Washington State Parks

Location:

Battle Ground, WA

Highlights:

If you need a quick nature escape from the chaos of everyday life, Battle Ground Lake State Park offers forested serenity just a short drive from Portland or Vancouver. This crater lake retreat is perfect for campers, swimmers, and families looking to unplug and unwind.

We Recommend This For:

Busy parents, weekend warriors, anglers, equestrians, and anyone craving a calm, forested hideaway.

What we Love:

Volcanic crater lake, kid-friendly swim areas, trout fishing, hiking and horse trails, and peaceful woodland camping.

• Swim in calm, shallow waters ideal for young children and families looking for a safe lakefront experience.
• Fish for stocked trout in the clear crater lake—this is a local favorite for relaxing rod-and-reel time.
• Camp in forested sites or take advantage of equestrian camping facilities for horse lovers.
• Explore over 275 acres of wooded trails perfect for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding through the Cascade foothills.

Distance from Portland:

Expect the drive to take around 45 minutes.

How to Get to Battle Ground Lake State Park:

From Portland, take I-5 north to WA-502 east. Continue to Battle Ground, then follow signs north on Grace Avenue and northeast on 249th Street to reach the park entrance.

Location:

Ilwaco, WA

Highlights:

Despite its name, Cape Disappointment is anything but! This dramatic headland where the Columbia River meets the Pacific Ocean offers wild beauty, rich history, and endless coastal exploration—all wrapped in salty air and misty vistas.

We Recommend This For:

History buffs, beachcombers, campers, photographers, and anyone craving rugged Pacific Northwest coastline.

What we Love:

Crashing waves, two lighthouses, tidepools and marshes, Lewis and Clark history, and crab-catching adventures.

• Learn at the interactive interpretive center, packed with exhibits on local military, maritime, and Native history.
• Hike through lush coastal forest to explore forts, dramatic cliffs, and historic lighthouses overlooking the ocean.
• Fish or dig for salmon, crab, and clams in designated shoreline and marsh areas.
• Roam over 2,000 acres of freshwater lakes, ocean tidelands, and scenic trails rich in Northwest heritage.

Distance from Portland:

Expect the drive to take around 2 hours and 15 minutes.

How to Get to Cape Disappointment State Park:

From Portland, take US-30 west to Astoria, then cross the Astoria-Megler Bridge into Washington. Follow WA-101 north to Ilwaco and continue west on Robert Gray Drive to the park entrance.

Location:

Conconully, WA

Highlights:

Whether you’re casting a line in summer or snowshoeing through winter quiet, Conconully State Park offers four seasons of outdoor bliss. With two lakes, forested shores, and sweeping mountain views, it’s a year-round destination for anglers, campers, and snow lovers.

We Recommend This For:

Fishermen, campers, wildlife watchers, watersports enthusiasts, and winter recreation fans.

What we Love:

5,400 feet of freshwater shoreline, year-round recreation, and excellent trout fishing on both Conconully lakes.

• Fish for rainbow trout, Kokanee, and smallmouth bass in both Lower and Upper Conconully Reservoirs.
• Swim, ski, or boat during the summer in the calm mountain waters that make for excellent water-based adventures.
• Explore 97 acres of parkland with campsites, biking trails, and fantastic wildlife viewing in a quiet alpine setting.
• Embrace winter with snowmobiling, dog-sledding, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing when the snow falls.

Distance from Omak:

Expect the drive to take around 30 minutes.

How to Get to Conconully State Park:

From Omak, head west on Conconully Road. Follow it for approximately 20 miles through the scenic Okanogan countryside to reach the town of Conconully and the park entrance on Broadway Street.

Romantic Washington State Parks

Location:

Republic, WA

Highlights:

Nicknamed the “Jewel” of Washington’s State Parks, Curlew Lake offers the perfect mix of lakeside adventure and fossil-hunting fun. With miles of shoreline and a serene setting near the Canadian border, it’s a favorite for families, boaters, and nature lovers.

We Recommend This For:

Campers, water sports enthusiasts, fossil diggers, bird watchers, and anyone craving a peaceful retreat near the mountains.

What we Love:

Scenic 5.5-mile shoreline, abundant wildlife, fossil digs at nearby Stone Rose, and the friendly community vibe of Republic.

