Mossyrock Park Campground

For residents of Washington State, the search for an ideal getaway often leads to destinations that perfectly blend natural beauty with convenient amenities. Mossyrock Park Campground, nestled in the scenic landscapes of Lewis County, is precisely such a place. Operated by Tacoma Power, this expansive park is situated on the western shore of Riffe Lake, adjacent to the impressive Mossyrock Dam. It stands out as one of the largest and most well-equipped campgrounds in Lewis County, offering a truly versatile experience for campers of all types – from tent enthusiasts to RV adventurers. Mossyrock Park provides a fantastic opportunity for Washingtonians to enjoy a wide array of outdoor activities, relax by the water, and create lasting memories without straying too far from home.

This article is crafted to be a comprehensive and engaging guide for Washington locals considering a trip to Mossyrock Park Campground. We will delve into its specific location and excellent accessibility, detail the extensive services and amenities it provides, and highlight the key features that make it a compelling choice for your next outdoor adventure. We’ll also cover essential contact information and, finally, articulate why Mossyrock Park Campground is particularly well-suited for those of us living in Washington who are eager to embrace the abundant recreational opportunities our state has to offer, from watersports and fishing to hiking and family fun. Our aim is to provide factual, helpful information in a friendly, professional tone, subtly promoting the distinct appeal of this cherished local park.

Mossyrock Park Campground is located in Lewis County, WA 98564, USA, specifically on the western shore of Riffe Lake, adjacent to the Mossyrock Dam. The precise address for the park is 202 Ajlune Rd, Mossyrock, WA 98564. This strategic location places it within convenient driving distance for many Washington residents, being approximately 1 hour 17 minutes from Olympia, 1 hour 15 minutes from Longview, and within a couple of hours from larger metropolitan areas like Seattle and Portland (Oregon, but a common destination for Washingtonians).

Accessibility to Mossyrock Park Campground is excellent, making it a popular drive-in destination. The park is easily reachable via well-maintained roads, suitable for all types of vehicles, including large RVs and trailers. With its extensive number of individual campsites and a large group camp, the park is designed to accommodate a high volume of visitors. Ample parking is available at individual campsites, and the layout often provides surprisingly spacious sites, even in a full park, as noted by recent campers. The park boasts several distinct camping areas, including Main Campground, Cascade Loop, Bird's Eye View, and S'mores Loop, each offering slightly different characteristics, from lake views to more secluded spots. Some loops, like Bird's Eye, may have inclines. Its proximity to the town of Mossyrock also means easy access to local amenities like a small grocery store, gas, and a couple of bars, blending outdoor immersion with practical convenience. This combination of straightforward access and comprehensive facilities ensures a comfortable and enjoyable arrival for Washington locals.

Mossyrock Park Campground is renowned for its wide array of services and amenities, catering to a diverse range of camping styles and ensuring a comfortable stay for all visitors. This makes it a step above many more rustic campgrounds:

• Extensive Campsites: The park offers a impressive 152 individual campsites, with 76 providing water and electric hookups (30 amp). There are also two primitive group camps (12 sites each with picnic tables, fire rings, and water, but no hookups), and 12 walk-in tent sites, ensuring options for every type of camper.

• Full/Partial Hookups: Many sites come with water and electric hookups, and some offer full hookups, accommodating RVs of various sizes. There are also no-hookup sites for tenters or those seeking a more traditional experience.

• Restrooms and Showers: Clean and well-maintained flush toilets and coin-operated shower facilities are available throughout the campground, a highly appreciated amenity for comfort.

• Potable Water Faucets: Water faucets are conveniently located throughout the campground for easy access to drinking water.

• Dump Stations: Sanitary dump stations are provided for RV waste disposal, adding to the convenience for RV campers.

• Picnic Tables and Fire Rings: All campsites are equipped with picnic tables and fire rings, perfect for outdoor cooking and campfires (always check for current burn bans).

• On-Site Store & Concession: The park features a store and fast-food concession stand, Nisser's Snack Shack (open seasonally), offering essentials like firewood, ice, snacks, drinks, pizza, hand-dipped cones, and even a popular pancake feed on Sundays during peak season. This significantly enhances convenience.

