Near La Grande, Washington, RV campers can find several campgrounds nestled within the Cascade Mountain foothills. Most locations operate between 125-150 feet elevation with moderate summer temperatures ranging from mid-60s to low 80s. Camping options vary significantly between seasonal parks open April through October and year-round facilities with differing utility services.
What to do
Fishing at stocked ponds: Thousand Trails Paradise RV Campground offers two stocked fishing ponds popular with families. "My grandson loves coming here with us the two ponds they stock with fish. The second time here the only drawback is some of the vegetation is overgrown and could use some trimming," notes John O. at Thousand Trails Paradise RV Campground.
Swimming options: Several rv sites near La Grande, Washington provide pool access during summer months. "This campgrounds has an awesome swimming area with three pools, one 8ft deep, on 6ft, and one wading pool. Also has a large spa," reports Pamela H. about Thousand Trails Paradise.
Trail access: Campgrounds near Mount Rainier provide convenient hiking bases. "My wife and I enjoyed the campground, we will be back the next time we want to hike at Mt. St. Helens," shares Jeff C. about his experience at Thousand Trails Paradise.
What campers like
Clean facilities: Many RV parks maintain well-kept washrooms despite heavy use. "The bathrooms were super clean, and they also have a pool, some sort of family recreation center, basketball courts, etc.," reports Dawnielle C. about Thousand Trails Chehalis.
Pet amenities: Sun Outdoors Gig Harbor offers specialized pet facilities. "They even had a dog wash," notes Sunflower E. "Pet friendly, but not many attractions for children (no playground, no pool)," adds Joseph I. about Sun Outdoors Gig Harbor.
Quiet atmosphere: Despite proximity to urban areas, many parks provide peaceful settings. "The campground is quiet, except for the nearby construction. The staff is super friendly and accommodating," shares Kari P. about Sun Outdoors Gig Harbor. "Very quiet and low key. It is situated next to a H.S. stadium so the game nights get a little bit loud but really not that bad," notes Marque W. about Enumclaw Expo Center.
What you should know
Leveling challenges: Many RV sites require significant adjustment. "The sites are very close together, but there are a lot of trees and it's very well kept. The facilities and grounds are clean and well cared for. I stayed for almost three weeks and it was quiet and relaxing, despite how close together the sites are," explains Joseph I. about Sun Outdoors Gig Harbor.
Varying site sizes: RV camping near La Grande includes diverse site dimensions. "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," shares Mary F. about Enumclaw Expo Center RV Park.
Water pressure concerns: Some parks experience utility limitations. "New owners a/o January 2021. Make reservations in advance! Great place, peaceful, lots of trees. All types of site- large, small, full hook ups (30&50) to rustic, small tent area. Water pressure challenges on hill, WiFi ok/slow," reports John K. about Sun Outdoors Gig Harbor.
Tips for camping with families
Activity scheduling: During peak season, many campgrounds offer structured recreation. "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, slushees, a great store, basketball court, pools and overall, the experience was phenomenal! It's kept clean and we loved it," shares Nicole R. about Thousand Trails Chehalis.
Space considerations: Tent campers should research site options carefully. "This is definitely a RV resort, but there are 5or 6 tent camping sites under some big trees which provide shade almost all day. Nice bathroom and showers. Laundry, dog run, tv room, plus really friendly employees!!! Waterfront is right down the street," notes Jacob P. about Sun Outdoors Gig Harbor.
Amenity reliability: Park facilities vary seasonally. "Tons of campsites but the best ones are the riverfront ones," recommends Markus about Cascade Peaks Family Campground.
Tips from RVers
Dump station access: Many RV sites near La Grande, Washington provide partial hookups requiring off-site dumping. "Perfect location just outside the national park, but is on a road. We got there at 8pm after coming down from Rainier and then left early to get up to the park again. Electric and water hookup but no restrooms," explains Max B. about Gateway Inn RV and Camping.
Extended stay potential: Some parks accommodate longer visits with reliable utilities. "We are squeaky new to RVing. This place was great! Clean, friendly staff, everything we needed and more!" shares Sunflower E. about Sun Outdoors Gig Harbor.
Site selection strategy: Finding level spots requires planning. "We stay two nights from August 31st through September 2, 2019 in campsite H43, the price was$o.oo due to our Thousand Trails membership. Our site has electricity and water hook up. The site was level and has plenty of ripe blackberries for picking," reports Jeff C. about Thousand Trails Chehalis.