Traditional campgrounds near Lakewood, Washington provide alternatives to glamping options across Pierce and Thurston Counties. Most established campgrounds in this region sit at elevations between 300-1,000 feet, resulting in mild temperatures even during summer months. Winter camping remains available at several locations, with December-February nighttime lows typically hovering around 35-40°F.
What to do
Riverside relaxation: Riverbend Campground offers peaceful riverside tent sites with nature access just minutes from Olympia. "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," notes one visitor.
Hiking trails: The interconnected paths at Kanaskat-Palmer State Park create opportunities for casual walks along the Green River. A camper shares: "Each site seems to have a trail connecting to the outer trail that runs along the river. Big entertainment for three boys who explored the woods and played on the rocks and in the eddy pools at the public river take-out."
Water activities: The south Puget Sound region offers multiple water recreation spots. "The day use area on the water is really nice," explains a visitor to Saltwater State Park. "I'd come here again for the beach access and views during the day." Alder Lake Park provides both swimming and boating options: "The park is large with a play ground and beach area. My kids enjoyed playing in the sand and watching deer from our campsite."
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Dash Point State Park Campground receives praise for its spacious layout. "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," reports one camper. Another notes: "I was impressed by how spread apart the sites were, I think they could have fit another in between each of them!"
Clean facilities: Cleanliness ranks high among camper priorities. One visitor to Millersylvania State Park Campground comments: "Clean facilities, some nice perks like a beer garden and ice cream and the lake is great." Another camper reports on Kanaskat-Palmer: "Bathrooms in that loop were pretty nice... heated and very clean."
Close proximity to services: Many camping areas near Lakewood provide convenience without sacrificing natural settings. A Dash Point visitor explains: "I completely failed to plan any meals. Thankfully, civilization is only about 15 minutes away. There's a grocery store, takeout options, and even coffee if you're feeling soft." Similarly, a camper at Millersylvania notes it's "close to the city in case you forget something or a little one has a meltdown."
What you should know
Seasonal considerations: Water levels impact beach quality at certain locations. At Alder Lake Park, one visitor cautions: "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."
Urban proximity impacts: While camping close to Lakewood offers convenience, some locations experience urban noise. Saltwater State Park Campground sits beneath flight paths: "Commercial jets landing at Sea-Tac fly directly above us at a low altitude and are VERY loud and VERY frequent (every 3-5 minutes)." Dash Point campers note: "You might hear a bit of road noise, depending on your site."
Reservation requirements: Availability varies significantly by season. For Millersylvania, a visitor shares: "After months of trying to get reservations for this popular campground, we finally got one for Thanksgiving weekend!" Similarly, at Belfair State Park: "The beach loop fills up quickly - get your reservations in as early as possible if you want to camp there."
Tips for camping with families
Look for kid-friendly amenities: Camp Lakeview provides extensive facilities 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," according to one visitor.
Consider the bathroom situation: When camping with children, bathroom proximity matters. A visitor to Elkamp Eastcreek remarks: "The bathrooms were always clean. There's designated dish washing station and potable water station." Another camper at Millersylvania notes, "Bathrooms are clean, water, and a (very cold) shower!"
Scout for educational opportunities: Several campgrounds offer nature learning experiences. At Kanaskat-Palmer, a visitor explains: "Each site seems to have a trail connecting to the outer trail that runs along the river. Big entertainment for three boys who explored the woods and played on the rocks and in the eddy pools."
Tips from RVers
Campsite leveling: Be prepared for uneven sites at some locations. A visitor to Kanaskat-Palmer warns: "The gravel pull through was so not level the jacks pushed the front tires 6 inches off the ground. But there was lots of private space and the trails were beautiful as they wrapped around the river."
Hookup availability: Belfair State Park Campground provides full connections in select areas. "Open sites, full hook ups," notes one RVer. At Kanaskat-Palmer, "Our site had a pull-through driveway, 30amp hookup, a fire ring and picnic table."
Water management: Not all sites with electrical hookups include water. A camper at Kanaskat-Palmer advises: "Hook ups are electric only, bring your water. The first time we went we did not know and our Basecamp's heat runs via the hot water heater. It was cold!" Similarly, at Elkamp Eastcreek, full hookups are available but without a dump station.
