Best Campgrounds near Elma, WA

Campgrounds near Elma, Washington span multiple management jurisdictions, including state parks and county-operated facilities. Schafer State Park Campground sits directly within Elma city limits along the Satsop River, offering tent, RV, and cabin camping with hookup options. Several established campgrounds within a 30-minute drive include Porter Creek, Lake Sylvia State Park in neighboring Montesano, and Friends Landing with its boat-in access options. The landscape transitions from river valleys to forested settings, with both state park campgrounds and more rustic forest service campgrounds available. Most established sites provide picnic tables, fire rings, and at least vault toilets, while dispersed camping opportunities exist on public lands.

Many campgrounds in the Elma area operate seasonally, with peak availability from May through September. Schafer State Park operates primarily during summer months, while Lake Sylvia and Millersylvania State Park remain open year-round. Winter camping options become limited due to facility closures and muddy conditions on forest roads. Most state park campgrounds require reservations through Washington's reservation system, especially for summer weekends and holiday periods. Water hookups, showers, and electric connections are typically found only at the larger state park facilities. A camper noted: "Just about 10 miles north of highway 12 near Elma. Got a great site right by the river. Nice toilets & showers in old building so was pleasantly surprised!"

Access to water features shapes many camping experiences in the region. Several campgrounds provide direct river or lake frontage, with water-based recreation being a primary draw. According to visitor reviews, sites nearest to water tend to fill first and receive higher ratings. River access at Schafer State Park and Porter Creek offers fishing and wading opportunities, while Lake Sylvia provides swimming areas. Cell service varies considerably throughout the area, with better connectivity at developed state parks and limited or no service in more remote forest settings. One visitor to Middle Waddell Campground mentioned great biking and ATV trails directly accessible from the campground. Proximity to Olympic National Forest means many campers use Elma-area campgrounds as staging points for deeper wilderness exploration.

Best Camping Sites Near Elma, Washington (223)

    1. Lake Sylvia State Park Campground

    21 Reviews
    Montesano, WA
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (888) 226-7688

    "Great facility and nice lake. If you can, spots 5 and 23 look amazing."

    "Lake Sylvia is great for our SUP's and the kids to swim. Only 4 sites with power and water. No sewer. Rest of spots you need generator is you have camper. Reserve early as fills up quick."

    2. Schafer State Park Campground

    13 Reviews
    Elma, WA
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (360) 482-3852

    "Just about 10 miles north of highway 12 near Elma. Got a great site right by the river. Nice toilets & showers (in old building so was pleasantly surprised!)"

    "A lot of paths to walk the dogs. Areas for outdoor games in the summer."

    3. Porter Creek

    7 Reviews
    Malone, WA
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (360) 825-1631

    "There are hiking trails close by but be sure to do your homework because there are many trails that allow ATV, horses, bikes, and people on them."

    "There is a bunch of awesome trails with beautiful surroundings for every level of hikers and if you can find your way to Porter Falls, you definitely wont be disappointed with the view!"

    4. Millersylvania State Park Campground

    34 Reviews
    Tenino, WA
    24 miles
    Website
    +1 (888) 226-7688

    $12 - $45 / night

    "This is a very nice, typical Washington state park with plenty of trees, greenery, hiking, pathways and even a lake."

    "This is a beautiful park located on Deep Lake just outside of Olympia.  The park itself is huge offering lots of options for campers.  "

    5. Friends Landing

    5 Reviews
    Montesano, WA
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (360) 249-5117

    "Like Lake Sylvia it is super family and pet friendly. The campsite is divided into two different areas...one for RVs and the other for tents."

    "We camp here every few weeks to get away from home. Campers and walkers are friendly. Great handicap park."

    6. Middle Waddell Campground

    8 Reviews
    Littlerock, WA
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (360) 825-1631

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

    "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."

    7. Little Creek Casino Resort RV Park

    7 Reviews
    Shelton, WA
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (360) 427-7711

    8. American Heritage Campground

    16 Reviews
    Tumwater, WA
    23 miles
    Website
    +1 (360) 943-8778

    $40 - $60 / night

    "We had a little trouble finding this spot because an industrial area moved in around the campground.  Signs tell you where it is, but it feels wrong."

    "Site #5 is close to main office where you can get wifi if you want, we declined though. Restrooms were good. No issues. Will definitely return again soon!"

    9. Fall Creek Campground

    3 Reviews
    Littlerock, WA
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (360) 577-2025

    "You are supposed to have a Washington State Discovery pass to stay here, also they want you to fill out self registration once you arrive, fyi there are no pens onsite to do so."

