Dispersed camping opportunities near Olympia, Washington include several forest service and Department of Natural Resources sites within Capitol Forest. The region has an average annual rainfall of 50 inches, creating lush forest conditions but potential flooding issues at lower elevations during winter months. Camping areas range from sea level to 2,659 feet at the summit of Capitol Peak.
What to do
Mountain biking trails: Middle Waddell Campground offers direct access to Capitol Forest's trail system. "This campground is amazing! Our group stayed in loop C and we had a blast. The campground was very clean, even the bathroom :) So many trails all over the campground to enjoy while your here," notes one visitor who appreciated the quiet setting.
Beach exploration: The waterfront at Penrose Point State Park Campground provides excellent beach access with protected coves. "The beach is a medium-length walk and very warm and swimmable for NW standards," reports one camper, highlighting the rare swimming conditions in typically cold Puget Sound waters.
Fishing opportunities: Multiple campsites near Olympia provide access to both freshwater and saltwater fishing. One visitor to Riverbend Campground mentioned, "A short walk within the park and you're at a lovely river," making it convenient for anglers staying at the campground.
What campers like
Wooded privacy: American Heritage Campground maintains separation between campsites with natural barriers. "I really appreciated the ease of getting to the campground off of I-5 and the privacy of the heavily wooded individual sites," writes a camper who valued both accessibility and seclusion.
Seasonal perks: Summer amenities enhance camping experiences near Olympia. A visitor to Millersylvania State Park Campground noted, "They have a nice shallow area and two large swimming areas as well as a fishing dock. The lake is small and great for letting kids go out in kayaks or other boats."
Budget-friendly options: Several campgrounds offer affordable rates year-round. At Joemma Beach State Park, a camper shared, "it is $12 per site per night. And discovery pass is required. You get the little slip, fill out the info and put cash/check and deposit the envelope portion, keep the detachable slip and display on vehicle."
What you should know
Urban proximity considerations: Campgrounds closest to Olympia balance convenience with some urban impacts. At Dash Point State Park Campground, a visitor explained, "You might hear a bit of road noise, depending on your site. But it's a small price to pay for a low-effort, high-reward camping weekend." The campground remains remarkably peaceful despite its location.
Seasonal facility changes: Winter camping requires different expectations. At Millersylvania State Park, one November visitor observed, "The park is on their winter schedule so only sites 1-7 and 226-248 were open. It made for a nice, quiet weekend even though the open sites were 80% full."
Reservation requirements vary: Some campgrounds shift between reservation systems and first-come, first-served depending on season. A recent visitor to Joemma Beach State Park noted, "Joemma State Park campground is no longer all first come first serve only. It is now reservable online, but if you get there and there is an available spot it is $12 a night that you pay at site."
Tips for camping with families
Dedicated kid spaces: Several campgrounds feature playgrounds and designated recreation areas. At Riverbend Campground, a visitor highlighted, "Friendly staff, nice river walks and nice picnic spots. Children and dog play grounds."
Beach access for children: Waterfront camping areas provide natural entertainment. At Penrose Point State Park, one family camper shared, "Our family of four tent camped for three nights in this happy go lucky campground... Campsites are just a short walk from a calm cove of Puget Sound and our family had a great time playing in the water each day."
Educational opportunities: Some campgrounds offer structured activities. A Penrose Point visitor mentioned, "The grounds, including bathrooms, were well maintained and the kids enjoyed taking part in the junior ranger program."
Tips from RVers
Hook-up limitations: Electrical capacity varies between campgrounds. At Olympia Campground, an RVer cautioned, "They advertise 30A service, but the grid cannot handle it. Breakers flip often, especially in the colder months when campers are trying to stay warm."
Site configurations: Consider parking arrangements when booking. A visitor to Riverbend Campground noted, "We got site 106 which was the furthest one out, it was right along the river. The site has a concrete slab and fit our Jayco 174BH perfectly. This site does is a back in, but the slab is at a 90 degree angle from the drive."
Winter weather preparedness: Winter camping requires additional planning. An RVer at Millersylvania State Park reported, "The only reason for 4 stars instead of 5 is because our site had a huge mud puddle from the road going to the power and water hook-up. The thin layer of mud on the pavement made things quite slick as I was trying to get leveling blocks down."
