The best star host campgrounds near Olympia, Washington

A short drive from Seattle, in the Puget Sound region, Washington’s state capital of Olympia offers easy access to the Olympic National Forest and Olympic National Park, and many campers pick up groceries and supplies here before heading into the woods. While most of the area’s camping options are outside of Olympia’s city limits, it’s still worth checking out if you’re a fan of smaller communities with an unconventional feel, and there are lots of independently owned shops and restaurants that cater to students at the Evergreen State College, Washington’s very own alternative state school.

99% (8.1K) • 397 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near Olympia

A short drive from Seattle, in the Puget Sound region, Washington’s state capital of Olympia offers easy access to the Olympic National Forest and Olympic National Park, and many campers pick up groceries and supplies here before heading into the woods. While most of the area’s camping options are outside of Olympia’s city limits, it’s still worth checking out if you’re a fan of smaller communities with an unconventional feel, and there are lots of independently owned shops and restaurants that cater to students at the Evergreen State College, Washington’s very own alternative state school.

99% (8.1K) • 397 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near Olympia

1. Honeysuckle Meadery

99%

(275)

18mi from Olympia · 2 sites · Tents, RVs

Welcome, to the Meadery, we are a working winery with several other interests to investigate as well. Come learn about making Mead. We have an annual cider press in late September or early October as well. Want to learn how to Roast your own coffee bean? Or maybe you are competitive and want to race 132 or 124 slot cars on a Carrera 124 Digital Track. There is also a nice walk in the woods, and if it is hot you can float down the Deschutes River that is very close by. Pitch your tent in a few areas you pick, there are Mountain Bike and Little kid ATV trails around the property as well. For more extensive ATV trails Capital Forest is about 30 minutes away. If you have a Weyerhaeuser permit for the area near me the gate is 2.5 miles away. There is a winery on site and an outside tasting area with a fire pit. Each camp site also has their own fire pits. Two bathrooms with showers. There are powered and non-powered RV sites. Water is available at the water station but not directly at the camp sites. We are pet friendly. We offer firewood for sale on site, camp fires permitted outside of a burn ban. We do not provide garbage service, we expect everyone to carry out what they bring in. Guests love staying here: "Dean's acreage is a dream! We stayed there in our motorhome and absolutely loved it. We have two dogs and they are picky about making friends but adored Deans dogs. They are the sweetest and make the camping even more enjoyable. Dean was kind enough to show us his Meadery and the property so we felt comfortable exploring and walking around. We would definitely recommend it for other campers whether you have an RV, tent, van, etc. For reference we comfortably parked our 31 ft motorhome and we were able to hookup to electricity (only available in one spot so inquire with dean!). There is a shower and toilet available for use in a separate building from his home in the backyard."

2. Dragons Gate Gardens & Wilds

97%

(637)

18mi from Olympia · 16 sites · Tents, RVs

Tenino, the area we are in is where the First Nations People used as the Gathering Grounds. The Europeans when they came with their railroad chose to continue that tradition. Tenino is ground zero for the measurement of where one is on the railroad. We fell in love with our farm with its much untouched acres to create a place where people can gather and reconnect with life's natural beauty. We are certified organic, Salmon Safe certified, and pesticide free. Dragons' Gate Gardens is home to many giant crystals and here their beauty works delightfully with the land. The area has gently rolling hills filled with wildflowers during the earlier part of the Summer. Dragons Gate Gardens and Wilds has a hundred and twenty acres to explore. The Skookumchuck River is a little over a mile away where you can enjoy a waterfall and walk along the river with low bank where one can get into the water. Doing so is a great favorite of our guests. There is a giant crystal housed in a gazebo that overlooks the surrounding fields and woods. Time to meditate with the giant crystal in the gazebo can be booked with Kathleen for a fee of $55. We are wild and woolly. We provide a place to experience nature as it simply is. We privilege pollinators above human aesthetics. Wildflowers abound, including various dandelions of which many are edible and healing plants. We encourage converting from lawns to meadow lands being supportive of wild birds and insects. If you like it wild we are the place for you. This is not a resort or English style garden. Tall grass, wild flowers and trees fill the land around you to give you a feeling of full immersion in Nature.

3. Camp Hope

96%

(416)

21mi from Olympia · 17 sites · Tents, RVs

This is a camping location with ACCESS to the river, access to OUR farm land, ponds and DNR land. Our camp spots are private and not stacked on top of each other. Right now we have dry camping with outdoor honey buckets. We are wanting something that you can clear your mind, camp In peace. We also offer wood for SALE and all of our sites have wood burning areas. We also have ice and delivery services. IF YOU HAVE QUESTIONS PLEASE ASK We are about 45 minutes from ocean beaches, only a few minutes from the best riding, hiking and boating in the world. We have a cute bar and restaurant within a mile. Also gas and groceries are close as well. Boat launch is about 1/2 a block easy access. There is talk about sites at the river, we have some in their premature stage. This is NOT offered through our Hip Camp site!!!!! There are reasons for this: When we initially opened, we allowed people to camp there through Hip Camp and I was getting low stars ratings because Entitled people thought for $28 bucks, they got the whole river to themselves and would fight with other campers. IT JUST GOT TO EXHAUSTING. In the coming years I’m going to try to set up some premium sites on the river and work super hard at getting amenities that will match that price. But for now, Enjoy Camp Hope and the river ACCESS too!! We appreciate the wonderful feedback everyone gives it helps us grow with you!! * PLEASE READ THE SITE DECRIPTION ASWELL WITH MORE INFORMATION *

