2 campgrounds with availability this weekend
RV parks near Packwood provide varying hookup options for motorhome travelers. Packwood RV Park & Campground on US Highway 12 offers full hookups with both electric and sewer connections, while Cascade Peaks Family Campground in nearby Randle provides seasonal access with thirty-amp service, water, and dump station facilities. Sites at Cascade Peaks accommodate large vehicles with big-rig friendly spaces, though some areas have permanent residents. Crystal Mountain RV Parking offers electric hookups but lacks sewer connections and water hookups at individual sites. "This camp ground is really tight for large RV. Este lugar está bien chico para caravana grandes solo hay pocos espacios para caravanas grandes," noted one visitor about space constraints at a nearby national park campground.
Most RV parks in the region remain accessible throughout summer months, with several offering year-round availability. Water pressure issues affect some facilities, particularly during peak season when demand increases. Cell service varies significantly between locations, with mountain campgrounds often having limited or no connectivity. Dust can be problematic on unpaved interior roads during dry weather. "The roads are either super muddy or super dusty. There isn't any gravel," one camper reported about Cascade Peaks. Pet-friendly policies are common throughout the area, though specific restrictions may apply in campgrounds bordering Mount Rainier National Park. Pull-through rv pads are limited in number, making advance reservations essential for travelers with larger motorhomes, especially during weekends and holidays.
"Packwood which is a small little town next to White Pass is a great place to visit if you want to get away in Washington and be outdoors."
"Great quiet place. There’s a lot of things around walking distance (all within a couple min walk). Also has great showers bathrooms and laundry ($1.75 per load)."
from $60 / night
"Not sure why some reviews are so negative, as we found this park to be really peaceful. The owner was truly helpful telling us how best to get to see Mt Rainier and what routes."
"I always pay for showers and laundry yr. Round and anyone else in the office sets me up with what ever I need and with smiles and awesome attitudes but not Corine.I want to know why."
"We camped off Mather memorial parkway for just a few hours during a Questival and found it to be quiet, easy to access and plenty of firewood. Loved sleeping by the creek!"
"RV spots were mostly level with gravel pads and grass surrounding."
"Perfect location just outside the national park, but is on a road. We got there at 8pm after coming down from Rainier and then left early to get up to the park again."
"I understand this opened last winter. Talking to the host, I found out it is far more popular in winter when ski season is open."
from $25 - $40 / night
"Large spaces, easy to drive through, 30 and 50 amp, most sites had full hookups with fire pits and picnic tables."
"Elk Meadows is far up a well paved road just before the entrance into national forest land. "
"Well-Maintained campground with nice river sites, pool, restaurant, and store. Close to area fishing and hiking."
from $45 - $150 / night
"This was a very nice Thousand Trails. We stay two nights from September 13th through September 16, 2019, in campsite 187, the stay was free due to our Thousand Trails membership."
"Water and Electric (50 amp) only. There are several dump stations nearby. Very quiet and low key."
"Very nice small park with basic amenities and large private or cramped sites based on what you choose and pay for. Some have fire rings."
from $35 - $50 / night
TravelerCute spot! Spots are tight. Water, electricity, showers and bathroom. Cute lil' dog park that is also a wedding venue. Great stop right before Mt. Rainier. We stayed in spot #10 a little tight for a 27ft camper, but we made it work!
TravelerSpacious spots by a scenic lake. Can accommodate just about any size rig, plenty of sites for both tents and rvs.
TravelerBeautiful spot, lots of great spots for tents, rvs and travel trailers. Loved that there was plenty of space between campsites. Would spend multiple nights here!
TravelerBeautiful park. The bathrooms are heated, with space to hang your jacket or backpack. Flushers with a sink to wash up. The RV space was large, with shade and a beautiful view of Mt Adams. Showers and laundry available- bring some quarters along.
RangerIt was MAGICAL- mushrooms, fall leaves, and moss everywhere. Keep in mind that there’s no signal, Starlink nor cell.. we also were freezing at night (35 degrees) in early October and the spots were tricky for our bigger rig. But if you have a smaller rig there’s tons of places off of road 73 for dispersed camping. Bumpy road to get there but keep on driving and you’ll find places with even firepits.
GuideThis Campground is certainly the best on the swift river. Bathrooms are nice & clean and access to water as well as Mt. St. Helens are the pros.
The reservoir is used for hydroelectric power so it can receed quickly. Your experience here greatly relies on your neighbors and the camp hosts. Some of the regulars can be obnoxious. There are no hookups and no showers so plan accordingly. There is a dump station in the day use area.
