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Campgrounds near Tumwater, Washington range from state parks to dispersed sites, with options spanning tent camping, RV hookups, cabins, yurts, and glamping. Millersylvania State Park Campground, located about 20 minutes south of Olympia, features both tent and RV camping beneath old growth Douglas Fir and Hemlock trees. The park includes electrical hookup sites in more open areas and traditional forested campsites with minimal solar exposure. American Heritage Campground and Olympia Campground provide year-round options with cabin rentals alongside traditional tent and RV sites. Several campgrounds in the region support multiple accommodation styles including yurts and glamping options.
Most campgrounds in the Tumwater area remain open year-round, though services and amenities may be limited during winter months. The forested setting creates variable conditions across sites, with some offering more privacy than others. "Just 20 minutes south of Olympia, WA you can pull off I-5 and pitch a tent beneath towering old growth Douglas Fir and Hemlock trees," noted one visitor about Millersylvania State Park. Many established campgrounds require reservations, especially during summer months when sites fill quickly. Permits are required at some locations, including Margaret McKenny Equestrian Campground and dispersed sites at Rock Candy Mountain Trailhead. Water access varies significantly between campgrounds, with some offering proximity to lakes or rivers while others focus on forest immersion.
Campers consistently praise the region's natural features, particularly the old-growth forests and water access points. Reviews highlight the contrast between RV-focused areas and more secluded tent sites. At Millersylvania State Park, the lake receives positive mentions for being "super chill, shallow and warm" with restrictions limiting it to "cartop boats" making it "ideal for stand up paddle boards, small kayaking boats, inflatables, canoes, fishing dinghies and just swimming around." Trails for hiking and running are available at several campgrounds, providing recreational opportunities beyond water activities. The proximity to urban areas makes these campgrounds convenient for quick getaways while still offering natural experiences. Campsite privacy varies considerably, with some locations featuring densely packed sites while others provide more separation between campers.
"The feeling of camping under the old-growth canopy is so classic Washington, but the solar gain is pretty minimal."
"This is a very nice, typical Washington state park with plenty of trees, greenery, hiking, pathways and even a lake."
from $12 - $162 / night
Check Availability"Fantastic campground just south of Olympia/Tumwater. Wooded, quiet, clean and so friendly."
"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."
from $40 - $60 / night
Check Availability"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."
"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."
"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."
"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
Check Availability"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!"
"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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ScoutWe camped 4 nights in one of the group site. Great paved level trailer sites, all connections well placed, and the shared pavilion was fantastic for meals and gathering. Good access to the lake and other sites. Playground for the kids. We loved it.
TravelerVery nice for what it is. Beautiful views. Convenient store about 5 miles away. Quite except for kids playing but better than playing video games.
ScoutSecluded and peaceful a must go..
ScoutRifle is pretty nice the water is really clean there is fishing I stayed up there quite a few times if you have a bike it's pretty cool cuz there's lots of logging roads and off main road trails and things like that you can have a boat there in the water if it's high enough and you used to be able to have campfires I don't know if they let that go on anymore or not used to be able to stay in the campsites for 7 days at a time for free hang glider club there you can watch him come down off the mountain that's pretty cool actually hang glided there one time went on a tandem flight with one of the hang gliding clubs that go up there
GuideGorgeous place to camp up to 14 days.
GuideAt $12 a night, it’s a real deal! There’s easy access to the beach, a pretty overlook on the trail, clean vault toilets, and sites with tables and fire pits.
GuideIce, firewood, two docks, kayak launch, little free library, free WiFi. I find that pretty amazing for a campground with just 21 land based sites.
ScoutThis is a really pretty site. The camping and beach access is great. We saw bald eagles and very low flying cargo planes. There is some kind of RC flying area on the north side of the site.
There is road noise, but that is going to depend on where you camp. There are sites right next to the road and sites a few hundred yards away. There are"homeless" camps here. They didn't bother us, but you can tell that not everyone here is a recreational camper.
It is large enough that we got our class A with trailer in and out. There is a bit of a loop, but this can be blocked so check first. The road is very rough, you have to go slow.
There is a dump and non-potable water station at the park a few miles up the road. It is$5 for non-campers today.
GuideBeautiful well maintained sites with tables and fire rings. Washington Pass required. Plenty of room for RVs at many of the sites - it was mostly empty when we came.
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.
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.
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."
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."
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.
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."
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Tumwater Campground located?
Tumwater Campground is located near Tumwater, Washington, which is just south of Olympia in the western part of the state. The area offers convenient access from Interstate 5, making it easily accessible for travelers. For comparison, Seaquest State Park Campground is about 20 minutes from Longview, Washington, while American Heritage Campground is situated near Olympia. The Tumwater area provides a good base for exploring the Puget Sound region, with reasonable driving distances to Mount Rainier, the Olympic Peninsula, and the Washington coast.
Is Tumwater Campground suitable for tent camping?
Yes, Tumwater Campground is suitable for tent camping, offering sites in a forested setting similar to other campgrounds in the region. Tent campers typically enjoy the natural surroundings and spacious sites. For comparison, Dash Point State Park Campground offers beautifully laid out tent sites with friendly staff and clean facilities. Similarly, Dosewallips State Park Campground provides well-maintained grounds with access to hiking trails of easy to moderate difficulty. Tent campers at Tumwater can expect level tent pads, nearby access to water sources, and typical campground amenities like picnic tables and fire rings.
What amenities are available at Tumwater Campground?
Tumwater Campground offers standard amenities similar to those found at Olympia Campground which is nearby. Typical amenities include potable water, vault or flush toilets, picnic tables, and fire rings at each site. Some campgrounds in the region like Millersylvania State Park Campground offer additional amenities such as hot showers, hiking trails through old-growth forests, and access to recreational activities. Campgrounds in the Tumwater area generally provide basic facilities while maintaining a natural forest setting. For the most current amenity information, it's recommended to check with the managing agency before your visit.
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