The best camping in Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge, WA

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Discover the natural splendor of Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge.  

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Top-rated campgrounds

PNW Luxury Glamping

98%
(31)
0.8mi from Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge · 2 sites · Lodging · Olympia, WA
Bathe yourself in luxury and the PNW woods in this stunning Forest River Sierra with master bedroom with king bed overlooking the private fire pit within a stand of mature cedars and Douglas firs. Verdant views of sword ferns through every window with aerial lighting above picnic areas and hammocks. Partially secluded, nestled in the backwoods of old-growth forest. Close to I-5 and restaurants, but great to feel surrounded in nature. Hot showers, grill, and outdoor food prep area. Private fire pit and enjoy walk paths through the woods. Over 6,500 Douglas firs with meandering walking trails, a back woods of towering grand firs, cedars and hemlocks, we spend our days creating intimate places for self-reflection and celebration with someone special. This luxury trailer sleeps 6-8 with a bedroom loft upstairs with two beds, and a pull out couch by the fireplace in the living room. There are two kid cabins nearby in the woods for a fun kid/teen adventure. Pets are allowed under 25 lbs, no more than two animals at a time.
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$145
 / night

The Plank and Pillow on Pirate Cove

96%
(12)
4.8mi from Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge · 1 site · Lodging · Olympia, WA
The Plank and Pillow on Pirate Cove — Rustic Lakeside Pirate Retreat Welcome to The Plank and Pillow on Pirate Cove, a quirky, pirate-themed lakeside cabin tucked along the quiet shores of Lake St. Clair, just outside Olympia, WA. Whether you’re a landlubber or seasoned adventurer, this offbeat hideaway is the perfect place to unplug and unwind. Our cozy cabin sleeps up to 6 guests and includes: • 1 main bedroom • 1 bunk room (perfect for little pirates!) • A hide-a-bed couch in the living area You’ll have a fully equipped kitchen, an outdoor grill, ceiling fans, portable heaters, and a wood stove that is seasonally available. The cabin has grid electricity, running water, and a weekly serviced port-a-potty. There’s also a refreshing outdoor shower for rinsing off after lake swims or treasure hunts. We’re proud to be a low-impact, no single-use plastic property. You’ll find reusable aluminum cups and a large supply of fresh drinking water to refill your personal bottles—because pirates protect their waters, too. Enjoy direct lake access for kayaking, swimming, fishing, or stargazing from the dock. Bring your pup along—well behaved pets are welcome! Whether you’re looking to recharge in nature or create a fun, themed getaway, The Plank and Pillow on Pirate Cove offers a playful, peaceful escape. Come make camp the pirate way!
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$144
 / night

Cole's Cabin on Anderson Island

100%
(14)
5mi from Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge · 1 site · Lodging · Anderson Island, WA
Cute little wood cabin on a large, quiet lot, with covered porch looking out towards the water near the end of Cole's Point. Gravity fed fresh water at the sink on the porch. Inside, includes couch, queen bed, twin bed, fridge with chilled water, freezer, microwave. Nicely heated in winter and stays cool in summer. Sitting in comfy camp chairs on the covered porch can be magical during a spring rain. Outhouse with nightlight and composting toilet. Firepit with kindling and firewood in winter. (Summer fires are not allowed.) Short walk to the beach to the north. Short walk south to the edge of the Oro Bay as well. Kayaks can be rented on island. (Not related to the host.) Multiple hikes / walks within Jacob's Point, Andy's Marine Park, and 7 other parks on island. One wonderful little grocery store on island for fresh or incidental items along with one cafe, and one restaurant. The historic Johnson Farm and Museum can be a great place to sample island life from 100+ years ago. Pay extra for use of the twin electric bikes to ride the many quiet, scenic roads around the island. These roads can take you to the hikes, the store, cafe, or sample the sights like the 1928 ferry "Ocean City" slowly sinking into the mud in Oro Bay. There is often deer, hawks, eagles, coyotes, bunnies, and sometimes humpback or orca whales, all within sight of the cabin. It's a great place to escape the hectic pace of the city and enjoy the solitude interrupted only by the sound of the birds, and perhaps the distant trains about 3 miles away. Writer looking for a spot to focus on your next book? Reader wanting to finish a good book? Both are a perfect fit. Dogs are welcome but cannot run free due to the native animals that call the area home. The ferry is a 1 hour walk so cars are recommended. The Steilacoom ferry to Anderson Island leaves from the wonderful historic town of Steilacoom which is also well worth visiting. Want to add boating to your visit, reach out to South Sound Sailing Tours / Capt. Corey (360) 489-7476, CaptainCorey76@gmail.com .
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$72
 / night

