Tent campsites near Onalaska, Washington cluster around the Yale Reservoir region, where the Lewis River winds through the Cascade foothills. The area receives approximately 70 inches of rainfall annually, creating lush forest conditions with limited cell service throughout most camping areas. Campgrounds range in elevation from 500 to 1,200 feet, with summer temperatures typically reaching 75-85°F during daytime hours.
What to do
Paddle in motor-free waters: Merrill Lake Campground offers exceptional kayaking and paddleboarding opportunities with no motorized boats allowed. The lake provides calm waters bordered by old-growth cedars. As one camper notes, "This is a great little campground, on the lake shore amidst a grove of Old Growth Cedar" with "great lake to kayak on."
Target practice nearby: Sherman Valley State Forest camping provides access to a designated shooting area. According to a visitor: "The campground is located in Capital Forest which is home to lots of hiking, mountain bike, equestrian, and ATV trails. There is even a near by gravel pit owned by the Department of Natural Resources and it is designated for target shooting."
Explore Mount St. Helens trails: From Mount St. Helens Dispersed Camping, hikers can access numerous trails. A camper explains: "This is a dispersed campsite near the south side of Mount St. Helens. Up the road is Lava Canyon, where there are toilets if you need." The area offers trailheads for Lava Canyon and Ape Canyon within short driving distance.
What campers like
Free camping with volcano views: Dispersed sites along forest roads provide cost-free accommodations with volcanic scenery. One reviewer of Mount St. Helens Dispersed Camping writes: "Complete view of the majestic mountain. Lots of room and even some flat spots. Idea for any rig, tent camper, hammock camper it vehicle. Road is rough in some spots but any vehicle can drive it."
Last-minute availability: Merrill Lake Campground offers walk-in sites when other area campgrounds fill up. A camper shares: "Great little campsite for last minute adventures. There are 8 walk in sites and one drive up site, all first come first serve discovery pass required." The site requires a $30 annual Discover Pass or $10 day-use pass.
Swimming access: Tent sites at Cougar Park & Campground provide direct lake access for cooling off. A visitor mentions: "The camp is very nice, shady and walking distance from big lake. Facilities: showers, toilets, water supply for each few camp sites." Another adds: "The campground is right on a lake, which means I went for a swim at dusk - it was spectacular."
What you should know
Bring your own essentials: Vault toilets rarely stock toilet paper, especially at remote sites. A Merrill Lake camper advises: "Make sure to bring toilet paper, the bathroom seems to never be stocked. Make sure to haul out all trash." Similar conditions exist at most dispersed sites in the region.
Prepare for minimal privacy: Most tent sites have limited separation between campsites. As one Merrill Lake reviewer explains: "All campsites have a fire ring and picnic table. You'll still see and hear your fellow campers, but it does seem semi-private."
Tent-only restrictions: Some campgrounds near Onalaska strictly limit RV access. A visitor to The Healing Farm warns: "This was our very first Hipcamp stay, and it completely blew us away. We were a bit skeptical at first, but the glowing reviews convinced us to give it a try—and we're so glad we did." Similarly, Cougar Park specifies: "Be forewarned that this is a tent only campground."
Tips for camping with families
Animal encounters: The Healing Farm offers unique wildlife interactions for children. A family reviewer shares: "The kids was in Awh with all the animals and how they would let you walk up to them and interact with them. The goats were awesome, they would spend all day out at our camp and they would pose for pictures with us."
Lake swimming options: Yale Reservoir provides safe swimming for families with children. A Cougar Park visitor notes: "We booked this camp site 6 month before arrival, very popular site. Stayed there for 4 days. The camp is very nice, shady and walking distance from big lake."
Playground access: Coffee Creek Community Gardens features cabin accommodations with family-friendly amenities. According to a visitor: "The wood stove keeps you toasty in the cold, the kitchen space is perfect and simple. The windows give you incredible views of the forest. The outside porch and seating setup are lovely to drink tea at and absorb the beauty."
Tips for RVers
Limited large-vehicle options: Most campgrounds near Onalaska restrict RV access or have minimal amenities. At Mount St. Helens Dispersed Camping, a visitor explains: "Primitive location, nothing there, but maybe a fire ring and a spot to park your vehicle. The road coming in the last 10 miles is rough in many spots. It's hard to see the bumps and dips in the road in the early evening."
Parking considerations: For larger vehicles, dispersed camping offers more flexibility. One camper notes: "There are many spots to choose from for cars, trucks, and vans. It doesn't seem like it's designed for RV's and trailers."
Ground conditions: The terrain at most Onalaska tent sites requires additional protective gear. A Merrill Lake camper advises: "This is a tents only campground. All sights are walk in. They are leveled out in a crushed rock space so be sure to bring a tarp for under your tent."
