RV campgrounds surrounding Ruston, Washington provide convenient year-round options for travelers within 20-30 minutes of downtown Seattle. The area sits at sea level along Puget Sound with moderate temperatures ranging from 35-80°F throughout the year. Winter campers should prepare for frequent rain from November through March, while summer typically brings dry conditions with occasional heatwaves.
What to do
Waterfront access: Sun Outdoors Gig Harbor provides a convenient base for water activities. "Waterfront is right down the street. Costco, Home Depot, Albertsons and other shopping close by," notes Jacob P., who found the tent camping sites offer "shade almost all day."
Walking trails: Lake Pleasant RV Park features short hiking paths around its property. "Around the perimeter of the park are short hiking trails through the trees — somewhat steep gravel trails that give you an added level of workout over laps around the park," writes Kristin S., who also mentions easy access to the Samammish River and Burke Gilman trails less than 2 miles away.
Mount Rainier exploration: Enumclaw Expo Center RV Park serves as a base for mountain adventures. One visitor notes it's a "nice older park at the base of Mt. Rainier" with "very quiet and low key" surroundings, though "No view of Rainier but views r very nearby."
What campers like
Clean facilities: Campers consistently mention cleanliness at Cove RV Park & Country Store, where Mike, the grounds manager, receives praise. "Mike and the ladies in the office just great people, very helpful and friendly," notes Adrian H., who appreciated that "everything worked as it should" with their full hookup.
Convenience to Seattle: Many RVers value proximity to the city. At Trailer Inns RV Park in Bellevue, one family found it "a perfect place for dropping your mobile hotel room and explore Seattle and the surrounding areas" with only "10-15min to downtown Seattle."
Pet-friendly options: Most parks accommodate pets with designated areas. Lake Pleasant RV Park visitors enjoy watching "resident ducks in the pond" and seeing "lots of geese, ducks, and bunnies around the property" according to Terri, who also appreciated the "great privacy hedges between spots."
What you should know
Age restrictions: Some parks limit older RVs. Enumclaw Expo Center RV Park doesn't "allow drop-ins or vehicles older than 20 yrs," according to Madeline W., despite its otherwise positive rating.
Leveling challenges: Terrain varies significantly between parks. At Tall Chief Campground, one visitor stayed for work reasons and found it "perfect beautiful, CHEEP CHEEP, not too good to be true, just right" with "all hook ups included" though they recommend you "bring your dump tote!"
Noise considerations: Highway proximity affects some locations. At Trailer Inns RV Park, Vicky S. reported: "One of my neighbors ran a loud AC overnight. I needed earplugs," while noting the park is "basically a paved parking lot" where "vehicles are packed in tight."
Varying occupancy patterns: Several parks have long-term residents. At Issaquah Village RV Park, Wendy R. explains: "Most residents live here full time but there are always people coming in for overnights or weekly," adding they've stayed for both 3-month and 1-month visits.
Tips for camping with families
Playgrounds and activities: Family amenities vary widely between parks. Trailer Inns RV Park (Bellevue) offers an "indoor pool, small playground, dog run" according to Mareesha B., though she cautions "This is not a place for those looking to camp with kids and stay at the camper."
Limited child attractions: Some parks cater more to adults. At Sun Outdoors Gig Harbor, Joseph I. points out it's "pet friendly, but not many attractions for children (no playground, no pool)" despite being "consistently amazing" and "very clean."
Stadium noise: School activities may impact quiet time. At Enumclaw Expo Center RV Park, Marque W. mentions "It is situated next to a H.S. stadium so the game nights get a little bit loud but really not that bad."
Tips from RVers
Laundry facilities: Cost and availability of laundry varies. Lake Pleasant RV Park offers "laundry very well kept and only $1 each for the washer and dryer" according to Kristin S., who also appreciated having "propane for sale on site."
Storage options: Some parks accommodate trip interruptions. John M. found Lake Pleasant RV Park has "a small storage lot that can accommodate short storage" explaining: "I camped, stored my camper while I went on a cruise, camped and then headed out."
Site spacing: Privacy levels differ significantly. At Sun Outdoors Gig Harbor, Joseph I. noted "The spaces are very close together, but there are a lot of trees and it's very well kept," adding that despite proximity "it was quiet and relaxing."
Extension needs: Hookup locations may require extra equipment. At Washington Land Yacht Harbor, Joe C. warns: "All connections are in the back so imagine hooking up at a parking lot at the concrete stoppers. Sewer and electric, make sure you got enough tubes and extensions."