Madrona Meadow Camp

98%
(26)
5.1mi from Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge · 2 sites · Tents, RVs · Anderson Island, WA
This secluded meadow has sweeping views, including a stunning shot of Mount Rainier on clear days. Surrounded by forested land including a park preserve, the land is quiet and private. A great place to watch birds, access multiple park trails by foot, or just enjoy being outside in nature. There are old fruit trees on the land that give plentiful fruit (most years) starting in August, and depending on the time of year you'll also find blackberries, huckleberries and salal berries. Additional tent sites are tucked into the trees. Serving all is an outdoor/covered compost toilet tucked into the trees a couple minutes walk from the meadow. There is also a spigot with hose where you can rinse off gear etc. A public swimming hole on Lake Florence is a short drive way, along with beaches. Check back with us in the future as well, because we have big plans for additional amenities.
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$44
 / night

Hidden Meadow Retreat

99%
(238)
5.7mi from Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge · 6 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Olympia, WA
Thank you for an amazing 2025 season. We will see you back in the spring of 2026. Book your events and campouts now before the season fills up! We are located on a very private property (the only houses you will see are across the inlet) surrounded by nature but only about 10 minutes from downtown Olympia and 5 minutes from I-5 and Lacey. The property is situated on the very south end of Henderson Inlet. We are on the tide flats so twice a day (at high tide) we have the opportunity to explore on the water in canoes and kayaks. The property is spread over 16 acres and is comprised of two large fields (one in front of our home and the other is a smaller meadow off to the side (hidden meadow) and forest land. There is tons of space for playing, exploring and tiring out your kids and pups! Wildlife is abound with eagles, hawks, owls, falcons, shore birds and a variety of forest birds make this place their home. We are also frequented by the local deer who wonder through and say hi. About the campground: The campground is located in the far northeast corner of the property on the edge of the forest and meadow. In the common areas you will find the porta potty, shower and sink. There is also a supply closet that has the yard games and extra supplies. There is a hot tub situated right on the edge of the forest with peek-a-boo views of the inlet. You will also find garbage and recycling bins. There are trails throughout the forest along the 600 feet of water (tide) front. Along the trails you will find several different benches, seats and swings to relax and enjoy nature from. There are also fairies and gnomes who have been sighted in the forest. If you look closely, you might spot one too! We ware, if you touch a fairy or gnome they do lose their magical powers so please respect the mystical creatures. 😊 The sites are about 500 feet from our house and offer great privacy. You may see us throughout the day and evening coming and going from the campground, working on the property or playing with the kids on the trails!
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$36
 / night

The Happy Horse Farm

91%
(228)
10mi from Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge · 9 sites · Tents, RVs · Lakewood, WA
**Immediate availability for long term RV tenant.** Monthly discount available. Property is a 5-acre gated horse farm surrounded by wooded military property on 3 sides. Conveniently located 10 mins from Tacoma, 20 mins from Olympia. Just 5 mins to Starbucks/coffee and grocery stores but far enough away from the city so it feels more secluded. American Lake and Spanaway Lake (and their parks with playgrounds) for swimming and paddle boarding are both just 5 mins away! The owner lives on site, as well as several horses, chickens, and a dog. Large stone fire pit with chairs near house is available for camper use. Paddle board rental and bicycles for use on property or trails! Set-up your tent anywhere within the horse paddocks - there are no specific sites, although there is a small fire pit and rustic bench seating at far back corner of property. Tents can be outside of horse areas as well, if preferred. RV dry camping anywhere within or outside horse areas. For RVs needing dedicated electrical/water hookup, there are specific sites closer to the house. ***If you are travelling with more than one vehicle, please purchase an car extra parking spot.*** Only four 30amp RV spots are available and are most easily accessible for RVs under 30'. Standard 110volt outlets can also be available for RV use. Woodbrook Hunt Club, the oldest fox hunting club west of the Mississippi, is a neighbor so lots of horseback riding goes on in the neighborhood. (Dragged scent only, no live foxes are harmed.) Private horseback riding lessons or guided trail rides available by reservation only, subject to weather and owner availability. Use of military trails adjacent to property for hiking and bike riding subject to open land usage and permitting by military base. Happy HipCamping! 😊
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$45
 / night

