Tent campsites near Lacey, Washington range from dispersed spots in Capital Forest to boat-in locations in Puget Sound. Most sites sit at elevations between 200-2,000 feet above sea level, with summer temperatures averaging 75°F during day and 50°F at night. Winter camping options remain accessible in lower elevations while higher areas close seasonally due to snowfall and road conditions.
What to do
Kayak to island campgrounds: Hope Island Marine State Park requires visitors to paddle from nearby launch points. One camper noted, "To access take Hwy 101 to Taylor Town and drive out to Arcadia Point. There is a gravel parking lot. Kayak the short jont east to the island."
Target shooting: Sherman Valley in Capital Forest offers more than just camping. A visitor mentioned, "There is even a near by gravel pit owned by the Department of Natural Resources and it is designated for target shooting."
Hike backcountry trails: Mowich Lake Campground provides access to numerous hiking routes. As one camper described, "We did the Tolmie Peak trail and the trailhead is straight off the campground which is super nice. Would definitely go back here and try to spend more time exploring the surrounding area."
Interact with farm animals: The Healing Farm offers unique animal experiences beyond typical camping. A visitor shared, "We gathered eggs, milked goats, fed a porcupine and capybaras, cuddled baby bunnies, met a joey in a pouch, hung out with emus, and even snuggled with goats."
What campers like
Privacy of walk-in sites: Several tent campgrounds near Lacey require short walks from parking areas. At Lena Lake Campground, "Started at the trailhead around 6 pm and made it to the campground around dusk. We were pleased to be greeted by a couple of somewhat overly friendly mountain goats on the way."
Quiet weekday camping: Less crowded experiences await midweek visitors. One Lena Lake camper noted, "It sees heavy use from locals on the weekend. There was plenty of room during the week when I was there."
Lake swimming: Many campsites near Lacey offer water access. A visitor to Camp Thunderbird mentioned it's "located at the base of Summit Lake, with a dock and great swimming spot. There are tent sites, adirondacks, and cabins."
Seeing wildlife: The natural areas surrounding Lacey host diverse animal species. At Lena Lake, one camper "saw fish surface for bugs on the lake as the sun went down."
What you should know
Road conditions: Access to some campgrounds requires driving unpaved roads. For Rock Candy Mountain Trailhead, "The road up the Montana is dirt but some parts are very rocky. Not many dispersed camping spots just pullover spots really."
No water sources: Many sites require bringing your own water. At Mowich Lake, campers should note there's "2 pit toilets, but bring your own toilet paper, especially in the summer when it's super busy."
Fire restrictions: Seasonal bans affect many campgrounds. A Mowich Lake visitor warned, "No fires allowed. Bit of a rough ride to get up there but totally worth it."
Limited cell service: Connectivity varies widely near Lacey. One camper at Rock Candy Mountain reported "Verizon was barely there," while another found "5 bars of cell service" at a different spot on the same mountain.
Tips for camping with families
Choose established sites: Families benefit from more developed facilities. At The Healing Farm, one parent shared, "This was one of the best camping experiences I have ever had. I always go 1 time a year camping with my adult kids and grandkids. (They are under 10 years old). It is hard to find a place to be fun for younger children."
Pack for temperature swings: Even summer nights can be cold at higher elevations. One Mowich Lake camper warned, "Even in July there is snow and temperatures reached as low as 40F. Fortunately we were prepared, but you may not be."
Look for educational opportunities: Some campgrounds offer learning experiences. At Macie's Brook, "Spacious Tent Sites near the Water" provide opportunities for nature study with easy water access.
Check for amenities: Not all sites have basic facilities. A visitor to Malaney Creek Farm found "a camp box with info, instant coffee, guides to area sight seeing and food along with a log book to write about your stay."
Tips from RVers
Mind road width: Some access roads aren't suitable for large vehicles. A Rock Candy Mountain visitor warned, "They wrote it on barely white enough for two vehicles to safely pass each other. Not suitable for anything wider than a class B."
Winter camping limitations: Cold weather restricts RV access to many areas. Another Rock Candy Mountain visitor noted, "In my opinion this area is not suitable for winter camping."
Watch for steep grades: Mountain roads present challenges for RVs. One camper cautioned about Rock Candy Mountain, "It gets pretty steep going up the road. The right steep... There is a long drop if you lose control and fail off road."
Know your site options: Some campgrounds accommodate both tents and RVs. Camp Thunderbird offers "tent sites, adirondacks, and cabins" with amenities suitable for various camping styles.
