mossyrock Park, a camper with Verizon reported, "I was able to call and text my husband and occasionally use messenger. I had one or two bars. Probably would have been better with a cell booster."
