Our final stop before arriving at our “summer home, Margaret McKenny Campground in the Capitol State Forest, is part of a large network of “free” campgrounds peppered around Washington state.
What Do I Mean by “Free”?
Washington state, like many states, has a state park pass program. They go by different names in different states, but in Washington, it’s called the Discover Pass. As of writing, they cost $50 for an annual pass, which gets you unlimited access to participating state parks and campgrounds. Day passes are also available for about $12. If you have a library card, many libraries have Discover Passes available to check out, but these are limited and often have a wait list. We also used a Discover Pass for our shakedown cruise. One great thing about the Discover Pass is you don’t need to get a physical pass right away! There are instructions on the webpage for what to write down if you buy a pass online as you arrive.
Though use of the pass is unlimited, campground stays are limited to 10 nights per park in a 30-day period, and a maximum of 90 days in all state campgrounds in a year, though we’re not sure how well this is enforced.
What to Expect at Margaret McKenny Campground
Margaret McKenny Campground is a first-come, first-served, primitive campground. This means there is no water, sewer, or power. While a few water spigots were seen at the site, they were clearly marked as “non-potable equestrian use.” This makes a bit of sense, as one of the three camping loops is strictly for campers bringing their horse to ride along the extensive trail system throughout Capital State Forest. The other two loops are mostly smaller sites, geared to car camping weekenders. However, we found a spot in Loop B that had wide-open sky views and an easy pull-through approach.
Amenities Around Margaret McKenny Campground
Washington State has several highway rest stops with free RV dump stations and potable water fills. The closest one to Margaret McKenny Campground is in Elma, off of Highway 8. The campground itself is only 20 minutes outside of Olympia, the capital city of Washington state. This means that groceries, supplies, fuel, and entertainment are well within reach.
Whether you’re visiting the Evergreen State for a week or a whole season, Margaret McKenny Campground may be a great base camp for you and yours to explore the history and natural beauty of Western Washington.