Best Tent Camping near Tumwater, WA

State parks and national forests surrounding Tumwater, Washington provide diverse tent camping options for outdoor enthusiasts. Sherman Valley State Forest, located southwest of Tumwater, offers tent-only sites with basic amenities and access to extensive trail networks. Rock Candy Mountain Trailhead provides primitive tent camping with limited facilities, featuring several roadside pull-outs where tent campers can set up. Hope Island Marine State Park, accessible only by boat from nearby launch points, maintains eight primitive tent campsites on a secluded island setting in Puget Sound, approximately 20 miles north of Tumwater.

Most tent campgrounds in the Tumwater region feature natural, ungraded surfaces that require careful tent placement. Sherman Valley sites include basic fire rings and vault toilets but lack potable water, requiring campers to bring their own supplies. Rock Candy Mountain's tent sites are located along a busy forest road with minimal amenities beyond trailhead toilets. Seasonal considerations affect availability, with summer fire bans common throughout the region. Walk-in tent sites at several locations offer more seclusion but require carrying gear short distances from parking areas. Most primitive tent camping areas enforce 14-day stay limits and operate on first-come, first-served basis rather than reservations.

Backcountry tent camping experiences vary significantly by location and season. According to reviews, Sherman Valley provides spacious tent sites separated by trees and shrubs, creating natural privacy barriers between campers. One visitor noted that Rock Candy Mountain offers "a nice quiet stay" despite being "nothing too special," with approximately four roadside pull-outs suitable for overnight tent camping. Hope Island campers report that "sites tucked in the forest were still beautiful and only a few steps from the water," making it popular with kayakers seeking tent-only camping experiences. Weekday visits generally provide greater solitude for tent campers, while summer weekends see higher occupancy at most locations. Many tent sites feature partial shade from surrounding forest, providing natural temperature regulation during summer months.

Best Tent Sites Near Tumwater, Washington (41)

    2. Camp Thunderbird

    1 Review
    Malone, WA
    10 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."

    3. Hope Island Marine State Park Campground

    2 Reviews
    Shelton, WA
    14 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."

    4. The Healing Farm

    2 Reviews
    Yelm, WA
    15 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. Coffee Creek Community & Gardens

    1 Review
    Centralia, WA
    17 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."

    6. Sherman Valley- State Forest

    1 Review
    Oakville, WA
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (360) 577-2025

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

    7. Malaney Creek Farm

    1 Review
    Shelton, WA
    19 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"

    8. Macie's Brook

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

    $15 - $45 / night

    9. Panhandle Lake Camp

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

    $25 - $100 / night

    10. Olympic National Forest Dispersed Camping

    2 Reviews
    Matlock, WA
    32 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."

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Tent Camping Reviews near Tumwater, WA

909 Reviews of 41 Tumwater Campgrounds



Guide to Tumwater

Nestled near Tumwater, Washington, tent camping offers a chance to immerse yourself in nature while enjoying a variety of amenities and activities. Whether you're looking for a serene escape or a place to explore, there are several options to consider.

Scenic Outdoor Activities

Amenities for Comfort

  • Enjoy the convenience of facilities at Camp Thunderbird, which features drinking water, showers, and picnic tables, making it ideal for families and groups.
  • Relax at Malaney Creek Farm, where you can find a secluded site with a fire ring and access to trails, though note that there are no showers or drinking water available.
  • Experience a cozy stay at Coffee Creek Community & Gardens, which offers cabins and glamping options, along with lovely views and a wood stove for warmth.

Unique Features and Attractions

  • Discover the charm of The Healing Farm, where you can interact with farm animals and enjoy a spacious site perfect for families.
  • Visit Deschutes River Ranch (Day Use Only) for a fun day by the river, where you can float, fish, and enjoy a picnic, though it’s important to arrive early during busy weekends.
  • Experience the tranquility of Macie's Brook, which offers spacious tent sites near the water, perfect for those looking to unwind in nature.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Tumwater, 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 Tumwater, WA?

TheDyrt.com has all 41 tent camping locations near Tumwater, WA, with real photos and reviews from campers.