Mineral Lake Lions Den Campground

Mineral Lake Lions Den Campground, located at 113 Front Street E, Mineral, WA 98355, is a cherished destination within the "Campgrounds & RV Parks" category, offering a unique blend of lakeside recreation and community spirit. Owned and operated by the Mineral Lake Lions Club, a non-profit organization, this campground provides a comfortable and engaging environment for both RV and tent campers. It stands out not only for its scenic beauty and amenities but also for its commitment to supporting local non-profits, with a portion of all revenue directly contributing to vital community programs.

The environment of Mineral Lake Lions Den Campground is defined by its picturesque setting on the south shore of Mineral Lake, often referred to as "The Gem of the Northwest." The campground spans 12 acres, providing ample space for its 94 campsites. Campers are treated to stunning views of the lake, known for its prized 10-pound trout, and the surrounding natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest. The area is characterized by a tranquil, rural setting, offering a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. The presence of mature trees provides shade and a natural ambiance, though the layout also allows for open spaces, especially in the RV areas. The proximity to Mineral Lake means that the sounds of water and nature are ever-present, contributing to a relaxing atmosphere. Furthermore, the campground's location is strategically advantageous, being just 19 miles from the Nisqually Entrance to Mount Rainier National Park. This makes it an ideal base camp for those wishing to explore the majestic beauty of Mount Rainier and its diverse ecosystems, offering a blend of lakeside relaxation and mountain adventure. The general area around Mineral, Washington, is a popular recreation destination, attracting anglers, hikers, birders, hunters, bikers, and boaters, all drawn to the natural amenities and outdoor setting.

As a comprehensive facility within the "Campgrounds & RV Parks" category, Mineral Lake Lions Den Campground offers a range of services designed to enhance the camping experience for diverse visitors. The campground accommodates both tents and RVs, with sites capable of holding RVs up to 60 feet long. Many RV sites feature full hook-ups, including water, sewer, and electrical connections (with 30-amp, 50-amp, or 30/50-amp options available). Water hookups are available for an additional $5 per day, and electric hookups for $10 per day. Lakeside sites, offering premium views, are available for an additional $10 per day. For the convenience of RVers, a camper-exclusive dump station is available on-site for a fee of $30 per use. Recently, the campground has added modern shower facilities, offering private stalls for $2 per 5 minutes, significantly improving the comfort level for all campers. Clean restrooms are also available. The campground boasts a boat launch and docks, providing easy access to Mineral Lake for boating and fishing activities. For visitors needing fishing and hunting licenses, Mineral Lake Market, now under new ownership, serves as an authorized dealer for WDFW licenses and Discover Passes, making it convenient to acquire necessary permits right in town. Guest parking passes are available for visitors of registered campers at $5 per vehicle (including up to 4 people), and these visitors must check in at the office and depart by 9:00 PM. A special perk for campground guests (not visitors) with a Guest Parking pass is a "Buy One, Get One" appetizer offer at the historic Headquarters Tavern, fostering local business cooperation and adding value for campers.

The features of Mineral Lake Lions Den Campground are tailored to provide a fun and engaging outdoor experience, particularly around the lake and its community events. Key features include:

• Mineral Lake Access: Direct access to Mineral Lake for boating, kayaking, and fishing, with a strong reputation for large trout. Mooring for boats is available on a first-come, first-served basis.
• Fishing Focus: A major draw is the fishing, especially during the Annual Mineral Lake Fishing Derby, held on the fourth weekend of April, marking the opening of fishing season. A kids' trout pond with prizes is often part of events, encouraging young anglers.
• Campsite Amenities: All sites, whether for tents or RVs, include a picnic table and a fire ring, perfect for cooking, intimate fireside storytelling, and warmth.
• Playground: A playground is available, making the campground family-friendly and providing entertainment for younger guests.
• Special Events: The campground is a hub for community events organized by the Mineral Lake Lions Club. A prominent example is the "Fishing, Freedom, and Fireworks" celebration in July, featuring food trucks, live music, and a fireworks show over Mineral Lake. Other events like the "First Annual Mineral Lake Lions Den Campground Yard Sale" in August and "Fireside Melodies on Mineral Lake" with live music showcase the dynamic event calendar.
• Community Support: A unique feature is that revenue generated from camping directly supports over a dozen local non-profits, including youth programs, local food drives, and global Lions International initiatives, giving campers a sense of contributing to a good cause.

In terms of promotional information, Mineral Lake Lions Den Campground actively promotes its offerings through its official website (minerallakelions.com), social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram, and partnerships with tourism bodies like Visit Rainier and Campspot. They highlight their status as a non-profit, volunteer-run campground, emphasizing the positive changes and improvements made over the past few years, including cleaner facilities and clearer policies. They encourage guests to leave positive reviews and spread word-of-mouth, stressing that "your voice matters more than ever" to help them grow and counter any negative feedback from individuals who may have been "taking advantage of the space in the past."

Reservations are highly recommended, especially during peak season, and can be made online. Rates vary by site type, with primitive lakeside RV sites and standard RV sites starting at $48 and $52 per night respectively, while lakeside RV sites with water and electric start at $60 per night, and lakeside tent sites with water and electric are $48 per night. Site specifics like amperage (20-Amp, 30-Amp, 50-Amp) and maximum vehicle length (up to 60 feet) are clearly detailed in booking information. The campground is generally open from mid-April through fall, with limited availability during peak summer fishing season. Important rules and policies are clearly communicated, including pet policy (pets are allowed for registered guests, typically three per site, but no guest pets are allowed), check-in/check-out times, visitor policies (must check in, pay a fee, and depart by 9:00 PM), and policies regarding garbage (must be deposited in provided garbage cans) and unused firewood (to be stacked under benches). They also advise bringing an extension cord for certain sites. The overall promotional message focuses on the "beauty of waterfront camping" and the opportunity to "Discover the beauty of the Pacific Northwest," promising a peaceful, fun, and memorable stay while contributing to a worthy cause.