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Washington
12

Washington State Parks

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Washington
Volcano Country Region
Millersylvania State Park
Millersylvania State Park © Joe Mabel / CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Millersylvania State Park, Thurston County, Washington, U.S.
Millersylvania State Park © Joe Mabel / CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Millersylvania State Park, Thurston County, Washington, U.S.
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MILLERSYLVANIA STATE PARK
MILLERSYLVANIA STATE PARK
12245 Tilley Road S.
Olympia, Washington   98512
(lat:46.9107 lon:-122.9085) map location

Phone: 360-753-1519
Reservations: 888-226-7688
Millersylvania State Park offers fun for everyone. Spend a summer day splashing in Deep Lake. Gather with friends in an historic kitchen shelter. Plan a romantic overnight in a luxury glamping site, or visit with friends and neighbors in a tent or RV campsite. Take a quiet walk through wetlands and old-growth forest.

Conveniently located between Olympia and Centralia, this large, well-visited park beckons to adults and children alike.

Many of the park structures, including the kitchen shelters, were built by the Civilian Conservation Corps CCC in the 1930s, making the park a great place to see and admire the hallmark artisanship of that era.

With two swimming beaches, miles of forested hiking and biking trails, watercraft launches, non-motorized watercraft rentals kayaks, paddleboards, pedal boats and abundant fishing, Millersylvania will keep you busy for a satisfying weekend or an extended outdoor vacation.
Nature of the Area

History of the Area
The park was originally called "Miller's Glade" by the Miller family, who once owned the property. The family later changed the name to "Millersylvania," meaning "wooded glade." The park's 842 acres were homesteaded by Squire Lathum in 1855 before being sold to John Miller. Miller's family gave the property to the state in 1921, stipulating that the land must forever be used as a park.

Millersylvania's buildings were constructed in 1935 almost entirely by hand by the Civilian Conservation Corps. Relics of a narrow-gauge railroad, and several skid roads used in the 1800s by the logging industry, remain on park grounds. Stumps of trees still carry notch scars where springboards supported brawny loggers.
Passes
A Discover Pass is required for vehicle access to Washington state parks for day use. For more information about the Discover Pass and exemptions, please visit the Discover Pass web page.
Lodge
Millersylvania Environmental Learning Center ELC is a reservable rental facility for groups of up to 150 people. The ELC includes a dining hall/ kitchen, 19 sleeping cabins, two restrooms/ showers, one amphitheater, one private swim area, eight canoes, two rowboats, three ballfields, plus a volleyball and a horseshoe court.
Cabins
The Lakeside Cottage at Millersylvania accommodates up to six guests and is a perfect way to enjoy the park with all the comforts of home. It is in the heart of the park, situated right on the edge of the lake near out boat launch, fishing dock, and trails, yet very private surrounded by lush vegetation.
Camping
The camp provides 94 standard campsites, 45 partial-hookup sites, three restrooms one ADA, eight showers two ADA, and one dump station. Maximum site length is 60 feet limited availability. Standard campsites have a restricted total vehicle length of 35 feet. No trailers over 18 feet. This is due to the parks tight, narrow roadways in the standard campsite section. There is a maximum of one extra paid vehicle allowed per site, extra vehicle fee paid upon arrival.

In the winter, the campground is partially open. Sites 1-07 and 201-248 are available for reservations year-round.

GROUP ACCOMMODATIONS
The group camp accommodates 20 to 40 people and is for tent camping only. RVs are not permitted in Group Camp parking. The maximum number of vehicles allowed for Group Camp parking is 20. Kitchen shelter four is in the group and has a wood stove, sink, and electrical outlets. The group camp and kitchen shelter four rent together for fees that vary with the size of the group. A standard restroom is nearby. Please note The group camp site is walk-in only and parking is 50-100 feet away.
Swimming
1. Millersylvania State Park offers two freshwater swimming areas on Deep Lake.
2. Lifeguards are not present; swim at your own risk.
3. Swimming is best between July and September due to warmer water temperatures.
4. The park provides a bathhouse with showers near the beach for swimmers' convenience.
5. There's also an accessible fishing pier that doubles as a jumping-off point for swimmers in designated areas only.
6. The lake's clear, calm waters make it ideal even for novice or young swimmers under supervision.

