Best Campgrounds near Malone, WA
Capitol Forest and the surrounding area near Malone, Washington provide various camping options across managed campgrounds and dispersed sites. Porter Creek Campground offers primitive tent and RV sites along a creek with hiking trails nearby, while Middle Waddell Campground features tent sites, pull-through spots, and water hookups. The Rock Candy Mountain Trailhead area includes limited dispersed camping opportunities with basic amenities approximately 20 miles southwest of Olympia in the forested hills of Grays Harbor County.
Many campgrounds in the region require a Washington State Discovery Pass for overnight stays, including Middle Waddell and Fall Creek campgrounds. The camping season generally runs from May through November, with limited winter access due to weather conditions. "The campground supervisors were amazingly excellent people they as soon as you pull in come around introduced themselves and ask if you need anything," noted one visitor about Middle Waddell Campground. Roads to some dispersed sites can be challenging, particularly during wet periods, with several reviews mentioning rough road conditions and limited clearance at Rock Candy Mountain. Cell service varies significantly throughout the area, with spotty coverage in more remote locations.
Camping experiences in this region often center around creek access and forest trails. A visitor to Porter Creek noted, "Easy to find, fairly secluded sites available and right on the river which is so beautiful." Several campgrounds provide vault toilets and fire rings but limited drinking water facilities. The mixed-use nature of Capitol Forest means campers may encounter ATVs, motorcycles, mountain bikers, and equestrians sharing trails and camping areas. Noise levels vary by location, with some campgrounds experiencing traffic sounds from nearby roads while others offer more secluded settings. Weekend activity tends to increase during summer months, particularly at established campgrounds with amenities.