4. Grey Owl Hollow

100%

(249)

22mi from Olympia · 2 sites · Tents

Once a working farm, Grey Owl Hollow sat fallow for over 20 years. In 2017, Seth left the corporate world and he and Yvonne dedicated themselves to the stewardship of this charming locale.  The densely planted lumber forest was trimmed and thinned, allowing deer and other wildlife migration while providing shady campsites for nature lovers. Seth has begun planting a redwood grove in the high meadow and Yvonne is adding hazelnut and walnut trees to the 80-year-old apple orchard. Grey Owl Hollow is in trust and is intended to remain a nature sanctuary for future generations. Our 20 acre piece of heaven includes a fir tree forest for cool camping in the heat of summer. Romp with your dog through the rolling meadow, meditate or play in the 35' labyrinth and - in early fall - help yourselves to blackberries and apples in the orchard. Black-tailed Columbian deer are regular visitors, while coyotes, owls, and frogs may serenade you in the evening. We are firm believers in the value of time in the woods as a balm for physical, psychological, and emotional distress.  Seth, your host, is a certified Forest and Nature Therapy guide, and two-hour guided walks are available as an extra with your booking.At Grey Owl Hollow, we are dedicated to providing a delightful camping experience with whimsy, wonder and tranquility.

5. Camp Birdwatch

98%

(160)

23mi from Olympia · 13 sites · Tents, RVs

Camp Birdwatch is 15 acres up against a wetland slough that has wildlife galore. Many bird species, come and see what birds you can find. A mile from the Grays Harbor County Fairgrounds which has car racing all summer long. Capital Forest entrances are nearby. Located in Elma, WA. Local access to Chehalis river, Porter Creek falls and Vance Creek Park for your fishing, swimming and hiking needs.

Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

Z

Zach

October 2025

Tent

2 nights at Camp Hope

Tent camped here off season for a couple days of hunting. Nice campground especially for the price as long as you don’t need a power pole which I don’t. Will camp here again! Especially appreciate the firewood program of wood provided just pay for it with a QR code via PayPal if you didn’t bring your own.

James

October 2025

16 ft car

1 night at Camp Hope

Great place, autumn leaves around, quiet enough. Recommend for longer stays as well.

E

Evangelyn

September 2025

16 ft travel trailer

With kids

Weekend Trip to Camp Hope

Lovely campsite, river access is a nice walk away. Train tracks run along the back of the campground but wasn’t loud enough for it to be a problem. We would definitely be coming back next year. My only concern was the shooting that was happening off the river bank towards the evening, they left after a while but not something I’d want near us. Bathrooms were located all around the campground and very easy check in.

K

Krista

September 2025

Tent

Group trip

3 nights at Camp Birdwatch

Loved having the place to ourselves. Don and his wife are very sweet people. We will be back.

L

Laurie

September 2025

21 ft travel trailer

With pets

1 night at Camp Birdwatch

Lots of birds, and ducks In the water at the back of the camp. Quiet and dark, great sleeping.

G

George

September 2025

19 ft campervan

1 night at Camp Hope

What a great site! We had the whole place to ourselves - and pick of camps. Plenty of fire wood to be purchased, and rest rooms around each corner. Each site was very private. The especially pretty sunset was a nice bonus!

An overview of the property during a large gathering.

T

Tara

September 2025

Weekend Trip to Dragons Gate Gardens & Wilds

The land is 126.5 acres of quiet bliss. None of our noisy WiFi/5G distractions. Just peace and quiet. The ground is relatively flat, making tent and car camping easier, and our site had a fire pit like many of them do. There is a charming outhouse with nighttime twinkle lights, and for garbage, you pack out every last thread and bottle cap of what you brought in. Children and adults (me!) love to watch the friendly cows near the entrance, then you will be guided to your site by one of the two caretakers, who later gifted us some of these unusual and delicious round cucumbers from their garden. Soo good. How kind of them. DGG is a unique place to find your space, and it’s also the perfect setup for large gatherings of hundreds of people.

Cyndy

September 2025

20 ft campervan

3 nights at Honeysuckle Meadery

Dean was a wonderful host. Loved spending time learning about his place and his devotion to it.

B

Brandon

September 2025

25 ft toy hauler

With pets

2 nights at Camp Hope

We’ve stayed here twice now. We absolutely love it. Very clean and well kept, the river access is top notch.

