Best Camping in and near Schafer State Park

Discover the serene beauty of Schafer State Park.

Popular ways to camp

Community favorites near Schafer State Park

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

Book externally

Public campgrounds in the park
Book externally

Stay at a public campground in Schafer State Park

Schafer Campground

42 sites · RVs, Tents In Schafer State Park

Top-rated campgrounds near Schafer State Park

99%

(1458)

Unique Bay Front Camping

5 sites · RVs6 acres · Aberdeen, WA

PLEASE NO FIREWORKS ON SITE OR SURROUNDING AREA. We bought this land in 2017, there were 7 derelict mobile homes on the property. We cleaned up the area and remodeled the house next door and put in the 5 RV sites. We hope you enjoy this property as much as we do, it is a one-of-a-kind beautiful, quiet place. All of our sites have full hook-ups (water, sewer, and power). The sites are just a couple feet from the bay with access to miles of beach hiking. You can walk to Bottle Beach State Park which is approximately 1 mile north or hike about a mile south to Elk River. Enjoy unobstructed views of Westport and the freight ships coming into the harbor. Enjoy a peaceful beach with amazing sunsets. Whether you are surfing for the weekend or tuna-fishing, this is your go to spot - you will not be disappointed. Westport is 7 miles by car and the Westport Winery is only 5 miles. There is two nearby boat launches - one off of Elk River just 2 miles away and the other off of Johns River launch just 6 miles away. We are located in the middle of an outdoor paradise and want others to enjoy all it has to offer. ***If you have questions about how to add sites to your reservation or change dates, please reach out to HipCamp support. They will be able to better assist you.***

94%

(67)

Skokomish Park At Lake Cushman

60 sites · RVs, Tents10 acres · Hoodsport, WA

2024 Reservations are Open 2024 Season runs from March 29 - November 3 KING5 Evening Magazine's "The Best of the Northwest Escapes" competition voted us 2nd Best Campground. Come on out and check out the natural beauty Skokomish Park at Lake Cushman has to offer. Skokomish Park at Lake Cushman, formerly known as Camp Cushman or Lake Cushman State Park, covers over 500 acres with three boat-launch ramps on the 41,500 feet of freshwater shoreline on Lake Cushman. Park facilities include campsites, RV pull-thru and back-in sites, walk-in campsites, and two group camping areas. Plus, two fantastic day-use areas with picnic sites, a picnic shelter, and comfort stations located throughout the park. The natural beauty of the area can be explored on any of our trails. The eastern part of the Olympic Peninsula has loads of great trails around us in the Olympic National Park. Trailheads nearby include Big Creek, Mount Rose, Mount Ellinor, Dry Creek, Copper Creek, Wagonwheel Lake, Staircase Rapids, Big Log Camp, and Flapjack Lakes. Mount Ellinor Trail is rated 5 stars by many.

97%

(612)

The Hairy Eagle Lookout 🦅

3 sites · RVs, Tents10 acres · Olympia, WA

Experience breathtaking views! Positioned atop a 500ft hill, you will witness phenomenal sights of Puget Sound inlets, Mount Rainer, St Helens, Adams, and much more on a clear day. Resting against the Capitol State Forest, and mere miles away from Olympic National Forest, this serene secluded location is surrounded by majestic beauty. Recently awarded runner-up for the best Hipcamp in Washington 2023!

98%

(95)