    "We had our choice of campsites, near hiking trails and the creek. The road wasn't too rough to get there, and we were able to park nearby. What more do you need?"

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Recent Reviews near Elma, WA

885 Reviews of 223 Elma Campgrounds


  • Eun Ji L.
    Sep. 27, 2025

    Big Creek Campground

    I'm an avid camper - this was THE WORST experience ever.

    I'm an avid camper, and the experience I had at this campground with the host was ABSOLUTELY THE WORST ever. We arrived at the campground early to find the best spot as we were planning to take some outdoor wedding photos at the campsite the day after. It was not a busy season, so there were only a couple of sites occupied. We carefully selected a spot, paid for it, and posted the receipt on the site clip. I took a photo of both the envelope and the receipt clipped at the site. 

    After exploring the national park, we arrived at the campground at around 9pm. Most of the campsites were still unoccupied. To our surprise, when we arrived at our reserved spot, there was a group of people who took our campsite! They already put up their tent and a canopy as well. When I checked the pole where I clipped the receipt, it was GONE & REPLACED by someone else's!! When I talked to those people who took our campsite, there were already drunk and were at the verge of becoming hostile. But they did tell us that the host "allowed" them to take the spot. 

    Right then and there, we went to the host and explained the situation, and the host said (1) we never paid and that (2) there was no receipt clipped at the site. When I told him that that wasn't true, he proceeded to tell me that the information I wrote on the clip let him know that we were checking out today. So, for a second, I thought maybe I wrote either the# of nights spent or check-out date incorrectly. But then, I remembered I took pictures of both the envelope and the receipt!! I showed the photos to him, then, of course, he could not lie his way out of this. 

    There was no apology, and he simply proceeded to tell us to sleep at one of the other available campsites. We were super furious because we had NEVER experienced this kind of rudeness, lies, and brazen behavior. As anyone can imagine, we did not want to spend another second there, so we demanded a refund, and "MIRACULOUSLY", the envelope (still glued) with our payment was found in his RV. 

    I'm reporting the host to the US Forest Service.

  • Sarah S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 26, 2025

    Lake Sylvia State Park Campground

    Lake Sylvia camping

    This little park ended up being cute. $41 a night for non residents (which is on the higher end for us) but 30 for residents. We needed a quick place to stay while waiting to get our truck fixed in the morning. It’s small, quiet and the host were great. Apparently they charged for showers but had a sign up stating they longer charge for that. Restrooms were clean and showered were hot! Would stay here again if I were in a pinch this way again.

  • Sarah S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 25, 2025

    Quinault ridge camping

    Pull off camping

    This ended up being a useful spot to stay for the night. Went a little ways up to where the road forked to turn our rig around a grab a good spot. Not great for long term camping but a good little spot for the night. Light traffic along the way maybe about 5 cars the whole time we were there

  • alexandrea L.
    Sep. 24, 2025

    Penrose Point State Park Campground

    Beautiful

    The beach is beautiful here! And the campsites are very secluded! There are tons of trees and bushes in between everybody’s campsite

  • BThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 24, 2025

    Falls Creek — Olympic National Park

    Quinalt

    Extremely serene and clean. Seasonal campground on lake. Mediocre toilets. Lodge and store nearby. Right on water

  • BThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 23, 2025

    Bush Pioneer County Park

    Bush pioneer

    Very interesting campground on a little island town. Run down but nothing to complain about. Cheap with hot showers. Cell service.

  • TheFoxphire F.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 23, 2025

    Schafer State Park Campground

    Great

    There was a huge spider at the women’s restroom door that my wife says was asking her for snacks. Other than that this place was very nice and had a ton of lush vegetation and ferns. Beautiful. Also, we watched Harry and the Hendersons here.

  • CThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 21, 2025

    Quinault Ridge Road Pullout

    Lots of pull off spots along this road

    Many to chose from! Just stayed for one night in our camper van.

  • yThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 19, 2025

    American Heritage Campground

    Hidden Gem - Peaceful, family owned

    I’m always weary before I arrive. You never know what you’re gonna drive up to. I’d stay here any time. I feel safe, comfortable, spacious sites (only back in), fire pits, old school playground which we love and friendly owners who also staff it. Apparently it’s been in the fam for over 40 years. Lovely. Not new and fancy but quaint and classic.


