Quiet RV Camping at Friends Landing in Grays Harbor, A Multi-Generational Gem

Friends Landing Montesano
Game night while RV camping at Friends Landing with Marva and Jim Bradley & Tom and Laura Madeo visiting from King County. Photo credit: Jess Caldwell

There are a few commonalities that visitors share when describing Friends Landing, located just outside of Montesano, Washington — quiet, safe, accessible for multi-generations to enjoy fishing on the river and the beauty of a paved 1.7-mile trail circling Lake Quigg, the heart of the park.

Friends Landing Montesano
Jess Caldwell enjoys the beauty of the 1.7-mile paved loop with friends Tucker and Sierra, who have visited Friends Landing to fish and ride bikes. Photo credit: Jacob Luplow

On a sunny afternoon, lifelong friends of 55 years were enjoying game night next to their neighboring RV sites by the lake. Couples were holding hands while taking a sunset walk around the 1.7-mile paved loop trail while the youth were practicing their bike riding skills. The trail is a beloved highlight of this park that winds through wetland, woods and meadow. There are several interpretive signs from the viewing docks, and it features a stunning canopy of trees that provides beauty and shade.

Grandkids played on the well-designed playground. One young man dropped a fishing line while sitting on the dock of the Chehalis River. There is a centrally located covered pavilion available that is a perfect gathering space for reunions and celebrations. Reservations for the pavilion can be booked free of charge on a first-come, first-served basis and offer picnic benches and a barbecue for grilling.

Friends Landing Montesano
Jess Caldwell makes her signature pacific northwest dinner of grilled salmon while enjoying the sunset at Lake Quigg, located at Friends Landing RV and camping park. Photo credit: Jess Caldwell

Fishing At Friends Landing

With two fishing shacks and a pier located within the park on the Chehalis River, as well as trail access along the lake, seasonal fishing brings locals and visitors to Friends Landing in hopes of catching salmon and even sturgeon. Make sure to check the WDFW Fishing Regulations and License Requirements before heading out.

WDFW Hatchery Specialist Keith Burns happened to be enjoying a back-to-school night celebration at the pavilion and commented that Friends Landing is one of the most common hot spots for sturgeon fishing from the shore. “It’s common to see a five to six-foot sturgeon, but these creatures can be up to nine feet long.”

Local resident Scott Busch often brings his grandkids to the park and shared, “We enjoy coming here, it’s close, the kids love the slide, and we walk the trail together.” When asked about the fishing, Scott revealed that he has caught one of the elusive nine-foot sturgeons from the bank of the river, as well as largemouth bass and salmon.

Friends Landing Montesano
Scott Busch brings his grandkids to Friends Landing for an afternoon of nature discovery on the Chehalis River. Photo credit: Jess Caldwell

Friends Landing RV Park And Camping Considerations

The 152-acre park is located only just over an hour from Tacoma and 35 minutes from the ocean beaches. There are 18 RV sites with electrical and water hookups and 10 tent sites with water available.  All sites offer paved entrances that make this a very accessible park. Two showers are located in the bathrooms, which are well cared for, and there is Wi-Fi available for guests.

Make a reservation for your visit and bring your friends to create memories. Jim and Marva Bradley, who live in King County, have returned for the second year of RV camping by the lake. They brought their best friends Tom and Laura Madeo as the two couples have enjoyed years of outdoor adventures together. “We love that it’s small, quiet, on the water and under two hours from home,” explained Marva Bradley. The two couples enjoyed a friendly competition game of cornhole in the grass at the golden hour and will most likely return next year as this location is such a great place to gather.

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