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Camping near Lacey, WA

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    SUMMARY PRESENTED BYT-Mobile

    State parks and forested areas around Lacey, Washington provide a range of camping experiences within an hour's drive of the city. Millersylvania State Park, just 10 miles south of Lacey, offers year-round camping with tent sites, RV hookups, cabins, and yurts set among old-growth forests and a freshwater lake. American Heritage Campground and Riverbend Campground provide additional developed options near Olympia with full hookups for RVs. For those seeking waterfront experiences, Penrose Point State Park on the Key Peninsula and Joemma Beach State Park offer camping with beach access. Military personnel can access Lewis North Travel Camp on Joint Base Lewis-McChord, which provides cabin and RV accommodations with modern amenities.

    Washington State Parks require a Discover Pass for day use, currently priced at $30 annually, though overnight campers typically pay separate camping fees. Most campgrounds in the region operate year-round, though seasonal considerations affect availability and conditions. Winter camping near Lacey can be cold and wet, with temperatures occasionally dropping below freezing. As one camper noted about a nearby Olympic Peninsula campground, "Lucked out with a dry Saturday night. Cold, 28 degrees." Reservations are strongly recommended during summer months when waterfront and lake-adjacent sites fill quickly. Cell service varies significantly by location, with better connectivity at campgrounds closer to urban areas and limited or no service in more remote settings.

    Campers frequently mention the balance between convenience and natural settings as a key advantage of the Lacey area. "Close enough to town for any necessities but far enough to get the secluded feeling," wrote one visitor about a nearby state park. Privacy between sites varies considerably, with RV areas typically offering less separation than tent-only sections. Road noise can be an issue at some locations, particularly those near highways. Many campgrounds feature historic structures built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s, including outdoor kitchens and bathhouses. The region's characteristic evergreen forests provide shade at most campgrounds, though sites along waterfront areas often have less tree cover and more exposure to weather conditions.

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    Best Campgrounds near Lacey (251)

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      1. Millersylvania State Park Campground

      4.1(34)11mi from Lacey153 sitesRVs, Tents, Cabins, Glamping

      "This is a very nice, typical Washington state park with plenty of trees, greenery, hiking, pathways and even a lake."

      "This is a beautiful park located on Deep Lake just outside of Olympia.  The park itself is huge offering lots of options for campers.  "

      from $12 - $140 / night

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      2. American Heritage Campground

      4.4(18)10mi from LaceyRVs, Tents, Cabins

      "We had a little trouble finding this spot because an industrial area moved in around the campground.  Signs tell you where it is, but it feels wrong."

      "Site #5 is close to main office where you can get wifi if you want, we declined though. Restrooms were good. No issues. Will definitely return again soon!"

      from $40 - $60 / night

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      3. Penrose Point State Park Campground

      4.4(21)14mi from Lacey94 sitesRVs, Tents

      "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."

      from $12 - $72 / night

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      4. Dash Point State Park Campground

      3.9(77)26mi from Lacey138 sitesRVs, Cabins, Glamping

      "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."

      from $23 - $80 / night

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      5. Riverbend Campground

      4.6(7)5mi from LaceyRVs, Tents, Glamping

      "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."

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      6. Joemma Beach State Park Campground

      4.4(11)12mi from Lacey23 sitesRVs

      "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."

      from $12 / night

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      7. Lewis North Travel Camp - Joint Base Lewis McChord

      4.6(7)10mi from LaceyRVs, Tents, Cabins

      "Very friendly next to the lake plenty of things to do walking, biking, hiking, fishing, Military museums, not to far off of I-5. Full hookups laundry shower facilities. Cabins too."

      "Unfortunately the restrooms right next to our site were closed so it was a slight walk to the nearest restroom. Restrooms were heated and well taken care of."

      from $12 - $35 / night

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      8. Olympia Campground

      2.8(8)8mi from LaceyRVs, Tents, Cabins

      "Easy access to sound paved road pedestrian underpass. Great camp host and nearby ranger station. Nearby Brinnon Wa. Some restaurants and oyster raising areas locally."

      "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."

