Jason H.
Guide
GuideLena Lake Campground
Great spot
A nice 3.5 miles ish hike from the parking area to campground. The campsites offers fire rings and has plenty of amazing views of the lake. Don’t forget to pack everything out and leave no trace.
Tent Camping near Wauna, WA
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SUMMARY PRESENTED BY
Tent campsites near Wauna, Washington range from boat-accessible marine locations to forest settings with mountain views, including free primitive options and island tent-only sites. Blake Island Marine State Park offers tent-only sites accessible only by boat from Seattle, providing a unique experience on an island setting with hiking trails around the perimeter. Lena Lake Campground requires a 3.5-mile hike to reach tent sites positioned around a serene mountain lake in the Olympic Peninsula region.
Most tent campgrounds in the Wauna area lack basic amenities, with several requiring visitors to pack in all supplies including drinking water. At Blake Island Marine State Park, rangers enforce quiet hours beginning at 10 pm, while sites at Green Mountain feature picnic tables and fire pits but no potable water. NF-2419 Dispersed Site offers free primitive tent camping with no facilities, requiring strict adherence to leave-no-trace principles. During summer months, fire bans are common throughout the region, particularly on island campgrounds where fire risk is managed carefully.
Tent camping areas around Wauna provide varied experiences based on access type and location. Sites on Blake Island feature shoreline views with forest coverage, while Lena Lake Campground offers a rewarding lake setting after a steady climb up switchbacks. Camping at Hope Island Marine State Park provides beaches, hiking trails, and opportunities for clam digging in the right season. Some dispersed camping areas like NF-2419 have limited privacy as they sit near forest service roads with occasional traffic. One camper noted about Lena Lake, "The campground offers fire rings and has plenty of amazing views of the lake. Don't forget to pack everything out and leave no trace."
Best Tent Campgrounds near Wauna (79)
1. Macie's Brook
from $15 - $45 / night
Check Availability2. Blake Island Marine State Park Campground
"Really fantastic location. Very strict rangers which can be good or bad depending on your preference. Quiet hours are at 10pm which is early for some people so be aware."
"Hike the perimeter trail for views all around the island. It's a great place to stay in the summer months and relax."
from $12 - $70 / night
Check Availability3. Green Mountain
"Nice clean camping area with easy access to multiple trails and logging roads. Trails are open to hiking horseback riding and motorcycles. Camp ground has multiple horse stalls in a common area."
4. Hope Island Marine State Park Campground
"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."
from $12 / night
Check Availability5. Malaney Creek Farm
"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"
from $29 - $185 / night
6. Lena Lake Campground
"The campsites offers fire rings and has plenty of amazing views of the lake. Don’t forget to pack everything out and leave no trace."
"This is a hike-in campground down a 3.5 mile trail. It sees heavy use from locals on the weekend. There was plenty of room during the week when I was there."
from $5 / night
Check Availability7. Aldrich Lake
8. NF-2419 Dispersed Site
"Had a blast coming up the mountain with the family , found a few great spots that we pinned for later that are unmarked with fire rings. Not many other campers' sites are well dispersed ."
"Not a bad find that doesn't require any permit of any kind which was great! Would stay here again I pitched a tent which was nice and found a spot right by the river."
9. Rock Candy Mountain Trailhead
"Bathroom, Internet, no water. Quiet. Legal. Safe. Beautiful."
"No water."
10. Upper Lena Lake — Olympic National Park
"This was my first backpacking trip. It was brootal but way beyond worth the exhaustion. Watch out for bees! Be prepared to climb! Provides bear wire to hang your food at night."
"We went in mid June and hit snow about 1 mike past Lena Lake. We continued another mile crossing several downed trees and snow patches before deciding to turn back."
Drive Time
- 16 min from Bremerton, WA
- 42 min from Olympia, WA
- 48 min from Seattle, WA
- 1 hr 42 min from Mount Vernon, WA
Recent Tent Camping Photos near Wauna, WA
51 Photos of 79 Wauna Campgrounds
Cari L.
Macie's Brook
Tj J.
Malaney Creek Farm
Denise C.
Courter Country Farm
Trevor M.
NF-2419 Dispersed Site
Paula G.
Upper Lena Lake — Olympic National Park
Sam S.
Olympic National Forest Dispersed Camping
Joseph
Elkhorn Campground
The Dyrt
Dosewallips Campground (walk-in Only) — Olympic National Park
Jason and Kat C.
The Healing Farm
Joshua L.
Camp Pleasant — Olympic National Park
Ryan L.
Enchanted Valley — Olympic National Park
Carolyn U.
Big Country
Tent Camping Reviews near Wauna, WA
1029 Reviews of 79 Wauna Campgrounds
Tj J.
