A century of summers   ·   1926–2026Black Lake, Olympia, Washington

Tent & RV camping on Black Lake

Creekside Camping.

Tent and RV camping at Columbus Park. Campsites are alongside a protected salmon creek just a short walk from the lake shore.

A shaded tent and RV camping site with a picnic table beside the creek at Black Lake
Creekside camping at Columbus ParkOlympia, WA

Sites & nightly rates

Tent and RV camping at Black Lake.

Each site is a little different, check with the office to see what sites would work best for you and your friends or family. Every site comes with one picnic table and one fire ring.

The classic campout

Standard campsite

For tent camping or small RVs.

$42/ night + tax
  • Partial-service campsite
  • First 2 tents OR 1 RV + 1 tent (if space allows)
  • May require adaptor plug, ask at check-in

Keep it simple

Tent Hollow

A tent-only area for dry camping.

$42/ night + tax
  • Dry camping, without hookups
  • Tents only
  • First 2 tents included

Trade the tent for a roof

Bob’s Fishin’ Cottage

A nightly / weekend rental cabin.

$150/ night + tax
  • 2 night minimum
  • Up to 4 people, no pets
  • Dishes, bedding, towels and appliances included

Coming with a group? $145

Our group site is for groups of up to 20 people, and includes up to 8 tents, 5 vehicles, and 4 pets. Talk with the office if you think this might be an option for you. The published group tent rate is per night, plus tax, with partial service.

Overflow camping $94

Dry camping overlooking the lake and includes 2 RV’s + 2 tents OR 4 tents, up to 12 people and 4 vehicles. The rate is per night, plus tax.

Rates shown are published by the park and may change. Confirm your total when arranging a visit. Park rate details ↗

Arrive ready to relax

A few things
to know first.

Plan around these arrival times. Arrange any different check-in time with the office in advance.

Check-in

1–7 pm

Check-out

11 am

Quiet hours

10 pm–8 am

  • Extra vehicle: $14, subject to parking arrangements.
  • Camper pets: $10 per pet, per stay; maximum two, subject to the pet policy.
  • Adapter plug: $15 refundable deposit, cash only.
  • Campfires: Use the provided fire ring, only burn real firewood, no lumber scraps/pallets and check current fire restrictions.
Small bridge and trees beside the park's protected creek
Enjoy the creek from its banks. Please leave its protected habitat undisturbed.

Before you pack

Camping questions.

Tell the office your dates, party size, RV length if applicable, and whether you’re bringing pets.

Do all campsites have hookups?

No. Tent Hollow and Overflow are dry camping, all other sites are partial service (electric and water), some sites may require an adaptor plug to convert from an RV plug to a standard plug. There are porta-potties, flushing restrooms, showers, and an RV dump station available.

Can my dog come camping?

Camping pets are subject to a maximum of two per site, a six-foot leash limit, supervision, location restrictions, and the park’s breed policy. Pets cannot accompany day-use guests. Read the camper pet policy.

Is a request a confirmed reservation?

No. To have a confirmed reservation, it must be paid for, in full, in advance. Without payment, we cannot hold sites. Please note, there are no refunds unless we are able to rebook your reservation.

Can we swim during our stay?

Check current lake and seasonal conditions with the office. There are no lifeguards, and swimming is at your own risk. Waterfront areas close at sunset or 8:30 pm, whichever comes first.

Your next day at the lake

Ready to choose your dates?

Share your dates, site preference, and tent or RV details.

Find your way around.

The campground map the office hands out to campers. Read the map in text or open it full size ↗. Confirm your assigned site with the office.

Columbus Park campground map, 2026: numbered campsites, the office, beach, kitchens, restrooms, parking and the creek beside Black Lake. A text description is on the park map page.