Campsites near Roy occupy the forested areas between Mount Rainier and Puget Sound, with elevations ranging from 400 to 800 feet above sea level. The region experiences mild summers with average temperatures between 65-80°F during peak camping season (June-September), while winters bring significant rainfall of 40-50 inches annually. Most campgrounds in this area feature second-growth Douglas fir and western red cedar forests, creating natural separation between sites.
What to do
Lake activities at Alder Lake Park: Located 25 miles southeast of Roy, this park offers designated swimming areas separated from motorized boating zones. "Alder lake is a great spot for both swim play and boating. The lake has a blocked off no wake area for those that wish to have swim fun and the rest of the lake is for small motorized water craft," says Mary C., who visited the park.
Forest hiking at Dash Point State Park Campground: Find 11 miles of hiking trails just 30 minutes north of Roy. "There are ample trails throughout the park including a lovely trail along the lake, which is not far from the campground," notes Christina F., who appreciates the natural setting.
Kayaking at Ike Kinswa State Park Campground: Protected kayaking areas extend up the Cowlitz River where it meets Mayfield Lake. "There's even a protected kayaking area that goes up the river. We found a lovely beach up there to explore," shares Bonnie H., who visited the park.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Many campgrounds offer wooded separation that creates secluded camping experiences. "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," writes Brittany D. about Dash Point State Park.
Clean facilities: Most parks maintain well-kept bathrooms and shower buildings. At Elkamp Eastcreek, "The bathrooms were always clean. There's designated dish washing station (though there's no spout right now) and potable water station," according to Sarah Claire B., who appreciated these amenities.
Tent pad construction: Several campgrounds provide specially prepared tent sites with extra cushioning. "The campsites are pretty private and there's specific spots for your tent that has an extra layer of mulch underneath for cushioning," notes Sarah Claire B. about Elkamp Eastcreek.
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Most campgrounds require advance bookings, especially during summer months. "After months of trying to get reservations for this popular campground, we finally got one for Thanksgiving weekend!" shares Christina F. about Millersylvania State Park Campground.
Shower facilities: Shower options vary by campground, with some requiring tokens. "Showers are older but clean. Need to buy tokens for the shower," explains Kate B. from Dash Point.
Cell service variations: Connectivity differs significantly between sites. "We had decent service for Verizon," reports Christina F. about Millersylvania, while another campground notes "Beautiful campsite, amazing trails just no cell service."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Several parks offer play equipment for children. At Camp Lakeview, "There is a playground next to a volleyball court and basketball court. A small beach with a large dock was available for use during the day as well as a boat launch and fishing dock," according to Julia B.
Weekend vs. weekday stays: Consider timing for optimal experience. "The weekends get very busy but during the weeks it is a cozy little community," notes Julia B. about Camp Lakeview.
Biking opportunities: Several parks offer family-friendly cycling routes. "We absolutely love this campground. We usually reserve the 3 sites that are closest to the swimming area (no guard). Our kids love walking the trails and riding their bikes around the loops," shares Latosha H. about Ike Kinswa State Park.
Tips from RVers
Yurt camping alternatives: For those without RVs seeking Roy, Washington yurt camping options, Riverbend Campground offers comparable accommodations. "If you don't happen to have an RV or a tent, you can rent Elkamp's Airstream by the night. And while I don't see a link on the website, there's also a cabin you can rent," notes William B.
Site leveling considerations: Some parks require additional equipment. "The only reason for 4 stars instead of 5 is because our site had a huge mud puddle from the road going to the power and water hook-up. The thin layer of mud on the pavement made things quite slick as I was trying to get leveling blocks down," shares Christina F. about Millersylvania State Park.
Electrical hookup limitations: Check power capabilities before booking. "They advertise 30A service, but the grid cannot handle it. Breakers flip often, especially in the colder months when campers are trying to stay warm," warns Michael R. about electrical constraints at some campgrounds.
