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Map showing campground location near Littlerock, Washington
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CampingMap showing campground location near Littlerock, Washington

Middle Waddell Campground

8 ReviewsAdd Review
SUMMARY PRESENTED BYT-Mobile

Wooded sites, vault toilets, and a host on-site set the tone at Middle Waddell Campground, a Washington DNR facility tucked into the forests of Capitol Forest outside Olympia. Entry requires a Discover Pass. The campground runs from May through November and sits within a working resource management area, which means the surrounding forest is active and multi-use rather than a designated wilderness preserve.

With 33 sites spread across multiple loops, the campground accommodates tents, trailers, and RVs, with paved pads and some pull-through options noted by recent visitors. Shade is reliable across the sites, which helps during warm stretches. The camp host is a consistent presence, providing firewood bundles, water access via garden hose, and printed Capitol Forest maps. A nearby gravel pit means occasional shooting sounds can be audible, though campers report it registers as background noise rather than a disruption. Reviewers also note a creek in the area where people have been spotted panning for gold.

Trails branch out directly from camp for hiking, mountain biking, equestrian riding, and OHV use, making this a particularly good match for motorized recreation groups. As Jess G. puts it, "close to town yet still secluded in the woods." Cell service is available. Campers who want a horse-focused setup with similar forest access might consider Margaret McKenny Equestrian Campground to the south, or browse campgrounds around Littlerock for additional options in the area.

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Map & DirectionsMiddle Waddell Campground is located in Washington near Littlerock

Detail location of campground
Public Campground

Directions

Continue west on Waddell Creek Road from Margaret McKenny entrance for 1.2 miles. Turn left .1 miles to site. Get directions.

Coordinates

46.938471486014166 N
123.07635068215347 W

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Connectivity

Presented byT-MobileT-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoorsLearn More
  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile
    No Coverage
    Verified by 3 users
    Last on 8/7/26
  • signal strength bars
    Verizon
    No Coverage
    Verified by 4 users
    Last on 8/7/26
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T
    No Coverage

Connectivity

Presented byT-MobileT-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoorsLearn More
  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile
    No Coverage
    Verified by 3 users
    Last on 8/7/26
  • signal strength bars
    Verizon
    No Coverage
    Verified by 4 users
    Last on 8/7/26
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T
    No Coverage

Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site
  • Walk-In
    Park in a lot, walk to your site.
  • Hike-In
    Backcountry sites.

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • RV Sites
  • Standard (Tent/RV)
  • Group

Features

For Campers

  • ADA Access
  • Picnic Table
  • Phone Service
  • Drinking Water
  • Toilets
  • Alcohol
  • Pets
  • Fires

For Vehicles

  • Pull-Through Sites

Drive Time

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Reviews8 Camper Reviews - Middle Waddell Campground

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4.5

out of 5

8 Reviews

Reviewed Jun. 2, 2025

No complaints, very nice area

Nice campground, plenty of spots in May. Great shaded areas to beat the heat and go for drives up in the forest. Definitely dry camping so be prepared.

SiteSite A5
Month of VisitMay
  • Review photo of Middle Waddell Campground by Katie G., June 2, 2025
  • Review photo of Middle Waddell Campground by Katie G., June 2, 2025
  • Review photo of Middle Waddell Campground by Katie G., June 2, 2025
  • (5) View All
Reviewed Sep. 26, 2024

Nice spot

Discover pass required. Host on site. Paved pads. Some pull thru.

SiteA8
Month of VisitSeptember
Reviewed Jul. 10, 2022

Great campground

Great campground. Great price. Just had to purchase a Washington state parks pass for $10. Had great biking and atv trails right by the campground.

Month of VisitJuly
Reviewed May. 23, 2022

Beautiful campground

The Campground supervisors were amazingly excellent people they as soon as you pull in come around introduced them selves ask if you need anything and they’re always available and always very helpful and knowledgeable in questions you have to ask great hikes beautiful campsites

Month of VisitJune
Reviewed Sep. 27, 2019

Fall Camping

This campground is amazing! Our group stayed in loop C and we had a blast. The campground was very clean, even the bathroom :) So many trails all over the campground to enjoy while your here, it was a very quiet aswell. You can hear the shooting at gravel pit but it’s not very loud at all. Also the host is super nice and willing to answer any questions.

