Millersylvania State Park Campground

Hello, Washingtonians! Are you searching for that perfect blend of serene forest tranquility and engaging recreational opportunities for your next outdoor adventure? Look no further than Millersylvania State Park Campground, a beloved gem nestled conveniently near Olympia, Washington. As locals, we understand the value of a state park that offers diverse experiences, from peaceful nature walks to lively lakeside activities, all within easy reach. Millersylvania State Park embodies this ideal, providing a fantastic setting for families, friends, and solo explorers alike to connect with the natural beauty of our state. This article is your comprehensive guide to understanding what makes Millersylvania State Park Campground a highly recommended destination for residents across Washington, covering its prime location, the array of services it offers, and its distinct features, ensuring you're fully prepared for a memorable visit.

Millersylvania State Park Campground consistently receives high praise for its exceptional balance of natural beauty and well-maintained facilities. Visitors frequently highlight the "lush forest" that provides "excellent cooling shade" and creates a true sense of "great forest camping." The campsites themselves are often described as "spacious and clean," making it easy to settle in and enjoy your surroundings. Many sites are nestled "in the trees and shaded," offering privacy and a peaceful atmosphere. A common sentiment among campers is the respectfulness of fellow visitors, ensuring a quiet environment, even with families and kids around. The park's well-kept "forest trails" are a major draw, perfect for "walking or running," and showcasing "plenty of flora and fauna." The unique "trail to a quarry pond" and a fascinating "tree that had a hole in it" add elements of discovery to your exploration.

Beyond the deep forest, the "beautiful lake," Deep Lake, is a central feature. It's often noted for being "packed with fish" and offering various water activities. The lake area is thoughtfully equipped with "plenty of benches with grills," making it ideal for picnics and gatherings. The presence of a "boat rental place" and a "store for goods" adds significant convenience for campers. Perhaps one of the most consistently praised aspects of Millersylvania State Park Campground is its "nice bathrooms and accommodations," with many reviewers specifically mentioning the cleanliness of the "toilet paper and shower facility," a significant comfort in any camping experience. This combination of serene forest settings, active lake recreation, and highly functional amenities makes Millersylvania State Park Campground a truly inviting and enjoyable place to visit with "friends and family," ensuring a "Big chill!" for all.

Millersylvania State Park Campground is conveniently located in Olympia, WA 98512, USA. This central location in Thurston County makes it incredibly accessible for a vast majority of Washington residents, whether you're coming from the Puget Sound region, Vancouver, or even further afield.

Key aspects of its location and accessibility include:

• Proximity to Olympia: Being near the state capital, the campground offers easy access to urban amenities, including grocery stores, restaurants, and other conveniences for restocking supplies or enjoying a meal out.
• Just off I-5: Its location "right off I-5" makes it an exceptionally convenient stop for breaking up long road trips or for quick weekend getaways without extensive travel deep into the wilderness. This also means some sites might experience minimal road noise, though generally, the forest canopy helps dampen it.
• Natural Buffer: Despite its proximity to the freeway, the campground is set within 842 acres of an "old-growth forest," creating a substantial natural buffer that provides a feeling of immersion in nature.
• Access to Deep Lake: The campground is situated on the shores of Deep Lake, offering easy access for swimming, boating, and fishing.
• Surrounding Areas: Millersylvania is also well-positioned for exploring other parts of Southwest Washington, including areas near Mount Rainier (though that would be a longer day trip) or the coast.

This prime location ensures that campers can enjoy a peaceful and engaging outdoor experience without sacrificing the convenience of being relatively close to population centers and major transportation routes, making it an ideal choice for Washington locals.

Millersylvania State Park Campground offers a wide array of services and amenities, blending a natural setting with significant conveniences to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable stay for various types of campers.

• Diverse Campsites: The park boasts 123 campsites, including 48 with electric hookups, catering to tents, trailers, and RVs. There are also designated tent sites, yurts, and even a group camp. Some reviews mention unique options like "glamping" or "canvas permanent tents."
• Clean Restrooms and Showers: Consistently praised for having "nice bathrooms," "clean bathrooms and accommodations," and "shower facility" (which may be coin-operated), hygiene is a high priority here.
• Potable Water: Drinking water is available throughout the campground, a crucial amenity for campers.
• Sanitary Dump Station: An on-site dump station with fresh water is available for RVs, offering convenience for waste disposal.
• Lakeside Amenities:
  • Boat Rentals: A boat rental place offers kayaks, paddleboards, and pedal boats for use on Deep Lake.
  • Store for Goods: A general store or concession stand is available for snacks, goods, and potentially camping supplies. Some reviews mention a "snack shack" and "Lakeside Taphouse" for beer and cider.
  • Picnic Areas: Plenty of benches with grills are located around the lake area, in addition to 125 unsheltered and 30 sheltered picnic tables throughout the park.
  • Swimming Beaches: Two swimming beaches along Deep Lake are very popular during summer.
• Firewood Sales: Firewood can be purchased from local Boy Scout troops (Memorial Day through Labor Day), the Camp Host, or the Ranger Station/Gift Shop. Firewood gathering is prohibited to protect ground cover.
• Community Spaces: The park features an amphitheater, three fire circles, three horseshoe pits, and four kitchen shelters (three for up to 50 people with grills, wood stoves, and electrical outlets, and one for the group camp) perfect for gatherings.
• Camp Host: A camp host is on-site to assist campers and manage the grounds.
• Discover Pass Required: A Discover Pass (annual or one-day) is required for vehicle access.

