Camping near Olympia
Stock up on supplies in this quirky college town near the Olympic Peninsula.
- Olympia
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Camping near Olympia guide
Overview
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.
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.
