We were traveling through Washington on a busy holiday weekend - without campground reservations. There were virtually no boondocking opportunities on this part of our route - plenty of forest, but also lots of gates and “no trespassing” signs. We had just driven through the little town of South Bend, when a “camping allowed” sign caught our eyes - on the parking lot for the town’s boat dock. At only $5 for the night and no assurance that there would be a “proper” camp site down the road, we decided to take the town up on its offer and stay in the parking lot for the night.
The pros: the parking lot is only a short walk from town. Should you need it, town has a friendly bar/restaurant that has more-than-friendly food and drink prices, including a good selection of seafood at reasonable prices. The bar has a small stage, and we were told that the bar often has live music in non-pandemic times. And - it is possible to enjoy the drinks and entertainment without having to drive back to your campsite!
Town also has public washrooms and toilets that are apparently available around the clock.
There are no designated “camp sites,” and it’s possible to set up in part of the parking lot that has a view of the water. Tent campers can set up on a nicely maintained waterside lawn, near picnic tables.
There are two port-a-potties on site.
The cons: the parking lot is next to a moderately busy 2-lane highway. The port-a-potties were in poor repair when we were there.
In short, we really appreciated that this “campground” was there when we needed it, but we wouldn’t plan around it or seek it out. But - thanks to this campground - we might just plan a stop in South Bend as part of our next trip through this area.
Let me start by saying that Wolf Creek has vault toilets, which accounts for my low rating. I appreciate vault toilets - especially if they’re well-maintained, as those at Wolf Creek are - but as a tent camper, I appreciate sinks and showers far more. That said, my husband and I really like this under-used little campground. It’s well-kept. It’s only about a mile from an I-5 exit, but freeway noise is barely noticeable and the local road is barely used. As tent (truck) campers, we appreciate the fact that 20 of the campground’s 34 sites, including most of the choice sites along the seasonal creek, are designated for tent use. During our first stay there, when we arrived late on a rainy night, we really appreciated the covered picnic shelter where we cooked our dinner. And finally, we appreciate that this little gem is (according to the camp host) rarely fully booked, and therefore mostly available even without a reservation. It’s a lovely, we-forested little campground, and we’ll be back.
(There are spigots with running water throughout the campground.)
Very nice place for tent or RV camping. Tenting is $30 and sites with hookups go up $2 per each additional utility. For tenting the nicest site is a walk in site that even has a filtered view of the lake and a path die to the shore. Nice kids area as well as a sandy beach, fishing dock, and boat launch. Only boats for rent are 2 paddle boats and a row boat.
Another campground geared around RVs, but tents are welcome. Their walkin tent area, however, is in a corner of the park near a road, so it is not very appealing. The recreation area is amazing with volleyball, badminton, shuffleboard, horseshoes, tether ball and swings and play structure. Also a beautiful covered picnic area in the event of rain!
We were tenting and it was primarily geared for tent campers. It was a very scenic area and the sites were well spaced from each other. The camping area had pit toilets, but there were flush toilets and showers in the beach area of the park. The swimming pond was spring fed and very pleasant for swimming with a nice sandy beach. There was an archery range, volley ball courts, covered picnic areas, and a nice playground with a lot of equipment!
We were tent camping and although most of the campground is geared towards RVs, they do have sites for tents only. We chose to stay in a tent site in the RV area since it was close to Lake Superior. There was also a nice secluded tent only area on a wooded hill which would be a good choice if you prefer less hustle bustle. The big attraction for this place is that it is easy walking distance from town where there are many interesting shops, restaurants and sites to see!
This was one night tent camping in a very nice town campground as part of the city park. The sites were fairly close together and some were across the street from neighborhood homes on a quiet street. Lots of toys for kids of all ages to play on as well as a disc golf course! There was a scenic lake, but no swimming access. The bathroom and shower facility was well maintained.