Best Tent Camping near Olympia, WA

Tent campers near Olympia, Washington have access to both established campgrounds and dispersed sites within an hour's drive. Rock Candy Mountain Trailhead offers primitive tent camping with minimal facilities, while Hope Island Marine State Park provides boat-in tent sites on a scenic island in South Puget Sound. Olympic National Forest Dispersed Camping areas provide free primitive options for those seeking a more remote experience approximately 50 miles from Olympia.

Most tent sites in the Olympia region feature dirt or forest duff surfaces with limited grading. Campgrounds like Rock Candy Mountain have vault toilets but no drinking water, making water supplies essential for overnight stays. Olympic National Forest dispersed sites typically lack toilets and other facilities completely, requiring strict adherence to leave-no-trace principles. During summer months, fire bans are common throughout the region, particularly in Olympic National Forest where wildfire risk can be significant. Bear activity is present in many areas, especially in the Olympic forest zones, requiring proper food storage.

Tent-only areas provide excellent access to hiking trails and water features. The Hope Island Marine State Park campground offers tent campers beach access and hiking trails on a forested island accessible only by watercraft. Areas farther from Olympia generally provide greater seclusion and wildlife viewing opportunities. Several tent sites back up to creeks or small lakes, providing both scenic views and natural white noise for sleeping. One visitor to Hope Island noted, "We kayaked here from Boston Harbor on a beautiful summer weekend. Boat-in sites are first-come, first-serve, but even the sites tucked in the forest were beautiful and only a few steps from the water." At Rock Candy Mountain, campers should be prepared for road noise, as sites are located near a moderately trafficked roadway.

Best Tent Sites Near Olympia, Washington (52)

    2. Hope Island Marine State Park Campground

    2 Reviews
    Shelton, WA
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (360) 426-9226

    $12 / night

    "Boat-in sites are first-come, first serve so we did not arrive early enough to snatch the few that are right on the water but nonetheless the ones tucked in the forest were still beautiful and only a few"

    "It is located in the Puget Sound just North of Steamboat Island. It has 2 miles of hiking trails and 8 primitive campsites."

    3. Camp Thunderbird

    1 Review
    Malone, WA
    11 miles
    Website

    "It is located at the base of Summit Lake, with a dock and great swimming spot. There are tent sites, adirondacks, and cabins. There is a great big field and lots of trails."

    4. The Healing Farm

    2 Reviews
    Yelm, WA
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (509) 308-0188

    $60 / night

    "The campsite itself was private, peaceful, and perfectly set up—complete with a fire pit and a hammock that our son loved.

    Leaving was the hardest part (there were definitely tears)."

    "The kids was in Awh with all the animals and how they would let you walk up to them and interact with them."

    5. Malaney Creek Farm

    1 Review
    Shelton, WA
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (360) 463-7783

    $29 - $185 / night

    "gated entry and showed us our spot. they gave us a quick run down of the place and let us be. our spot was the Trillium site which has a few hundred foot hike from where you park your car and the portable toilet"

    6. Macie's Brook

    1 Review
    Lakebay, WA
    17 miles
    +1 (206) 200-9169

    $15 - $45 / night

    7. Coffee Creek Community & Gardens

    1 Review
    Centralia, WA
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (360) 623-2103

    $50 - $115 / night

    "The wood stove keeps you toasty in the cold, the kitchen space is perfect and simple. The windows give you incredible views of the forest."

    8. Sherman Valley- State Forest

    3 Reviews
    Oakville, WA
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (360) 577-2025

    "I grew up camping here, as a Boy Scout this was a perfect location for many activities."

    9. Olympic National Forest Dispersed Camping

    2 Reviews
    Matlock, WA
    30 miles

    "We camped near Vance Creek trailhead to do the Olympic Bridges bike ride the next morning. Since this is a national forest, dispersed camping is allowed."

    10. Panhandle Lake Camp

    Be the first to review!
    Matlock, WA
    20 miles
    Website

    $25 - $100 / night

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Showing results 1-10 of 52 campgrounds

Tent Camping Reviews near Olympia, WA

928 Reviews of 52 Olympia Campgrounds



Guide to Olympia

Tent camping near Olympia, Washington offers a fantastic opportunity to immerse yourself in nature while enjoying a variety of amenities and activities. With several well-reviewed campgrounds in the area, outdoor enthusiasts can find the perfect spot to set up their tents.

Tent campers should check out Hope Island Marine State Park Campground

  • Experience a beautiful boat-in campground at Hope Island Marine State Park Campground, where you can enjoy hiking trails and clam digging during the right season.
  • This campground features picnic tables by the water and several vault toilets, making it a convenient choice for a weekend getaway.
  • The serene environment is perfect for kayaking, with sites tucked away in the forest just steps from the shoreline.

Tent campers appreciate these amenities at Coffee Creek Community & Gardens

  • Coffee Creek Community & Gardens offers cozy cabins and glamping options, along with tent sites that provide access to drinking water and electric hookups.
  • Enjoy the lovely views from the porch while sipping tea, and take advantage of the firewood available for cozy campfires.
  • The campground is pet-friendly, allowing you to bring your furry friends along for the adventure.

Local attractions near Camp Thunderbird

  • Located at the base of Summit Lake, Camp Thunderbird features a dock and swimming area, making it ideal for water activities.
  • This campground is owned by the Boy Scouts of America and offers a variety of tent sites, adirondacks, and cabins for diverse camping experiences.
  • With numerous trails and a large field, it’s a great spot for group activities and outdoor fun.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Olympia, WA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Olympia, WA is Rock Candy Mountain Trailhead with a 2.8-star rating from 5 reviews.

What is the best site to find tent camping near Olympia, WA?

TheDyrt.com has all 52 tent camping locations near Olympia, WA, with real photos and reviews from campers.