Operated by Joint Base Lewis-McChord's Morale, Welfare and Recreation program, Camp Murray Beach sits on the shore of American Lake in Tillicum, Washington, giving eligible military ID card holders direct access to the water. Sites run $8 to $32 per night, and the campground accommodates both tent campers and RVs with full hookups including electric, water, and sewer. The layout skews heavily toward RVs. Multiple reviewers note that most sites face the lake, making waterfront positions the main draw here.
Reservations are handled through the JBLM MWR system or the on-base adventure center, so walk-ins may find limited availability, especially during summer weekends. American Lake provides fishing access, and pets are permitted throughout the grounds. Amenities include drinking water, showers, picnic tables, and firewood. The terrain is open rather than wooded, which means little shade between sites but unobstructed views across the lake. Campers considering campgrounds near DuPont will find this one among the few with direct lakefront access in the region.
One practical note worth knowing: as of a May 2025 review, a recent fire had closed the grounds through September 30, 2025, so campers should confirm current status before making plans. Nearby military camping alternatives on base include Fort Lewis Military and Lewis North Travel Camp - Joint Base Lewis McChord, both located less than a mile away and operating under the same MWR eligibility requirements.
Description
A secret gem, off the beaten path, the Camp Murray Campground is nestled in the woods on the shore of American Lake. Our RV sites are open year-round, and our tent sites are open from May 1 – October 31 (closed November 1 – April 30). There are 28 full RV hookups, 1 partial hookup (site S-04 has no sewer hookup), eight tent sites, a boat launch, shower facilities, and a kitchen with a picnic area. Our RV sites can handle rigs up to 40′. Fishing is allowed with a valid license.
Check-in is at noon and check-out is at 11:00am. A credit or debit card number is required to make a reservation, and payment is due upon check-in.
The Camp Murray Campground is a traditional campground, not a residential campground, and long-term reservations are not allowed. We also do not offer RV storage, and guests are expected to stay with their RV overnight. Abandoned RVs are subject to removal by Security and eviction.
Reservation Info
Camp Murray campgrounds are open to Active and Retired Military, Reservists, authorized DoD civilians, and Washington Military Department employees. You must have valid ID. Reservations are accepted up to one (1) year in advance of departure date. You may only reserve 2 RV/Tent sites.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsCamp Murray Beach is located in Washington near DuPont
Coordinates
47.11810462654603 N
122.57326472035044 W
Connectivity
T-Mobile5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 12 usersLast on 7/8/26
Verizon5GGood CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 7/8/26- AT&T5GExcellent Coverage
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 12 usersLast on 7/8/26
- Verizon5GGood CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 7/8/26
- AT&T5GExcellent Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
Features
For Campers
- Market
- ADA Access
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Firewood Available
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Showers
- Drinking Water
- Electric Hookups
- Alcohol
- Pets
For Vehicles
- Sewer Hookups
- Water Hookups
- 30 Amp Hookups
Drive Time
- 15 min from Olympia, WA
- 34 min from Bremerton, WA
- 40 min from Seattle, WA
- 1 hr 17 min from Longview, WA
