Schafer State Park Campground, near Elma, Washington, is a cozy spot for those looking to enjoy the great outdoors without too much fuss. The campground offers a mix of tent and RV sites, with some areas providing a decent amount of space for your setup, making it easy to get comfortable.

One of the highlights here is the proximity to the Satsop River, which is perfect for splashing around or casting a line, though the water can be a bit shallow for serious fishing. Visitors have enjoyed the nearby walking trails, with one reviewer mentioning a “figure eight hiking loop” that showcases some lovely terrain and vegetation. 

While the facilities could use some TLC, including the bathrooms, many campers appreciate the laid-back vibe and the chance to gather with friends and family. As one group noted, they had a great time setting up a kitchen and firepit area, making the most of their stay. Just keep in mind that the campground is close to a major road, so you might hear some traffic noise.

If you’re looking for a place to unwind and enjoy nature, Schafer State Park Campground has its charm, especially for those who don’t mind a little rustic feel.

Schafer State Park Campground

Elma is the perfect place for adventurous campers and RVers. There are tons of hikes and other fun activities to partake in, as well as sights to see and explore. You're sure to find the perfect campground for your Elma camping trip.

Elma

The Best Camping Near Elma, Washington

Whatever you do don't camp at site #2 the campground is okay but the other people where pretty much on top of us because it's all so close together. No place for a hammock and no trees at this site it's literally two logs and a bush the whole thing is gravel without a smooth spot to set up your tent. All the other sites had nice grass. They really need to get rid of number 2.

not that it matters when you camp but just so you know there is no cell phone service. Let your family know so they don't worry.

Could have been nice....

This is a small campground with little amenities. The tent sites are hit or miss on size. Some are way too small for a tent and some are huge and can easily fit 3 tents. Bathrooms are centrally located and clean. Fishing and playing in the river are the only activities this park has. There is a huge group camp area that is away from the rest of the camping area, so that group noises are not noticeable. No phone service, but you're camping so it isn't needed. 

Small and quiet

Beautiful park, small campground.  Nice hiking trails.  Great access to the river. Great history to the park.   Facilities are in great need of repair. The single shower is beautiful but filthy.

Great park

This campground is located along side the Satsop river. The campsites are nice and the fishing is even better.

River side campground

We went to Schafer with four other families and had a great time.  We had five sites all in one area near the entrance to the group camp site.  The sites offered a good balance of privacy and open space.  We were able to set up a kitchen area in one site and a firepit area in another.

  

We were also able to use the space in the group camp area for the dogs to run and kids to play because it was unoccupied due to COVID restrictions.  The group site is very open, but has a great covered area and a ton of space.  We are considering reserving it for our next group camp activity.

  

The river is really good for splashing and wading, but a little too shallow for swimming and floating.  There are some great rock beaches that you can set up chairs and hang for the day.  We had a lot of fun watching the kids enjoy the water while kicking back in some chairs with the other adults.

  

There is a figure eight hiking loop that offers some really great variation in terrain and vegetation without being too long.  There was a really cool section along the back side that was like walking through a forest tunnel.

  

All in all, we really enjoyed out time at Schafer and it's on our list to go back to.

Great place for a weekend with family and friends

This is not a very big park; the main road runs through the park, so you can hear every car and motorcycle that comes through. 

The camp host/staff were absent the whole weekend of our stay, the showers and restrooms were filthy, and the dumpster was overfilled. 

There were a couple of RVs with large projectors up and movies playing loud enough for the whole park to hear. 

There were multiple sites with underage teenagers drinking and partying. 

I’ve stayed at hundreds of campgrounds, and this is one of the worst I’ve ever experienced. I would never even consider coming back. 

The worst

Secluded sites not very much cell service though about a half hour from a little town had bathrooms with showers that weren't coin operated and then there was wifi if you wanted to stay close to the office area camp sites also. 

Awesome quiet and quant! 

The campground is nothing special. Small grounds overall, but the  individual plots are big enough for your camper/tents and easy to get into. 
If you’re looking for seclusion or privacy, this isn’t the place. You can see everyone in the park from basically any given campsite. 
The bathrooms aren’t well maintained. You feel dirty coming out of there. 
The river is nice and there are some walking trails nearby. The water was less than a foot deep so the fishing was a bust. 
No cell service, but they offer wifi (unsecured network, so that’s your call). 
Located on major road, so you can hear everything that drives past. 
Overall DECENT place at best. Probably won’t return for the price. 

Less Than Average Stay

Just about 10 miles north of highway 12 near Elma. Got a great site right by the river. Nice toilets &amp; showers (in old building so was pleasantly surprised!) wifi by information center, cell coverage limited (1 bar t-mobile with Weboost)

Photos of Schafer State Park Campground

Real photos from real campers