Ravensdale sits in the western foothills of the Cascade Mountains at an elevation of 623 feet, creating a transitional climate between coastal and mountain weather patterns. The area receives about 50 inches of annual rainfall, with summer temperatures typically reaching the mid-70s. Most RV sites near Ravensdale, Washington remain accessible year-round despite occasional winter snow at higher elevations.
What to do
Hiking trails access: The Tall Chief Campground location places campers within minutes of popular trails. "We love Tall Chief because it is super close to a lot of great spots around the Seattle region," notes one visitor who found the park convenient for day trips.
Coffee exploration: Local coffee shops offer a taste of Pacific Northwest coffee culture. "It's super close (like 7 min drive) from one of my favorite coffee shops, Aroma Coffee Co. Try it! You won't be disappointed!" recommends a Tall Chief regular.
Miniature golf: South Prairie Creek RV Park and other facilities maintain recreational amenities on-site. Tall Chief includes "miniature golf, playground and basketball" according to one visitor who "had a great time, even stayed an extra night!"
Lake activities: Campsites near water offer additional recreation options. "Beautiful lake" notes one visitor about Angle Lake RV Park, which provides convenient water access for guests.
What campers like
Privacy levels: Sites with separation from neighbors rank highly among reviewers. At Lake Pleasant RV Park, "trees between spots offered a really nice level of privacy" according to one camper who appreciated the layout despite compact spaces.
Clean facilities: Well-maintained bathrooms and showers receive consistent praise. "The bathrooms are usually found to be immaculate. The main bathrooms have a great 'spa' feeling to their design and make you feel like you are glamping," reports a frequent Tall Chief visitor.
Landscape variety: The region offers diverse camping environments. "Issaquah Village RV Park is clean and green" according to one reviewer, who appreciated the park despite its proximity to I-90.
Laundry costs: Reasonable laundry fees matter to extended-stay campers. Lake Pleasant offers "laundry machines ($2 washer/$2 dryer) get the job done, with no need to keep feeding the machine," notes a recent guest.
What you should know
Site selection strategy: Many campgrounds feature variable cellular connectivity. When staying at Tall Chief, one reviewer suggests: "arrive early so you can drive by all the sites while checking to make sure you have good reception if you need it."
Age restrictions: Some facilities limit older RVs. "They don't allow drop-ins or vehicles older than 20 yrs" reports a visitor about Enumclaw Expo Center RV Park, reflecting a policy common at several area campgrounds.
Noise considerations: Highway proximity affects some campgrounds. "You'll be camping 200' from I-90" cautions one Issaquah Village reviewer, though they added that "ear plugs did a good job of quieting that noise enough for us to get a good sleep."
Pet policies: Dog-friendly camping varies significantly between parks. At some locations like Issaquah Village, "you have to go outside the park and across the street to be a compliant pet owner" notes one visitor who found the arrangement inconvenient.
Tips for camping with families
Playground availability: Not all parks cater to children. "Sun Outdoors Gig Harbor is pet friendly, but not many attractions for children (no playground, no pool)," notes one reviewer, making it less suitable for families with young children.
Walking opportunities: Internal trail systems provide safe recreation space. Lake Pleasant features "short hiking trails through the trees — somewhat steep gravel trails that give you an added level of workout over laps around the park," according to one active camper.
Wildlife viewing: Many campgrounds support bird watching opportunities. "The grounds are quiet... truly silent... save for the many geese that call the lake in the center of the property their home," explains a Lake Pleasant visitor who found the wildlife charming despite occasional noise.
Storage options: Some parks accommodate trip interruptions. Lake Pleasant offers "on site storage if you need to leave your rig for a few days" and one visitor reported they "camped, stored my camper while I went on a cruise, camped and then headed out."
Tips from RVers
Campsite dimensions: Larger rigs require careful site selection. Blue Sky RV Park features a "pad was paved, level and long enough for Super C and toad," according to one visitor who successfully accommodated their motorhome and towed vehicle.
Power management: Older electrical systems may present challenges during peak usage. One Tall Chief visitor noted that "an entire section of the park blew after having several days of power issues" during a heat wave, highlighting infrastructure limitations.
Propane services: On-site propane refills simplify extended stays. Lake Pleasant "can fill propane on site" according to one reviewer who appreciated this convenience feature.
Long-term options: Extended stay policies vary significantly. South Prairie Creek RV Park provides options for longer visits, while other facilities like Midway Village RV Park are "a long term only location with 6 months or more as the minimum stay."