• Swim, ski, or boat on the calm waters of Curlew Lake—perfect for everything from jet skis to fishing kayaks.
• Camp on 87 acres of lakeside land with beautiful views, picnic areas, and easy water access.
• Watch for eagles, deer, and a variety of birds while hiking or relaxing along the shoreline.
• Dig into prehistoric fun at the Stone Rose fossil site, just 8 miles away in the town of Republic.

Distance from the Canadian border:

Just 25 miles south of the border.

How to Get to Curlew Lake State Park:

From Republic, head north on WA-21 for about 8 miles. Turn onto State Park Road and follow signs to the main entrance along the eastern edge of Curlew Lake.

Location:

Grayland, WA

Highlights:

If you're dreaming of salt air, sandy toes, and a relaxing yurt by the sea, Grayland Beach State Park delivers on all fronts. With wide beaches, ocean breezes, and coastal trails, it’s a favorite for RV campers, shellfish seekers, and kite flyers alike.

We Recommend This For:

Beachcombers, clammers, RV campers, yurt adventurers, families, and bird watchers.

What we Love:

7,400 feet of oceanfront, onsite yurts, beach trails through grassy dunes, and prime spots for shellfish harvesting and kite flying.

• Camp year-round in full-hookup RV sites or stay cozy in one of the park’s unique, comfortable yurts.
• Play on the wide sandy beach—perfect for sunbathing, sandcastles, surfing, and swimming.
• Harvest razor clams, crab, or fish right off the beach (just remember your recreational license).
• Hike coastal trails that wind from the campground through shore pines and grassy dunes, ideal for spotting seabirds and wildlife.

Distance from Seattle:

Expect the drive to take around 2 hours and 45 minutes.

How to Get to Grayland Beach State Park:

From Seattle, take I-5 south to US-101 north toward Aberdeen. Continue west on WA-105 through Westport and follow signs south to Cranberry Beach Road in Grayland to reach the park entrance.

Location:

Silver Creek, WA

Highlights:

If you're after a freshwater escape with easy access off I-5, Ike Kinswa State Park offers serene camping, lakefront cabins, and miles of quiet shoreline on Mayfield Lake. It’s a perfect retreat for anglers, paddlers, and families looking to unplug in nature.

We Recommend This For:

Campers, anglers, paddlers, RV travelers, and anyone looking for a lake getaway near the Cascades.

What we Love:

Over 46,000 feet of shoreline, excellent fishing, forested trails, and peaceful waters for kayaking and swimming.

• Camp in shaded tent and RV sites or opt for one of the cozy lakefront cabins with scenic water views.
• Fish for largemouth bass, rainbow trout, or the elusive tiger muskie in the abundant waters of Mayfield Lake.
• Paddle across calm waters on a kayak or stand-up paddleboard, perfect for sunny mornings and sunset glides.
• Hike wooded trails and watch for wildlife along the lake’s edge or in the surrounding meadows and hills.

Distance from Seattle:

Expect the drive to take around 2 hours.

How to Get to Ike Kinswa State Park:

From Seattle, take I-5 south to Exit 68 for US-12 toward Morton/Yakima. Follow US-12 east to WA-122, then turn right and follow the signs to the park entrance along the north shore of Mayfield Lake.

Washington State Parks for Families

Location:

Bremerton, WA

Highlights:

Whether you're arriving by boat or car, Illahee State Park is a salty slice of shoreline heaven near Bremerton. With calm bay waters, epic crabbing, and a knack for treasure hunting, it’s a hidden gem for both water lovers and curious land explorers.

We Recommend This For:

Geocachers, paddlers, boaters, anglers, beachcombers, and history buffs with a love for naval flair.

What we Love:

Watercraft access, great shellfish harvesting, a long stretch of saltwater shoreline, and on-land extras like naval guns and sports courts.

• Explore 86 acres of forest and beach with top-notch geocaching and designated areas for metal detecting.
• Launch your kayak or boat from the dock and head out to fish, crab, or harvest shellfish in Port Orchard Bay.
• Swim, ski, or paddle during the warmer months when the bay is inviting and the scenery unbeatable.
• Play a round of volleyball, horseshoes, or softball—or check out the two naval guns that honor park founder Earl Henry Harkins.