These services provide a comprehensive and comfortable camping experience, making Millersylvania a well-equipped destination.

Millersylvania State Park Campground offers an array of features and highlights that make it a truly appealing destination for Washington locals seeking a diverse and comfortable outdoor experience.

• Old-Growth Forest Setting: The park is characterized by its "lush forest" filled with "towering old-growth trees" (cedar and fir), providing excellent cooling shade, a serene atmosphere, and opportunities to appreciate Washington's magnificent natural heritage.
• Abundant Trails: Over 8.6 miles of hiking trails and 7.6 miles of dedicated bike trails wind through the park, offering varied terrain including wetlands, forest, and lakeside paths. The "forest loop trail had a very interesting tree that had a hole in it," adding a unique point of interest.
• Deep Lake Access & Activities: The 66-acre Deep Lake is a central feature, offering excellent opportunities for fishing (packed with fish), swimming (two beaches), and non-motorized boating (kayaking, canoeing, paddle boats) with boat rentals available. The 5 MPH speed limit ensures a peaceful water experience.
• Spacious & Shaded Sites: Campsites are generally "spacious and clean," with many "in the trees and shaded," contributing to a comfortable and private camping experience.
• Family-Friendly Environment: The park is widely considered "great for families and kids," with easy hiking trails, swimming, boat rentals, and generally respectful campers, making it a "beginner friendly" option for camping with younger children.
• Historical Significance: The park was constructed almost entirely by hand in 1935 by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC), with remnants of a narrow-gauge railroad and skid roads from 19th-century logging. This history adds a unique layer to exploration.
• On-Site Convenience: The presence of a store for goods, potential "Lakeside Taphouse" for local brews, and firewood sales adds significant convenience, reducing the need to leave the park for supplies or treats.
• Wildlife Viewing: The lush environment supports "plenty of flora and fauna," offering opportunities for wildlife viewing, including various bird species.

These features collectively make Millersylvania State Park Campground a versatile and highly attractive outdoor destination for Washington residents.

For all inquiries, reservations, or to obtain the most current information regarding Millersylvania State Park Campground, please use the following contact details:

Address: Olympia, WA 98512, USA
Phone: (360) 753-1519
Mobile Phone: +1 360-753-1519

You can also make reservations and find detailed information through the official Washington State Parks website. It is highly recommended to book your campsite in advance, especially during peak season (mid-May to mid-September), as Millersylvania is a very popular park that can fill up quickly. Contacting the park directly can provide real-time updates on site availability, current conditions, any burn bans, or specific operational hours for amenities like boat rentals or the store. Planning ahead ensures a smoother and more enjoyable visit to this beloved Washington State Park.

Millersylvania State Park Campground is an outstanding choice for Washington locals, offering a quintessential Pacific Northwest outdoor experience that caters to a wide range of interests. Its location, conveniently "right off I-5" near Olympia, makes it incredibly accessible for quick getaways or longer stays without extensive travel, a significant plus for busy residents. For Washingtonians, the park beautifully combines the tranquility of "great forest camping" within old-growth trees, providing welcome shade and a peaceful atmosphere, with the active recreation opportunities of Deep Lake. Whether you're looking to swim, fish, kayak, or simply relax by the water, the lake is a central hub of activity. The "nice bathrooms and accommodations," including clean showers and readily available toilet paper, are highly valued amenities that enhance comfort. Furthermore, the extensive network of "well-kept" hiking and biking trails, combined with the option to rent boats and purchase goods on-site, means there's always something to do. The family-friendly environment, where "other campers were respectful" and kids can safely enjoy the outdoors, makes it perfect for local families. Millersylvania offers a complete and deeply satisfying outdoor experience, blending natural beauty, historical intrigue, and modern convenience, truly making it a must-visit destination for anyone in Washington seeking a refreshing escape.

Millersylvania State Park Campground

Olympia, WA 98512, USA