S
Susan L.
Guide
GuideSkamokawa Vista Park
Nice clean campground on the Columbia River
Plenty of room. Very clean. Steps from the water
Camping near Tenino, WA
233 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
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SUMMARY PRESENTED BY
The Tenino, Washington area features several established campgrounds surrounded by forest land and recreational lakes within a short drive of Olympia. Millersylvania State Park Campground offers tent, RV, cabin, and glamping accommodations in a wooded setting around Deep Lake, providing both utility hookup sites and more rustic options. American Heritage Campground and Olympia Campground provide additional cabin camping opportunities within 15 miles of Tenino. Most sites in the region accommodate multiple camping styles including traditional tent sites, RV pads with hookups, and cabin rentals, with several campgrounds featuring waterfront access.
Many campgrounds in the area remain open year-round with varying levels of amenities and privacy. A recent visitor noted, "This is a nice woodsy campground just south of Olympia, WA located on Deep lake. It has a very old growth forest feel to it." Site reservations are highly recommended, especially during summer months when waterfront locations fill quickly. The terrain throughout the region includes both open meadows and densely forested areas, with most campgrounds offering basic amenities like water access, fire rings, and picnic tables. Road access is generally good with paved roads leading to most established campgrounds, though some tent-only areas may require short walks from parking areas.
Campers consistently mention the lake access and swimming opportunities as highlights of camping near Tenino. Millersylvania State Park receives particular attention for its lake activities, hiking trails and family-friendly atmosphere. A camper described the experience: "There's camping, hiking, swimming, fishing, and lots more. Mostly I just take my family there to hike the trails. It's beautiful." The camping areas near Tenino balance proximity to services with a feeling of forest seclusion, making them popular for weekend getaways from both Seattle and Portland. Site privacy varies considerably between campgrounds, with RV sections typically offering less seclusion than tent-specific areas. Several campgrounds feature communal facilities like outdoor kitchens, making them suitable for larger group camping experiences while still providing access to individual sites.
Best Campgrounds near Tenino (233)
1. Millersylvania State Park Campground
"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
Check Availability2. American Heritage Campground
"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
Check Availability3. Olympia Campground
"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."
4. Middle Waddell Campground
"Just had to purchase a Washington state parks pass for $10. Had great biking and atv trails right by the campground."
"Close to town yet still secluded in the woods. Tons of trails for hiking, horses and dirt bikes! Plenty of sites for trailers and tents. Vault toilets, picnic tables, fire rings and water hook ups."
5. Thousand Trails Chehalis
"Thousand Trails Chehalis We stay two nights from August 31st through September 2, 2019 in campsite H43, the price was$o.oo due to our Thousand Trails membership."
"We paid, then they let us drive around until we found a spot to our liking. They have RV hookups and everything, but they also have primitive camping sites for tents with river access."
6. Ike Kinswa State Park Campground
"One of my favorite campgrounds in Washington! Lots of camping spots right on Lake Mayfield with tons of trails in and around the campground."
"Let me start off by saying - if there are so many campsites in Washington, why would you want to stay at the same place multiple times??? Ike Kinswa is the place I would stay at repeatedly."
7. Margaret McKenny Equestrian Campground
"Completely dispersed tent or rv camping with a Washington Discovery Pass ($35 year) otherwise FREE for up too 7 days."
"There’s hiking trails all around you!"
8. Deep Lake Resort
9. Alder Lake Campground
"It's about an hours drive from Paradise, which makes it less ideal than Cougar Rock if that's your destination, but the reservations do not fill up nearly as quickly."
"Walking distance to the day use beach area. Very clean showers. Well maintained sites and fire wood for sale with the camp host. A great spot for exploring near Mt. Rainer."
from $35 - $265 / night
Check Availability10. Midway RV Park
"Judy’s Country Kitchen located at the entrance has great food. The breakfasts were amazing."
from $50 - $65 / night
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Drive Time
- 19 min from Olympia, WA
- 57 min from Longview, WA
- 1 hr 10 min from Bremerton, WA
- 1 hr 15 min from Seattle, WA
Recent Camping Photos near Tenino, WA
276 Photos of 233 Tenino Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Recent Reviews near Tenino, WA
1076 Reviews of 233 Tenino Campgrounds
Liz D.
TravelerPotlatch State Park Campground
Meh: Crowded, noisy, good for families, under repair
Camped on a busy Saturday night and less busy Sunday night. Lots of kids and dogs, sites close together. We were in a middle section for campers w/o hookups — kind of like a parking lot. On the other hand, tent sites were nestled into the very dark, dense tree canopy. Our site was 1 away from the bathroom, which was lit up inside and out with the power of a dozen suns all night. Well, it was bright, anyway. Showers looked good, though we ran out of time to use them. Dump station was under repair, which we were not told, nor was there signage, making for a difficult turnaround.
Ellen M.
ScoutHarry Gardner Park
Amazing
It was me and my son's first time camping at this campsite and we had an amazing time I rate this camping experience at 10 out of 10 and I would definitely will be back again soon
- mmason G.Traveler
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.
RangerSahara 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.RangerDispersed 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.Ranger
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.Travelerriffe 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.TravelerStraddleline 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.
Guide to Tenino
The camping sites near Tenino, Washington offer diverse terrain situated within the foothills of the Cascade Mountains at elevations between 150-400 feet. Winter camping remains available at several locations with temperatures rarely dropping below freezing, though rainfall averages 50 inches annually from November through March. Most campgrounds maintain partial accessibility even during winter months, with some sites offering year-round service.
