Camping spots near Montesano, Washington provide access to diverse forest and waterfront environments within the Chehalis River watershed. Winter temperatures typically range between 35-45°F, while summer temperatures average 60-75°F with rainfall concentrated between November and March. The area camping season shifts dramatically between locations, with many campgrounds operating seasonally from May through September while others remain accessible year-round.
What to do
Water activities on Lake Sylvia: Lake Sylvia State Park Campground offers calm waters ideal for paddling. "This is the ideal place for paddle sports such as SUP and Kayaking," notes one visitor, while another mentions, "Lake Sylvia is beautifully peaceful and everyone can have fun here, whether you ride your bike, swim, fish or hike."
Fishing along Satsop River: Schafer State Park Campground provides river access for anglers. "This campground is located along side the Satsop river. The campsites are nice and the fishing is even better," explains one camper. The campground offers direct river access with several spots suitable for casting.
Hiking forest trails: The area contains numerous trail networks through old-growth forests. At Porter Creek, "there are hiking trails close by but be sure to do your homework because there are many trails that allow ATV, horses, bikes, and people on them," advises one visitor. Most trails remain muddy through late spring, requiring waterproof footwear.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Twin Harbors State Park Campground offers varying levels of seclusion. "We had plenty of vegetative separation between us and our neighbors which was great," notes one reviewer. Sites in the tent camping areas typically provide more separation than RV sections.
Clean facilities: Many campgrounds maintain well-kept restrooms and common areas. At Coho Campground, "The restrooms were clean and even had hand soap and paper towels!" mentions one camper. Most established campgrounds feature flush toilets, though shower availability varies considerably.
Natural surroundings: Porter Creek offers a more rustic experience with direct creek access. "The river is gorgeous and fun to explore!" states one visitor. Many sites feature riverside locations, though visitors should note that primitive campgrounds lack water hookups and may have limited facilities.
What you should know
Cell service limitations: Connectivity varies significantly between locations. At Artic Park, visitors can expect minimal coverage. One Lake Sylvia camper noted, "Phone service is non-existent and we had att Verizon cricket and straight talk but it does have free WiFi." Most forest campgrounds have no reliable signal.
Distance from supplies: Many campgrounds require advance planning. For Coho Campground, "it is very far from nearest town (store) about an hour drive so come with everything you need," warns one reviewer. Most campgrounds lack on-site stores, requiring drives of 15-45 minutes to reach basic supplies.
Seasonal operation: Operating dates vary widely. Several campgrounds, including Schafer State Park, operate from May through September, while others like Grayland Beach State Park remain open year-round. Reservation requirements differ, with some accepting bookings up to nine months in advance.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Friends Landing offers dedicated play areas. "A river dock for fishing, a playground for kids, plus a beautiful trail around the lake. Big clean bathrooms (with showers) makes this a great spot!" reports one visitor. Most family-oriented campgrounds include play structures within walking distance of campsites.
Swimming options: Water access varies by location. North River provides "lots of swimming and fishing access safe great for kids," according to a visitor. Most lake campgrounds offer designated swimming areas during summer months, though rivers may have limited supervised swimming access.
Yurt alternatives: Several campgrounds offer structures for families wanting shelter beyond tents. At Grayland Beach State Park Campground, "There are some yurts to rent too!" mentions one camper. Yurt rentals typically require reservations months in advance, especially during summer.
Tips from RVers
Site selection caution: When selecting RV sites, carefully verify dimensions and access. At Coho Campground, "If you're a boater you're also not too far from the boat access ramp" but "be careful about the exact size allotment if you're in a big RV." Some campgrounds have tight access roads with challenging turns.
Hookup availability: Grayland Beach State Park Campground offers full services. "Paved level camping sites with and without hook-ups," notes a visitor, while another adds, "Private campgrounds with a gorgeous beach. Couldn't have asked for a better place to camp with full hookups." Availability of 50-amp service is limited to select campgrounds.
Winter accessibility: For off-season camping, select campgrounds remain operational. Hoquiam River RV Park operates year-round with "Perfect campground with all amenities in perfect condition," according to a recent visitor. Winter campers should verify road access conditions during rainy months as some access roads may become difficult to navigate.