ScoutMalaney Creek Farm
Great Private Camping Getaway
arrived at the farm and were greeted by the owners. they got on their quads and led us down a private road through a super nice cedar 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. the site was pretty cool and very secluded. it had a fire ring with some sawn cedar benches, a pile of firewood and a giant old spool for a table. we threw our marmot up and took a closer look. there is a camp box with info, instant coffee, guides to area sight seeing and food along with a log book to write about your stay. there were also some cool led lighting which was great at night. fire ban was on but they put a big candle on the grate of the fire pit so we had something. we kicked around on the trails which look like they are used by horses and motorcycles but not heavily. some interesting plants in the area. they were working on a new trail that is supposed to eventually lead out to the lake but it wasnt complete yet. however it was covered with wood chips and had a hand cut cedar bridge built on it. you gotta see it. sounds like they are constantly evolving the farm looked like a lot of things in the works. definitely will come back for more time here. night time got spooky with coyotes howling in the distance but the morning there were so many birds chirping and singing you couldnt hear yourself think! oh we found a corn hole game in an open area that they have several picnic tables staged at.
Art S.
LegendLena Lake Campground
Lena Lake campground
This is a hike-in campground down a 3.5 mile trail. It sees heavy use from locals on the weekend. There was plenty of room during the week when I was there. Lena Lake is quiet and serene and the perfect place to sit on a log and journal. Other people walked around the edge of the lake but care must be taken as it's a bit rugged. Follow the leave no trace principles and this place will be one to return to again for yourself and others.
- April C.Guide
Millersylvania State Park Campground
Choose your Adventure
This place had it all; open RV camping, secluded van camping, tree canopy car/tent camping, walk-in camping, and themed safari tent camping, and one cute mini airstream.
Lake down the road. Water and electrical hookups, dump station with dump water and fresh water.
Restrooms and showers are scattered around. Showers are coin based and there is a machine to turn your dollars into coins.
- Amanda
TravelerDragon's Gate Gardens
A reservable paradise- expansive solitude, out of a picture book
I just completed my third stay at Dragon's Gate, and I've now stayed in each of the different sections (Moon Meadow, Giant Crystal, Jessie's Camp). Each gives a completely different but wonderous experience, either with open views of flower pastures and woods, or a more insular green surrounded by trees. Each reservable space is massive.... 4-5 times the size of most campsites. While you may reasonably run into other campers within each section if you go for a walk, you won't even know anyone is in the other sections, its so private. Sing at the top of your lungs or let your dog roam, they won't run into anyone.
Its just SO pretty. Each campsite is really well maintained- the roads and campsites are mowed, carving into the meadows. There are porta potties and access to drinking water and a great deal on both wood and eggs. Wooden picnic tables are in each site, and a well appointed fire ring. The hosts are really lovely as well, and overly accommodating. The entire site is organic, so they do ask that you participate in their policies of no charcoal usage and leave no trace.
Tenino itself is a cute little historic town, with a surprisingly well appointed supermarket and hardware store, and on Saturdays there's a farmers market.
Mostly, I love how my dog can safely roam, and how, even when I am completely by myself camping, I still feel safe.
Amy & Stu B.LegendDosewallips State Park Campground
Gorgeous location
This campground is right next to a state park. It’s also very close to a river and lots of woods. We stayed here to see Olympic national park, (I wouldn’t recommend this location to travel to Olympic every day, it was very far.)
The amenities were nice, bathrooms with warm water (one shower per bathroom.)
No laundry, no Wi-Fi and both Verizon and AT&T worked with about one bar.
The sites were level spacious and had a fire ring and picnic table at each. We chose the full hookup option. Firewood could be purchased through the camp host.
The best part about this day was the surrounding area. Every night, my husband and I would walk to the wildlife viewing platform to see lots of birds, or walk down by the river and see lots of elk and bald eagles.
Jess G.LegendMiddle Waddell Campground
LEDlenser MH2 Headlamp at Middle Waddell Campground
Campground
Fairly large campground, free as long as you have a discover pass! 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. The camp host even had free bottled water for guest if needed. There was a creek near by with people panning for gold which was interesting!
Product Review
Being a ranger I get to test some products from time to time! Today's product is the LEDlenser MH2 Headlamp!
This headlamp is very impressive! Certainly the brightest light I have ever explored with. It comes in a very nice package with a charging cord, two different colored lens attachments, a carrying pouch and a battery. My only complaint is that the headlamp itself doesn't fit very well in the carrying pouch but I made it work! It was also a little heavy and I had to adjust the strap to fit my head more often then I would have preferred. The brightness of the light made up for the flaws completely!
- ddebraTraveler
Coho Campground
Great rural campground
Coho campground is a forested campground overlooking a large alpine lake. Lots of old growth forest, birds and squirrels live in the campground. The sites are large with a paved drive that can accommodate several vehicles and trailers. Large picnic tables and a fire pit on each site with an area for tents. No electric, water or sewer on the site. There are several flush toilets that are well kept. Bathrooms have an electrical outlet if you need to charge something. Faucets with drinking water. No showers. No cell service and starlink doesn’t work due to trees. Nearest gas station and stores about 35 minutes away. There is a boat ramp and a nice lake for kayaking. Several trails around the lake and campground.
Marley B.TravelerIpsut Creek Backcountry Campground — Mount Rainier National Park
Tranquil, Hidden Gem
Ipsut Creek Campground is an amazing treasure of Mount Rainier Park, accessible only by bicycle or foot after the road to access washed out a few years ago. For those willing to make the easy 5 mile journey to camp, the rewards are great.