ScoutDriving here from Graham washington, I passed so many camp spots I was shook lol. Amazing camp site for free, I believe u need discover pass. the water is beautiful not many people here so many spots by the water Amazing, where i am u definitely need high clearance to even be close to water, Unless u tent camp away from your vehicle which is not far there are a lot of spots everywhere. The water moves fast and your up high bring your hammocks.
ScoutMy wife and I came to this campground recently (9/26 - 9/29) and overall it was a great trip. The staff (Rangers) were so friendly and helpful. The site we had for our 20 ft trailer was a pull-through site which was quite level. It was pretty shady and use of our solar panel was minimal. The proximity to Paradise was great. It was incredibly crowded at Paradise despite being so late in September. The campground filled up to full within a couple of hours of our arrival around 2:30 pm. Bathrooms are very basic (flush toilets and only cold water sinks). There was a water bottle filler right outside the bathroom and tasted great. There is no option to fill trailer tanks with water. Their water filler and dump station has been out of order for a couple of years per the ranger, so I don't expect it to be fixed anytime soon. We were told that there was a water filling station in Alder Lake Park but it is a ways from this campground. We brought our own water so didn't need it. Our site itself was great but there is a reasonable amount of debris around other sites. Overall, we would come again.
RangerVery nice! Horse camp but sites 21-30 are for non equestrian campers. Sites are wooded between and large with table, firepits/grill combo, and level wooded spaces. 2 clean, well stocked pit toilets are available. Water faucets available at several locations. WA discover pass but free otherwise. It is patrolled regularly.
RV sites near Packwood, Washington accommodate both short and extended stays within the Gifford Pinchot National Forest region. Located at approximately 1,000 feet elevation, the area experiences warm summer days with cool evenings and significant snowfall during winter months. Cell service varies dramatically between locations, with mountainside campgrounds often having no connectivity while valley-based facilities offer limited coverage.
Hiking to Packwood Lake: Access the 10-mile round trip trail from Packwood RV Park & Campground. "We rode our mountain bikes up to Packwood lake one morning, which is 10 miles round trip. It's a great biking trail, but can also be used as a hiking trail if you are looking for a longer day hike. The lake is gorgeous but the bugs were definitely out in full effect," notes Sasha W.
Fishing in stocked ponds: Thousand Trails Paradise RV Campground offers family-friendly fishing. "My grandson loves coming here with us the two ponds they stock with fish," says John O., who visits regularly.
Snowshoeing at Paradise: Winter visitors can access mountain trails from nearby accommodations. "We were planning on snowshoeing at Paradise so we stayed here for a night to get an early start without the long drive," reports Jill T. about her stay at Gateway Inn.
Riverside relaxation: Campers appreciate waterfront sites throughout the region. "Large spaces, easy to drive through, 30 and 50 amp, most sites had full hookups with fire pits and picnic tables. There is a park right on the lake, wonderful wildlife viewing," writes Michell C. about Elk Meadows RV Park.
Mountain views: The panoramic landscapes draw many visitors. "Beautiful view of Mt Adams are just awesome. There are hiking trails and several places to enjoy trout lake while hiking. There were deer on the trail today," notes Eric P. about Elk Meadows.
Swimming facilities: Several campgrounds offer swimming options beyond natural water features. "This campgrounds has an awesome swimming area with three pools, one 8ft deep, on 6ft, and one wading pool. Also has a large spa," Pamela H. says about Thousand Trails Paradise.
Water pressure issues: Some facilities struggle with consistent water supply. "This place is really bad, but there are not many sites in the area. Dusty roads, no internet, low water pressure," reports Steve G. about Cascade Peaks Family Campground.
Permanent residents: Several campgrounds house long-term occupants. "What bothered me was that a number of spots look like they've been set up as permanent housing. Instead of being a campsite, it looks like a small village," explains Kimberley M. about Cascade Peaks.
Bathroom facilities vary: Quality and availability of restrooms differs significantly between locations. "Single night stop. Trash overflowing and bathrooms were glorified porta-potties. Enjoyed our seclusion, but some attention is needed by the staff," notes Aloha M.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular RV campsite near Packwood, WA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular RV campground near Packwood, WA is Packwood RV Park & Campground with a 3.1-star rating from 8 reviews.
What is the best site to find RV camping near Packwood, WA?
TheDyrt.com has all 177 RV camping locations near Packwood, WA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
Keep Exploring