• Laundry Facilities: Coin-operated laundry facilities are available, making longer stays more practical and comfortable.

• Reservable Kitchen Shelter: A reservable kitchen shelter is available, ideal for group gatherings or larger family meals.

• ADA Accessibility: Several campsites, restrooms, and a portion of a trail are wheelchair-accessible, demonstrating the park's commitment to inclusivity.

The features and highlights of Mossyrock Park Campground revolve around its expansive lake access, diverse recreational offerings, and family-friendly atmosphere, making it a top choice for Washington locals:

• Riffe Lake Access and Water Recreation: The park provides prime access to Riffe Lake, a large man-made lake over 11,325 acres, popular for a wide range of water sports. This includes a boat launch (renovated in 2018 due to lake level changes) and docks, a designated swimming area, and opportunities for fishing (trout, bass, perch, salmon, catfish), water skiing, and general boating. The lake levels are managed by Tacoma Power, and updates are available.

• Family-Friendly Activities: Mossyrock Park is highly praised as a "family-friendly getaway." It features a playground for children, a disc golf course, horseshoe pits, and a volleyball court, ensuring plenty of entertainment for all ages. There's also a dog park, allowing furry family members to enjoy the outdoors (on leash, except in designated off-leash areas).

• Hiking Trails: The park offers several trails, including a half-mile trail and a 3.5-mile loop trail (0.8 miles of which is wheelchair accessible). These trails provide opportunities for nature walks and wildlife observation.

• Proximity to Mossyrock Dam: Just a short drive away, visitors can explore the impressive Mossyrock Dam, the tallest dam in Washington State (606 feet). The Hydrovista viewpoint provides a close-up look at this engineering marvel and its spillways into the Cowlitz River.

• Year-Round Camping (with exceptions): The park offers year-round camping, day-use areas, and boat launch access, though it typically closes between December 20 and January 1, making it a versatile destination across seasons.

• Cleanliness and Staff: Reviews consistently commend the park for its "clean facilities, including showers and toilets" and praise the "friendly staff" and regular patrols, contributing to a pleasant and secure environment.

• Wildlife Viewing: The park is a natural habitat for various wildlife. In winter (November to March), herds of elk (up to 80) are known to wander through the park, offering a unique viewing opportunity.

For reservations and detailed information about Mossyrock Park Campground, you can use the following contact details, primarily through its managing entity, Tacoma Power.

Address: 202 Ajlune Rd, Mossyrock, WA 98564, USA

Phone: (360) 983-3900

Mobile Phone: +1 360-983-3900

For reservations, especially during peak seasons (May 15 to September 15), it is highly recommended to book individual sites up to nine months in advance. You can generally make reservations online or by phone.

Reservation Phone (specific for Tacoma Power Parks): (833) 290-8180

For general inquiries, current lake levels, boat launch conditions, swim area status, and burn ban information, you can also call Tacoma Power's recorded information line at 1-888-502-8690 or visit their official website (mytpu.org/community-environment/parks-recreation/mossyrock-park). Checking these official sources before your trip is crucial for the most up-to-date information on operating hours, fees, and any special alerts.

For Washington locals, Mossyrock Park Campground stands out as an exceptional choice for a comprehensive and enjoyable outdoor adventure. Its prime location on Riffe Lake in Lewis County, coupled with its easy accessibility, makes it a convenient and stress-free destination for families, RVers, and tent campers alike. The extensive array of amenities, including plentiful hookups, clean facilities, laundry, and even an on-site store, provides a level of comfort and convenience that enhances any camping trip.

What truly makes Mossyrock Park suitable for Washingtonians is the sheer breadth of activities available right at the campground's doorstep. From exhilarating water sports and excellent fishing opportunities on Riffe Lake to family-friendly amenities like playgrounds and disc golf, and even hiking trails with stunning views, there's truly something for everyone. Its consistent reputation for cleanliness and friendly staff further solidifies its appeal. Mossyrock Park Campground offers a perfect blend of relaxation and recreation, providing a cherished local escape where Washington residents can connect with nature, enjoy the water, and create lasting memories in their beautiful home state.