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      9. Camp Murray Beach

      4.8(4)11mi from LaceyRVs, Tents

      "Need to reserve your site online with the JBLM MWR or go to the adventure center building nearby on base. Nice access to American Lake and fishing nearby as well."

      "This is a great spot on American Lake to camp with many sites on the waterfront. I would highly recommend this location to eligible military ID Card holders."

      from $8 - $32 / night

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      10. Rock Candy Mountain Trailhead

      3.1(9)14mi from LaceyTents
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    Recent Camping Photos near Lacey, WA

    326 Photos of 251 Lacey Campgrounds

    Recent Reviews near Lacey, WA

    1211 Reviews of 251 Lacey Campgrounds

    • mThe Dyrt Pro User
      Aug. 20, 2026

      Belfair State Park Campground

      Beautiful, easy to get to campground

      This is a beautiful state park with plenty of bathrooms, showers, and water points. There are plenty of full hookup RV spots, non-hookup TV spots, and tenet camping sites. There is a playground for kids, easy access beach area for swimming and paddle boarding, and pathways for pleasant walks.

      I stayed on the beach loop at site 142. It was sunny during the day with nice shade in the evening. A blackberry patch right behind me was just beginning to ripen.

      Great place for families with a loop for the kids to cruise on their bikes.

    • Lainey P.
      Aug. 16, 2026

      Sahara Creek DNR Horse Camp

      HORSE WAS SHOT & SHERIFF WOULD NOT COME

      This went from a four star stay to one star in the blink of an eye. There is a shooting range directly behind this campground, and the horse trails lead right past it. On August 8th 2026 around 2PM, someone’s horse was shot while they were riding less than a half a mile away from camp and when they called 911, animal control came but police would NOT come even to investigate. This was reckless use of a firearm, animal endangerment, and honestly should be a felony. There is no way to accidentally be shooting at the trails from the shooting range, you have to DECIDE to do that. Police are absolutely useless, and now I know especially in this area the cops don’t give a damn about anyone’s safety.

      You can hear shooting nearby all day and all night despite the posted hours at the range. Although it’s a free stay with a discover pass, I will NOT EVER stay here again and would not recommend this place to anyone with horses.

    • Darron S.The Dyrt Pro User
      Aug. 15, 2026

      Dispersed Camping FS-025

      Decent dispersed near Mt Rainier NP

      The pullout park spots are very close to the paved road leading to it. No potholes on the dirt road. Secluded/private. Tall rainforest trees provide shade during the day. There are several spots for vans, conversions, and short RVs. No Internet. No water. No vault toilets. No trash. Primitive dispersed site.

    • Darron S.The Dyrt Pro User
      Aug. 15, 2026

      FR74 dispersed

      Try another road/spot

      The main pullout was taken. It looks as if the RV has been there for more than 14 days (it is on jack stands). Another reviewer mentioned the potholes. Thats a fact. I drive around in a RWD Chevy Astro van, and I bet that primitive, unguarded road chewed into the rubber between my suspension parts. No Internet. No access to the river, (unless you want to cut all the thick foliage)away like exploiters and trailblazers did in the 1800’s. ) Only one fire pit, the one the RV was at. You can drive up a little further and crash for the night. It is level. This dirt road is one lane. It is heavily non-RV friendly. I didn't even sleep there. I checked it out, then decided to drive to nearby Mount Rainier NP. This place was pretty though. Like a rainforest you see in Olympic NP.

    • Sarah R.The Dyrt Pro User
      Aug. 14, 2026

      riffe lake

      Bummed

      Showed up on a Thursday not expecting many folks, so we were surprised to see so many for a weekday. If we’d known it was basically a free “campground” not one or Two dispersed sites we wouldn’t have come. Our fault for that. I was surprised with people parking close to us, blocking the view because they parked right behind us, no spacial awareness and a lot less manners than you’d think. Luckily the place was clean, toilets were gross when we showed up Thursday, poo in the urinal and I’ve never ever in my 45 years of camping seen such a full porta potty. Thank goodness they came and emptied them Friday which is the usual Apparently. We met a few Nice people and that was fantastic, but seriously, who pulls a huge rig behind you to block the view? I just can’t get over that. Needless to say we won’t come back.

