Dispersed camping options surround Greenwater, Washington at 1,746 feet elevation in the Cascade foothills, where rainfall averages 70 inches annually. Summer camping near Mt. Rainier National Park provides cooler temperatures than lowland areas, with nights frequently dropping to 45-50°F even in July and August. Winter conditions bring heavy snowfall to higher elevation sites from November through April.
What to do
Hiking trails access: Trails near Corral Pass Campground connect to the Rainier View Trail from the parking lot. "Total, almost creepy seclusion. We saw no animals either. A couple multi day trip backpackers came passing through," notes one visitor about the atmosphere of this remote area.
Riverfront activities: South Prairie Creek offers fishing opportunities within walking distance of camp. "The campground is quiet, except for the nearby construction. The staff is super friendly and accommodating," reports a camper about Gig Harbor RV Resort, which provides a convenient base for accessing nearby creeks and rivers.
Winter recreation: During snow season, proximity to Crystal Mountain ski area makes some locations busy. "Stayed here for the first time in July 2021. I understand this opened last winter. Talking to the host, I found out it is far more popular in winter when ski season is open," explains one camper about the seasonal traffic patterns.
What campers like
Natural settings: Pine forests create peaceful environments at many locations. "We love Tall Chief because it is super close to a lot of great spots around the Seattle region. It feels like you are deep in the PNW rainforest but you close to amenities and shopping," notes a visitor about the forested campground environment.
Clean facilities: Campgrounds receiving high ratings typically maintain excellent bathrooms and common areas. At Whispering Pines RV Campground, campers appreciate "immaculate and quiet except for the sound of I-90 in the background. Bathrooms are amazingly clean."
Spacious sites: Several parks offer larger campsites than urban campgrounds. "Great camp site for all sizes. Mostly no sewer. But if you enjoy a little distance between sites without sacrificing camp size line up here," comments a reviewer about comfortable spacing at Tall Chief Campground.
What you should know
Road conditions: Access to higher elevation camping requires navigating steep forest roads. "The drive up was rough, steep, and slick. I would never attempt with a trailer or even cab over camper. We took the tent and my Subaru Crosstrek up, took it slow and did just fine," cautions a visitor about reaching remote sites.
Cell service variability: Connectivity depends on terrain and tree coverage. "Another thing that can be annoying is trying to find a site with good cell reception due to all the trees. They definitely have a few, but I would say arrive early so you can drive by all the sites while checking to make sure you have good reception if you need it," advises a Tall Chief camper.
Reservation requirements: Popular RV parks near Greenwater fill quickly, especially on weekends. At Enumclaw Expo Center RV Park, "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."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Several campgrounds feature dedicated children's recreation areas. "The pool, miniature golf, playground and basketball were great. Laundry facilities came in handy," reports a family who extended their stay at Tall Chief Campground.
Swimming options: Look for campgrounds with pools during summer months. At Whispering Pines, one family noted it was "one of the nicest we have every been to. The campground was very clean, the spots were spacious and tons of things for the kids to do."
Activity planning: Campgrounds within 30 minutes of Greenwater provide varying levels of family amenities. Blue Sky RV Park offers "Mini golf basket ball court, lakes, bingo, free donuts and coffee showers are bug and clean price is fairly cheap" according to a visitor highlighting the family-friendly activities.
Tips from RVers
Sewer connections: Many campgrounds near Greenwater lack full hookups. At Tall Chief, a visitor advises: "No sewer connections which can be a bummer, but the nice bathrooms make up for it imo." Another camper shares a workaround: "Stayed 3 months for work, perfect beautiful, CHEEP CHEEP, not too good to be true, just right. All hook ups included. (Bring your dump tote!) easy easy easy dump station."
Electrical capacity: RV parks offer varying electrical service levels. At South Prairie Creek RV Park, full hookups including 50-amp service provide capacity for air conditioning during summer months, though one visitor noted: "I was a little disappointed in the bathrooms and service. Staff seemed annoyed when I asked for quarters which were necessary for laundry and showers."
Site leveling: Prepare for gravel pads at most RV parks Greenwater area. "Very nice pull throughs but small Resort," notes one RVer about spacing considerations when selecting a site, with most parks offering relatively level surfaces that require minimal adjustment for most rigs.