Guide to Elma

Camping spots near Elma, Washington range from rustic riverfront sites to modern RV parks with full amenities. The region sits within the lower Chehalis River watershed at elevations between 50-150 feet, with summer temperatures averaging 75-85°F during peak camping season. Most campgrounds in the area remain open from May through September, with limited winter availability due to rainfall averaging 60-70 inches annually in this part of the Olympic Peninsula foothills.

What to do

Water recreation access: Porter Creek Campground offers excellent creek access for wading and cooling off. According to a camper: "The river is gorgeous and fun to explore!" Many sites provide direct water access making it easy to spend the day splashing around.

Hiking and biking trails: Middle Waddell Campground provides immediate access to Capitol Forest's trail network. A reviewer notes: "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." The trails range from beginner to advanced difficulty levels.

Fishing opportunities: Lake Sylvia State Park Campground offers both lake and stream fishing options. One visitor mentioned: "This campground is about a 2 hour drive from Seattle and the sites are a short walk to the lake, which is nice." The lake supports trout fishing throughout the camping season.

What campers like

Privacy between sites: At American Heritage Campground, campers appreciate the natural screening. One reviewer stated: "The lots are well plotted with space and privacy." Sites with the most separation tend to be reserved quickly during peak season.

Group camping facilities: Millersylvania State Park Campground offers dedicated group camping areas. A camper reported: "We stayed in the group camp and I can highly recommend it. It had its own bathrooms. It was set back in the woods with tons of places for tents. The shelter was large and had water and power."

Reliable facilities: Friends Landing maintains clean restrooms and showers. A visitor noted: "Clean and accommodating. Manager Gary is a friendly and hard working guy. We camp here every few weeks to get away from home." The facilities include accessible options for campers with mobility needs.

What you should know

Cell service limitations: Most campgrounds in the Elma area have limited connectivity. At Lake Sylvia, a regular visitor mentioned: "Phone service is non-existent and we had att Verizon cricket and straight talk but it does have free WiFi." Signal strength decreases significantly in more remote forest campgrounds.

Seasonal closures: Several camping areas near Elma close during winter months. Porter Creek's seasonal operation was noted by a visitor: "We arrived at the end of the road to find the campground closed, so we ended up abandoning our final night and driving home." Always check current operating dates before planning your trip.

Reservation requirements: Schafer State Park Campground has a new east campground section with improved layouts. A camper observed: "The East Campground offers up a well designed and quiet alternative to the older West Campground. WSP took a probably forlorn area of riparian land and built a camping loop that is private, quiet, suitable for both tents and RV's."

Tips for camping with families

Playground access: Friends Landing offers recreational facilities for children. A visitor mentioned: "Two separate areas, one for RV's and another for tents. A river dock for fishing, a playground for kids, plus a beautiful trail around the lake." The playground provides a central gathering point for younger campers.

Swimming options: Fall Creek Campground provides creek access that children enjoy. A camper noted: "Kids really enjoyed the creek nearby and it was great for our tent camping. We were able to hike around and had water, and restrooms that were clean." The shallow creek areas allow for safer water play.

Site selection considerations: Lake Sylvia has specific sites recommended for families. One visitor advised: "If you can, spots 5 and 23 look amazing. Close to the lake and a little more private than the others." Family-friendly sites typically offer more space and better access to amenities.

Tips from RVers

Utility considerations: Little Creek Casino Resort RV Park provides full hookups but limited space flexibility. A visitor noted: "Make sure you get a site that is large enough for both the RV and your vehicle as there is no extra parking. We picked a 50 ft site which allowed us to park the RV and still have room for our towed car."

New facilities at Schafer: Schafer State Park has recently updated its camping areas with RV users in mind. A camper observed: "The campground on the East side of E Satsop Rd, where the Welcome Center is, is brand new and gorgeous - sites are spacious and well spaced and the bathrooms and showers are the nicest I've ever seen at a campground."

Quiet season benefits: Millersylvania State Park offers year-round access for RVers. A winter camper reported: "After months of trying to get reservations for this popular campground, we finally got one for Thanksgiving weekend! The park is on their winter schedule so only sites 1-7 and 226-248 were open. It made for a nice, quiet weekend even though the open sites were 80% full."

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Elma, WA?

According to TheDyrt.com, Elma, WA offers a wide range of camping options, with 223 campgrounds and RV parks near Elma, WA and 17 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Elma, WA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Elma, WA is Lake Sylvia State Park Campground with a 4.6-star rating from 21 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Elma, WA?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 17 free dispersed camping spots near Elma, WA.