    • Michael B.
      Aug. 14, 2026

      Straddleline Park

      Calm weekend

      I’m a tent camper, and messed up and reserved a RV spot. I paid for another spot more suited for tent camping and moved over. When talking to the campsite manager the following day, she offered to refund the 2nights at the wrong site. We declined the refund just because it goes to keeping the area put together and she was doing a fantastic job keeping everything clean and restocked over the short stay we were there.

      Men’s restroom had 2 urinals three stalls and a shower, women’s restroom had three stalls and a shower. One larger stall in both.

    • Sarah R.The Dyrt Pro User
      Aug. 14, 2026

      riffe lake

      Great Views!

      Nice area near the lake that seems pretty popular. Arrived on a Thursday to a decent amount of campers here.

      There are porta potties here, however they are in desperate need of some cleaning and emptying.

      The views were great though.

    • JThe Dyrt Pro User
      Aug. 13, 2026

      The Waterfront at Potlatch

      We’ll come back again and again

      It’s so interesting to read past reviews before getting here and contrasting that with my experience. To be on the water, and be able to watch the tide move in and out every day on the beautiful and peaceful Hood Canal, is an absolute treasure. Yes, highway 101 is loud. There’s no doubt about that. But this small well-maintained RV park of only 16 sites, including full hook ups, is an absolute gem. We stayed here two weeks on site 16 and 11. (Much prefer 16 because it’s on the edge, how the sun is angled this time of the year, we quickly had loads of shade from our RV to sit in, and it’s by a little creek. But side 11 is also nice because there’s more opportunities to chitchat with people as you are in the middle of the campground.) We have met so many incredible people here and exchanged information so we can stay in touch. I will put this on my favorites list and absolutely intend return. In fact, many of the people we met here are people who come year after year after year. The only real downside in my opinion is the fact that there is nowhere that you can hike reachable by foot from the campground. So my husband, dog, and I did our daily walks at the marina parking lot nextdoor, where we would do loops, talk to the fisherman, and eat whatever blackberries ripened overnight. As we are full timers, I was absolutely content to sit outside our rig overlooking the water and work. If you are someone who needs a lot “to do “this may not be the campground for you. But if you are someone who loves to just be by the water and enjoy the tranquility and friendliness of fellow campers, this spot is for you.

    Guide to Lacey

    Camping near Lacey, Washington offers varied terrain with old-growth forests alongside freshwater lakes and saltwater access points. The region receives approximately 50 inches of annual rainfall, with relatively dry summer months creating ideal camping conditions from June through September. Most campgrounds maintain moderate temperatures even during summer heat waves due to extensive tree cover.

    What to Do

    Waterfront activities: At Penrose Point State Park, campers can enjoy a warm swimming beach during summer months. "The beach is a medium-length walk and very warm and swimmable for NW standards," notes Adrienne Q. about this Key Peninsula destination.

    Biking options: Millersylvania State Park provides family-friendly biking trails with minimal elevation change. "Lots of varied activities: biking, light mtb, trail running, hiking, paddling & fishing (there's a small lake)," reports Calvin K., highlighting the accessibility for various skill levels.

    Fishing access: Riverbend Campground offers direct riverside access for anglers. "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," according to reviewer J, who enjoyed the tent sites along the water.

    What Campers Like

    Private, wooded sites: American Heritage Campground receives consistent praise for site separation. "The lots are well plotted with space and privacy," mentions Steve F., while another camper describes it as "not new and fancy but quaint and classic."

    Beach exploration: Joemma Beach State Park provides quality shoreline access without requiring advanced planning. "Several sites have gorgeous views of the water. Simple, small, peaceful campground with pit toilets and potable water," writes Annie B., who visited after Labor Day and found plenty of availability.

    Winter camping options: Dash Point State Park maintains year-round accessibility with less crowding during colder months. Christina F. reports from a Thanksgiving weekend trip: "We finally got one for Thanksgiving weekend! 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."

