Alder Lake Campground

For those of us in Washington who crave a vibrant, amenity-rich camping experience set against the backdrop of stunning natural beauty, Alder Lake Campground, specifically the Stacel Point area, is an absolute gem. Operated by Tacoma Public Utilities, this expansive park offers a delightful blend of lakeside recreation and comfortable camping, making it a perfect getaway for families, groups, and solo adventurers alike. It's the kind of place where you can easily spend a weekend, or even longer, enjoying the refreshing waters of Alder Lake and the picturesque views of the surrounding nature. As locals, we appreciate destinations that offer both outdoor fun and convenient facilities, and Alder Lake Campground truly delivers on both fronts.

Alder Lake Campground, often referred to by its main area, Stacel Point Campground, is ideally situated at 9820 Alder Lake Park Rd E, Eatonville, WA 98328, USA. This places it on the northern end of Alder Lake, a large reservoir created by the Alder Dam on the Nisqually River. The location is relatively accessible from various parts of Western Washington, being about 10 miles south of Eatonville.

The park's main entrance off State Route 7 (also known as Mountain Highway) leads directly to the primary campground areas, including Stacel Point. While the campground is generally easy to reach by paved roads, it's a large and popular destination, especially on weekends during the warmer months. As one reviewer noted, it can be "loud and busy on the weekend," which is a testament to its popularity. However, its size and multiple camping areas (Main, Osprey, Elk Plain, and Rocky Point, which is about 4 miles east on Highway 7) help distribute visitors. The park is managed by Tacoma Public Utilities, which means it is well-maintained and offers clear signage for navigation within the sprawling area. Travelers should be aware that during peak season or sunny days, day-use parking can fill up quickly, and additional visitors may be turned away until spaces become available, highlighting the need to arrive early, especially for day trips.

Alder Lake Campground (Stacel Point) offers an impressive range of services designed to make your camping trip comfortable and enjoyable.

• Diverse Campsites: The park provides a wide variety of camping options across its four campgrounds, including 35 sites with full water, electric, and sewer hookups, 74 sites with water and electric hookups, and 62 tent sites. There are also 35-site group camp pods available, all with full hookups.
• Restrooms with Showers: Modern restrooms with flush toilets are available. Showers are coin-operated, typically costing "50 cents for showers," a common feature in many campgrounds to manage water usage.
• Potable Water: Water faucets are available throughout the campground, ensuring easy access to drinking water.
• Picnic Tables and Grills: All campsites are equipped with picnic tables and fire rings or barbecue grills, perfect for outdoor cooking and gatherings.
• Boat Launches and Moorage: Boaters will appreciate the two boat launches at Alder Lake Park. The main boat launch is near the park entrance, and a 20-slip boat moorage dock at the Stacel Point day-use area is available first-come, first-served for overnight moorage by campers.
• Day-Use Areas: Two dedicated day-use areas, Stacel Point and Sunny Beach Point, offer ample space for picnicking, swimming, and lakeside enjoyment. Stacel Point, in particular, has "plenty of grills for barbecuing with tables nearby."
• ADA Accessibility: The park is committed to accessibility, featuring ADA-accessible campsites and wheelchair-accessible restrooms, ensuring that everyone can enjoy the park's amenities.
• Reservations and Walk-ins: Campsites can be reserved up to nine months in advance for dates between May 15 and September 15. Individual sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis the rest of the year, except for a closure between December 20 and January 1. During the reservation season, unreserved sites are available for one-night stays on a first-come, first-served basis.
• Sanitary Dump Station: A sanitary dump station is available for RVs, providing a convenient way to dispose of wastewater.

Alder Lake Campground (Stacel Point) stands out due to its diverse range of features and highlights that cater to various recreational interests.

• Beautiful Lake and Mountain Views: The campground offers "beautiful lake with awesome views of surrounding nature," providing a picturesque backdrop for camping and outdoor activities. The "snowy mountains in the distance" and "rolling hills of evergreen forests" create a classic Pacific Northwest vista.
• Family-Friendly Amenities: With a "nice little playground" and "a trail to the right of the beach to another playground and more grills with tables," the park is exceptionally family-friendly, ensuring children have plenty of space and activities. Group camps also have horseshoe pits and a playground.
• Swimming Beach: The "small beach by the beautiful lake" at Stacel Point offers a designated swim area for cooling off on warm days, though no lifeguards are present. Sunny Beach Point also has a swimming beach.
• Boating and Water Sports: Alder Lake is a fantastic location for boating, including motorized boats in certain areas, as well as kayaking, canoeing, windsurfing, and water skiing. Designated "no wake" and "non-motorized zones" offer quieter spots for fishing or serene paddling.
• Fishing Opportunities: The lake is known for its kokanee salmon, cutthroat, bass, crappie, perch, and catfish, making it a popular spot for anglers.
• Well-Kept Grounds: Reviewers consistently note the park is a "Very nice well kept area" and that "The sites were well kept and cute," reflecting the diligent maintenance efforts by Tacoma Public Utilities staff.
• Proximity to Mount Rainier National Park: The park offers "easy access to the natural wonders of the Paradise area of Mount Rainier National Park," making it an excellent base for exploring one of Washington's most iconic landmarks.
• Scenic Walking/Hiking: While the park itself has a "short, identified path – a nature trail," its roads lead along the lake for easy paved walks. Nearby areas offer more extensive hiking opportunities.

For direct inquiries, reservations, or more detailed information, Alder Lake Campground is managed by Tacoma Public Utilities.

• Address: Stacel Point Campground, 9820 Alder Lake Park Rd E, Eatonville, WA 98328, USA
• Park Office Phone: (360) 569-2778
• Campsite Reservations Phone: (833) 290-8180 (or MyTPU.org/Parks)
• Fishing and Recreation Line: (888) 502-8690
• For the most current information on fees, availability, specific rules, and any advisories, it is always recommended to visit the official Tacoma Public Utilities website for Alder Lake Park or call the reservation and park office numbers directly.

For us Washington locals, Alder Lake Campground, particularly the Stacel Point area, is an outstanding choice for an easily accessible and amenity-rich outdoor adventure. Its prime location on Alder Lake, with "awesome views of surrounding nature," offers a quintessential Pacific Northwest experience without venturing deep into the backcountry. The combination of RV and tent sites, "well kept" grounds, and abundant recreational opportunities makes it incredibly versatile for all types of campers.

Families will particularly love the "nice little playground" and the "small beach by the beautiful lake," providing safe and fun areas for kids to play and swim. The presence of "plenty of grills with tables nearby" makes picnicking and barbecuing a breeze, even for day-use visitors. While it can be "loud and busy on the weekend" due to its popularity, this simply underscores its appeal as a vibrant hub of outdoor activity. The ability to "put their boat in the lake nearby" is a huge draw for water sports enthusiasts. Despite minor inconveniences like paying "50 cents for showers" or the bathrooms being "a little on the dirty side" when busy (which is often expected in high-traffic campgrounds), the overall consensus is that this is "a great place if you're wanting to go for the weekend." Alder Lake Campground truly delivers a memorable and enjoyable camping experience right here in our Washington backyard.

Alder Lake Campground

Stacel Point Campground, 9820 Alder Lake Park Rd E, Eatonville, WA 98328, USA