With a backdrop of majestic Mount St. Helens, Ike Kinswa State Park has an enviable setting on the scenic banks of Mayfield Lake and the Tilton and Cowlitz rivers. Located in Silver Creek in south-eastern Washington, the 454-acre park is perfect for your RV family vacation with 46,000 feet of freshwater shoreline to enjoy swimming, boating and an abundance of water sports.
Formerly known as Mayfield Lake State Park, the park was renamed in 1971 to honor the Cowlitz Indians who once lived here and whose burial grounds can be found nearby. The park is very popular in the summertime when campers make use of the warm sunny days to indulge in a host of exciting water recreation. Take your canoe for a paddle up the Tilton, launch your boat and go water skiing or cast your line out at Mayfield Lake and catch something to grill on the fire for dinner. A designated swimming area and playground are the perfect spots for kids to let off some steam.
But summer isn’t the only time that visiting this park is a must. In the surrounding forests, a network of hiking and biking trails provide an excellent way to discover the park’s natural beauty, astonishing birdlife, and wildlife. Take the interpretive trail to discover more about the park’s ecology and keep an eye out for all sorts of small woodland creatures, from squirrels to muskrats.
Today, the campgrounds are forested and offer all the conveniences you need for your next RV getaway. There are full-hookup, partial-hookup, and primitive sites for you to call home, along with a further nine cabins. Peak season at Ike Kinswa State Park runs from May until September.
Ike Kinswa State Park is located just 20 miles east of Interstate Five and off US Highway 12 so it will be a very straightforward park for you to find. With mostly paved roads, the park is easily accessible for RVs and motorhomes, and there should be no major obstacles that will cause your rig any unexpected damage. There is one entrance to the park that only be accessed from the south via Harmony Road.
Need to pick up any supplies before your trip? There are many small towns within close proximity of Ike Kinswa State Park so you won't have to stress about being far away from basic supplies and amenities. Silver Creek (around four miles away) is home to a gas station and Salkum (around six miles away) contains a grocery store and an ATM. The closest city to the park is Olympia, which is around 55.5 miles to the north.
During the wintertime, you may some issues driving to and from the park if there is a large amount of snowfall in the area. If you are worried about the snow conditions, it is wise to call the park prior to your journey to make sure that the park will be open.
Just visiting for the day? There is plenty of room for you to park your rig near the main swimming beach area so you can chill out and enjoy your time in this beautiful area.
The campground at Ike Kinswa State Park is one of the main attractions to the park due to the wide variety of sites that are available for you to enjoy. There are a total of 102 RV-friendly sites to choose from, of which 39 contain full hookups while another 36 have electric and water hookups. This is great news for campers who want some creature comforts of home while still enjoying a weekend away!
The sites in the campground are separated into three separate loops with all three surrounded by tranquil woods. RVs up to 60 feet will be able to call the campground home, but if you do have a larger rig, you should be aware that these sites are limited. You will be able to cook some smores thanks to a fire ring at each site and enjoy the fresh air at your picnic table. Other campground amenities include two dump stations, bathhouses, showers, water collection points, and close access to a swimming area.
Ike Kinswa State Park is open all year round, but during the wintertime, some amenities such as the water services and RV dump stations will not be in operation. Pets are also welcome, and reservations can be made all year round.
There are no specific first-come, first-served sites for RVs or tents within Ike Kinswa State Park. However, any site that isn't already reserved can be used on a first-come, first-served basis throughout the year. During the summertime, don't expect to be able to do this due to the campground being very popular. During the wintertime, you will have more luck camping without a reservation, but some amenities will be limited during this time.
If you are a fan of birding, visiting Ike Kinswa State Park during the quieter winter months in the offseason will be a great choice. During this time, the bird watching is incredible since there are fewer campers around to disturb them, and you’ll be woken up to the sounds of birdsong without even leaving your RV. The birdlife you can expect to see include ravens, eagles, hawks, herons, hummingbirds, jays, ospreys, owls and more. Ducks and geese are often spotted on the lawns.
Love to hike? There are 2.5 miles of hiking trails to explore within Ike Kinswa State Park leading through forests and along the lakeshore. Discover the half-mile interpretive trail which is self-guided and painted with colorful animal tracks. It runs along the pathway between the main campground and the playground with signs offering information about the local wildlife and ecology of the park. The trails are suitable for people of all skill levels and ages so everyone will be able to go exploring.
If you love to fish, you will be in your element at Ike Kinswa State Park. Mayfield Lake is stocked annually with hatchery trout and is a major draw for anglers. Enjoy freshwater fly fishing for largemouth bass, kokanee, rainbow trout, and the elusive tiger muskie. Take your catch back to camp and enjoy a delicious fish barbecue in the evening. Please note that you will require a recreational license for fishing and shellfish harvesting at all Washington State Parks.
If you want to get out of the RV for a few nights, you can make use of the cabins available at Ike Kinswa State Park. There are a total of nine cabins for you to choose from, all of which are located right near Mayfield Lake. If you choose to stay in a cabin, you will only be within a short distance from the water and will also be able to enjoy some lakeside views.
The cabins are set up to accommodate five people and include bunk beds that sleep three people and a double bed for a further two guests. Inside you will also find lights, electric heating, and a picnic table. On the outside of the cabin, there is a deck, picnic table, and a utility hookup.
If you do decide to stay in one of the cabins, you will have to bring your own linen as none is provided and you are not allowed to do any cooking in them. Pets are allowed in two of the nine cabins for an extra fee, so your furry friend won't miss out on any of the fun. Reservations can be made up to nine months in advance, and the cabins are available all year round.
Ike Kinswa State Park is also a great place to bring a tent. While there are no specific tent-only sites, no matter where you choose to stay within the campground, your tent will be allowed. The most popular place to set up a tent is in the D Loop since this is where there are no hookups available (meaning the price will be a little cheaper). Tent camping can be done all year round, and reservations are recommended if you are traveling during the peak season.
There are several spots in the park to enjoy a relaxed picnic on a warm summer’s day. There are 52 unsheltered picnic tables for campers to make use of available on a first-come, first-served basis. Alternatively, you can make use of the grassy lawns near the swimming area or pack a blanket and find a quiet spot in the trees where you can keep an eye out for birds and unusual wildlife.
Thinking about going for a swim? There is a dedicated swimming spot and small beach area located in a sheltered cove at Ike Kinswa State Park’s day-use area. Edged by rolling grassy lawns, it is a fantastic place to hang out as a family during the summer months. Bring along a picnic to enjoy on the sands or on the grass and make the most of the warm weather. There is another sandy swimming area to the east of the campground, so you can choose to swim at either location. Please note that pets are not allowed in the park’s designated swimming areas.
Ike Kinswa State Park is a highlight for boating lovers with endless miles of glassy waters to enjoy water skiing, tubing, and wakeboarding. It is also a popular spot for jet skiing, so be prepared to share the water with them. There are two boat launching areas and 40 feet of handling dock for you to bring your own watercraft. Please note that you’ll require an annual launch permit to launch your boat here and a small fee will be charged, but it will be well worth it!
