Olympia Campground & Fuel

For those in Washington State seeking an extended stay solution for their RV or a long-term base in the Olympia area, Olympia Campground & Fuel presents a distinct option. While the name might suggest a typical transient campground, insights from current and past visitors indicate that this establishment primarily caters to a long-term resident community, often augmenting income with occasional short-term or overnight parking. Understanding this primary function is key to setting appropriate expectations for your visit, especially if you're considering it for a brief stop rather than an extended stay.

Our aim with this article is to provide Washington residents with a clear and factual overview of Olympia Campground & Fuel. We will delve into its operational model, what services it offers, and what potential visitors, particularly those looking for short-term accommodations, should be aware of. The tone will be informative and professional, acknowledging the unique nature of this campground as a long-term living situation for many, while also touching upon its limited availability for transient guests. It’s important for local users to have a realistic understanding of what Olympia Campground & Fuel provides before planning their stay.

This establishment offers a different experience compared to many conventional campgrounds found across Washington. It serves a specific need within the community, providing a more permanent or semi-permanent housing solution for a significant portion of its residents. For individuals or families seeking a long-term spot for their RV in the Olympia region, this could be a viable consideration. However, for those looking for a traditional short-term camping experience with ample space and recreational amenities, it's crucial to understand the realities based on public feedback. Let's explore the specifics of Olympia Campground & Fuel to help you decide if it aligns with your needs.

Olympia Campground & Fuel is conveniently located at 1441 83rd Ave SW, Olympia, WA 98512, USA. This address places it within the broader Olympia metropolitan area, offering relatively easy access from major roadways in Thurston County. For those traveling on Interstate 5, the campground's proximity to exits makes it fairly straightforward to reach. Its location in Olympia means that residents have access to local amenities, including grocery stores, restaurants, and other essential services, which can be a significant advantage for long-term residents. The "Fuel" in its name also suggests potential on-site or very close-by fuel services, adding another layer of convenience for RV users.

However, accessibility within the campground itself, especially for short-term visitors, can be impacted by its primary focus on long-term residents. Customer reviews indicate that "the majority of the good spots in the park are dedicated to long-term," and "sites are too small, crammed together." This suggests that while physically accessible from the main roads, the internal layout and availability of desirable spaces for transient guests might be limited. For short-term parking, guests should anticipate potentially less spacious or less private spots. This compact nature means that maneuvering larger RVs might require extra care, and personal space outside the vehicle could be at a premium. Despite these internal considerations, the external accessibility from Olympia and surrounding areas remains a key factor for its long-term residents.

Olympia Campground & Fuel primarily offers services tailored towards an extended-stay community, with limited provisions for short-term visitors. Based on customer experiences, here are the services offered and related considerations:

• Overnight or Short-Term Parking: The campground appears to "augment income by providing overnight or short-term parking." This indicates that while possible, short-term stays are not its primary focus. Guests seeking these options should be aware that their experience may differ significantly from traditional campgrounds.
• Water and Power Hookups (with caveats): Sites are advertised as having water and power. However, significant concerns have been raised regarding the electrical hookups. One customer reported an "open neutral" and was informed that the "entire RV loop... were on a 15 amp breaker to prevent the breakers from tripping." This suggests potential limitations or issues with the electrical infrastructure that could impact the use of appliances in RVs. Guests are advised to use surge protectors and potentially confirm electrical specifications upon arrival.
• Long-Term Living Situations: The predominant service offered is a "long-term living situation," with residents reportedly living there for many years. This suggests that the campground provides a more permanent base for RV owners, which may include amenities or policies conducive to extended stays, though specific long-term amenities are not detailed.
• Fuel Services: As implied by the name "Olympia Campground & Fuel," there is likely access to fuel, either directly on-site or immediately adjacent, providing convenience for travelers and residents alike. Specific types of fuel available (e.g., diesel, propane) should be verified directly with the campground.

Olympia Campground & Fuel possesses several distinct features and highlights, primarily driven by its long-term residential focus:

• Predominant Long-Term Residency: The most defining feature is that it's "definitely a long-term living situation." This means the atmosphere is more akin to a residential community than a transient vacation spot. Visitors can expect to see well-established setups and a sense of permanence among many sites. One resident even reported living there for 10 years, underscoring this aspect.
• Limited Short-Term Availability: While "augment income by providing overnight or short-term parking," the availability and quality of these short-term spots are secondary. "The majority of the good spots in the park are dedicated to long-term," meaning transient guests may be assigned less desirable or more confined spaces.
• Compact Site Layout: Customer feedback indicates that "sites are too small, crammed together." This means limited personal space between RVs, potentially affecting privacy and the ability to fully extend awnings or set up outdoor areas. "I had no space on either side of my RV. My neighbor couldn’t put her awning out when mine was out."
• Electrical System Considerations: A significant highlight, though a cautionary one, is the reported electrical system. An "open neutral" and the entire RV loop being on "a 15 amp breaker to prevent the breakers from tripping" are crucial details. This implies that RVs requiring higher amperage or sensitive electronics may encounter issues. Guests are advised to bring their own surge protectors and potentially avoid relying heavily on the campground's power for high-demand appliances.
• Community Atmosphere (for long-termers): While potentially "sketchy" for short-term visitors due to close quarters and interaction dynamics ("She was not happy with me talking at midday"), for long-term residents, this close-knit environment might foster a sense of community, as evidenced by residents being familiar with campground specifics like electrical issues.

For inquiries, availability, and specific details, you can contact Olympia Campground & Fuel through the following information:

Address: 1441 83rd Ave SW, Olympia, WA 98512, USA

Phone: (360) 352-2551

Mobile Phone: +1 360-352-2551

It is strongly recommended that prospective visitors, especially those considering short-term stays, call ahead to discuss their specific needs, confirm site availability, understand current rates, and inquire about any power or water utility specifics. Given the feedback regarding the primary long-term nature of the campground, direct communication is vital to ensure your expectations align with the services offered.

In conclusion, Olympia Campground & Fuel presents a unique and perhaps specialized option for locals in Washington, particularly for those seeking long-term or extended RV living solutions in the Olympia area. Its address at 1441 83rd Ave SW, Olympia, WA, ensures a convenient urban location with access to city amenities, which is a significant draw for permanent or semi-permanent residents. For Washingtonians looking for a stable and affordable base for their RV, this campground appears to fill a crucial niche, as evidenced by residents living there for many years.

However, it is critically important for local users to understand that this is not a typical short-term recreational campground. Customer feedback clearly indicates that "this campground is definitely a long-term living situation" and that short-term parking "appears to augment income." For transient guests, this means expecting "sketchy" sites that are "too small, crammed together," with limited personal space and potential issues with electrical hookups, such as "open neutral" and sites being on a "15 amp breaker." If your aim is a serene, spacious, or amenity-rich short-term camping experience, Olympia Campground & Fuel may not meet those expectations. However, if your need is for a long-term spot, potentially on a budget, and you are prepared for a more communal and less private environment, then this might be suitable.

For those in Washington who prioritize a permanent or semi-permanent RV spot with urban proximity over traditional recreational camping amenities, Olympia Campground & Fuel offers a practical solution. Its primary suitability lies in providing an accessible and established base for long-term residents. Prospective visitors, especially short-term ones, are strongly advised to call (360) 352-2551 or +1 360-352-2551 to discuss their specific needs and clarify all conditions before arriving. By understanding its long-term focus and the realities of its site conditions, local users can determine if Olympia Campground & Fuel aligns with their particular requirements for an RV stay in Washington State.

Olympia Campground & Fuel

1441 83rd Ave SW, Olympia, WA 98512, USA