Here's a question.

What would you say if you were told there is a place nearby that has a campground with a beach to relax on, a great coffee stand with good food, and a museum to walk through history over the course of an afternoon?

The correct answer would be "Camp Murray."

The installation's history runs back to 1855, when it was used as a training site by soldiers stationed at Fort Steilacoom.

In 1922, the camp became the headquarters for the Washington National Guard. From the campaigns in Mexico against Pancho Villa and both World Wars in Europe and the Pacific to the eruption of Mount St. Helens and operations in Iraq and Afghanistan, the Guard has distinguished itself.

In the meantime, as the Guard built a reputation based on the actions and character of the "citizen-soldier," it has not forgotten that life should be enjoyed.

Welcome to Camp Murray.

Camp Murray Beach

This is a secret gem.  Off the beaten path and nestled into the woods is a recreational vehicle campground located on a beach on the east shore of American Lake.

The campgrounds are open to active and retired military, reservists, authorized Department of Defense civilians, and Washington Military Department employees.  A valid ID is required.

The 28 RV sites are open year-round; the eight tent sites are tentatively scheduled to open May 1 and will close Oct. 1.

There is a boat launch and a kitchen with a picnic area.  Fishing is allowed with a valid license.

Sewer and water hookups are available at all RV sites; there are women's and men's shower rooms, and there are coin-operated washers and dryers.

For more information or reservations (which are strongly encouraged), contact the National Guard Association of Washington office at 253.584.5411 or the Camp Host after 4 p.m. at 253.209.5711.

Vic's Espresso and Eats

Founded in 2009, the coffee shop is owned by Dave and Pam Rupers.  Deeply committed to the military community at Camp Murray, the Rupers emphasize personal service, good food and friendly personnel.

Vic's Espresso and Eats is a corporate member of the National Guard Association of Washington.  

The shop is located in Building 16 along with the American Lake Credit Union and the office of the National Guard Association of Washington.

For more information, call 253.355.0513.

American Lake

Speaking of the bank, the American Lake Credit Union offers easy access to member accounts.  

Membership is open to Camp Murray employees, any person living in a school district in Washington, veterans receiving service at the VA Medical Center on American Lake, employees and volunteers at the VA Center, and Washington State Army and Air National Guard employees and retirees from the Washington State military.

The American Lake Credit Union is located in Building 16.  For more information, call 253.584.0079.

Washington National Guard Museum

Called "The Arsenal," the museum is a collection of historic artifacts that helps tell the story of the soldiers and airmen who have served and continue to serve in the Guard.

Joining the artifacts is a collection of vehicles ranging from an M-47 tank to an F-101 jet fighter.  

In a tip of history's hat, the distance between the tank and jet is 134 feet, which represents the time span between Camp Murray's beginning in 1855 and the Washington State Centennial in 1989.

Other distances represent the number of Guard personnel mobilized, injured or killed in various campaigns around the world.

For more information about visits, call 253.512.7834 in advance.