Glamping and camping opportunities near Toledo, Washington position visitors within easy reach of both Mt. St. Helens and the Cowlitz River. The area sits at elevations between 125-700 feet, creating moderate temperatures even during peak summer months. Winter camping options remain available at several locations, with overnight temperatures rarely dropping below freezing except during January and February.
What to do
Water activities at Mayfield Lake: Visitors at Mayfield Lake Park can access boat launches, swimming areas, and fishing spots. A camper noted, "The water is awesome. Fishing is good for trout out on the water. All camp sites are clean and ready when you arrive."
Trails through old-growth forest: Lewis & Clark State Park offers hiking through some of Washington's most impressive remaining old-growth stands. One visitor shared, "In the morning, we hiked the old growth loop prior to resuming our journey. Tall trees, lush foliage, immaculately maintained."
Disc golf courses: Several campgrounds offer disc golf as a free activity option. At Toutle River RV Resort, one camper mentioned, "There's a frisbee golf course that we didn't use but looks fun, really nice playground for the grandkids that's a fort, a store, swimming pool, a recreation hall."
Mt. St. Helens exploration: The volcanic area attracts visitors year-round. A camper at Seaquest State Park shared, "We stayed here one night while heading north. Hoped to see Mt. St. Helens but it was overcast. Spoke with a very nice camp host. Clean bathrooms, one women's shower. Walk to Mt. St. Helens visitor center."
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Many campgrounds offer secluded sites despite being established facilities. At Ike Kinswa State Park, campers appreciate that "the sites are large, shaded and quiet. Many are pull through. If you want a water view you will find full hook up sites in loop A, or no hook up sites on loop C."
Free camping options: Budget-minded visitors can find no-cost sites at Winston Creek Campground. A reviewer noted, "Primitive campsites. Free campsites. Quiet," while another mentioned, "It was free to stay, you just have to have a reservation to stay."
Swimming areas for families: Many sites feature dedicated swimming zones. At Mossyrock Park, one visitor mentioned, "This state park has a large swimming area, hiking trails, playgrounds, boating, fishing just to name a few. Most of the sites are pretty private."
Seasonal events: Campgrounds host special activities throughout the camping season. One camper at Lewis & Clark State Park shared, "There is an amphitheater for guests and the rangers put on decent shows," while another mentioned, "In the morning, we hiked the old growth loop prior to resuming our journey."
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Most sites require advance booking, especially during summer. A visitor to Winston Creek noted, "It's a great, fairly secluded spot, large sites, beautiful to be in. Don't forget to reserve your site in advance and get your Discover Pass!"
Highway noise at some locations: Several campgrounds sit near major roads. At Toutle River RV Resort, a camper reported, "Was hard for us to get a good nights sleep in between a highway and train tracks. Spots were fine, bathrooms good, pool good (when not too busy)."
Varying cell service: Connectivity differs widely between locations. At Seaquest State Park, one camper noted, "No cell (occasionally 1 bar LTE AT&T). Too heavily forested for Starlink. Had to leave early Monday morning since we were working and needed internet."
Water level fluctuations: Lake levels can change dramatically. A visitor to Mayfield Lake warned, "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."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Several sites feature play equipment for children. At Millersylvania State Park, a visitor noted, "We did some paddle boating, dipped our toes into the water, and purchased snacks at the small store. This was a perfect halfway point to meet family."
Junior Ranger programs: Educational opportunities exist for children. A Seaquest visitor shared, "At night the campground had a great Junior Ranger program with a very enthusiastic park ranger that kept the almost 50 people/kids entertained. She was great at engaging all the kids."
Bike-friendly campgrounds: Several locations allow children to ride freely. One camper at Mossyrock Park said, "Very family friendly they have a (very) small playground. Lots of room for kids to ride bikes. There is almost no privacy though it's really just open fields with tents."
Group camping options: For extended family gatherings, dedicated group sites work well. A visitor to Mossyrock Park explained, "G2 is a large gravel lot with 12 narrowly spaced picnic tables, grassy areas on the perimeter, and a large firepit at one end. There are no hook-ups, but there is a water spigot."
Tips from RVers
Site accessibility: Some locations have limited access for larger RVs. At Winston Creek, a camper advised, "It was a bit tight to get our Jayco 174BH backed in due to the angle of the site and the path around the campground is very narrow. I would not want to come in here with anything much bigger than our little 20 footer."
Hookup variations: Full services aren't available at all sites or campgrounds. A visitor to Ike Kinswa State Park noted, "Full hook-ups are in loop A. The campground is heavily wooded which is really nice for shade, though it can make it tricky to get into a spot if you have slide outs."
Premium glamping options: For those seeking luxury camping near Toledo, Washington, upgraded accommodations exist. One visitor reported, "The canvas tent option was one I didn't know about until I got there. The tents are cabin shaped and have a few chairs and BBQ grill outside it. Great option for families."
