Best Campgrounds near Olympia, WA

You'll find a good mix of camping around Olympia, Washington, where forests and beaches aren't far from the state capital. Millersylvania State Park Campground sits just nine miles outside town, with shady sites spread through the woods. The park has good hiking trails and a lake where you can swim or try to catch some fish. About 30 miles away, Dash Point State Park Campground gives campers beach access for walking the shoreline or having lunch by the water. While the sites are big, they don't offer much privacy since they're laid out in an open area. Both campgrounds have paved roads that most vehicles can handle without problems. During summer and on holiday weekends, you should reserve spots ahead of time - these places fill up fast when the weather's nice. Campers can choose between staying in the woods or heading toward the coast, depending on what they prefer.

Best Camping Sites Near Olympia, Washington (222)

    1. Millersylvania State Park Campground

    34 Reviews
    Tenino, WA
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (888) 226-7688

    $12 - $45 / night

    "Great PNW experience minutes from Olympia!

    Campground review: First off this is not a primitive experience by any means."

    "Can tell this place is packed on weekends, being so close to Olympia. Nice swimming area with snack bar. Many of the tent camp sites are not private and right next to their neighbor."

    2. American Heritage Campground

    15 Reviews
    Tumwater, WA
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (360) 943-8778

    $40 - $60 / night

    "Beautiful campground in the forest that’s convenient to Olympia and yet feels quiet and private. Management is fantastic and offerings are simple but spot on."

    "This campground is located just off of I-5 in Olympia, WA. Privately owned and very nice. Large sites, many with hookups for RVs. Pets are welcome."

    3. Penrose Point State Park Campground

    19 Reviews
    Lakebay, WA
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (888) 226-7688

    $32 / night

    "Pros: group camp is very close to beach front area, GREAT CLAMMING AND OYSTERING!"

    "Penrose Point State Park is a great place close to Seattle to go camping in a small or large group. It's tent or camper friendly with plenty of spots for busier seasons."

    4. Riverbend Campground

    7 Reviews
    DuPont, WA
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (360) 491-2534

    "Super peaceful, great fire pit location, water at the site entrance, portable restrooms away (but close), and best of all right at the river’s edge."

    "We needed something close to the city, but didn’t want to feel like we were in the city, this fit the bill. People are very friendly and accommodating. The park is really clean."

    5. Middle Waddell Campground

    8 Reviews
    Littlerock, WA
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (360) 825-1631

    "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."

    6. Olympia Campground

    7 Reviews
    Tumwater, WA
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (360) 352-2551

    "The staff was so friendly and the surroundings fairly peaceful and wooded. This isn’t fancy, and there are quite a few long-timers, but it was as expected."

    "Good location and good price that felt safe. Okay spot to stop for RVs passing through. Also has a store, laundry, and the bathrooms were clean."

    7. Joemma Beach State Park Campground

    10 Reviews
    Lakebay, WA
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (253) 884-1944

    $12 / night

    "We arrived little later around 6 p.m. And being such a nice day there were only few sites left."

    "Conveniently located right next to the bathroom with an area for parking two vehicles. I have AT&T and had good service in this spot."

    8. Little Creek Casino Resort RV Park

    7 Reviews
    Shelton, WA
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (360) 427-7711

    9. Dash Point State Park Campground

    72 Reviews
    Federal Way, WA
    30 miles
    Website
    +1 (888) 226-7688

    $20 / night

    ""Firstly, I just have to say what a positive and amazing experience I had at this campground. The volunteers were friendly, kind and absolutely awesome to interact with."

    "The campground itself is tucked into a beautiful, forested area with plenty of trees and privacy between sites. Ours had a tent pad, fire ring, and picnic table."

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Recent Reviews near Olympia, WA

1072 Reviews of 222 Olympia Campgrounds


  • Frank B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 12, 2025

    Ike Kinswa

    Quiet

    One of the nicest State campgrounds. Very clean and quiet.

  • EThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 11, 2025

    Mounthaven Resort

    Nice 3 night stay

    This is a great small campground for exploringMt Rainier. We stayed here with friends from Colorado and explored the park and did some great hiking outside of the park. It’s a small mostly quiet campground with around 17 sites and 10 cabins. I would stay again if going to explore the mountain. Very clean showers and restroom building. There is ice available for purchase and firewood if no burn ban. Very enjoyable stay.

  • andrew The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 5, 2025

    Lewis North Travel Camp - Joint Base Lewis McChord

    Easy

    If you have access, use it. $50 for FHU. The laundry is fine. The bathhouse is big and well maintained. There are two separate buildings with these facilities. I observed Commons#2. The park is kid of tight for my tastes. But the sites are big and separated from your neighbors. Very comfortable and woodsy. Great place.

  • andrew The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 2, 2025

    Mounthaven Resort

    Like a warm blanket

    First, DO NOT GO PAST THE SIGN where it tells you to stop. If you turn right to the office you will need to back out. We did. The trees are so thick and the spots are separated. It’s wonderful. You have to maneuver your trailer into the spots. The bathhouse is fine with two small “bathrooms”. There is one washer and one dryer at $5 per load. Ouch. There is no real store nearby so have what you need before you get here. WIFI works well; cell service not so much (Verizon). It is beautiful in the woods.

  • Christopher  T.
    Aug. 30, 2025

    Lake Sylvia State Park Campground

    OUR FAVORITE

    This is our all time favorite campground. Phone service is non-existent and we had att Verizon cricket and straight talk but it does have free WiFi. Only downside is we can't get our big camper in there and have to use our small one. It is the place we go to camp since we're full timers we have stayed some of all 12 months and many of the sites

  • c
    Aug. 28, 2025

    Millersylvania State Park Campground

    Nice but crowded

    We enjoyed our stay at Millersylvania. It’s a beautiful place. We purchased firewood from the Boy Scout troop here for $6/bundle. The only downside for us is that it is really crowded, and a few dogs and some very rude people kept us up until about 1 am.

  • LThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 26, 2025

    NF-2419 Dispersed Pullout

    Large spot in the woods

    My friend and I met here and had plenty of room for my truck, 21' trailer, and a lost woman who we let pull in and sleep. It was so large that we could have added a few more vehicles. The road wasn't bad. There were blackberry plants all over the place. There was, unfortunately, a lot of trash and no Verizon service.

  • T
    Aug. 25, 2025

    Camp Lakeview

    Ball field camping spots

    Overall very nice but you get what you pay for. Limited fire pits and spots are first come first serve and field is not regularly monitored. Bathrooms are portapotties and no shower facilities. Also it is across the road from main campground.

  • Johnny/Lisa M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 24, 2025

    Dash Point State Park Campground

    Ok spot

    It’s ok. Again. A little catfished. Was here for two nights. Quiet at night Campground full of kids if that’s your thing! Bathrooms clean and everyone is friendly! It’s beautiful


Guide to Olympia

Camping near Olympia, WA, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or a family-friendly adventure, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

  • Hiking and exploring: Many campgrounds, like Millersylvania State Park Campground, have great trails. One visitor mentioned, "Hiking and trailing running in the park is wonderful, and with all the loops your efforts can range from 30 min strolls to half-day hikes."
  • Beach activities: At Dash Point State Park Campground, you can enjoy the beach. A reviewer said, "The beach itself is fairly large with plenty of space to stretch out and let your animals go wild without worrying about being too close to other people."
  • Water sports: Ike Kinswa State Park Campground is perfect for kayaking and fishing. One camper noted, "Lake Mayfield, where it is located, is beautiful for kayaking, fishing, swimming in approved areas, canoeing, as well as water skiing."

