Best Campgrounds near Olympia, WA

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!