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.
$30 - $40 / night
"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."
$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. "
"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."
$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!"
"Close to casino if you are interested."
"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!"
TravelerExtremely clean showers and toilets. Super friendly staff with on-site staff to help with your issues, super friendly! Close to casino if you are interested.
LegendNear Hoodsport.
Fee campground. Bathrooms with flush toilets. Coin operated showers.
Small general store.
Some RV sites are close together. But there are others with more distance.
Can hold up to a 40 foot RV. Some campsites have lake access.
ScoutI use the app during a time. My family was going to a hard transition. Looking for a new home and this gave us a cheap alternative that Casino see more like a vacation than turmoil lol the kids loved it. We loved it a week later we moved into our home and we were happy again and we still use the app to this day for family camping trips!
GuideOne of the prettiest state park campgrounds we’ve stayed in. Large paved sites, most all with fairly good privacy and foliage between sites and around sites. Very clean bathrooms. Attentive and friendly Park Rangers, but not overbearing in anyway. We stayed here in the winter and many of the sites were flooded with water or the very least very muddy. We need a campers playing hopscotch to different sites that were open trying to find higher dry locations. Pull through sites provided in the loop near us to the beach with the yurts otherwise, all other loops are back in. Several marked trails available to walk to the beach.
ScoutEasy back in spot - we decided just to stay in the main casino parking lot because it was easy and we didn’t need black water hookups for this evening. Pretty simple but also .. a parking lot!
ScoutNot a large spot but plenty of room for car camping or even a single tent. It does get cold up here was about 32F when I was there.
Travelerhost was very nice, site is right across from easy water access. beautiful kayaking and many harbor seals.
dont leave anything unattended by the boat launch, we were stupid enough to leave our paddles there and one was stolen overnight oddly enough.
also minutes from 2 margaritas! cute small mexican resteraunt with a nice breakfast menu
TravelerFantastic area
GuideSites were large enough and far enough apart to maintain some privacy. Water was still on at the site in late November. There is an RV clean out near the entrance.
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 243 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 4.5-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.
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