Lake Camping in Olympia, Washington, US: 12 Best Lake Campsites 2024

United States
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Washington
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Olympia

94% (946 reviews)

Popular camping styles for Olympia

Dog-friendly getaways

Under $50

88%

(62)

Rainier's Roadside RV

3 sites · RVs1 acre · Ashford, WA

Welcome to Rainier Roadside RV, the ideal base camp for visiting Mt. Rainier! The closest RV site to Rainier's Nisqually entrance and a two minute drive to the gate! Beat the morning rush and be first into the park. Site amenities include a covered pavilion for afternoon picnics, a central fire pit area, electrical connections, and trash bin. This desirable location is both close to the entrance but also the road. During the busy season the line for the Nisqually entrance can back up over three miles long. This campsite is close to the park and less than a mile to the gate. This mean a couple things: You can be the first in line in the mornings, but traffic also backs up past the campsite starting around 8 am (see picture of road proximity from Google Earth for reference). The road traffic dies down in the evenings, as visitors tend to leave the park before dark. When you're not in the park check out the local sites including The Elbe Outdoor Shooting Range, Nisqually River (387th Ave Ct E), Ice cream at Elbe Junction or the Wildberry Restaurant across the street, just a stroll away! I appreciate feedback and reviews, I'm always trying to make the experience better!

Pleasant Places

3 sites · RVs, Tents14 acres · Onalaska, WA

Pleasant Places campground is clean, quiet, spacious, and private with lots of nooks for R&R as well as ample space for play and activities. It is an ideal location for large groups, family reunions, workshops, or what have you. A rustic kitchen, two 6' folding tables (bring tablecloths), and a fire pit with accessories make setting up camp a cinch. Centrally located and with 10 acres of field, forest and farm, there is something of interest here for everyone. If you're looking to explore the area, Mt Rainier, Mt St Helens, the East Side, and the Pacific Coast are all just day trips from here. We are midway between Portland and Seattle and just 15 minutes off of I-5 making Pleasant Places a perfect meet in the middle vacation. Locally, Mayfield, Ike Kinswa, and Riffe lakes provide lots of boating, swimming, and fishing opportunities. Even closer, Carlisle Lake offers walking trails, outdoor exercise equipment, fishing opportunities, summer concerts, and a playground for the kids and is just five minutes down the road. Enjoy communing with our goat, chicken and duck friends. The local fauna include deer, skunk, coyote, rabbit, weasel, and possum. Bear and cat are not common, but please do be conscientious about leaving food out. While the campsite, play space, and driveway loops are mowed, most of the grounds are wild so bring your tromping shoes. We also have a play field (with a net) so pack your movie screen, volleyball, soccer ball, badminton set and lawn games. We are Judy and Summer and Chula, mother and daughter and dog, and we are pleased you are considering a stay with us. If you do book, we are certain you’ll enjoy making Pleasant Places your outdoor home-away-from-home.

Cozy Canal Camp

1 site · RV, Tent1 acre · WA

Located on the beautiful Olympic Peninsula smack dab in the middle of the Hood Canal in the Olympic National Forest. Our modest but conveniently located property is perfect for exploration along this beautiful stretch of highway 101. Whether you enjoy clamming and oyster picking on nearby beaches, taking a picnic to the river, hiking on the countless nearby trails, or taking a day to explore nearby local farms for all of your fresh produce needs, breweries, cideries, and countless eateries this is the spot for you.

Camp Birdwatch

13 sites · RVs, Tents15 acres · Elma, WA

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.

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.

12 top lakeside campgrounds near Olympia

97%

(43)

Pipe Lake Cabin

2 sites · Lodging1 acre · Maple Valley, WA

Woodsy cabin nestled on Pipe Lake in Maple Valley, Washington. Quiet, private dock and deck overlooking the lake. Nestled in between Snoqualmie National Forest and Mount Rainier National Park, this cabin is a quaint spot to have a beverage by the lake with friends, play board games as the sun goes down and go for a swim.

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.

Cozy Canal Camp

1 site · RV, Tent1 acre · WA

Located on the beautiful Olympic Peninsula smack dab in the middle of the Hood Canal in the Olympic National Forest. Our modest but conveniently located property is perfect for exploration along this beautiful stretch of highway 101. Whether you enjoy clamming and oyster picking on nearby beaches, taking a picnic to the river, hiking on the countless nearby trails, or taking a day to explore nearby local farms for all of your fresh produce needs, breweries, cideries, and countless eateries this is the spot for you.