Neighborwood: An Eco Retreat

100%
(16)
12mi from Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge · 2 sites · Lodging · Shelton, WA
Welcome to Neighborwood, a soulful eco-retreat nestled in the quiet forest of Harstine Island, Washington. This thoughtfully crafted escape invites you to slow down, reconnect with nature, and find stillness in a space designed for restoration, creativity, and meaningful connection. Each stay at Neighborwood is intimate and intentional. Our offerings include a modern off-grid cabin, a cozy vintage trailer, and a peaceful tent campsites—each built with natural materials, solar-powered amenities, and curated design touches that celebrate simplicity and beauty. Inside, you'll find organic bedding, locally made ceramics, and minimal yet warm interiors that reflect the surrounding woods. Step outside and you're immersed in a private forest sanctuary. Wander the winding trails, gather around the community firepit, or take a moment to swing in the hammock under the towering firs. Guests are encouraged to enjoy our outdoor shower and our (soon-to-be-finished) handcrafted wood-fired sauna, available as an optional add-on experience that deepens the sense of rejuvenation. Neighborwood is more than a place to stay—it's a place to engage. We offer seasonal workshops and occasional communal meals, highlighting local makers, wellness practices, and the slow rhythms of island life. Our guests often find themselves inspired to write, sketch, stretch, or simply rest with a book in hand. What you can expect: Peace and privacy Thoughtful, eco-conscious design Add-on wellness experiences like sauna sessions An unplugged, off-grid experience (with solar lights, no Wi-Fi) Proximity to Olympic National Park adventures, yet far from crowds Occasional curated community events (art showcases, garden dinners, etc.) Whether you're a solo traveler, a couple seeking retreat, or a creative soul needing inspiration, Neighborwood is a place to stay, gather, and grow—at your own pace. We welcome all identities and lifestyles and prioritize inclusive, safe space for all. Come as you are. Leave a little lighter.
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$72
 / night

Owl Glade

100%
(13)
12mi from Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge · 2 sites · Tents, RVs · Herron Island, WA
Please note, this is HASRSTINE ISLAND, NOT HERRON. I haven't gotten Hipcamp to fix this yet. There is a bridge to the island and the coordinates offered for site are correct. Also no bathroom set up at this time. Beautiful peaceful forest with trails, a great spot for elopements (elopement package separate) and a beautiful meadow with a small ringed fire pit for one site and a movable fir pit for another.. Maximum 2 sites in 5 acres. 70% of the Island is forestry but sound DOES carry a long way so it's not dead-quiet. Harstine Island has a BRIDGE, no ferry! One hammock is left up in the forest and there are places for your hammocks to be hung, as well. There is one spot on drive that is between two trees so you need to go slowly and be careful, 9 foot wide at wheel base only. Please take note of this. Easy for cars, a bit tricky for some trailer/RVs. Photo and video can be seen on webpage. Types of wildlife include barred owls, a nighthawk usually in summer can be seen at dusk, western alligator lizards, warblers, robins, crows, wrens, a bear has visited before (lucky me heard it 'woof' at me, bear didn't appreciate my singing), deer, others have seen red fox in the past but we have not been so lucky. Birder's paradise. one lovely review calls it a great place for forest bathing! Puget sound is SO clean here with a diverse salt water life. Orca and Humpback have been spotted nearby. You can track them at Orca Network or Puget Sound Whale Sightings on Facebook. Both '22 and '23 have seen orca making rounds with the incoming tide going under the bridge and circling the island! There is Jarrell Cove state park and a boat ramp at Latimer's Landing Boat Launch few miles way. There is a great local market at the community center Saturdays from 10-12 in the summer. No water view, this is heavy forest off a gravel drive into privacy. No power, no water, pack it in pack it out. Please be careful of deer when you are driving in and observe island speed limits. Familiarize yourself with the personal fire extinguisher at the site.
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$43
 / night

