Best Campgrounds near Yelm, WA
The forested areas surrounding Yelm, Washington feature a mix of established campgrounds and more rustic options within a 30-minute drive. Millersylvania State Park, located about 15 miles northwest of Yelm, offers year-round camping with tent sites, RV hookups, cabins, and yurts set among old-growth forests and a freshwater lake. Alder Lake Park provides lakefront camping with boat access and full hookups for RVs. American Heritage Campground in nearby Olympia combines traditional camping amenities with cabin rentals. Military personnel have additional options at Joint Base Lewis-McChord facilities, including Lewis North Travel Camp and Holiday Park, which provide specialized accommodations for service members and their families.
Washington State Parks in the region require a Discover Pass for day use, currently priced at $30 annually, though overnight campers typically pay separate camping fees. Most established campgrounds in the area maintain year-round operations, though services may be reduced during winter months. Reservations are strongly recommended during summer weekends when facilities regularly reach capacity. As one camper noted about Millersylvania State Park: "This is a very nice, typical Washington state park with plenty of trees, greenery, hiking pathways and even a lake. It's just far enough off I-5 to not have the freeway noise, but close enough to be convenient." Cell service varies throughout the region, with better coverage at campgrounds closer to Olympia and Tacoma.
Privacy levels differ significantly between campgrounds and specific loops within them. RV sites often feature less seclusion than tent-only areas. According to visitor reviews, tent sites at many state parks offer more tree coverage and separation between campers. Campground amenities typically include fire rings, picnic tables, and access to potable water. Most established sites provide flush toilets and showers, while some feature camp stores selling firewood and basic supplies. The region's typical Pacific Northwest climate means campers should prepare for rain possibilities even during summer months. Proximity to Mount Rainier National Park makes many of these campgrounds convenient basecamps for day trips to explore the mountain's hiking trails and visitor centers.
