Within Washington State Parks' system, Schafer State Park Campground sits along the Satsop River, offering both tent and RV camping across two distinct areas separated by East Satsop Road. The park operates seasonally from May through September, with sites accommodating RVs up to 40 feet and full hookups available.
The campground divides into two sections with notably different characters. The original West Campground features established sites where privacy varies significantly by location. Doug notes that sites 45-50 offer more seclusion, while others report the compact nature of sites 51-55. The newer East Campground provides more spacious, well-separated sites with updated facilities that Carrie S. describes as having "the nicest bathrooms and showers I've ever seen at a campground."
River access forms the park's primary draw, with the Satsop providing shallow water suitable for wading and playing rather than swimming. Rock beaches along the water offer spots to set up chairs, and several reviewers mention fishing opportunities, though water levels can limit success. A figure-eight hiking trail system winds through varied terrain and vegetation, including sections that create natural forest tunnels.
Road noise presents a consistent concern, as East Satsop Road runs directly through the park. Multiple campers report hearing passing traffic, particularly motorcycles. Cell service remains spotty throughout the area, though the park offers WiFi access. The campground's compact size means limited privacy between sites, and some reviewers note maintenance issues with restroom facilities during busy periods.
For those exploring western Washington, the park serves as a launching point for coastal destinations. Campers seeking additional options can explore sites outside Elma or other camping areas near Schafer for extended stays in the region.
Description
Schafer State Park is a 119-acre camping park on the Satsop River, midway between Olympia and the Pacific Ocean. The parks impressive buildings are constructed of native stone. The park offers supreme fishing on the Satsop River, for steelhead, cutthroat trout and salmon. The river also offers calm, shallow wading spots and joyous inner-tube floats.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsSchafer State Park Campground is located in Washington near Elma
Directions
Located 12 miles north of Elma, Wash., on the East Fork of the Satsop River in Mason County. From Elma: Drive 12 miles north on the East Satsop Road. The park is also accessible via the Brady exit from U.S. Hwy. 12. This route offers a scenic 10-mile drive.
Address
1365 W Schafer Park Road
Elma, WA 98541
Coordinates
47.09783 N
123.4665 W
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonNo CoverageVerified by 3 usersLast on 6/25/26
- AT&TNo Coverage
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonNo CoverageVerified by 3 usersLast on 6/25/26
- AT&TNo Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
- Cabins
Features
For Campers
- ADA Access
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Firewood Available
- Reservable
- WiFi
- Showers
- Drinking Water
- Electric Hookups
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Sanitary Dump
- Sewer Hookups
- Water Hookups
- Pull-Through Sites
- 30 Amp Hookups
- 50 Amp Hookups
- Big Rig Friendly
Drive Time
- 29 min from Olympia, WA
- 1 hr 14 min from Bremerton, WA
- 1 hr 21 min from Longview, WA
- 1 hr 24 min from Seattle, WA






