Coastal Family Hideaway

1 site · RV, Tent4 acres · Ocean Shores, WA

Ocean Shores is known as a small charming coastal community with an abundance of recreational and cultural activities. It is also surrounded by miles of sandy beaches on the Pacific Ocean as well as Grays Harbor. Its 23 miles of inter-connected canals and lakes charm you with their breathtaking views. Surrounded by trees and vegetation you will have all the privacy you seek as you are the only campers here. This is a very large space to share with those of your choosing. There are no "lights out" or "quiet times" for you to worry about. Large open space for camping with friends and family to gather and enjoy each others company. Dogs are able to be leash free and enjoy the space as well. Only a ten min private walk to the ocean through the dunes to enjoy beautiful sandy beaches, kite flying, picnics on the beach, day camping, amazing sunsets and so much more. Rubber boots (maybe some waders, depending on the winter) are recommended for the hike to the beach during the winter months (November-May) as you will have a small trek through seasonal wet lands. You may also access the beach/ocean by vehicle just a few minutes away in town. You will be located between the Quinault Casino and the City of Ocean Shores where you can enjoy all the wonderful activities there is to offer. If kayaking, canoeing or paddle boarding is what you are seeking, many are unaware of the 23 miles of scenic canals in the City of Ocean Shores. You may also fish for bass, rainbow trout, yellow perch and bluegill sunfish in these waterways. I hear there are a couple little Islands to explore as well. What a hidden treasure! There are three launch sites available we can give if needed. And if you left something at home, sitting there thinking he was going to grab it (haha) no worries, you more than likely can grab it in town. The Ace hardware is amazing! There is an Arcade, golf, miniature golf, go carts, water go carts, bowling, horseback rentals (seasonal) for the beach, electric bike rentals, scooter rentals and so many more activities for you to enjoy. A wonderful place where memories are made.

100%

(115)

Good 'Dose' of Relaxation

1 site · RV1 acre · Brinnon, WA

Property nestled above the Dosewallips River with tremendous views of Mt. Jupiter Ridge and the Dosewallips River. You will find numerous hikes in the Olympic National Forest within a short drive, a gorgeous waterfall and swimming hole within 5 minutes, parks, Whitney Garden & Nursery, boat launches, crabbing, clamming & oyster digging, wildlife watching, enjoying the Hood Canal, and much more! Or, just sit back and relax in tranquility, as the property sits at the end of a cul de sac just before entering national forest land. Be sure to leash your pets and keep a good eye, as there are wildcats, coyotes, and bears in the area. Learn more about this land: Pull your RV or trailer onto this lot and take in the beautiful southwestern view of Mt. Jupiter ridge and a peek-a-boo view of the Dosewallips River! Listen closely, and you will hear the sounds of the river below. The lot is equipped with power and water hookups! Please be aware the water hookup is near the main gate entrance and the power is about 40 feet apart, so you may need a long hose (see pic). Enjoy the view from the large deck, firepit, or picnic table overlooking the river, valley, and mountains. This lot is truly a little slice of heaven! Within a few minutes, find yourself at Rocky Brook falls (see pics) for a spectacular view and even a swim if you so please! Pleasant Harbor Marina (also shown in pics) also within 10 minutes! You will also find many hiking trails and parks nearby! There is weak cell service on the lot, so you may or may not be able to connect. I get 1-2 bars with Sprint. While this property is not very far off the Dosewallips road (35 mph), it is generally very quiet and peaceful. You may hear cars and motorcycles from time to time, but very faintly. The lot is at about 350 ft. elevation, so you may get noise traveling up the valley from the residential community below (to which I belong), such as dogs, people using chainsaws, etc. There is hunting allowed in the national forest, so you could potentially hear guns in the distance during the day, but that is rare. There are a few close neighbors, so please be respectful and quiet, especially in the evening. Please bring your own firewood when campfires are allowed and please do not forage for firewood on or around the property. Lastly, while the sightings have been few and rare, the neighbors have seen bears, cougars, coyotes, and bobcats near their homes and this property. So keep an eye on your children and pets, especially if off-leash (your pet of course!) The property also slopes a bit where the deck starts, so again, keep a close eye on the kiddos. You have a very good chance of seeing the local Roosevelt Elk that travel in huge herds around Brinnon (See pics). They sometimes lay down and hang out on the grass on the property! Make sure your pets have their flea and tick updates!

