242 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
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.
"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."
from $30 - $40 / night
Check Availability"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. "
from $12 - $45 / night
Check Availability"A lot of paths to walk the dogs. Areas for outdoor games in the summer."
"Bathrooms are centrally located and clean. Fishing and playing in the river are the only activities this park has."
"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!"
"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."
"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!"
from $40 - $60 / night
Check Availability"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?"
"Completely dispersed tent or rv camping with a Washington Discovery Pass ($35 year) otherwise FREE for up too 7 days."
"There’s hiking trails all around you!"
TravelerThere are a bunch of places to park and camp by the cell-towers and pull-offs on the way up but as other reviews note heading to the end of the road is where the gem lies. Probably space for three cars or so, the view south towards Astoria on a clear day is majestic, and it is peaceful. Any decent AWD should easily make the trip even after rains. No facilities, but none needed.
TravelerBeautiful quiet spot on the tip of Bay Center. There are like 14 spots and there was only one other camper. Check-in was after hours but clearly laid out - only $20 for the night. There are bathrooms, but i had my own & it was raining so didn't venture out to them. Each spot has a picnic table & a firepit. Had spot #5 that is right next to the trail that goes down through the forest to the beach. Had service and a great night's sleep.
GuideStayed on site 38. Perfect for Van camping. Electric,water and sewer. Some sewer locations may need an extension hose. Power ran about 118 to 120 voltage. Cell service where we were at ...ATT had 3 bars and Verizon at 1 or 2 bars at best. Very dated park. But paved narrow roads and tight sites. Reserved on phone, same day of arrival. At 3:18 pm and checkin was closed. So we just went to site. Our loop restroom was very dated and needed some repairs. X1 shower in men's and women's. Men's side had tile missing but had hot water. Overall....just a very dated park. Airport noise noticeable. But spaces are somewhat spaced out with some privacy.
ScoutLong dirt road with multiple branch of campsites to pick along. No facilities to use, but easy for more private campers. Beautiful scenery!
GuideThere are small pullouts along the service road but none that are much larger than a van can fit. Phone service is fairly solid, and car traffic seems minimal. I arrived later in the day and spent one night and had nobody drive past until late morning. Turning around can be a challenge if you have anything longer than a regular car.
ScoutBeautiful and clean campgrounds! Everyone was very respectful and the nights are very nice and quiet. No loud music was heard during our stay! Just real traditional camping. Very clean bathrooms that were cleaned twice a day! There are three facilities to buy firewood if needed around the campgrounds, and lake access was very close by!
GuideLittle spots for rvs with power and water. Paid 35. Overlooking the ocean.
TravelerBeautiful wooded campground! Like all TT campgrounds a touch on the rustic side. Large, well spaced private sites. We visited mid-May and the campground was very quiet.
GuideThe campground itself is small, which is nice. We did a lot of laps with our toddler on his bike without having to worry about getting lost or him get tired far from our spot.
We were originally supposed to stay in site #33 but switched because it was right next to the bathroom building, which smelled heavily of pee (the inside didn’t, just the outside). We stayed in #20 - flat, spacious, on the inside but looking toward the water, and site #9 - not particularly flat but right on the water (wouldn’t recommend for a tent).
The lake was extremely low but it definitely seems to be geared toward fishing so if this isn’t your thing and you would rather be able to swim or paddle board, this might not be your lake. There is a designated beach/swim area in the park itself but I can see that getting quite crowded and it was be a bit disappointing to be right on the water and be too worried about fish hooks to swim from the site.
There’s a beautiful new pavilion with a wash station, picnic tables, and big fireplace. There are also quite a few trails in the area, which kept up busy for most of a day.
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.
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.
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."
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."
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."
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."
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Malone, WA?
According to TheDyrt.com, Malone, WA offers a wide range of camping options, with 242 campgrounds and RV parks near Malone, WA and 17 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Malone, WA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Malone, WA is Lake Sylvia State Park Campground with a 4.4-star rating from 22 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Malone, WA?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 17 free dispersed camping spots near Malone, WA.
Keep Exploring