Boating
The park provides one watercraft launch and 100 feet of dock. This is a hand-type watercraft launch, for small craft only. Deep Lake has a speed limit of 5 mph.
Fishing
Enjoy fishing in two freshwater lakes, home to largemouth bass and rainbow trout. A valid license is required.



Picnicking
The park provides four kitchen shelters with electricity, plus 125 unsheltered and 30 sheltered picnic tables.

Kitchen shelter 1 - 3 each accommodates up to 50 people. Each shelter has a wood stove, grill, sink and 15 amp electrical outlets. Kitchen 1 also has a fireplace. Kitchen shelter 4 is located in the group camp area and is reservable with the group camp.
Bicycling
Biking enthusiasts can enjoy miles of trails, but be aware that some are shared with hikers and horseback riders. The terrain varies from flat to moderately challenging hills, so exercise caution when biking. Helmets are a must for safety reasons while exploring the park's natural beauty on two wheels. It is important to note that off-road or mountain biking isn't permitted here; stick strictly to designated paths only.
Trails
1. Deep Lake Trail: This 2-mile loop trail circles the park's main body of water, offering beautiful views and opportunities for wildlife spotting.

2. Kitchen-Dick Loop: A moderate difficulty level hike that stretches over a distance of about 3 miles through dense forest areas with occasional lake vistas.

3. Old Growth Forest Trail: An easy half mile walk showcasing some of Millersylvania's oldest trees; perfect for families or those looking to enjoy nature at a leisurely pace.

4. Lakeside Trails System: Comprising several interconnected trails along the shoreline, this system offers hikers varying distances and difficulties while providing stunning lakeside scenery throughout its length.

5. Wetland Interpretive Nature Trail: A short but informative boardwalk path which takes you across wetlands teeming with diverse flora and fauna - great option if you're interested in birdwatching or botany.

6. Twin Firs Loop: At just under one mile long, it is an ideal choice for beginners featuring towering fir trees as well as lush ferns on either side making it quite picturesque.

7. Millersylvania State Park Campground Pathway: It connects various campsites within the park allowing camp:goers quick access to hiking without having to travel far from their site.

8. Park Perimeter Hiking Route: For more experienced hikers seeking longer treks,this route covers approximately six miles around entire boundary line giving panoramic view encompassing all aspects of terrain present in state park.

9. South End Beach Access Track: Short pathway leading directly down towards beach area where visitors can relax post:hike by taking dip into cool waters.

10. Wildlife Observation Point Walkway: Specifically designed keeping animal enthusiasts mind,it leads up small hilltop overlooking feeding grounds attracting variety local species during different seasons.
Nature Programs
An interpretive display at the flagpole tells the story of the park's construction by the Civilian Conservation Corps in 1935. A stone memorial in honor of the Miller family is located near the first bathhouse. Interpretive trail walks are led by a local volunteer naturalist during the summer months. For dates and times, check with park staff at the ranger contact station.
Birding
Birding enthusiasts can spot species like the Pileated Woodpecker, Bald Eagle and various waterfowl. The park's forested areas are home to songbirds such as Swainson's Thrush and Pacific Wren. Deep Lake attracts ducks including Buffleheads, Common Mergansers, Hooded Mergansers etc., while marshy edges host Green Herons or Virginia Rails.


Visitor Comments, Memories and Reviews
November 8 History by Susen M Palmer
park review stars; one to five My Father worked for the state parks . His family Homesteaded land just a few miles from Millersylvania. He built alot of picnic tables and did alot of logging of trees in that area. He was born in 1912 and his family new the Millers.
August 19 Great staff! by Doug in Lacey
park review stars; one to five My sister and I were impressed with the courtesy, friendliness and professionalism of the concession and boat rental staff. They made us feel welcome, and we had a great time on the paddleboats!
July 8 Outstanding Park by mikeyb12
park review stars; one to five We, my son and his daughter spent 5 days here. A really wonderful park. Quiet, shady, with swimming and fishing and boating and hiking trails.
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Area Campgrounds
Deep Lake Resort
12405 Tilley Road South
Olympia, WA
360-352-7388
Olympia Campground
1441 83rd Avenue SW
Olympia, WA
360-352-2551
Nearby Hotels
Booking.com

Directions
Located ten miles south of Olympia, Wash., on the state's western side in Thurston County.

From I-5:Take exit #95. Drive east, and follow signs to park (about three miles northeast of the freeway).

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Washington
12

Washington State Parks

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