Reviewed Oct. 29, 2018

I run this ORV Campground, Day Use and Gun Range.

We have 33 campsites, Tent sites and some great pull through sites for Rv's and ORVs, 4 vault toilets that I do my best to keep clean and stocked of toilet paper. I sell firewood bundles with a kindling bundle in the middle wrapped in newspaper for 5 bucks, nice size bundles and/or Gator loads for 20, 15 and 10. I have a garden hose at my site for people to fill water containers and a power pole at my site for airing up mattresses, charging phones, ect. , I sometimes will paint rocks with kids while parents ride ORVs if possible but always have painted rocks hidden in Camp and throughout Capitol Forest and am owner of , Facebook group, Capitol Forest Rocks! #CFR I handout updated copies of Capitol Forest maps and trails, Campground phone number is 360 534 0163.

Reviewed Jul. 13, 2018

Motorcycle haven

This is thw campgrpund were you camp if you have or enjoy motorcycles or quads or 4x4s.

Month of VisitJuly
Reviewed Sep. 17, 2017

LEDlenser MH2 Headlamp at Middle Waddell Campground

Campground

Fairly large campground, free as long as you have a discover pass! Close to town yet still secluded in the woods. Tons of trails for hiking, horses and dirt bikes! Plenty of sites for trailers and tents. Vault toilets, picnic tables, fire rings and water hook ups. The camp host even had free bottled water for guest if needed. There was a creek near by with people panning for gold which was interesting!

Product Review

Being a ranger I get to test some products from time to time! Today's product is the LEDlenser MH2 Headlamp!

This headlamp is very impressive! Certainly the brightest light I have ever explored with. It comes in a very nice package with a charging cord, two different colored lens attachments, a carrying pouch and a battery. My only complaint is that the headlamp itself doesn't fit very well in the carrying pouch but I made it work! It was also a little heavy and I had to adjust the strap to fit my head more often then I would have preferred. The brightness of the light made up for the flaws completely!

SiteA5
Month of VisitSeptember
  • Review photo of Middle Waddell Campground by Jess G., September 17, 2017
  • Review photo of Middle Waddell Campground by Jess G., September 17, 2017
  • Review photo of Middle Waddell Campground by Jess G., September 17, 2017
  • (5) View All
Showing results 1-8 of 8 reviews

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Middle Waddell Campground located and how do I get there?

Middle Waddell Campground is located in Washington state within a wooded area that offers a secluded feel while still being relatively close to town. The campground is situated in a forest setting with numerous trails for hiking, horseback riding, and off-road vehicles. While specific directions aren't detailed, the campground is accessible by vehicle and features areas for both tent camping and RVs, including some pull-through sites with paved pads. The location provides a good balance of accessibility and natural surroundings.

Are there photos of Middle Waddell Campground to view before visiting?

Photos of Middle Waddell Campground can likely be found on various camping platforms and the official Washington State Parks website. The campground features wooded sites with shaded areas, paved pads for vehicles, and some pull-through options. Visual highlights would include the forested setting, camping loops (including Loop C which has been noted as particularly nice), picnic tables, fire rings, and the surrounding trail system. For the most current and official photos, check the Washington State Parks website or contact the campground host directly.

What camping facilities and amenities are available at Middle Waddell Campground?

Middle Waddell Campground offers 33 campsites that accommodate both tents and RVs, with several pull-through sites available. Amenities include picnic tables, fire rings, and water hookups. The campground has four vault toilets that are regularly maintained and cleaned. There's a campground host on-site who sells firewood bundles for $5. The area features numerous trails for hiking, horseback riding, and off-road vehicles. The campground is organized into loops (including Loop C), provides shaded areas to escape the heat, and offers a clean, quiet camping environment. Note that this is dry camping, so campers should come prepared accordingly.

Is Middle Waddell Campground free or are there camping fees?

Middle Waddell Campground isn't entirely free, but it's very affordable. Rather than a traditional camping fee, visitors need to purchase a Washington State Discover Pass, which costs $10. This pass serves as your camping permit for the area. The campground is considered a great value given the amenities and access to extensive trail systems. For current pass pricing and availability, check with Washington State Parks before your visit.

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