What to do
Kayaking and boating on Deep Lake: Millersylvania State Park provides water access with designated swimming areas. "The lake is small and great for letting kids go out in kayaks or other boats. 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," notes Ellen T., who stayed at the Millersylvania State Park Campground.
Trail riding and ATVs: Capitol Forest offers designated trails for dirt bikes and ATVs near Middle Waddell Campground. "Great campground. Great price. Just had to purchase a Washington state parks pass for $10. Had great biking and atv trails right by the campground," reports Britney T. about the Middle Waddell Campground.
Gold panning opportunities: Some creek areas near camping locations allow visitors to try panning for gold. "There was a creek near by with people panning for gold which was interesting!" writes Jess G., who visited Middle Waddell Campground.
What campers like
Private, wooded campsites: Many campers appreciate the seclusion offered at American Heritage. "The lots are well plotted with space and privacy," notes Steve F. about his stay at American Heritage Campground. Sites typically feature 20-30 feet between neighbors with natural barriers.
Year-round campground access: Despite seasonal weather variations, several locations maintain continuous operations. "One thing that was great about the park was the various kitchens around the grounds. This offers a great way for larger groups to have a set space for meals," explains Mary C. about Millersylvania State Park Campground.
Evening quiet hours enforcement: Most campgrounds maintain 10:00 PM quiet hours. A visitor to Millersylvania noted, "Many families and kids running free. Quieted down around 10pm. A bit pricey ($37 peak season) but very convenient if you're in Olympia and need a campsite late/on the fly," according to Anna P.
What you should know
Discovery Pass requirements: State park locations require a Washington Discovery Pass for day use or camping. At Ike Kinswa State Park Campground, "This campground is on Mayfield Lake where the Cowlitz River flows into the lake. We were in loop D, which was the only open loop along with the cabins (cabins are loop C and attached to loop D)," explains Christina F.
Winter limitations: Some facilities close or reduce services during winter months. "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," Christina F. notes about Millersylvania during Thanksgiving.
Cell service variability: Reception strength varies significantly between locations. One camper reported about Millersylvania, "Beautiful campsite, amazing trails just no cell service," while at Ike Kinswa State Park, another noted, "Very good Verizon cell service."
Tips for camping with families
Playground and beach access: Several parks offer combined play areas and swimming locations. "There is a playground and beach area. It would have been nice if there was a playground on the campground side of the park," notes Christina F. about Alder Lake Park.
Group campsite options: Some locations offer separate areas for larger family gatherings. "We stayed in the group camp and I can highly recommend it. It had it's own (slightly frightening- not well cleaned, run down) bathrooms. It was set back in the woods with tons of places for tents," explains Ellen T. about Millersylvania.
Bike-friendly campground roads: Many locations feature loop roads suitable for children's cycling. "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," shares Latosha H. about Ike Kinswa State Park.
Tips from RVers
Varying hookup availability: Power options differ between campgrounds near Tenino. "We had a pull-through site right across from the dumpster, bathrooms, and camp host. We had decent service for Verizon," mentions Christina F. about Millersylvania. Most RV sites include 30-amp service, with 50-amp limited to select locations.
Year-round accessibility: Thousand Trails Chehalis maintains winter operations for RVs. "I really appreciated the ease of getting to the campground off of I-5 and the privacy of the heavily wooded individual sites. The best part for me was the friendliness and helpful advice about towing and backing up my trailer from the gentleman who checked us in," shares Amy B.
Power reliability issues: Some locations experience electrical inconsistencies. One reviewer noted about Thousand Trails Chehalis: "The worst part for us, however, was that the power was really variable. Sometimes it would spike to 130 volts and then drop suddenly to 110."
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I find camping spots in Tenino, Washington?
Where can I find camping spots in Tenino, Washington?
While Tenino itself has limited camping options, several excellent campgrounds are within a short drive. Millersylvania State Park Campground is one of the closest options, offering both tent and RV sites in a forested setting near a lake. For a unique experience, Dragon's Gate Gardens provides a private camping option with distinct areas including Moon Meadow, Giant Crystal, and Jessie's Camp, each offering different natural surroundings. Other nearby options include American Heritage Campground near Olympia and Sasquatch Farm, both within reasonable driving distance from Tenino.
What amenities are available at Tenino camping areas?
What amenities are available at Tenino camping areas?
Campgrounds near Tenino offer varying amenities to suit different camping styles. Seaquest State Park Campground provides hookup sites for RVs, restrooms with showers, a playground, and covered day-use shelters. The park also features a one-mile walking trail to the nearby visitor center. For water enthusiasts, Belfair State Park Campground offers beachfront sites with great views of Hood Canal, allowing for chair setup and beach activities right from your campsite. Most state parks in the area typically include potable water, restrooms, picnic tables, and fire rings, though amenities can vary by specific campground and site type.
When is the best season for camping in Tenino?
When is the best season for camping in Tenino?
Late spring through early fall (May to September) offers the best camping conditions in the Tenino area, with warmer temperatures and less rainfall. Summer provides ideal conditions for enjoying nearby attractions like Mount Rainier National Park. Dash Point State Park Campground is particularly pleasant during summer months, with clean, beautifully laid out sites and friendly staff. For those interested in Mount St. Helens exploration, Washington Natural Resources Parking provides a convenient overnight option during the summer season, though it requires a Washington State Discover pass. Be prepared for potentially busy campgrounds during summer weekends, especially at popular state parks, and consider reservations well in advance.
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