RV camping near Index, Washington provides access to the western slopes of the Cascade Mountains where elevations range from 500 to 5,000 feet within a 30-mile radius. The area experiences significant seasonal weather variations with snowfall common from November through April on mountain passes. Cell service throughout the region varies dramatically with many campgrounds reporting weak or intermittent coverage in valleys.
What to do
Miniature golf access: At Thousand Trails Leavenworth, families can enjoy on-site activities without leaving the campground. "The campground for being Thousand Trails was pleasant. The lake is nice, the trails around the grounds are fun. For the grandkids there is a lot to do and that was the draw for us this time," notes James W.
Riverside relaxation: Find spots directly alongside flowing water at Icicle River RV Resort for fishing or wildlife viewing. "Loved our time here, clean campsite, beautiful spots on the river. Loved seeing black bears across the river," reports Amy, highlighting the natural setting.
Walking trails: Some properties offer nature paths around water features or through wooded areas. "The proximity to the lake is very nice. The park is very well kept. This is a bit close to businesses, but still feels pretty sereen," mentions Phil N. about Silver Lake RV Park.
What campers like
Privacy options: Tall Chief Campground offers larger-than-average sites with vegetation between them. "Most sites are pretty big too. We can easily fit our trailer, tow vehicle, and extra vehicle and still have space!" writes Brodie D., emphasizing the spacious layout.
Clean facilities: Bathroom cleanliness varies significantly between properties. "The bathrooms are really clean and the showers are great. It has water, electric, sewage, fair WiFi and washer/driers," states Jerry B. about Issaquah Village RV Park.
Coffee proximity: Some locations offer quick access to local coffee shops. "It's super close (like 7 min drive) from one of my favorite coffee shops, Aroma Coffee Co. Try it! You won't be disappointed!" recommends a Tall Chief Campground visitor.
Natural surroundings: Many campers appreciate the wooded settings despite being near urban areas. "Helpful, friendly staff. Large private sites. It feels like you are deep in the PNW rainforest but you close to amenities and shopping," notes Adele W.
What you should know
Sewer limitations: Most campgrounds near Index have limited or no sewer hookups requiring strategic planning. "I do have to knock a star for the fact no sites have sewer hookups. We used a pumping service halfway through our time there. The park provided the information for the service. It was $60 though," explains Derek & Alex W. about Tall Chief Campground.
Road noise considerations: Several properties are located near highways or major roads. "We'll start with the thing to be aware of: you'll be camping 200' from I-90. But we found our ear plugs did a good job of quieting that noise enough for us to get a good sleep," advises Jerry B.
Winter preparation: Cold weather travelers need specialized equipment. "October is perfect time. So quiet, leaves changing, crisp weather. Just make sure you have heated water hose," recommends Kurtis K. about camping during colder months.
Cell service variability: Reliable internet access varies dramatically between sites. "Another thing that can be annoying is trying to find a site with good cell reception due to all the trees. I'm getting 120+ mbs download on AT&T in my site right now, but several sites down from me, it can dwindle down to 5mbs!" reports a Tall Chief Campground reviewer.
Tips for camping with families
Pool access: Lake Pleasant RV Park offers water recreation options. "We stayed at this park on a trip to Seattle. It was only about 30 minutes to downtown, but almost felt like you were out in the country. We did not use the bathrooms, but enjoyed the walking trails, playground for the kids, and watching the resident ducks in the pond," shares Nikki R.
Wildlife viewing: Duck and goose watching opportunities exist at some properties. "Loved this RV Park. The grounds are quiet... truly silent... save for the many geese that call the lake in the center of the property their home," reports a Lake Pleasant visitor.
Low-cost laundry facilities: Some properties offer reasonable laundry rates compared to commercial facilities. "Clean bathrooms and showers with lots of hot water. Attentive on-site staff," mentions Tom C. about Lake Pleasant RV Park, adding "The laundry machines ($2 washer/$2 dryer) get the job done, with no need to keep feeding the machine."
Playground options: Several campgrounds maintain play equipment for children. "We had a great time, even stayed an extra night! Our space was nice and gave us some privacy. The pool, miniature golf, playground and basketball were great," shares Isabel G.
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategy: At Blue Sky RV Park, advanced planning helps secure preferred spots. "The park looks to mostly be full timers and understandably so. It's a very nice location, exceptionally clean and safe. In site 11 you can hear the highway when outside of rv but couldn't inside. Pad was paved, level and long enough for Super C and toad," advises Mark O.
Long-term options: Several parks offer extended stay arrangements. "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," notes David O. about Tall Chief Campground.
Level site importance: Concrete pads are available at some locations. "This is a great RV resort. The picture on the app is not at all what this place looks like. A Quiet oasis tucked into the forest," describes Todd B. about Blue Sky RV Park, highlighting the discrepancy between online images and actual conditions.
Specific site recommendations: Some campgrounds have notable location-based advantages. "The spaces are close but some thoughtful touches to retain a little privacy. Even has a Spa," mentions Matthew R. about Icicle River RV Resort.