    What You Should Know

    Campground density: Many campgrounds near Lacey become crowded during summer weekends, particularly those with water access. At Millersylvania State Park, Jed G. notes, "You're packed in pretty close to each other, but the trees provide pretty good insulation. We enjoyed our stay."

    Weather preparedness: The region experiences significant temperature fluctuations, especially in shoulder seasons. "Lucked out with a dry Saturday night. Cold, 28 degrees," reported one camper about winter camping conditions.

    Budget considerations: Campsite costs vary widely across the region, from $12 per night at state parks with minimal amenities to $40+ for full-service sites. "A bit pricey ($37 peak season) but very convenient if you're in Olympia and need a campsite late/on the fly," explains Anna P. about Millersylvania State Park.

    Tips for Camping with Families

    Pool access: American Heritage Campground offers a swimming pool that provides an alternative to lake or beach swimming. Mary C. notes, "One great aspect of this campground is it has a fenced in pool," making it safer for families with younger children.

    Playground availability: Multiple campgrounds near Lacey feature playground equipment. Riverbend Campground includes "children and dog play grounds," according to Lai La L., making it suitable for families with both kids and pets.

    Kid-friendly swimming: Millersylvania State Park provides gradual-entry swimming areas. "The beach is the main attraction and it is hopping. There is 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," according to Ellen T.

    Tips from RVers

    Hookup access: Many RV sites require extra equipment to connect properly. At Land Yacht Harbor, one camper advises, "All connections are in the back so imagine hooking up at a parking lot at the concrete stoppers. Sewer and electric, make sure you got enough tubes and extensions."

    Site selection strategy: Back-in sites predominate in the region, so RV campers should practice maneuvering skills before arrival. Doug shares about Riverbend Campground: "This site does is a back in, but the slab is at a 90 degree angle from the drive. So you will have to back your trailer around a corner if you plan to park it on the slab."

    Military options: Active and retired military personnel have exclusive access to Lewis North Travel Camp on JBLM. Michael C. notes, "Check in is through the Activities Center when rentals of sporting good and water craft can be arranged. Full hookup was about $28/night."

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Where are the best campgrounds near Lacey, WA?

    The Lacey area is surrounded by exceptional campgrounds worth exploring. Dosewallips State Park Campground stands out with its well-maintained grounds and easy access to hiking trails of easy to moderate difficulty. For those seeking a peaceful forest experience, Illahee State Park Campground offers a secluded feeling while still being close enough to town for necessities. Other notable options include American Heritage Campground and Olympia Campground, both offering convenient access to urban amenities while providing a natural camping experience. Most parks in the area require reservations, especially during summer months.

    Can I find tent camping sites near Lacey?

    Yes, there are several excellent tent camping options near Lacey. Millersylvania State Park Campground is one of the closest options, offering plenty of trees, greenery, and hiking trails for tent campers. Another great option is Dash Point State Park Campground, which features beautifully laid out campsites ideal for tent camping with clean facilities and friendly staff. Both parks require reservations during peak season, and you'll need a Discover Pass for day use. Most sites include a picnic table and fire ring, with access to potable water and restroom facilities.

    Are there any riverside camping options near Lacey?

    Yes, the Lacey area offers several riverside camping options. Staircase Campground - Olympic National Park features excellent sites along the river with great water access—specifically the sites on the right side of the main loop. Belfair State Park Campground is located on the northern side of Hood Canal with some sites offering fantastic water views. For those willing to drive a bit farther, Riverbend Campground near Olympia provides riverside sites with various access options including boat-in and drive-in. Most riverside sites are in high demand, so early reservations are recommended, especially during summer months.

    What RV parks are available in Lacey, Washington?

    Lacey and its surrounding areas offer several RV accommodations. Eagle Tree RV Park is located in the Lacey area, though be aware that some sites may experience highway noise. For those seeking more amenities, Washington Land Yacht Harbor near Olympia provides full hookups and is big-rig friendly. Many state parks in the region also accommodate RVs, including American Heritage Campground, which offers water, toilets, and is big-rig friendly. Most RV parks in the area require reservations, especially during peak seasons, and typically provide water, electric, and sometimes sewer hookups, with some offering cable TV and WiFi access.

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