What campers like:

  • Clean facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. A visitor at Alder Lake Park said, "The bathrooms are very nice. They charge a nominal fee for the showers but they have great water pressure and hot water."
  • Spacious sites: Many campgrounds offer roomy spots. A reviewer at Lake Sylvia State Park Campground mentioned, "The sites along the water didn’t have hookups but they were like your own personal beach!"
  • Family-friendly atmosphere: Campgrounds like Penrose Point State Park Campground are great for families. One parent shared, "Our kids were only one of many groups of roving kids so it's a very family-friendly setting."

What you should know:

  • Noise levels: Some campgrounds can get noisy. A visitor at Potlatch State Park Campground noted, "The sites are dramatically close, so there is little to no privacy if it was busy."
  • Road noise: Campers at Alder Lake Park mentioned hearing highway noise. One said, "Only con is road noise from Hwy7."
  • Reservations recommended: Especially during busy weekends, it's smart to book ahead. A camper at Ike Kinswa State Park Campground advised, "For off-season campers, if you’re going on a weekend, we highly recommend making a reservation."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose kid-friendly campgrounds: Look for places with activities for children. A reviewer at Belfair State Park Campground said, "The kids spent most days playing in the river or at the beach."
  • Pack games and outdoor toys: Bring along items for entertainment. One family at Rainbow Falls State Park Campground enjoyed, "Big open park space for kids to play."
  • Plan for quiet hours: Make sure to respect quiet times. A visitor at Penrose Point State Park Campground mentioned, "The rangers cruised by periodically which seemed to help with quiet hours."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check site sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A camper at Millersylvania State Park Campground noted, "Most of the campsites in the forest loops are small with limited parking."
  • Look for hookups: Many RVers prefer sites with electric and water hookups. A reviewer at Lake Sylvia State Park Campground mentioned, "Only 4 sites with power and water. No sewer."
  • Be prepared for crowds: Some campgrounds can fill up quickly. A visitor at Twanoh State Park Campground said, "It was nearly full but manageable."

Camping near Olympia, WA, has something for everyone, from families to solo adventurers. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy the great outdoors!

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best campgrounds near Olympia, WA?

Millersylvania State Park Campground stands out as a top option just minutes from Olympia. This beautiful park features old-growth forest, extensive walking trails, and Deep Lake for swimming, fishing, and paddling. The campground offers diverse accommodations including tent sites, RV spots, and even glamping options. Another excellent choice is American Heritage Campground, a private campground that offers a quiet, forested setting while remaining convenient to Olympia. This well-managed facility provides spacious, clean sites with many visitors noting the exceptional customer service from campground staff.

What state parks with camping options are located near Olympia?

Potlatch State Park Campground offers camping options near Olympia with Hood Canal waterfront access, though some campers note road noise from nearby Highway 101. Penrose Point State Park Campground provides another state park option with boat-in, drive-in, and walk-in access. Other state parks within reasonable driving distance include Dosewallips, Belfair, and Joemma Beach, each offering unique natural settings and amenities. These parks typically provide standard facilities including restrooms, potable water, and designated camping areas, with some offering waterfront access for additional recreational opportunities.

Is there group camping available in the Olympia area?

Millersylvania State Park Campground offers group camping facilities near Olympia. The park is divided into multiple sections, making it adaptable for larger gatherings while providing access to amenities like hiking trails, swimming areas, and fishing opportunities. Riverbend Campground also accommodates groups with drive-in access and basic amenities including water and toilets. Group sites typically require advance reservations, especially during peak summer months when demand is highest. For larger gatherings, calling the specific campground directly is recommended to discuss group size limits, available facilities, and any specific rules or restrictions that may apply.

Are there RV camping facilities available near Olympia, Washington?

Olympia Campground near Tumwater accommodates RVs with drive-in access, reservable sites, water, toilets, and is big-rig friendly. Little Creek Casino Resort RV Park near Shelton offers another option with full hookups in a convenient location. Many campers also utilize Millersylvania State Park's RV loop, though some note the sites are placed quite close together. Most RV facilities in the area provide standard hookups, with some offering pull-through sites, dump stations, and shower facilities. Prices vary by season and amenities, with private campgrounds typically charging higher rates than state parks.