Distance from Seattle:

Expect the drive (including ferry) to take around 1 hour and 30 minutes.

How to Get to Illahee State Park:

From Seattle, take the Seattle–Bainbridge ferry or Seattle–Bremerton ferry. From Bremerton, follow WA-303 north, then turn right on Sylvan Way to reach the park entrance.

Location:

Issaquah, WA

Highlights:

Just minutes from Seattle, Lake Sammamish State Park is the go-to spot for an effortless escape into nature. With lakeside beaches, scenic wetlands, and year-round recreation, it’s the perfect balance of accessibility and adventure.

We Recommend This For:

Families, swimmers, paddlers, birders, cyclists, and anyone seeking nature without the long drive.

What we Love:

Two lakefront beaches, paddle rentals, volleyball courts, bird-rich wetlands, and one of the best urban escapes in King County.

• Swim, paddle, or waterski on the calm waters of Lake Sammamish—ideal for families and water lovers of all ages.
• Rent kayaks, paddleboards, and more from vendors at Tibbetts Beach—no gear, no problem.
• Bike or hike 1.5 miles of scenic trails that wind through forest and wetlands with great wildlife spotting potential.
• Play on sanded volleyball courts, baseball fields, and a large playground designed for all ages.

Distance from Seattle:

Expect the drive to take around 25 minutes.

How to Get to Lake Sammamish State Park:

From Seattle, take I-90 east to Exit 15 (WA-900). Turn right onto NW Sammamish Road and follow it directly to the park entrance on your left, just before downtown Issaquah.

Location:

Leavenworth, WA

Highlights:

Lake Wenatchee State Park is a wild, awe-inspiring retreat nestled in the Cascades—where glacier-fed waters meet rugged wilderness. With wildlife roaming the forests and year-round recreation on land and lake, it’s one of Washington’s most iconic mountain destinations.

We Recommend This For:

Campers, paddlers, equestrians, cross-country skiers, and anyone who wants mountain beauty with a touch of untamed adventure.

What we Love:

12,500 feet of alpine shoreline, watercraft rentals, summer and winter trail access, and jaw-dropping wildlife sightings near camp.

• Camp lakeside with a view—this 492-acre park has year-round sites for tents, RVs, and equestrian visitors.
• Paddle, windsurf, or swim in the cold, clear glacier-fed waters of Lake Wenatchee or the Wenatchee River.
• Rent kayaks and paddleboards on-site and explore the lake’s tranquil coves surrounded by snow-capped peaks.
• Hit the trails for hiking, biking, or horseback riding in summer, then return in winter for skiing and snowshoeing through snow-covered pine forests.

Distance from Seattle:

Expect the drive to take around 2.5 to 3 hours.

How to Get to Lake Wenatchee State Park:

From Seattle, take I-90 east to WA-97 north, then merge onto US-2 west toward Leavenworth. Just past Coles Corner, turn north onto WA-207 and follow it to the park entrance along the lakeshore.

Location:

Olympia, WA

Highlights:

If you're craving lakefront serenity with glamping comfort and a touch of history, Millersylvania State Park is your perfect woodland escape. With artisan-built shelters, tranquil swimming beaches, and paddle rentals, it’s one of the most well-rounded camping parks in western Washington.

We Recommend This For:

Glampers, RV campers, families, paddlers, and anyone who loves peaceful forest lakes with historic charm.

What we Love:

Civilian Conservation Corps-era craftsmanship, glamping sites, two swimming beaches, and miles of trails winding through old-growth forest.

• Stay in style with glamping tents or settle into one of the park’s RV or traditional tent sites for a more rustic experience.
• Paddle or pedal across Deep Lake with on-site rentals for kayaks, paddleboards, and pedal boats.
• Explore 8.6 miles of hiking trails and 7.6 miles of bike paths through lush, shaded forest.
• Relax at swimming beaches, play horseshoes, or gather around fire circles and amphitheaters for classic campground moments.

Distance from Seattle:

Expect the drive to take around 1 hour and 15 minutes.

How to Get to Millersylvania State Park:

From Seattle, take I-5 south toward Olympia. Exit at Exit 95 (Maytown Road SW), turn left onto Maytown Road, and then follow signs to Tilley Road and the park entrance.