96%

(46)

RV+ Rainbow Falls / Willapa Trails

9 sites · RVs, Tents56 acres · Chehalis, WA

(This is a leave no trace site. You must take all of your garbage with you!) Just 1.5 hours from Seattle, Portland, Mt. Rainier, Mt. St. Helens, & Olympic National Park, just 3 minutes from Rainbow Falls State Park and 4 minutes from Willapa Biking Trail! We are located on top of Bunker Hill nestled between the Dunn creek and Chehalis river. Our property is 56 acres of mixed biomes including multi-generational forests, open meadows, and creek side trails. We are located right off Chandler Road, off of Highway 6. You turn onto Labri road (white sign) and you're on the property after going through a gate. Meander down the road past a red barn and several buildings on your right. Through the second gate, the dispersed camping site offers various sites for camping attached to a main trail that parallels the Dunn creek down to the Chehalis river. They are conveniently accessible off the logging roads which cross with Labri road after you've passed through the second gate. If you take the logging road to the left (look for a blue and white ribbon) you will come up to a tree line where you can park (another blue and white ribbon) and either take the trail to the left or right where you will find ample places to camp. You may camp along the trail or closer to the creek. The most ideal spot is right after you park near the blue and white ribbon if you walk North you'll see a site marked with an orange and white ribbon. This site has easy access to the creek but is still on a hill. There are four RV spots with full onsite hook-up. Two of the RV sites are paved and lit with ground lights and are prioritized for heavier rigs. The other two sites are on grass. We have two RV sites with no hook up (boondocking) but bathroom and shower access. We do not allow dumping of grey water or sewage at our property but there is a dump station just 1 minute away at Rainbow Falls State Park. The site is located on a hill so you get very nice view of sunsets and sunrises. For those who enjoy bird watching the nearby fruit trees bring in many birds. We are an ideal location for those who love the outdoors or just want to have private family events. 6 mi from Jones Creek Brewing, 7 mi from Evey's Cafe & Pe Ell, 20 mi from I-5, 69 mi Westport Quiet hours are from 11pm - 8am.

86%

(256)

Pacific Dunes Resort

31 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents5 acres · Copalis Beach, WA

Nestled along the pristine central Washington coast, Pacific Dunes Resort offers a mix of Alt Lodging accommodations amidst the bliss of an open nature setting. The unique accommodations are only outmatched by the personalized service our team is dedicated to providing. Our Resort offers seclusion + communal space for those that still like to socialize. All at a responsible distance with a fresh coastal breeze of course! Take a walk on the beach with a nice warm cup of joe from our onsite coffee shop. The beach is only a 5 min walk from the shop, over our bridge, through the dunes and voila sweet serenity.

96%

(195)

Loge at The Sands

17 sites · RVs, Tents5 acres · Westport , WA

This property is a one of a kind Surf Camp in the PNW. Located on the Washington coast, LOGE Westport is the ultimate surf camp! Westport's history is one of an economy based on the water/land - commercial fishing, logging and more dominated. Now, cold water surfing has taken hold and Westport has developed into a destination for cold water surfers from all over the world. With access to world class surfing and quintessential beach town vibes take your pick from our variety of lodging options. Don't have a wetsuit? We've got you covered, literally. We have all the necessities you'd need for surfing! Our site offers board and wetsuit rentals, outdoor kitchens, bathrooms and showers, communal fire-pits, live music and yoga on Saturdays. If you're looking for camp meets surf come see us.

98%

(64)