E

Eric

September 2025

15 ft campervan

With pets

1 night at Camp Birdwatch

Great quiet little camo with fantastic nature. Herons, ducks and otters were fun to watch.

D

Delanie

September 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Dragons Gate Gardens & Wilds

Wonderful sight. Wonderful owners. I would stay again. You get a fire pit, picnic table, and A LOT of room to roam. Again wonderful. The nighttime was beautiful too. Stay awake till the sun goes down

K

Kelli

September 2025

Tent

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Camp Birdwatch

Host was very nice, Camp was spacious and accommodating. Clean and would definitely reserve again!

S

Sasha

September 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Dragons Gate Gardens & Wilds

We really loved camping here! It's our second time here and the only thing I regret that we didn't discover this place earlier. Fairy Queen and Red Dragon are amazing people! They were so kind to show us around their property and let my daughter to play with their bunnies and see baby cow :) They also offered us some veggies from their garden, it was really sweet and nice gesture! My daughter loves both Fairy Queen and Red Dragon so much and she gets really upset when we have to go home. The campsite itself is very well maintained and kind of secluded which gives you privacy and opportunity to enjoy the nature without other people around. You can purchase a huge bin of wood for just $20 which is amazing deal! No doubts it's our favorite campground and we can't wait to come back here! We love it! Thank you Fairy Queen and Red Dragon for such an amazing weekend! 💞

Susan

September 2025

24 ft travel trailer

With pets

Weekend Trip to Dragons Gate Gardens & Wilds

It’s our 2nd time there and I’m sure we’ll go again. The sites are separate enough for privacy. The property is large so we had some nice walks. The river is close which is beautiful and we went fishing. The host is warm and welcoming.

K

Kara

September 2025

23 ft travel trailer

With pets

Weekend Trip to Dragons Gate Gardens & Wilds

We loved our long weekend away, in nature, no cell reception. We were told site 4 is a favorite of everyone's, and we can see why! Wonderful views. We were greeted right away and informed of the rules. I do wish the pool was open, but it has been closed since 2020. The yellow jackets can be bothersome. We ate our smoked salmon in the car. But that was just a small annoyance. Would absolutely stay here again!! Our 3 doggos and baby enjoyed it immensely as well :)

Cystal

September 2025

20 ft travel trailer

With pets

Weekend Trip to Camp Hope

Very clean and nice place for camping. We really enjoyed going to the river. Our kids had lot of fun in the water.

B

Brandi

September 2025

17 ft travel trailer

4 nights at Camp Hope

As always, well kept, beautiful and relaxing camp sites! We've been here several times and absolutely love this place! Its nice having access to the river and stuff 28 bucks a night you cant beat it! Close to town if you forget something but with a far away feel. We will continue coming here for as long as its still available to the public.

T

Travis

September 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to Camp Hope

This is our 4th summer in a row where we have chosen to do our family camp trip at camp hope. Couldn’t ask for a better host or campground. And the river access is the perfect way to spend a hot summer day. We’ll be back again next summer

R

Rachel

September 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Camp Hope

We try to get to Camp Hope each year and this year was even better than the last The campers are always great. The spots are spacious… river is beautiful… so glad to have made it back for another trip

M

Melissa

August 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to Dragons Gate Gardens & Wilds

We had such a lovely time camping at Kathleen’s property. The sites are large and surrounded by trees and nature. We had a large sit that was big enough for 3 adults and 8 kids and still extra room for more tents. It was so nice to be able to have a campfire with all the kids and Red Dragon supplied large buckets of firewood for $20 a bin that we made excellent use of. We also enjoyed the river spot nearby that was recommended. We’d love to return for another visit next year.

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

The best star host camping near Olympia guide

Where to go

Olympic National Park

With nearly a million acres of ancient groves, wild beaches, and even geothermal hot springs, Olympic National Park is an exceptional place to experience Washington's ecological diversity. Highlights include the Hoh Rainforest, with its ancient moss-covered trees, and Mount Olympus, a popular destination among experienced alpinists.

Millersylvania State Park

About a 15-minute drive south of Olympia, Millersylvania State Park attracts water lovers who come to swim and paddle on its large lake, appropriately named Deep Lake. Boat rentals are available and the park offers nearly eight miles of hiking trails for those who’d rather stay on land. If you want to stay the night, you’ll have your choice of tent sites and RV sites with partial hookups, all of which come with picnic tables.

Mount Rainier National Park

A popular weekend getaway spot for Olympia residents, Mount Rainier National Park is a fantastic place for hiking, camping, and generally checking out the scenery. It can easily be visited as a day trip from Olympia, and while there are a few seasonal campgrounds within the park’s boundaries, spots fill up quickly.

When to go

Olympia has a temperate climate and gets plenty of rainfall from fall through spring. Summer is the best time to visit, when the chance of rainfall is low and temperatures often reach the low 80s, but you'll have to compete for campsites with the summer vacation crowd if you come in July or August. Fortunately, the weather usually stays pleasant well into September, after local kids have gone back to school for the year.