After parking at the trailhead, the road into camp is easy, either by foot or bicycle. The road slowly meanders uphill alongside the Carbon River for 5 miles, giving campers majestic views of Mount Rainier and surrounding peaks. Coming into camp, you'll get to cross a beautiful wooden bridge- take note of this spot, as it'll be your water source (make sure to bring a filter, as there is no water source at the campground.)
The camp itself is pretty large, with plenty of tent sites, tables, and bear boxes. There were also lots of trees for hammock camping if that's your thing. 2 pit toilets which were plenty clean. Be sure to check in with the rangers for a wilderness permit before heading into camp.
We had an outstanding time at this campground. A few backpackers came through on their way up to the Wonderland Trail, but otherwise, no cars, no noise, and stars as far as the eye could see.
Guide to Wauna
Dispersed camping opportunities near Wauna, Washington provide remote locations with minimal amenities throughout Olympic National Forest and surrounding areas. Most accessible sites require advance preparation with campers bringing their own drinking water, waste disposal bags, and camping gear. During peak season between May and September, weekday arrivals are recommended as the most accessible locations fill quickly by Friday afternoons.
What to do
Kayak to island campgrounds: Access Hope Island Marine State Park Campground by launching from nearby Arcadia Point. "We kayaked here from Boston Harbor on a beautiful summer week-end. 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," reports Emma A.
Hike forest trails: Several campgrounds offer hiking opportunities with varying difficulty levels. At Lena Lake Campground, campers can enjoy both the destination and journey. "Lena lake itself is just as beautiful on its own. You will need a parking pass if parking at trail head!" advises Jess G.
Wildlife watching: Many forest and island campgrounds feature opportunities to observe local wildlife. At NF-2419 Dispersed Site, campers report unique experiences with local fauna. Trevor M. shares, "Got to feed 3 Bluejays by hand with my oldest one of our new favorite memories."
What campers like
Secluded island settings: Island camping provides unique experiences away from crowds. Rich M. notes about Hope Island Marine State Park Campground, "It has 2 miles of hiking trails and 8 primitive campsites. If you plan on camping it is important to note that there are no fires allowed and no potable water."
Forest camping with water views: Several tent sites near Wauna combine forest settings with water access. Art S. describes Lena Lake: "Lena Lake is quiet and serene and the perfect place to sit on a log and journal. Other people walked around the edge of the lake but care must be taken as it's a bit rugged."
No-cost camping options: For budget-conscious campers, free dispersed sites exist throughout the region. Brandon W. appreciates NF-2419 Dispersed Site: "Not a bad find that doesn't require any permit of any kind which was great! Would stay here again I pitched a tent which was nice and found a spot right by the river."
What you should know
Varied access requirements: Many of the best tent camping areas near Wauna require specific transportation methods. Sydney A. notes about Blake Island State Park: "Beautiful park, great hiking! Only accessible by boat."
Limited facilities: Most camping areas have minimal amenities. Jason C. describes NF-2419 as having "various streams crossing the path of the service road. Truly magical place. It is frequented by others so low privacy unless you camp away from the vehicle path."
Seasonal considerations: Weather and conditions vary significantly throughout the year. Lance R. reports about Upper Lena Lake: "We went in mid June and hit snow about 1 mike past Lena Lake. We continued another mile crossing several downed trees and snow patches before deciding to turn back."
Tips for camping with families
Choose accessible sites: For family camping near Wauna, select locations with manageable access routes. Trevor M. shares about NF-2419: "Had a blast coming up the mountain with the family, found a few great spots that we pinned for later that are unmarked with fire rings. Not many other campers' sites are well dispersed."
Pack all essentials: Most sites require bringing all supplies. Caren M. notes about Green Mountain: "Has about 5 tent spots with picnic tables and fire pit. Had a bathroom but no other amenities- drinking water, shower, firewood/ice for sale."
Consider noise levels: Some camping areas experience higher traffic and noise. Spencer L. warns about NF-2419: "NF-2419 is a very busy road at all hours. 2 or 3 cars drive by all day and all through the night. As far as we could find there aren't many spots that are more secluded they are mostly just turn outs."
Tips from RVers
Limited RV options: Few tent camping sites near Wauna accommodate RVs. At Rock Candy Mountain Trailhead, Margaret G. cautions: "Not suitable for anything wider than a class B. In my opinion this area is not suitable for winter camping. The road gets pretty steep going up. They wrote it on barely white enough for two vehicles to safely pass each other."
Consider roadway conditions: Forest service roads leading to dispersed camping areas can present challenges. Beamus R. offers practical advice about Rock Candy Mountain: "Overall I had a nice quiet stay. This spot isn't anything too awful special. There are about four pull outs to set up for the night. The bathrooms are located in the trailhead parking lot."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent
campsite near Wauna, WA?
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Wauna, WA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Wauna, WA is Macie's Brook with a 5-star rating from 1 review.
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Wauna, WA?
What is the best site to find tent camping near Wauna, WA?
TheDyrt.com has all 79 tent camping locations near Wauna, WA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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