Elfendahl Forest campground

6 sites · Lodging, Tents20 acres · Belfair, WA

Nestled deep within the captivating forest, not far from the majestic Hood Canal, lies our enchanting retreat known as Elfendahl Forest. Embark on a journey to escape the electronic hustle of everyday life and immerse yourself in the wonder of the fairy tale woods that make Elfendahl Forest so extraordinary. Our off-grid homesteading destination is a testament to our unwavering commitment to sustainable living and environmental preservation. As we embark on our fourth year, we have meticulously crafted our 20 acres of whimsical, lush forest into a place that will captivate your heart and entice you to return time and time again. Surrounded by boundless acres of state lands, you are invited to explore the endless trails and roads that beckon adventurers. Just minutes away, you'll discover state parks, the Hood Canal, and refreshing freshwater lakes where you can indulge in activities such as fishing, kayaking, and swimming in the surprisingly warm waters. We offer a range of outdoor games including axe and knife throwing, bocce ball, corn hole, laser tag, and more. Additionally, we have a dedicated kids' play area where young ones can enjoy endless fun throughout the day. Immerse yourself in the heart of our vibrant community by getting involved in one or more of our ongoing projects and workshops. Relish in the abundance of delights that await you at Elfendahl Forest, including our flourishing vegetable gardens, inviting outdoor kitchen, eco-friendly composting toilet, refreshing shower, and a communal fire pit perfect for cozy evenings. During the summer months, we often host movie nights at our outdoor theater, offering a unique and captivating experience. Our one-of-a-kind kitchen is equipped with a propane stove/oven and comes complete with dishes and utensils for your convenience. Should you desire fresh vegetables and herbs, our gardens are a bountiful source, and we gladly share their harvest upon request. Indulge in the privacy and comfort of our outdoor shower, featuring on-demand hot water that can be adjusted to your liking. Our main composting toilet, affectionately known as "Louie the first," operates similarly to a porta potty but with the use of sawdust instead of harsh blue chemicals. Prepare to be pleasantly surprised by its cleanliness and comfort, all while conserving hundreds of gallons of water each week. For those renting our Lotus tent or the Magical bus you will enjoy the convenience of your own private composting toilet, as well as access to drinking water, a well-equipped kitchenette with spices and cooking oils, hammocks, and more. As we embark on our exciting journey with Hipcamp and other online platforms, your satisfaction is of utmost importance to us. Please do not hesitate to let us know how we can make your stay as enjoyable as possible while you're here. At Elfendahl Forest, we invite you to step into a world of wonder and create memories that will last a lifetime.

98%

(99)

Hidden Meadow on Henderson Inlet

5 sites · RVs, Tents4 acres · Olympia, WA

Our camp is currently closed for the season. Thank you everyone for sharing such an amazing Summer at Hidden Meadow with us. We will be opening again starting in June 2025. See you next year and have a great winter season! Burn ban information here: https://www.southbayfire.com/thurston-burn-information About us: Hello and thank you for checking out Hidden Meadow, our names are Jake and Molly. We love camping, hiking and any opportunity to be outside with our two children! In 2020 (one week before the whole world shut down from Covid) we found the hidden gem we had been searching for! A perfect place to raise our family, space to play and explore nature, super private and close to town! It seemed too good to be true and still does! After settling in and realizing what amazing natural beauty we had, we got to work developing our garden, orchards, trails, fire pits and….Campsites! After building a camp site for our family, we decided that we wanted to share this amazing space with other families to enjoy! We built Hidden Meadow to be the campsite that we have always searched for on our family adventures, surrounded by nature, away from the hustle and bustle of the world, with trails for hiking and a HOT TUB to relax in, in the evening! We hope that you enjoy it! About the property: 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 bathroom which has a shower and a toilet. The toilet is a porta-potty and the shower is propane headed. There is also a supply closet at the bathroom that has the yard games and extra supplies. There is a hottub situated right on the edge of the forest with peek-a-boo views of the inlet. You will also find garbage and recycling bins as well as a sink for washing hands (please water only down the sink). We have provided soap that is biodegradable for the sink and shower to help reduce our impact on this beautiful environment. 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 is also several 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 offers 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! Dogs: We do have two dogs on the property (Wilma and Bean) who are very friendly and we will keep them out of camp during your stay. Although they typically follow us when we walk down there. We allow dogs to be off leash at owner’s risk. There may be other dogs in camp so please use discretion when letting your dogs off leash and be mindful of other campers. You must be responsible for your own dogs, we are not responsible for any dog related or dog inflicted injuries. Getting here: We are off of Sleater Kinney Rd in Olympia. We have a long, steep, curvy driveway. At the bottom of the driveway, you will find signs directing you to the camp site. If you have extra vehicles, we have extra parking spaces adjacent to the campsite. The road out to camp may be bumpy (we do our best to keep it smooth) so go slow and beware of natural obstacles. Rules: 1. Check in time is 2:00pm or later. For afterhours arrivals, please let us know. 2. Check out time is 12:00pm or earlier 3. Quiet hours from 9pm to 8am. You are far from our house, so we can’t hear you but sound travels well over the water to our neighbors. Nobody wants grumpy neighbors, please be respectful. 4. Remain within the campground boundary during all times. If you need us, please feel free to text or call. 5. Please put all trash in the trash cans or take it with you. 6. Remove all dog doo and dispose of in the trash. 7. Leave what you find (except ripe blackberries). Please leave any forest treasures where you found them. 8. Cleanup any debris left from firewood/camp activities before departing. 9. Enjoy nature and respect it. Please stay on trails and respect the plants and the natural habitats. 10. Stay off the dock. It is closed for repair. 11. Do not use the trailside fireplace (if you find it) or our personal canoe or kayaks. However, feel free to enjoy the view from the seats by the fireplace. 12. Be cautious when walking around, the ground is bumpy and there are exposed tree roots that can be tripping hazards. We are not responsible from injuries. 13. Help us keep it clean- if you find any garbage around, please pick it up or let us know. 14. Keep fires small and when you are finished PUT YOUR FIRES DEAD OUT! There are 5 gallon buckets by each fire put to fill before you start your fire for putting them out. 15. Please do not burn trash or food. It can create issues with the wildlife. Put all waste in garbage cans.

