Campgrounds and RV parks near Pe Ell, WA

The Willapa Hills Trail is the main draw. The rail-trail runs about 56 miles between Chehalis and South Bend, passing through Pe Ell, and a short spur connects it to Rainbow Falls State Park. It suits walking, cycling, and horseback riding, and the park supports hiker/biker and equestrian camping. At Rainbow Falls State Park, visitors can swim and fish in the Chehalis River, walk a three-mile trail system through old-growth forest, and use a playfield and horseshoe pits. A Discover Pass is required for day-use vehicle access to Washington state parks. For a side trip, Skamokawa Vista Park on the Lower Columbia offers a sandy beach, boat launch, kayaking in Brooks and Steamboat sloughs, and ship-watching as deep-draft vessels pass close to shore.

Summer is the clear peak. July and August bring the warmest, driest weather in Pe Ell, with average highs in the mid-seventies Fahrenheit and the year's lowest rainfall. Sites at the river-front and Columbia-front parks fill quickly on weekends, so book several weeks ahead for July through Labor Day. Late spring and early fall are the practical shoulder seasons. May, June, September, and early October usually offer drier stretches between fronts and lighter crowds, though rain can return at any time. The Willapa Hills Trail is generally rideable from spring through fall. Winter is wet. The Chehalis River basin is prone to flooding, and Rainbow Falls State Park has sustained flood damage during major storm events, including the Great Coastal Gale that took out a footbridge and waterfall features. Washington State Parks publishes a winter schedule with reduced hours and seasonal closures, so confirm site availability before traveling between late fall and early spring.

Rainbow Falls State Park is a smaller campground with a mix of wooded and open sites, standard and partial-hookup sites, a dump station, and token-operated showers. Maximum site length is 60 feet, with limited availability for the longest rigs, so confirm site dimensions before booking a larger RV. Campground check-in is 2:30 p.m. and check-out is 1 p.m., consistent with Washington State Parks policy. The Chehalis River runs through the park with rock and gravel access for swimming and fishing; there is no designated swim area or lifeguard. Cell service is limited in the surrounding valley. At Skamokawa Vista Park, riverfront sites have wide Columbia River views but can be windy, while sites set back in the trees are more sheltered. The park offers full-hookup, partial-hookup, dry, tent, and yurt options across 69 campsites and five yurts.