Camping near Tumwater, Washington offers access to Pacific Northwest forests with elevations ranging from near sea level to 2,659 feet at Capitol State Forest. The region's humid climate creates lush forest environments with an average annual rainfall of 50 inches, primarily falling between October and May. Most forest camping areas require a Washington Discover Pass which costs $35 annually for access to state lands.
What to do
Trail exploration: Capitol Forest features multiple hiking options from family-friendly paths to more challenging terrain. "There are ample trails throughout the park including a lovely trail along the lake, which is not far from the campground," notes a visitor at Millersylvania State Park Campground.
Beach activities: Puget Sound access provides waterfront recreation at several locations. At Joemma Beach State Park Campground, "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 one camper.
Fishing opportunities: Year-round options exist at multiple locations. "Long dock in the area where you can go fishing. You can walk along the beach as well," mentions a visitor to Joemma Beach State Park.
Wildlife viewing: Early morning best for spotting native species. "We did spot a bald eagle early in the morning," reports a camper at Joemma Beach State Park Campground.
What campers like
Spacious campsites: Privacy between sites varies significantly by location. At American Heritage Campground, "The lots are well plotted with space and privacy," and another camper notes that sites are "relatively secluded."
Clean facilities: Bathroom maintenance receives consistent mention. "Clean facilities, some nice perks like a beer garden and ice cream and the lake is great," reports a visitor to Millersylvania State Park.
Pool amenities: Seasonal swimming options beyond natural water bodies. "One great aspect of this campground is it has a fenced in pool," mentions a camper at American Heritage Campground.
Helpful staff: Attentive hosts enhance the camping experience. A visitor to River Bend Campground shared, "The staff was great and the amenities were centrally located," while another noted, "People are very friendly and accommodating. The park is really clean."
What you should know
Seasonal variations: Winter camping limited with fewer services and potential flooding. At American Heritage Campground, a visitor mentioned that "due to COVID, the tent area is closed, and due to terrible weather recently part of the campground was flooded."
Campsite selection: Proximity to amenities affects experience. "We had a pull-through site right across from the dumpster, bathrooms, and camp host," noted a Millersylvania camper, while another reported that "our site had a huge mud puddle from the road going to the power and water hook-up."
Noise levels: Weekend activity increases, especially during summer. "We enjoyed our stay at Millersylvania. It's a beautiful place. The only downside for us is that it is really crowded, and a few dogs and some very rude people kept us up until about 1 am," shared one camper.
Permit requirements: Discovery Pass needed at state facilities and trailheads. At Middle Waddell Campground, a visitor noted, "Discover pass required. Host on site. Paved pads. Some pull thru."
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly beaches: Shallow waters provide safer swimming options. At Penrose Point State Park Campground, "The beach is a medium-length walk and very warm and swimmable for NW standards," one visitor reported.
Playground access: Multiple locations offer play structures. "Children and dog play grounds," notes a River Bend Campground visitor, making it suitable for families with both children and pets.
Junior Ranger programs: Educational activities available at state parks. "The grounds, including bathrooms, were well maintained and the kids enjoyed taking part in the junior ranger program," shared one family at Penrose Point State Park.
Group camping options: Multiple tents accommodated at certain sites. "We had a large group of four families and it accommodated us very well," reports a camper at Millersylvania State Park.
Tips from RVers
Hookup limitations: Electrical capacity varies between parks. "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," warns one RVer about Olympia Campground.
Site selection: Pull-through availability makes setup easier. "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 Millersylvania camper.
Dump station access: Not all sites have sewer connections. "Our spot didn't have sewer but they had a free dump station in the park so it was no big deal," shares a River Bend Campground visitor.
Winter considerations: Flooding potential in certain locations. An experienced camper at Olympia Campground advised, "Due to poor drainage, most sites flood during heavy rains. Rain boots are a must."