100%

(196)

Malaney Creek Farm

16 sites · RVs, Tents124 acres · Shelton, WA

MCF is situated 12 minutes NE of Shelton Washington with secluded wetlands nested against the SW shores of Spencer Lake. Covering over 124 acres MCF offers terrain from grassy fields to heavily wooded forests and an abundance of sanctuary wetlands. Being surrounded mostly by private timberlands expands the remote feeling this location has to offer. More than 3 miles of maintained trails deliver single track/ pedestrian/equine pathways to wider trails joined by a main trunk trail large enough for vehicles. Malaney Creek meanders through a cool grassy tree lined meadow where a 40 year old wooden bridge serving the main driveway can be viewed. Established in 1977 as a resident farm, MCF was once rich with an old growth ceder forest feeding a cedar mill and railroad built by early settlers of Mason County. Remnants of the old growth giants still remain.

92%

(61)

Deer Haven Family Farm

12 sites · RVs, Tents10 acres · Olympia, WA

Conveniently located just 2.2 miles from I-5 is 10 acres of beautiful farm land with Beaver creek running through it. There are trees, open playing fields, volleyball net, play yard with trampoline and rope swings, pond with adjacent sand play area, deck and fire pit. *10% WINTER DISCOUNT CODE FOR Nov 2 - Feb. 28: JHZHMBMQ We offer full hook-ups (water, sewer, 30 amp electricity) for 7 RV spots also great for tents. Also, Site 8 is for a tent or RV without hook-ups. Site 9 is for tents only. We welcome your furry friends. Please count them as a person when booking, keep dogs on a leash. Hot outdoor showers are available to campers mid March through mid October. There is one composting toilet near the volleyball field. Wildlife likely to be seen: black-tailed deer, raccoons, grey squirrels, rabbits, opossum, various birds, frogs and crawdads.

The best camping near Schafer State Park guide

Overview

About

Round up your families, buddies, even your pooch and head on over to Schafer State Park! Situated on the idyllic Satsop River located midway between Olympia and Ocean Park, this sportsman’s paradise boasts fruitful fishing, swimming, and two miles of scenic hiking trails for all ages. The park itself is a recognized national historic site, so make like a pioneer and vibe out under the clear, starry night sky at one of the 41 designated tent spaces. Need a few more creature comforts, or have a larger group? Schafer’s can dig. Their nine spots offer running water, electrical outlets, and one mega-camp providing basic amenities. What’s that? Fish weren’t biting today? Well no worries! The park store’s got you with camping essentials, sweets, ice cream, and a variety of other items. Oh, and make sure to check ahead–the park offers a slew of cool events running throughout the year!

When to go

The best time to visit Schafer State Park is during the warmer months, from late spring to early fall, when the weather is ideal for camping and river activities. Winter can be less inviting due to cooler temperatures and limited park services. Plan your visit around the park's open hours, from 8am to dusk, to make the most of your day.

Know before you go

Ensure you have a Discover Pass; an annual pass is $30, and a one-day pass is $10.
Dogs are welcome but must be kept on a leash at all times.
Check for any burn bans or fire restrictions before lighting a campfire.
Accessible campsites and restrooms are available for those with mobility concerns.
Remember to pack out all your trash and make use of the trash service provided.