Elk Plain Campground

For Washington locals seeking a delightful blend of lakeside recreation and serene, family-friendly camping, Elk Plain Campground at Alder Lake Park presents an ideal choice. Operated by Tacoma Power Parks, Elk Plain offers a slightly more intimate experience compared to the larger Main Campground, while still providing excellent access to the many attractions of Alder Lake. Nestled amidst towering trees and offering a charming central playground, it’s a wonderful spot for families to unwind, create memories, and soak in the natural beauty of our state. If you’re looking for a well-maintained campground with amenities tailored for a comfortable and engaging outdoor experience, Elk Plain Campground should certainly be on your radar.

Elk Plain Campground is conveniently located at 9320 Alder Lake Park Rd E, Eatonville, WA 98328, USA. This places it directly on the northern end of Alder Lake, a beautiful reservoir formed by the Alder Dam on the Nisqually River. The campground is part of the larger Alder Lake Park system, which encompasses several distinct camping areas managed by Tacoma Public Utilities.

Accessibility to Elk Plain Campground is straightforward via well-maintained roads from Eatonville and other major routes in Western Washington. As one of the loops within Alder Lake Park, it shares the park's main entrance. The location is also advantageous for those looking to explore beyond the immediate park, as it offers "easy access to the natural wonders of the Paradise area of Mount Rainier National Park." Reviews indicate that Elk Plain is "made for big boys with water and electric hook up," suggesting it is well-suited for RVs, though some sites may have slopes, requiring "Lego blocks and jack pads" for leveling. While the park overall can be "loud and busy on the weekend," particularly in the larger areas, Elk Plain is described as a "smaller" campground, which might offer a slightly quieter atmosphere. One reviewer highlighted being in Elk Plain loop site 312 and noting that "During weekday nights there was very few campers. Weekend wall to wall." This suggests that while it can fill up, weekday visits might offer more tranquility. Its strategic location makes it a fantastic base camp for exploring both Alder Lake and the majestic Mount Rainier National Park, which is about a "30-minute drive to the Mount Rainier National Park entrance" or "about an hour drive to Mt Rainier and their visitor Center" depending on the exact destination within the park.

Elk Plain Campground provides a solid range of services designed for a comfortable camping experience, catering particularly to RVers and families.

• RV and Tent Sites: Elk Plain primarily caters to RVs, with "25 sites" in this specific loop. Most sites are equipped with "water, electric, and sewer hookups," making it very convenient for larger rigs. While it's noted that "All of the RV sites in the campground have water, electrical, and sewer hookups" on one source, another might imply slight variations, so confirming specific site amenities upon reservation is wise.
• Vault Toilets: The campground provides vault toilets for convenience. While the overall park bathrooms (like at Stacel Point) might have varied cleanliness depending on busyness, these facilities are essential for a comfortable stay.
• Potable Water: "Three drinking water taps" are available within the Elk Plain Campground loop, ensuring easy access to potable water for campers.
• Picnic Tables and Fire Rings: Each campsite is equipped with a picnic table and a fire ring or barbecue grill, facilitating outdoor cooking and gathering around a campfire (where allowed).
• Reservations: Campsites at Alder Lake Park (including Elk Plain) can be reserved up to nine months in advance for dates between May 15 and September 15 via the Tacoma Power Parks online system or phone. This is highly recommended, especially for weekend trips during peak season, as the park can be very popular. 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).
• ADA Accessibility: While not specifically detailed for every site in Elk Plain, the broader Alder Lake Park has ADA-accessible campsites and wheelchair-accessible restrooms, demonstrating a commitment to inclusivity.
• Proximity to Park Amenities: Elk Plain campers have easy access to the broader amenities of Alder Lake Park, including the main boat launches, day-use areas like Stacel Point and Sunny Beach Point with swimming beaches, and the sanitary dump station for RVs.

Elk Plain Campground, as part of the larger Alder Lake Park system, offers several appealing features and highlights that enhance the camping experience for locals.

• Central Playground: A key highlight for families is that "The campsites surround the playground," making it incredibly convenient for parents to keep an eye on their children while enjoying their campsite. This focus on family activities makes Elk Plain particularly inviting for those with kids.
• Proximity to Alder Dam: If you're "interested in seeing Alder Lake's nifty dam, then you'll want to camp here," as Elk Plain offers closer access or views of the impressive Alder Dam, which forms the lake.
• Wooded Environment: The campground is "covered in tons of trees," providing ample shade and a natural, woodsy ambiance that many Washington campers seek. This provides a pleasant and immersive outdoor setting.
• Lake Access & Views: While not directly on the water for all sites, campers are "never be far from the lake in this scenic park," and sites 309 to 321 are noted to be "closest to the water," offering views of Alder Lake. The lake itself is great for "boating, swimming, water skiing, fishing, and day use."
• Base for Mount Rainier Exploration: Its convenient distance to Mount Rainier National Park (20-30 miles to the entrance) makes Elk Plain an excellent "home base when visiting the NP," allowing campers to easily drive to iconic areas like Paradise for hiking and sightseeing.
• Well-Maintained Sites: Reviews indicate that the "sites were well kept and cute," reflecting the dedication of the Tacoma Public Utilities staff in maintaining a high standard for their campgrounds.
• Variety of Recreational Activities: Beyond camping, visitors can enjoy fishing for kokanee salmon, cutthroat trout, bass, and perch, as well as hiking the park's roads or nearby trails. Birdwatching is also a popular activity due to the diverse wildlife in the area.

For direct inquiries, reservations, or more detailed information about Elk Plain Campground, contact Tacoma Public Utilities, which manages Alder Lake Park.

• Address: 9320 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, Elk Plain Campground at Alder Lake offers a highly appealing and convenient camping experience. Its location near Eatonville and within easy striking distance of Mount Rainier National Park makes it a fantastic base for exploring two of our state's most cherished natural attractions. What truly makes Elk Plain suitable for locals, especially families, is its thoughtful design: the campsites "surround the playground," providing a safe and engaging environment for children, while the "tons of trees" ensure that authentic Pacific Northwest woodsy feel.

While it can get "busy on the weekend," the fact that it's a "smaller" loop within the larger Alder Lake Park system might offer a slightly more contained and cozy atmosphere. The full hookups cater wonderfully to RV owners, and the well-kept sites demonstrate the commitment of Tacoma Power Parks to providing a quality experience. Whether you're planning a weekend of relaxation by the lake, an adventure into the high country of Rainier, or simply want a comfortable spot to unwind with the family, Elk Plain Campground is a reliable and rewarding choice right here in our beautiful Washington backyard. It perfectly balances accessibility, amenities, and a genuine connection to nature.

Elk Plain Campground

9320 Alder Lake Park Rd E, Eatonville, WA 98328, USA