Ike Kinswa State Park

Introduction of Ike Kinswa State Park

Ike Kinswa State Park has an exceptional site on the picturesque banks of Mayfield Lake and the Tilton and Cowlitz rivers, with Mount St. Helens as a backdrop. The 454-acre park, located in Silver Creek in south-eastern Washington, is ideal for an RV family vacation, with 46,000 feet of freshwater shoreline to enjoy swimming, boating, and a variety of water sports.

The park was renamed Cowlitz Indian State Park in 1971 to memorialise the Cowlitz Indians who originally lived here and whose burial grounds are nearby. The park is especially popular during the summer, when campers take advantage of the bright sunny days to enjoy a variety of exciting water fun. Take a canoe up the Tilton, launch your boat and enjoy water skiing, or cast your line out at Mayfield Lake and catch something to roast over an open fire for dinner. A separate swimming area and playground are ideal places for children to unwind.

However, summer isn’t the only time to explore this park. A network of hiking and bike routes in the surrounding woodlands provide a wonderful way to discover the park’s natural beauty, amazing birdlife, and fauna. Take the interpretive route to learn more about the park’s environment and look for little forest critters like squirrels and muskrats.

Today, the campgrounds are forested and provide all of the amenities you need for your next RV trip. There are full-hookup, partial-hookup, and primitive campsites available, as well as nine cabins. Ike Kinswa State Park’s peak season lasts from May to September.

Ike Kinswa State Park Camping

Ike Kinswa State Park Campground

Because of the vast range of sites available, the campground at Ike Kinswa State Park is one of the park’s main attractions. There are 102 RV-friendly sites to select from, with 39 having full hookups and the remaining 36 having electric and water hookups. This is fantastic news for campers who desire some home amenities while still enjoying a weekend away!

The campground’s sites are divided into three distinct loops, each surrounded by peaceful woodlands. RVs up to 60 feet long will be able to stay at the park, but larger rigs should be advised that space is limited.

You’ll be able to cook some smores and enjoy the fresh air at your picnic table due to a fire ring at each location. Other services at the campground include two dump stations, bathhouses, showers, water collection points, and close proximity to a swimming area.

Ike Kinswa State Park is open all year, however some amenities, such as water services and RV dump stations, are not available during the winter. Pets are also welcome, and reservations are accepted all year.

First Come, First Served Camping

Ike Kinswa State Park does not have any designated first-come, first-served RV or tent camping areas. However, any unreserved site can be used on a first-come, first-served basis throughout the year. Because the campground is so crowded during the summer, don’t expect to be able to do this. You will have better luck camping without a reservation during the winter, but some amenities will be limited.

Cabins

If you want to get out of the RV for a few nights, Ike Kinswa State Park has cabins available. There are a total of nine cottages to choose from, all of which are close to Mayfield Lake. If you stay in a cabin, you will be only a short distance from the water and will be able to enjoy lakeside views.

The cottages are designed to sleep five people and comprise bunk beds for three people and a double bed for two more. There are also lights, electric heaters, and a picnic table inside.

A deck, picnic table, and utility hookup are located on the cabin’s exterior.

If you elect to stay in one of the cabins, you must bring your own linen because none are given, and you are not permitted to cook in them. Pets are permitted in two of the nine cabins for an additional cost, ensuring that your four-legged pet does not miss out on any of the excitement. Reservations are accepted up to nine months in advance, and the cabins are open all year.

Tent Camping

Ike Kinswa State Park is also an excellent location for camping. While there are no designated tent-only areas, your tent will be permitted anywhere you wish to remain inside the campsite. Because there are no hookups in the D Loop, it is the most popular area to pitch a tent (meaning the price will be a little cheaper). Tent camping is possible all year, but reservations are advised if travelling during high season.

Ike Kinswa State Park  Activities

Birding

If you enjoy bird watching, visiting Ike Kinswa State Park during the quieter winter months during the offseason is a terrific option. Because there are less campers around to disturb them, bird watching is fantastic during this season, and you’ll be woken up to the sounds of birdsong without ever leaving your RV. Ravens, eagles, hawks, herons, hummingbirds, jays, ospreys, owls, and other birds can be seen. Ducks and geese are frequently seen on the grounds.

Picnicking

On a hot summer day, there are numerous areas in the park where you may enjoy a relaxed picnic. There are 52 unsheltered picnic tables available for campers to use on a first-come, first-served basis. Alternatively, you can utilise the grassy grounds near the swimming area, or bring a blanket and locate a quiet spot in the trees to watch for birds and unique creatures.

Hiking

Do you enjoy hiking? Ike Kinswa State Park has 2.5 kilometres of hiking trails that wind through woodlands and along the lakefront. Explore the self-guided half-mile interpretive walk, which is decorated with colourful animal tracks. It runs beside the path between the main campground and the playground, with signage providing information about the park’s fauna and ecosystem. The trails are appropriate for people of all skill levels and ages, so everyone may go exploring.

Freshwater fishing

If you enjoy fishing, Ike Kinswa State Park is the place to be. Mayfield Lake, which is supplied with hatchery trout every year, is a popular fishing spot. Fly fish for largemouth bass, kokanee, rainbow trout, and the elusive tiger muskie in freshwater. Bring your catch back to camp for an evening of wonderful fish BBQ. Please keep in mind that all Washington State Parks require a recreational licence for fishing and shellfish harvesting.

Swimming

Thinking about going swimming? At Ike Kinswa State Park’s day-use area, there is a designated swimming area and a small beach area in a sheltered cove. It’s a great area to hang out as a family throughout the summer, surrounded by sweeping grassy lawns. Bring a picnic to enjoy on the dunes or grass and take advantage of the nice weather. You can swim at either site because there is another sandy swimming spot to the east of the campground. Please keep in mind that pets are not permitted in the park’s authorised swimming areas.

Boating

Ike Kinswa State Park is a must-see for boaters, with miles of smooth water for water skiing, tubing, and wakeboarding. It’s also a popular area for jet skiers, so expect to share the water with them. If you bring your own watercraft, there are two boat launching locations and 40 feet of handling dock. Please keep in mind that you will need an annual launch permit to launch your boat here, as well as a modest fee, but it will be well worth it!

 Ike Kinswa State Park Location

Ike Kinswa State Park is only 20 miles east of Interstate Five and off US Highway 12, making it a very easy park to find. The park is easy accessible for RVs and motorhomes, with generally paved roads, and there should be no big barriers that may cause your rig any unforeseen damage. The park has only one entrance, which is only accessible from the south via Harmony Road.

Do you need to get any supplies before your trip? Ike Kinswa State Park is adjacent to numerous small towns, so you won’t have to worry about being far from basic supplies and facilities.

A gas station can be found in Silver Creek (about four miles away), and a grocery store and ATM can be found in Salkum (about six miles away). Olympia, about 55.5 miles to the north, is the nearest city to the park.

If there is a lot of snow in the area during the winter, driving to and from the park may be difficult. If you are concerned about the snow conditions, you should phone the park ahead of time to ensure that it will be open.

Parking

Just stopping through for the day? There is ample of parking near the main swimming beach area for you to relax and enjoy your time in this beautiful environment.

Public Transport

Public Transport is not available