Camping options near Yelm, Washington range from forested state parks to lakeside facilities, with elevations between 350-500 feet creating varied terrain for outdoor recreation. Winter temperatures average 33-45°F while summer months reach 75-85°F, making late spring through early fall the prime camping season. The Nisqually River watershed influences many camping areas, providing fishing access and riverside sites.
What to do
Lake activities at Alder Lake Park: The lake has a designated swimming area with a sandy beach plus separate zones for motorized boats and kayaking. "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," reports one visitor to Alder Lake Park.
Forest trail exploration: Millersylvania State Park offers multiple wooded paths through old-growth forests with minimal elevation gain. "Separated tent and RV sites, sites are spacious, a very pretty and clean lake, Beer Garden at the lake, clean bathrooms, shower requires tokens but shortens the shower time if you have to wait," notes a camper.
Stargazing at Eastcreek: The meadow areas provide open sky views with minimal light pollution. "Nicely maintained property, with spacious sites, great restroom facility, acres to gorgeous meadow and evening star viewing. Tom was gracious and welcoming host," shares a visitor to Elkamp Eastcreek.
River access points: Several campgrounds provide direct riverfront access for wading and fishing. "We stayed there on a Thursday right on the river. Super peaceful, great fire pit location, water at the site entrance, portable restrooms away (but close), and best of all right at the river's edge," explains a Riverbend Campground guest.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Campsites often feature natural vegetation barriers. "This campground is remarkable in the privacy between each of the camping spots, the bird life, the wild and deep forest vibes, and the walking trails," notes a visitor to Dash Point State Park.
Clean facilities: Regularly maintained bathrooms and shower buildings receive positive mentions. "Elkamp was very clean with the nicest campground bathrooms we have ever experienced. The shower is coin-operated so bring quarters if you wish to use," explains a camper.
Yurt camping options: For those seeking alternative accommodations beyond traditional tent or RV camping, yurt rentals provide comfort with canvas structure. "This campground has super friendly staff, decent bathrooms and showers, laundry facility, access to a lake, fishing is welcome, swimming allowed, great playground for kids, allows pets, has a small store in the office with some essentials if you forget something," shares a visitor at Camp Lakeview, a popular yurt camping destination near Yelm, Washington.
Waterfront access: Sites near lakes and rivers are in high demand. "Large sites that are pretty private. Lots of shade and trees. The bathrooms work well and were clean. Our site had a beautiful water view, but there was a trail that went by right next to the site limiting privacy," observes a camper at Ike Kinswa State Park.
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Most campgrounds fill quickly during summer months. "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). Cons: can get crowded and the campsites are pushed up pretty close together so you'll likely get to know your neighbor," advises a Millersylvania visitor.
Seasonal water levels: Lake depths can fluctuate significantly. "We've been coming back again and only damper to this year was 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," warns an Alder Lake camper.
Shower tokens: Some parks require purchased tokens for shower use. "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," shares a Millersylvania State Park visitor.
Yurt amenities at Camp Lakeview: When booking yurt accommodations near Yelm, understand what's included. "I came for my birthday and had a great time. Staff was so friendly and helpful, and the place was clean. They have a little store in case you forget something and firewood that's way cheaper than buying elsewhere," notes a Camp Lakeview guest.
Tips for camping with families
Playground proximity: Select sites near play structures to minimize walking. "This place is beautiful!! There are trails to explore, a sandy beach area that is also for public access, a boat launch and boat dock. The water is that beautiful blue/green glacier water color," shares an Alder Lake visitor.
Group camp options: For family reunions or multi-family outings, dedicated group areas provide space. "We stayed in the group camp and I can highly recommend it. It had its own (slightly frightening - not well cleaned, run down) bathrooms. It was set back in the woods with tons of places for tents. The shelter was large and had water and power," advises a Millersylvania camper.
Beach safety considerations: Different swimming areas have varying depths and supervision levels. "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. The lake is small and great for letting kids go out in kayaks or other boats," reports another visitor.
Off-peak timing advantages: Consider weekday or shoulder season visits. "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. It was very pleasant and quiet. The bath house isn't too far and was usually well stocked and clean. The weekends get very busy but during the weeks it is a cozy little community," notes a Camp Lakeview camper.
Tips from RVers
Site specifics: Choose pull-through sites for easier access. "We had a pull-through site right across from the dumpster, bathrooms, and camp host. We had decent service for Verizon. There are ample trails throughout the park including a lovely trail along the lake, which is not far from the campground," advises a Millersylvania visitor.
Power management: Electrical service varies by park and can be limited. "This campground is on Mayfield Lake where the Cowlitz River flows into the lake. We were in loop D, which was the only open loop along with the cabins (cabins are loop C and attached to loop D). This is a partial hook-up loop. Full hook-ups are in loop A," shares an Ike Kinswa camper.
Site selection for slides: Heavily wooded campgrounds may restrict RV slide-out usage. "The campground is heavily wooded which is really nice for shade, though it can make it tricky to get into a spot if you have slide outs. As we were on the outer part of the loop in a pull-through site, we had a view of the woods and quite a bit of space between neighboring sites," notes another Ike Kinswa visitor.
Dump station access: Some parks have on-site dump facilities while others require travel to alternate locations. "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. Staff is very friendly and beautiful lake access with swimming and fishing docks," reports a Camp Lakeview RVer.
