Camping near Olympia, Washington centers around deep evergreen forests surrounding a network of lakes, rivers, and the southern Puget Sound. The region receives approximately 50 inches of annual rainfall, creating lush vegetation and ideal conditions for glamping sites that remain open year-round despite seasonal temperature variations. Winter temperatures typically range from 30-45°F while summer temperatures reach 70-85°F.
What to do
Water recreation at Deep Lake: Millersylvania State Park provides swimming areas with designated zones for safer water activities. "Nice state forest with old growth. Lots of walking trails and a lake. Many families and kids running free," explains Anna P., who visited in June 2025.
Trail exploration: Many campgrounds connect to extensive trail networks winding through old-growth forests. "There are ample trails throughout the park including a lovely trail along the lake, which is not far from the campground," notes Christina F., who camped at Millersylvania State Park Campground during Thanksgiving weekend.
Riverfront relaxation: Several glamping options in Olympia offer riverside locations with dedicated sitting areas. "We stayed there on a Thursday right on the river. Super peaceful, great fire pit location, water at the site entrance," reports a camper who enjoyed the riverside tent sites at Riverbend Campground.
Clam digging: Waterfront camping areas provide access to shellfish harvesting during appropriate seasons. "Nestled among the trees, a great place to pitch a tent, dig clams and have a nice dinner," explains Vince L. about the marine recreation opportunities available.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Campgrounds in the Olympia region vary in site spacing and privacy levels. "The campground itself is huge offering lots of options for campers. Super easy to get our trailer in and out of the spaces and there was lots of extra parking for our larger group," notes a reviewer who enjoyed the camping variety.
Lake views: Waterfront sites with direct lake views rank among the most requested. "Many of these sites back up directly on the lake. You'll love the sound of the water lapping on the rocks as you sleep here," shares Steve C. about camping at Ike Kinswa State Park Campground.
Clean facilities: Well-maintained bathrooms and showers enhance the glamping experience in Olympia. "The bathrooms work well and were clean. Our site had a beautiful water view, but there was a trail that went by right next to the site limiting privacy," reports Caitlyn R. who visited in June 2025.
Proximity to wilderness: Sites located near hiking trails provide immediate access to nature exploration. "Beautiful campground, amazing trails just no cell service," comments a visitor who appreciated the natural surroundings but noted the connectivity limitations.
What you should know
Seasonal site conditions: Winter camping can present challenges with water and mud. "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," Christina F. notes about winter camping at Millersylvania.
Reservation requirements: Popular glamping sites in Olympia, Washington require advance booking, especially for summer months. "After months of trying to get reservations for this popular campground, we finally got one for Thanksgiving weekend," shares a camper who found off-season visits easier to book.
Variable cell service: Connectivity differs significantly between campgrounds near Olympia. "We had decent service for Verizon," reports one camper, while others mention complete lack of cell coverage in more remote locations.
Mixed-use campgrounds: Some sites serve both short-term campers and long-term residents. "We enjoyed our stay at Olympia Campground. 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," explains Carrie S. about the atmosphere.
Tips for camping with families
Playgrounds and recreation areas: Look for campgrounds with dedicated play spaces for children. "The park is large with a play ground and beach area. My kids enjoyed playing in the sand and watching deer from our campsite," shares a visitor to Alder Lake Park.
Loop biking for kids: Several campgrounds feature paved loops perfect for children learning to ride bikes. "Our kids love walking the trails and riding their bikes around the loops. Everyone is courteous, there are bathrooms nearby, and the campsites are semi-private," notes Latosha H. about family-friendly camping experiences.
Group camping options: For family reunions or multi-family trips, specialized group areas offer better accommodation. "We stayed in the group camp and I can highly recommend it. It had its own bathrooms. It was set back in the woods with tons of places for tents. The shelter was large and had water and power," explains Ellen T., who organized a group camping trip.
Swimming area selections: Choose campgrounds with designated shallow swimming zones for younger children. "The beach is the main attraction and it is hopping. We went early in the morning and staked a claim and were happy all day. There is a nice shallow area and two large swimming areas," recommends a family camper.
Tips from RVers
Pull-through site availability: Many glamping locations near Olympia offer pull-through sites for easier parking. "Very accommodating owners who are super sweet. Ice and wood available on site (even delivered to your site)," notes Jae M. about staying at Elkamp Eastcreek.
Hook-up variations: Electric, water, and sewer connections vary between campgrounds and loops. "The campground is heavily wooded which is really nice for shade, though it can make it tricky to get into a spot if you have slide outs," warns Christina F., who recommends carefully checking site dimensions before booking.
Winter electricity limitations: During peak heating season, electrical capacity may be restricted at some sites. "They urge campers to use their propane heaters and not use electricity. We were berated for using 'close to 30A', because if too many neighbors are using electricity, you'll have a blackout," shares a winter RV camper.
Waterfront RV sites: Premium waterfront sites for RVs exist but require early booking. "Often our first or last trip of the year, due to its proximity to the greater Seattle area. Small sites with little privacy but very well kept for a heavily used park," notes Doug about Belfair State Park Campground.
