Mill Creek camping options include well-maintained sites that range from urban RV parks to natural lake settings within a 30-mile radius. Campgrounds in the area typically receive 35-45 inches of rainfall annually, with summers staying relatively dry. Several locations maintain year-round operations, particularly cabin facilities that provide shelter during wet winter months.
What to do
Hiking trails: 3-mile loops at Camano Island State Park provide scenic waterfront views without demanding terrain. A camper noted, "Around the perimeter of the park are short hiking trails through the trees — somewhat steep gravel trails that give you an added level of workout over laps around the park."
Fishing access: Year-round opportunities for catching various fish species at the local lakes. The Snoqualmie River at Tolt MacDonald Park offers "great spot for steelhead + salmon fishing. We've fished steelhead and pinks out of the snoqualmie river in the past."
Beachcombing: Extensive shorelines available for exploration at waterfront locations. "Camano Island State Park has a beach, camp sites and a hiking trail... This is a great place to walk on the beach or let your dog go for a swim."
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Some campgrounds offer natural separation between camping spaces. At Lake Pleasant RV Park, "the trees between spots offered a really nice level of privacy" while another visitor mentions "Great privacy hedges between spots."
Urban convenience: Most camping options maintain close proximity to urban amenities while feeling removed. One camper stated, "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."
Wildlife viewing: Multiple locations host resident animals. "Lots of geese, ducks, and bunnies are around the property" at Lake Pleasant RV Park, while others mention waterfowl viewing opportunities from several lakeside campsites.
What you should know
Seasonal variations: Limited winter availability outside of cabins and yurts. At Flowing Lake Park & Campground, "Reserve ahead very popular especially during the summer. Flushing toilets and showers. Lake access with boat launch and fishing dock... Fall camping here is beautiful."
Site dimensions: Many RV spots accommodate different vehicle sizes. According to a recent visitor, "Most RV spots are wide enough for 2 vehicles, except pull through spots which are pretty long. We had no problem navigating the roads with our truck and 17' Micro Minnie trailer."
Shower facilities: Availability varies between locations, with some requiring tokens. One camper mentioned, "Has water electric and token showers. No dump spot!"
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Multiple options for children's entertainment at Fay Bainbridge Park. "Amazing kids area pirate ship. Great beach walk and good camp sites" with another reviewer adding "It is nestled back through an area of homes that back up to sites 1-8."
Beach safety: Rocky shorelines predominate waterfront areas rather than sandy beaches. "The swimming area is also just rock and mud. A few loads of sand would make it infinitely better," notes a visitor to Flowing Lake Park.
Cabin availability: Year-round options for families seeking shelter. "My Questival team stayed at Flowing Lake in cabins in October, and we loved it! Cabin was clean and warm despite chilly weather!"
Tips from RVers
Extended stay options: Multiple locations permit longer visits. "This is the nicest park with the best rates close to the Seattle area... I lived here in off season when I was attending university," says one camper about Lake Pleasant RV Park.
Hookup configurations: Water and electric hookups available at most sites. At Evergreen State Fairgrounds, "It has water and 30 amp power at all spots with access to a dump station... The power pedestals is set up for 2 rv's per pole so it might be on the wrong side so you need to run an extra cord or hose."
Noise considerations: Urban proximity means ambient sounds at many sites. One reviewer warns, "Unless you're going to the fairgrounds, this'll probably be torture. The racetrack here is non stop noise when they're racing."