The best waterside camping near Olympia

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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.

95% (6.4K)

Top-rated campgrounds near Olympia

2. Private Beach, 15 Acres, Vashon

98%
(150)
34mi from Olympia · 5 sites · Tents, RVs
Visit Vashon Island and relax on a private estate property. Camp overlooking Puget Sound, walk the trail down to the secluded beach and enjoy 1000 ft. of peaceful waterfront. Vashon boasts great coffee hangouts, bakeries, galleries, wineries, restaurants (May's Thai, Lunetta Pizza, The Ruby Brink, The Hardware Store Restaurant, Snapdragon and others). Galleries, shops and restaurants in the town of Vashon and also in Burton. Vashon Center for the Arts, O-Space and the Chamber of Commerce have events that might be of interest. Outdoor fires are by permission only. There are sometime burn bans for air quality and/or high fire danger. fires are allowed AT THE BEACH, below the high tide line, between October 1 and June 15, but there are various reasons they may not be allowed (air quality bans, windy conditions, etc.) Any fire you light must be put out COLD (no steam, no heat) with water and buried with sand before leaving them unattended. You are responsible for any damage or injuries caused by a fire you start, so please be careful! Please note: It is very important that the number of people on site is accurate. Please contact Hipcamp to change the number of people - there currently is no way to do that on the site?! There is an additional charge per person above the base 2 person rate. There is no outdoor music at any time. Quiet hours are 8 pm to 10 am. There is no picnic table or any amenities, but you can fill up water at our barn if needed. DO NOT USE THE WOODS AS A BATHROOM. It is necessary to bring your own latrine. The water at (shallower) Dockton Park (about a 6 min drive away) gets warm from swimming in summer if you prefer it to 54 degree deep water here! Please clean up after your pet. Dogs must be leashed AT ALL TIMES in the field. If no one is around at the beach, they can be off leash, but leash up if anyone approaches until they pass. Please never leave your dog unattended outside where barking will disturb the peace. Please don't hesitate to reach out if you have any questions. Looking forward to hosting you! IN CASE OF EMERGENCY, DIAL 911 FROM A CELL PHONE. 4025 SW Pt. Robinson Rd. is the address. Lisa 206 498 4359 Chiara (July - Sept only) 206 409 7975 Larry Sherry 206 295 4564/206 295 7333 Andre 206 335 6731
Pets
Campfires
Full hookups
from 
$60
 / night

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.

95% (6.4K)

Top-rated campgrounds near Olympia

2. Private Beach, 15 Acres, Vashon

98%
(150)
34mi from Olympia · 5 sites · Tents, RVs
Visit Vashon Island and relax on a private estate property. Camp overlooking Puget Sound, walk the trail down to the secluded beach and enjoy 1000 ft. of peaceful waterfront. Vashon boasts great coffee hangouts, bakeries, galleries, wineries, restaurants (May's Thai, Lunetta Pizza, The Ruby Brink, The Hardware Store Restaurant, Snapdragon and others). Galleries, shops and restaurants in the town of Vashon and also in Burton. Vashon Center for the Arts, O-Space and the Chamber of Commerce have events that might be of interest. Outdoor fires are by permission only. There are sometime burn bans for air quality and/or high fire danger. fires are allowed AT THE BEACH, below the high tide line, between October 1 and June 15, but there are various reasons they may not be allowed (air quality bans, windy conditions, etc.) Any fire you light must be put out COLD (no steam, no heat) with water and buried with sand before leaving them unattended. You are responsible for any damage or injuries caused by a fire you start, so please be careful! Please note: It is very important that the number of people on site is accurate. Please contact Hipcamp to change the number of people - there currently is no way to do that on the site?! There is an additional charge per person above the base 2 person rate. There is no outdoor music at any time. Quiet hours are 8 pm to 10 am. There is no picnic table or any amenities, but you can fill up water at our barn if needed. DO NOT USE THE WOODS AS A BATHROOM. It is necessary to bring your own latrine. The water at (shallower) Dockton Park (about a 6 min drive away) gets warm from swimming in summer if you prefer it to 54 degree deep water here! Please clean up after your pet. Dogs must be leashed AT ALL TIMES in the field. If no one is around at the beach, they can be off leash, but leash up if anyone approaches until they pass. Please never leave your dog unattended outside where barking will disturb the peace. Please don't hesitate to reach out if you have any questions. Looking forward to hosting you! IN CASE OF EMERGENCY, DIAL 911 FROM A CELL PHONE. 4025 SW Pt. Robinson Rd. is the address. Lisa 206 498 4359 Chiara (July - Sept only) 206 409 7975 Larry Sherry 206 295 4564/206 295 7333 Andre 206 335 6731
Pets
Campfires
Full hookups
from 
$60
 / night

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Nearby public parks

Browse national and state parks near Olympia

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Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field
Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

The best waterside 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.