Mike Salsbury/The Olympian
Silverdale residents Clarissa Shoecraft and her daughter, B.J., 10, set up camp during a recent weekend at Millersylvania State Park.

Mike Salsbury/ The Olympian
Karey Martinson of Federal Way takes a mighty swing of her ax while splitting wood during a recent outing at Millersylvania State Park.

Setting up camp

Campgrounds abound within driving distance of South Sound

N.S. NOKKENTVED, THE OLYMPIAN

Originally published May 22

OLYMPIA -- The best thing about camping in Western Washington is the number of places to go, says one avid camping family.

"There's so much to do, so close," said Paul Jensen of Lacey, who with his wife, Pam, and daughter, Ann, have been camping in the region for 11 years.

From the stunning views on the flanks of Mount Rainier to the depths of the coastal rain forest, from high mountain lakes to ocean beaches, the variety of places to put up a tent or park a camper is staggering.

With Memorial Day weekend marking the unofficial opening of camping season, here's a look at how it's shaping up.

Drought concerns

Few campers would complain of too little rain, and drought is not likely to affect the availability of campsites. But if the weather remains dry during the summer, campfires may be banned in some areas.

Some shallow campground wells also may dry up, so bring drinking water -- a good suggestion in any year.

Low water could also affect boating on reservoirs when levels drop below boat ramps.

For those planning to head outdoors this weekend, most campgrounds in the lower elevations are open, and state and federal officials expect campsites to be available.

There are more than 2,000 individual campsites within a couple hours' drive of South Sound.

They offer opportunities for families, first-time campers, campers new to the area and for experienced backcountry campers.

Facilities vary from just a place to pull off the road and a clear, flat spot big enough to pitch a tent, to sites with complete plug-in facilities for large recreational vehicles -- and bathrooms with running water and flush toilets.

Some Western Washington campgrounds require reservations. It's too late now to make them for this weekend, but for later in the summer, reservations are a must.

Best places to go?

That depends on the campers' ability and experience and the kind of activities they like, said Ken Eldridge, spokesman for the Olympic National Forest.

The availability of national forest campgrounds over the holiday weekend will depend on the weather, said Jack Thorne, spokesman for Gifford Pinchot National Forest.

When the weather is good, campgrounds tend to fill up fast. But Memorial Day is often wet here, and plenty of campsites usually are available, Thorne said.

Campers will find similar conditions at Mount Rainier National Park. Most campgrounds usually don't fill up on the first weekend of the camping season, park spokeswoman Amy Allabastro said.

The park doesn't take reservations during the Memorial Day weekend, but campers will need reservations later in the season, Allabastro said.

Most developed campgrounds charge a daily fee. The Northwest Forest Pass, needed at national forest trailheads, is not required at developed Forest Service campgrounds.

In 11 years of camping in this area, the Jensens have learned to avoid the crowds.

"You gotta know where to go and when to go there," Paul Jensen said.

The Jensens' favorite sites include Ozette Lake on the Olympic Peninsula, Rainbow Falls near Pe Ell west of Chehalis, Twin Harbors on the coast and Lopez or Orcas in the San Juan Islands.

Those sites offer a variety of activities including biking, hiking and beachcombing, he said.

During the summer season, he recommends making reservations.

But the Jensens don't wait for the holiday weekend to go camping. They go just about any month of the year, Paul said.

In the winter, he often camps at Millersylvania State Park just south of Tumwater. It's so easy, and it's close, he said.

There's no one else around, and the harshness of the season, the rain, offer a challenge, Jensen said.

Eldridge, the Olympic National Forest spokesman, likes to strap on a backpack and head for the more remote corners of the North Cascades.

"My favorite spot is one I haven't been to yet," he said.

N.S. Nokkentved covers the outdoors for The Olympian. He can be reached at 754-5445.

The Olympian Copyright 2001

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