About Camp Lakeview: Nearly a Century on the Shores of Lake Tanwax
For nearly 100 years, Camp Lakeview has remained a place where traditions form naturally—summer afternoons on the dock, family reunions in the lodge, and stories passed down from one generation to the next.
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Today, the property continues that legacy, offering a unique blend of history, outdoor recreation, and community in a setting that still feels much the way it did decades ago.
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And while some things never change, Camp Lakeview is growing. New resort amenities are in development, designed to add to the experience without taking away from what makes this place special. For those looking to put down roots, Camp Lakeview Cove represents the next chapter—a limited collection of lakefront homes and RV lots tucked deeper into the property for those who have always considered this place part of their lives.
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After nearly 100 years, Camp Lakeview is just getting started.
Amenities at Camp Lakeview
Camp Lakeview has everything you need for a day, a weekend, or a lifetime on the lake.
Waterfront Access
Direct access to the pristine shores of Lake Tanwax for swimming, kayaking, and fishing.
Fishing Docks
Multiple docks built for the perfect morning or evening catch on the lake.
Rentals & Boat Launch
Kayaks and canoes available for rent, plus easy launch access for an additional fee.
Camp Store
Essentials, snacks, and gear to keep your lakeside trip comfortable and fun.
Restrooms & Showers
Well-kept facilities and heated showers for a clean and refreshing experience.
Picnic Areas
Shaded spots and tables perfect for family gatherings and outdoor lunches.
Fire Pits
Gather around the fire for stories, s'mores, and classic camping traditions.
Playground
Safe and fun play equipment for our youngest campers to enjoy the fresh air.
Pet-Friendly Areas
We welcome your four-legged friends in most areas except on our docks.
Basketball Court
Shoot hoops with friends or join a pickup game on our paved court, just steps from the lake.
Volleyball Court
Our volleyball court has a way of turning strangers into teammates.
Hiking Trails
Our private trails and stumble across the ruins of Camp Lakeview's original cabins—nearly 100 years of history, still standing in the trees.
The First Known Photo at Camp Lakeview
1922
1922
1922
1930's
1930's
1940's
Today
Nearly a century after those first lakeside picnics at Camp Benbow, Camp Lakeview continues to welcome new generations to Tanwax Lake..
While the property has grown and evolved, the heart of the place remains the same: quiet mornings on the water, evenings on the dock, and the feeling of stepping away from the rush of everyday life.
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Today
1950s–1980s
In the decades following the war, the property gradually evolved into a family campground and Christian retreat destination. Cabins, RV spaces, and gathering areas were added, welcoming visitors from across Pierce County and beyond.
Families returned year after year to fish the lake, swim from the docks, and spend summers together outdoors. Weddings, reunions, and community gatherings became part of the rhythm of life at the camp.
1950's - 2,000's
1940's
During World War II, the property took on an unexpected role. Additional lodges were built, including the Cedar Lodge, which served as a retreat space for officers of the U.S. Army Air Corps.
important moment in the region’s history.
The peaceful setting of Tanwax Lake offered a rare place of rest during wartime. Surrounded by forest and water, the camp provided a quiet refuge away from the demands of military life.
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Many of the structures built during this time remain part of the property today, connecting Camp Lakeview to an important moment in the region’s history.
1940's
1930's
One of the most recognizable structures on the property—the Timber Lodge—dates back to this period and was built using traditional log construction techniques. These early buildings established the character that still defines Camp Lakeview today: sturdy, handcrafted structures designed to blend into the forest around them.
As interest in the area grew, the property slowly began to take on the structure of a true lakeside camp. During the 1930s, buildings were constructed that reflected the rustic architectural style of the era.
1930's
1922
One of the earliest known photographs of the property dates to 1922, when the area was known as Camp Benbow.
In those early years, Tanwax Lake was already a destination for families seeking fresh air and recreation. The land was largely undeveloped, and visitors came for simple pleasures: fishing from the shore, rowing across the water, and spending long afternoons by the lake.
Key Milestones
Tracing the History
of Camp Lakeview
Become a Permanent Resident of Camp Lakeview
Camp Lakeview has always offered a place to put down roots—from our RV park to the newly developing Camp Lakeview Cove, a limited collection of lakefront homes tucked deeper into the property.
Whether you're looking for a seasonal spot or something more permanent, there's a place here for the people who have never really wanted to leave.