Camping options near Roy, Washington include multiple private campgrounds and military facilities offering year-round access within a 25-mile radius. The region sits at elevations between 300-500 feet with moderate rainfall even during summer months. Several campgrounds maintain access to American Lake and regional forests while providing a base for Mount Rainier National Park exploration.
What to do
Lake activities at Alder Lake Park: Located 20 miles southeast of Roy near Eatonville, campers can enjoy swimming and boating. "The water is that beautiful blue/green glacier water color. The campground we stayed at did not have designated fire rings, but did have a metal BBQ that we used for the kids to make s'mores on," notes Nicole P.
Forest hiking at Elkamp Eastcreek: This campground provides access to wooded trails and serves as a convenient gateway to Mount Rainier National Park. "Only an hour from Mt. Rainier NP and the town near by has some solid shops. The campsites are pretty private and there's specific spots for your tent that has an extra layer of mulch underneath for cushioning," reports Sarah Claire B.
Stargazing opportunities: Some campgrounds offer exceptional night sky viewing away from urban light pollution. At Sasquatch Farm, one reviewer noted they provide "a beautiful, quiet spot and the hosts are great folks! Perfect base camp to explore Mt Rainier."
What campers like
Clean facilities: Many campers highlight the maintenance standards at regional campgrounds. At Millersylvania State Park Campground, a visitor mentioned, "Clean bathrooms, water, and a (very cold) shower! As someone who usually disperse camps, the amenities were a nice luxury. No bugs this time of year."
Privacy between sites: Despite being established campgrounds, many locations offer good separation between campsites. At Dash Point State Park Campground, Brittany D. observed, "This campground is remarkable in the privacy between each of the camping spots, the bird life, the wild and deep forest vibes, and the walking trails."
Proximity to urban conveniences: The best places to camp near Roy provide quick access to services while maintaining a natural setting. At American Heritage Campground, a camper appreciated that "I really appreciated the ease of getting to the campground off of I-5 and the privacy of the heavily wooded individual sites."
What you should know
Military-only facilities: Several camping options near Roy require military identification. At Lewis North Travel Camp, a reviewer clarified, "Great place! Very friendly next to the lake plenty of things to do walking, biking, hiking, fishing, Military museums, not to far off of I-5. Full hookups laundry shower facilities. Cabins too. Open to active military, military retirees, DoD and family members with access."
Seasonal water levels: Water-based recreation varies with seasonal dam operations. At Alder Lake Park, a camper reported, "Only damper to this year was the dam in Tacoma was partially drained causing a 'low tide' which exposed the dirt and poor beach area... usually when water is at normal level the beach is all sand and water is clean and clear."
Campfire regulations: Fire restrictions commonly affect camping during late summer. American Heritage Campground provides fire rings, but during restriction periods, campers noted, "There was a burn ban so didn't get to have a campfire but the option was nice."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Several campgrounds provide dedicated play areas for children. At Alder Lake Park, Ashley Y. shared, "We stayed here because we wanted to be close to Northwest Trek and Mt. Rainer. The park is large with a play ground and beach area. My kids enjoyed playing in the sand and watching deer from our campsite."
Swimming options: Water features provide recreation for children in warmer months. At Riverbend Campground, a visitor observed, "This was a really nice park. We needed something close to the city, but didn't want to feel like we were in the city, this fit the bill. A short walk within the park and you're at a lovely river."
Wildlife viewing: Children often enjoy animal encounters at regional campgrounds. At American Heritage Campground, Olaf P. mentioned, "The campground is great, in a little forest with plenty of space between the lots and very quiet. Clean facilities and they even have a little farm."
Tips from RVers
Site accessibility: Many campgrounds accommodate larger vehicles with minimal difficulty. At Riverbend Campground, Johnathan R. shared, "The staff was great in accomodating our last minute reservation and we ended up in a great location convient to all the amenities the campground had to offer."
Hookup availability: Full-service sites with water, electric and sewer connections are common in the Roy area. Millersylvania State Park Campground offers varied utility options, with one RVer noting, "We had a pull-through site right across from the dumpster, bathrooms, and camp host. We had decent service for Verizon."
Winter camping considerations: Year-round campgrounds remain open but require preparation. At American Heritage Campground, one camper reported, "Unfortunately due to COVID, the tent area is closed, and due to terrible weather recently part of the campground was flooded."