Country Refuge Close to City

100%
(22)
12mi from Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge · 5 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Yelm, WA
Offering a lovely, personal campsite area surrounded by beautiful trees nestled in the back of a ranch with horses (and chickens) just on the outskirts of the small, charming town of Yelm. (In some of the pictures you will see the horses in the area of the camp, but whenever there are campers they will not be turned out there.) There is 20 amp electric (which can safely power a 30 amp rv unless you run too many things at once) and water (hose). There is a porta-potty and a shower shed with a tankless water heater for your convenience. We also offer the option of a small bunk room in the barn. Heated and cooled (fan) with a small "kitchen" area, it has a pull out futon which sleeps 2 and requires you supply your own bedding and towels. 1 Hour to Mt. Rainier National Park. 1 1/2 hours to Olympia National Park. 2 1/2 hours to Mt. St. Helens. 1 hour to Seattle. Close to Puget Sound and loads of nature spots. Local hiking and fishing aplenty. Our property is surrounded by nature, yet only a 5 minute drive into town where you will find charming shops, restaurants, cafes and coffee houses. There is also a fabulous movie theater. And only 15 minutes to the Red Wind Casino. There is a railroad track next to the property, but it is only used on Tues. and Thurs. between 10 am and 1 pm when a short train passes by and then returns. Rarely, it may have an additional passing but not often and it has never run after dark or early morning. (It is a military train so pretty punctual). (Also, as we are only a 5 acre property, we are close enough to roads that you may hear some traffic. They are county roads though and not highly traveled for the most part.) **Trigger Warnings: We are near the military base of JBLM and so you will occasionally hear their military doings. Country neighbors occasionally do some target practice, so you may hear some shooting. As we are a horse property, we will also require that everyone sign a release of liability waiver and will require all adults to show legal ID upon arrival. * We require a completed profile with a picture before we accept a booking.
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$35
 / night

Lakebay Getaway

94%
(44)
13mi from Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge · 2 sites · RVs · Lakebay, WA
This property is a large RV site with 2 separate hookups directly across the street from Mayo Cove Inlet, 1 mile from Penrose State Park, 3 miles from Joemma State Park, and less than a mile from Bay Lake. Across the street from the RV site is access to Mayo Cove Inlet where you can easily drop your kayak or paddle board into the water. (Know Lakebay Marina is currently not open). There is still access to the water! It's only a short paddle out before you will have a stunning, unobstructed view of Mt Rainier. Penrose and Joemma offer clamming, fishing, oyster/muscle hunting in season. Bay Lake is known for amazing fishing, including large mouth bass and rainbow trout. This RV site is a perfect landing spot while you spend your days adventuring. There is also a full RV trailer on the upper lot available if you wish to travel with friends. The listing can be found on Air Bnb at https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/561878031678560053?preview_for_ml=true&source_impression_id=p3_1668318410_NqIfGmf4KvJpRtP7.
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$32
 / night

The best camping in Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge, WA guide

Overview

About

Immerse yourself in nature while camping near Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge, a tranquil oasis in Olympia, where the Nisqually River meets the Puget Sound. Awake to the chorus of diverse wildlife and enjoy your morning coffee with breathtaking views of the estuary. A Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge camping experience offers ample opportunities for outdoor adventures. Spend your day boating on the serene waters, hiking through the lush trails, or participating in educational programs to learn about the unique ecosystems. From birdwatching at dawn to stargazing at night, there is never a dull moment in this rich slice of nature. Unwind from your activities around a campfire, creating lifelong memories under the starlit sky.

When to go

The best time to visit Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge is during the spring and fall migrations, when the estuary becomes a bustling hub for thousands of birds. Summer offers lush greenery and active wildlife, while winter provides a serene, frost-touched landscape. Avoid the trail closures during waterfowl hunting season, typically from early October to late January.

Know before you go

  • Check for seasonal trail closures before planning your visit, especially during waterfowl hunting season.
  • Remember, pets are not allowed on the trails, ensuring a safe and undisturbed environment for wildlife.
  • Accessibility is a priority; the Twin Barns Loop Trail is a fully accessible boardwalk.
  • Facilities such as photo blinds and observation platforms enhance your wildlife viewing experience.
  • Arrive prepared; the refuge is open daily from sunrise to sunset, and remember to bring binoculars and cameras for an immersive experience.
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