Pleasant Places

3 sites · RVs, Tents14 acres · Onalaska, WA

Pleasant Places campground is clean, quiet, spacious, and private with lots of nooks for R&R as well as ample space for play and activities. It is an ideal location for large groups, family reunions, workshops, or what have you. A rustic kitchen, two 6' folding tables (bring tablecloths), and a fire pit with accessories make setting up camp a cinch. Centrally located and with 10 acres of field, forest and farm, there is something of interest here for everyone. If you're looking to explore the area, Mt Rainier, Mt St Helens, the East Side, and the Pacific Coast are all just day trips from here. We are midway between Portland and Seattle and just 15 minutes off of I-5 making Pleasant Places a perfect meet in the middle vacation. Locally, Mayfield, Ike Kinswa, and Riffe lakes provide lots of boating, swimming, and fishing opportunities. Even closer, Carlisle Lake offers walking trails, outdoor exercise equipment, fishing opportunities, summer concerts, and a playground for the kids and is just five minutes down the road. Enjoy communing with our goat, chicken and duck friends. The local fauna include deer, skunk, coyote, rabbit, weasel, and possum. Bear and cat are not common, but please do be conscientious about leaving food out. While the campsite, play space, and driveway loops are mowed, most of the grounds are wild so bring your tromping shoes. We also have a play field (with a net) so pack your movie screen, volleyball, soccer ball, badminton set and lawn games. We are Judy and Summer and Chula, mother and daughter and dog, and we are pleased you are considering a stay with us. If you do book, we are certain you’ll enjoy making Pleasant Places your outdoor home-away-from-home.

Camp Birdwatch

13 sites · RVs, Tents15 acres · Elma, WA

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.

98%

(154)

Roundtop Retreat stunning acreage

3 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents5 acres · Mineral, WA

With views, gardens, ponds, and a year-round creek -- Roundtop Retreat offers a range of ecosystems. Wander from small woods to grassy yards, from spring-fed ponds to babbling creek. Visit with the hens and collect their eggs. I'm probably around, working on one of my many projects to rehabilitate this land and make it more enjoyable. Feel free to say hi and chat - or keep to your solitude. It's all good!

Rainier's Roadside RV

3 sites · RVs1 acre · Ashford, WA

Welcome to Rainier Roadside RV, the ideal base camp for visiting Mt. Rainier! The closest RV site to Rainier's Nisqually entrance and a two minute drive to the gate! Beat the morning rush and be first into the park. Site amenities include a covered pavilion for afternoon picnics, a central fire pit area, electrical connections, and trash bin. This desirable location is both close to the entrance but also the road. During the busy season the line for the Nisqually entrance can back up over three miles long. This campsite is close to the park and less than a mile to the gate. This mean a couple things: You can be the first in line in the mornings, but traffic also backs up past the campsite starting around 8 am (see picture of road proximity from Google Earth for reference). The road traffic dies down in the evenings, as visitors tend to leave the park before dark. When you're not in the park check out the local sites including The Elbe Outdoor Shooting Range, Nisqually River (387th Ave Ct E), Ice cream at Elbe Junction or the Wildberry Restaurant across the street, just a stroll away! I appreciate feedback and reviews, I'm always trying to make the experience better!

50%

(3)

Paradise Estates Resort

1 site · RV, Tent1 acre · Ashford, WA

Reconnect with nature at this unforgettable escape. One of the closest camping spots possible to Mt Rainier National Park located less than 5 miles away. Camp in glory or bring your trailer with all the creature comforts. This secluded gem has Power, Water and Septic. Walk to ATV, Bike and hiking trails, Pristine swimmable mountain lake, Trails, Streams and the Nisqually river. Basecamp to Mt Rainier with campfire area and room with a turn out for the largest vehicles, room for 4 cars

97%

(116)

Majestic Meadows

4 sites · RVs, Tents10 acres · WA

Majestic Meadows is located on the back forested side of 10 acres. Each campsite is placed far enough apart to have privacy to enjoy the serenity of the camping experience. The property is filled with wild life. Mornings will be greeted with birdsong and our fields occasionally with elk, dear, and coyotes. Our property is a bird haven, so if you love watching birds we get regular sightings of Hawks, Eagles, Sparrows, Robins and little peaks of the adorable Humming birds. Our bunny population has no issues reproducing and filling all our bushes with their cute tails. If adventure is your desire, we are located perfectly! Mt. Rainier scenic drive can be enjoyed from either 401 or a short drive to the southern entrance. Passing through Elbe where you can stop for a nice bite to eat on a train at the Mt. Rainier Railroad Dining Co. or visit a car show in the small quaint town of Eatonville. There's a plethora of things to do from hiking to kayaking, fishing, scenic drives, memorable dining, buying local organic fruit, visiting the Northwest Trek Wildlife Park and so much more. We truly love our property and it's location and we're excited to share it with you. NOTE: Please clean up after pets and do not leave your trash. We do not offer trash services here. If you see a trash bin it is most likely for storing our kindling. Please do not leave your trash in it. Pack it out with you. We maintain our property and clean the toilets once or twice a week. I'm more than happy to answer any questions you might have about your stay or local attractions.

