Mount Rainier National Park creates a dramatic backdrop for campgrounds near Randle, Washington. This region sits at elevations ranging from 1,000 to 3,000 feet with dense forestland shaped by volcanic activity. Summer temperatures typically reach 75-85°F during day and drop to 45-55°F at night, while winter camping requires preparation for temperatures that can dip below freezing.
What to do
Lake activities at Mossyrock Park: The park offers excellent boating access with swimming areas on Riffe Lake. "There is a nice lake in walking distance for boating, swimming, and fishing," notes a visitor who appreciated the family-friendly environment. The campground has a small playground and open fields perfect for kids to ride bikes.
Winter yurt camping: For cold-weather enthusiasts, Yurt Snowshoe provides a unique winter accommodation. "My father and I snowshoed to this yurt for my birthday... With several feet of deep snow, this 12.5 mile snow hike was no joke. Took us 8 hours to get to the yurt," reports one camper who recommends allowing plenty of daylight for the journey.
Hiking at Takhlakh Lake: Takhlakh Lake Campground provides direct access to multiple hiking trails. "There's plenty of walking around the lake and outside of the campground. Huckleberries galore in August," mentions a visitor. The campground offers stunning views of Mt. Adams reflected in the still waters of the lake.
What campers like
Old-growth forests: Iron Creek Campground features impressive ancient trees. "The forest is so thick couldn't hear other campers. Trees here are 600 years old. Huge," writes one camper. Another describes it as "carpeted with ferns and dripping with moss. It feels like stepping back to prehistoric times."
Privacy between sites: Many campgrounds in the area provide good separation between sites. At Walupt Lake Campground, "Sites were super shaded. Lots of trees for some privacy. Easy lake access close by." The campground offers several lakeside sites with spots 41-44 providing "amazing sunrise and sunset views."
Clean facilities: Campgrounds in this region maintain their bathrooms and common areas well. "The campground was very clean and maintained, the hosts do a great job and you can tell they take pride in their duties," notes a visitor to Iron Creek. Showers are available at some locations but typically require quarters.
What you should know
Mosquito preparation: Several campgrounds report significant mosquito activity, especially during summer months. A Takhlakh Lake visitor warns, "While this place was beautiful, it was completely infested with mosquitoes. We had a bug canopy so got away from most of them, but I stopped counting my bites after 40." Bring plenty of repellent.
Road conditions: Many campgrounds require driving on forest roads with varying conditions. For Takhlakh Lake, one camper advises, "The road in from Randle is a bit rough at times for a car but doable." Walupt Lake visitors note, "road to get here is entirely dirt."
Water availability: Cowlitz Falls Campground provides water and electric hookups in loops A and D. However, more remote campgrounds like Takhlakh Lake require bringing your own water. "There is no potable water, so you must bring up your own water," a camper notes.
Tips for camping with families
Best swimming areas: Mossyrock Park provides dedicated swimming areas for children. "Very family friendly they have a (very) small playground. Lots of room for kids to ride bikes," mentions a reviewer. The swimming area is described as having a gentle slope ideal for younger swimmers.
Kid-friendly activities: Elkamp Eastcreek offers space for children to explore. "The meadow over the bridge is a hidden delight," one camper shares. Another notes it's "excellent for families" with staff who are "attentive but not invasive."
Accessible trails: Several campgrounds feature easy walking paths suitable for children. Iron Creek offers "a nice, short loop trail leading to the river" that's manageable for younger hikers. At Alder Lake Park, "there are trails to explore, a sandy beach area that is also for public access."
Tips from RVers
Site specifications: When choosing a site, confirm dimensions. At Iron Creek, a camper notes, "Our 30 ft TT filled the parking pad but we never unhooked the truck. I think a 40ft would be maximum length." Sites at most campgrounds in this area are back-in rather than pull-through.
Hookup availability: Cowlitz Falls offers partial hookups. "Loop A & D have utilities for camping with the water spigot and drains in each loop. Nice, clean bathrooms with showers in every loop," a reviewer explains, though they note "the only drawback is that they don't have sewer hookups."
Cell service considerations: Coverage varies significantly between campgrounds. A Cowlitz Falls visitor reports, "I had no problem with cell service with Verizon, but my husband who has T-mobile didn't get reception." Meanwhile, at Iron Creek, "We have At & T cell service. We had no service at all."
