Capitol Forest camping sites near Malone, Washington sit within the forested hills approximately 20-30 miles southwest of Olympia at elevations ranging from 400-2,000 feet. The camping season typically extends from late May through October, with many sites closed during winter months due to road conditions. Discovery Passes are required for overnight stays at most established campgrounds in the area.
What to Do
Hiking trails access: Porter Creek Campground offers direct access to miles of forest trails. "There are hiking trails close by," notes one camper, while another mentions there are "many trails that allow ATV, horses, bikes, and people on them."
Water activities: At Lake Sylvia State Park Campground, visitors enjoy water recreation on the calm lake. "This is the ideal place for paddle sports such as SUP and Kayaking," mentions one reviewer. "They offer a large playground and barriers in the shallow area of the water to help parents keep an eye on their little ones."
Mountain biking: Capitol Forest contains extensive trail networks accessible from several campgrounds. A visitor to Margaret McKenny Equestrian Campground notes, "There's hiking trails all around you!" The trail system includes both beginner and advanced routes throughout the forest.
What Campers Like
Forest seclusion: American Heritage Campground offers private wooded sites. "The lots are well plotted with space and privacy," reports one camper. Another notes, "I really appreciated the ease of getting to the campground off of I-5 and the privacy of the heavily wooded individual sites."
Water proximity: Many campers appreciate creek and lake access at various sites. At Porter Creek, one reviewer mentions it's "right on the river which is so beautiful." The creek provides cooling relief during summer months.
Clean facilities: Millersylvania State Park Campground receives positive comments about its maintained amenities. "Clean bathrooms, water, and a (very cold) shower!" notes one visitor. Another reports, "The park is on their winter schedule so only sites 1-7 and 226-248 were open. It made for a nice, quiet weekend."
What You Should Know
Discovery Pass requirement: Most campgrounds in Capitol Forest require Washington's annual or daily pass. "You do need a discovery pass in order to stay and just register up front," explains one camper at Margaret McKenny Equestrian Campground.
Road conditions: Some forest roads present challenges, particularly in wet weather. At Rock Candy Mountain Trailhead, a camper warns, "The road up the mountain is dirt but some parts are very rocky," and another notes, "It gets pretty steep going up the road."
Limited amenities: Many forest campgrounds offer minimal facilities. A Fall Creek Campground visitor reports, "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."
Varied cell service: Connection quality differs significantly across the region. At Lake Sylvia State Park, one camper notes "Phone service is non-existent and we had att Verizon cricket and straight talk but it does have free WiFi."
Tips for Camping with Families
Swimming options: Lake-based campgrounds provide kid-friendly water access. "Amazing place to camp for families! Nice sites, clean restrooms, swimming, kayaking, a playground, and miles of trails!" recommends a visitor to Lake Sylvia State Park.
Playground access: Schafer State Park Campground provides recreational facilities for children. "Areas for outdoor games in the summer," mentions one camper. American Heritage Campground features "old school playground which we love," according to another review.
Campsite selection: Consider site placement for family camping. At Millersylvania, one visitor notes, "We had a large group of four families and it accommodated us very well." The campground has "separated tent and RV sites, sites are spacious."
Tips from RVers
Pull-through availability: Middle Waddell Campground offers accessible RV sites. "We have 33 campsites, Tent sites and some great pull through sites for Rv's and ORVs," notes the campground host.
Hookup options: For those needing services, Little Creek Casino Resort RV Park provides full facilities. "Full hookups for the rver. Sites to 70 ft," notes one visitor, though they mention "No firepits is a downside."
Size limitations: Many forest campgrounds have restricted access for larger rigs. At Schafer State Park, a camper notes 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."