100%

(2)

Olympic Gateway Cottage And RV Site

1 site · RV11 acres · Shelton, WA

Easy on/off from US 101 at SR 3 (Shelton). Pull-through RV Site can accommodate most RV lengths**. Electric and potable water hook-ups. Public RV dump site at Potlatch State Park - 14 miles. 17 mins to Hood Canal, 30 mins to Lake Cushman, 50 mins to the Staircase Entrance of Olympic National Park (33 miles). Perfect location for setting up camp with your RV, then taking your car up into the Olympics. Looking for dog-friendly hikes? Several Olympic National Forest and Skokomish Wilderness trails can be accessed from Lake Cushman, including Mt. Ellinor, Mt. Rose, and Mt. Washington. When returning to camp, enjoy what our property has to offer. Of the 11 acres, 10 acres are comprised of a Cat II wetland, a Cat III wetland, and their associated buffers. A legal trail winds down to Mill Creek just 1/4 mile downstream from the outlet of Lake Isabella. Here the creek is wide and it is permissible to hand launch non-motorized vessels (eg, kayaks, canoes). The stretch of creek between our property and the lake is conservation land, and a beaver dam crosses the creek, but kayakers can usually navigate over the beaver dam and paddle into Lake Isabella. The lake is over 200 acres and boasts Lake Isabella State Park and a Dept of Fish and Wildlife public boat launch. Our wetland is critical for maintaining local water quality and supporting the local shellfish industry; access is confined to the trail and creek access needs to be respectful and gentle. But if you pause for a moment or two along the trail or shoreline, you'll be rewarded as the local wildlife begin to stir from their hiding places. Song birds, rabbits, deer, voles -- yes. But also river otters, beavers, ducks, cormorants, and owls. Mountain lions and coyotes are possible, but we have not personally seen these. Salmon do run Mill Creek, as well. Dogs are permitted on the trail during summer, fall, and winter if leashed but should stay up near the RV site during spring to avoid disturbing nesting wildlife. Back at the RV site, there is a picnic table for outdoor cookouts (propane stoves are permissible). Inside the driveway circle is a large propane fire pit with half-moon seating on either side - perfect for roasting S'mores late into the evening. The majority of our outdoor lighting shuts down at midnight to allow for stargazing in a region remote from city lights. A 1-bed, 1-bath cottage is currently under construction, tucked into a cove of maple, hemlock, and alder. Availability expected in spring 2025. With just a single RV site, our nearest neighbor several acres away, and only State and County land between us and Hwy 101, you can expect a private stay in a forested setting with easy freeway access to the Olympics on one side of the property and an idyllic private creekside nature preserve on the other. We welcome you to share this place we call home. In omnibus rebus serviunt Terrae, non homini. ** Larger RV's would pull-in/back-out to avoid the tear-drop curve at the end of the driveway (please see photos). Driveway entrance is 22' wide, first curve is 18' wide and gradual, leading to RV site if pulling in -- best option for Class A's. Most Class C's and smaller will find it easier to circle the entire driveway and use the site as a pull-through.

100%

(34)

The Lookout at Mayfield Lake

1 site · Lodging9 acres · Mossyrock, WA

Camp at your own private oasis! Welcome to the Lookout at Mayfield Lake, a nine acre private retreat with panoramic views of Mayfield Lake. The site includes a 23' stationary Airstream (2008 era), a 16' dome, six Adirondack chairs, a picnic table, outdoor barbecue, outdoor shower, laundry, and is fully fenced. The site is completely private and surrounded by abundant wildlife including a pair of eagles that frequent the property. Perennial gardens surround the property. Lake access <1 mile away.

100%

(14)

Madrona Meadow Camp

2 sites · RVs, Tents10 acres · 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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Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

Lakeside camping near Olympia guide

Overview

Looking to plan a camping trip near Olympia, Washington with a preference for a lake? Look no further than Hipcamp! With over 440 options in the area, you're sure to find the perfect campsite to suit your needs. Whether it's swimming, fishing, or simply enjoying the serene beauty of a lake, there's something for everyone. Don't just take our word for it, check out the top campsites with rave reviews like The Landing at Index WA (597 reviews), Horse Lovers Paradise (237 reviews), and sol duc rainforest retreat (232 reviews). Plus, you'll have access to popular amenities like trash disposal, potable water, and showers. So whether you're into boating, surfing, horseback riding, or just enjoying the great outdoors, Hipcamp has got you covered. And with prices starting as low as $20 per night and an average price of $50 per night, you can enjoy the camping experience without breaking the bank.