Riverbend Campground, Olympia WA.

by Jeff · May 4, 2023

The Riverbend Campground in Olympia, Washington is one of those hidden gems that you look for on those trips or local stays that is truly under-rated. There are a combination of houses, long term renters and short term sites. The houses are owned by the members of the Nisqually Sportsman’s Club who started the community. Long term campers are held to a high standard by management and are separated from the nightly rental spots. The management and staff are in constant motion, keeping the grounds and facilities maintained and updated.

This campground is located a short drive off of Interstate 5. Their GPS coordinates are accurate and there is ok signage. Do not be fooled by other campgrounds in the area which are closer to the interstate. The 90 degree bend in the river here is the reason for the name and you can rent W/E only sites on this bend.

As you enter the park there is ok parking for about 4 big rigs to que up for the registration office and it is indeed big rig friendly. We are 60 feet overall and 41 feet from pinbox to bumper with a 3’6″ height. They Offer two types of Tent sites, on river or off river. They offer W/E only with four premium sites riverfront on a bank. They offer full hookups as well long term sites. There are two bath houses and one onsite laundry facility with 4 clean washers and dryers. For tent campers and areas near the river there are plenty of portable, well maintained bathrooms located throughout the park. Each tent site has a picnic table and fire ring.

Check their website for current rates, rules, maps and events. https://www.riverbendcampgroundwa.com/

This campground is uniquely set amongst the western Washington Fir and leaf trees in a picturesque environment. Here you will find all manner of critters, from squirrels, raccoons, deer wandering through the park to river otters and even sea lions swimming up the river in pursuit of the salmon.

You can experience fishing in the river starting on July 1 every year with the trout season and the first salmon run beginning toward the end of July. Be sure to check the park rules for fishing as well as the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife. https://www.eregulations.com/washington/fishing/puget-sound-coastal-rivers-special-rules-l-r#:~:text=NISQUALLY%20RIVER%20%2D%20PIERCE,coho%2C%20and%20chum.

I would definitely recommend this campground for a day, weekend or longer stay if you are in the Olympia area for the summer.