Camp Murray Beach

We arrived at the campground after 2000. It was dark and it was hard to see, but when we got to the office our name was posted as promised when we called to reserve a spot. When we finally got our TT parked and situated, the camp host checked on us to make sure that things were OK. That was really wonderful that he would check on us before he retired for the night. When we woke up the next day, we took some time to skip rocks in the lake, soak in some nature and just really enjoy our trip. The place appeared to be very secluded, away from civilization, very serene, but it's actually minutes from Tacoma and even less to JBLM. Can't beat $14 for full hook-ups and even a Dish TV option if you have a receiver.

Sites a bit close together, but overall the park was in an excellent location to Fort Lewis and all the touring sites. Nice, quiet area...14 day limit was enforced when we were there as our neighbor had to move out when their time expired. Bald eagles were nesting nearby. They were rebuilding a fishing dock on the lake when we left. Should be good when completed. Park provided a hook-up for Dish and DirectTV so that you don't have to set up your satellite-cool! Will visit again if we come this direction...

We normally stay here when we are in the Seattle area. The park is very quiet and you normally can get reservations. 30 amps work well enough for our rig. The view of the lake for the "temporary" guests is great. There are a large number of semi-permanent residents but they are not allowed to stay on the lake for more than 2 weeks. The rate is good for a full hook-up and base security is excellent. A large number of satellite receivers are available for Dish and Direct TV users so the lack of cable is not a major issue. Our cell/wifi card worked well also. (AT+T/Verizon).

Upon arrival, camp host was right there to assist as needed. I had site A 10 right on the lakes edge. Excellent site. The sites are very close together, but at this time of year, I had no one next to me. It is 30 amp hookup, but not true 30 amp. It is two 15 amp circuits together. I use electric heaters and tripped the breaker on one of the 15 amp twice. Had to be very careful not to use anything else electric when the heaters were on. Shopping was good with Ft. Lewis across the road and McChord within 5 miles. There was not laundry facilities on base, but close by in Tillicum. Overall, nice place this time of year because not many there except some that looked like they had been there forever. I think $14 was a little high for this place. It was close enough to do day trips to Mt. Rainier, Crystal Mt., and Seattle.

MUCH improved since we stopped there last year. There were no spaces available so we didn't use the facilities but it looks like a campground now instead of a kinda scary south Arkansas style trailer park like it looked last year.

We stopped here for a tent site in the primitive camping area. The sites were beautiful, set deep in a wooded setting. While inspecting the sites we noticed that they were infested wit ants. We declined all available sites for that reason. The location was fine, the host was very nice. He said he could not kill the ants because of the enviormentalists. We chose to continue onto McChord famcamp.

Excellent, rustic campground. Laundry available and base amenities and nearby Fort Lewis or McChord. Quiet. Right on the Lake. Friendly host although not always available.

Excellent place to stay right on the water, very quiet and cheap to stay!!