The Onalaska area sits at approximately 500 feet elevation in southwestern Washington, with camping options scattered across Lewis County's forested landscape. Seasonal weather patterns affect campground operations with temperatures ranging from mid-30s in winter to upper-70s during summer. Many campgrounds near Onalaska maintain crushed rock or gravel pads for RVs with varying degrees of levelness.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: 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," notes one visitor. The area's freshwater fishing extends to nearby Silver Lake as well.
Disc golf course: Toutle River RV Resort maintains a disc golf course among its recreational amenities. "There's a frisbee golf course that we didn't use but looks fun, really nice playground for the grandkids that's a fort, a store, swimming pool, a recreation hall with nice paintings on the outside," describes one camper who explored the grounds.
Mount St. Helens exploration: Several campgrounds provide convenient bases for volcano visits. "My wife and I enjoyed the campground, we will be back the next time we want to hike at Mt. St. Helens," reports a visitor at Thousand Trails Paradise. Mount St. Helens Visitor Center sits only about 10 miles from some campgrounds, making day trips practical.
What campers like
Swimming facilities: Thousand Trails Chehalis offers multiple swimming areas for families. "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," writes one parent whose family enjoyed the amenities.
Lakefront camping: Silver Cove RV Resort provides direct water access for fishing and water activities. "The sites almost all back up to the water and fishing is pretty easy here. Mostly crappie and bass though I've seen a couple trout or perch pulled out," explains one regular visitor who appreciates the waterfront location.
Spacious sites: Several rv sites near Onalaska, Washington offer substantial room for larger rigs. "The sites I've stayed in are huge. Room for a fifth wheel (awning and slide out), two vehicles and two large dogs without feeling packed in at all," comments a camper about the RV pads at Silver Cove. Site dimensions vary significantly between campgrounds.
What you should know
Site leveling challenges: Many RV campsites require significant leveling. "Horrifically unlevel to the worst degree, front back side to side, every space is horrid. If you have auto levelers, you'll have an easier time but still rough," warns one full-time RVer about specific spots at Paradise.
Power reliability issues: Electrical service quality fluctuates across campgrounds. "[At Thousand Trails Chehalis] we ended up running on our battery and generator for the last two days we were there because it was so dangerous to plug in," reports one camper who experienced power surges between 110-130 volts.
Seasonal crowds: Midway RV Park serves as a strategic stopping point between major cities. "We stayed here 2 years in a row for the Seattle to Portland bicycle ride. Nice and clean with great showers. Staff very friendly and helpful," notes a cyclist who found the location convenient during peak travel season.
Tips for camping with families
Activity scheduling: Thousand Trails Chehalis organizes regular family activities. "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," shares a parent whose children enjoyed the structured programming.
Playground access: Toutle River RV Resort features extensive play areas. "There's random trails, a playground, big green fields, volleyball court, etc. Plenty to keep them busy and felt completely comfortable letting them run around," writes a parent who appreciated the safe environment for children to explore.
Mini golf condition: Harmony Lakeside RV Park maintains water recreation opportunities for kids. "Our family had a great time at Harmony Lake. The staff was helpful and the prices are reasonable. The park is clean and most of the sites have large trees around them," reports a family who found the shaded sites beneficial during summer visits.
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategies: At Thousand Trails Paradise, backing sites offer specific advantages. "The site was level and backed up to a creek that was down below the site. The stay site was quiet, no one camping on our driver side did have a neighbor on the passenger side," explains one RVer who found the creek-side location particularly peaceful.
Campground navigation: RV sites near Onalaska, Washington can present maneuvering challenges. "It took a long time to get set up because of the ridiculously small amount of space I had to maneuver my 33ft RV and my 8ft extended cab truck," warns a driver at Majestic Mobile Manor about the tight turning radius needed for larger rigs.
Seasonal water restrictions: Water systems occasionally require special attention. "Additionally there is a water issue that asks you to boil water," notes a camper regarding precautionary measures at one campground during their stay, highlighting the importance of bringing adequate drinking water supplies.
