Millersylvania State Park —
Your Complete Guide
A camping park on Deep Lake, 20 minutes from Olympia: two swimming beaches, 8.6 miles of old-growth forest trails and 1930s CCC buildings.
What is Millersylvania State Park?
Millersylvania State Park is a 900-acre camping park on Deep Lake, about 20 minutes south of Olympia, Washington. It has two swimming beaches, a hand-carry boat launch, 8.6 miles of hiking trails through old-growth fir and cedar, and 138 campsites. There is no entrance fee, but parking for the day needs a Discover Pass, $10 a day or $45 a year. It opens at 6:30 a.m. in summer and 8 a.m. in winter and closes at dusk.
The Miller family left their homestead, "Miller's Glade," to the state, which accepted it in 1924. In the 1930s Civilian Conservation Corps crews built the park's log and stone kitchens, bathhouses and comfort stations by hand, and many of them still stand (park history). The park holds about 3,300 feet of shoreline on the 63-acre lake, where boats keep to 5 mph with no wake (Deep Lake).
Summer is the busy season: from Memorial Day to Labor Day you can rent kayaks and paddleboards at the beach (rentals) and get a drink at Lakeside Taphouse in a CCC-era cabin (food and drink). The park stays open all year, with some campsites open through winter (camping). This is an independent guide; the official source is Washington State Parks.
Millersylvania State Park at a Glance
What to Do at Millersylvania State Park
Swim, paddle, fish, walk the old growth and camp, all within a few minutes of the lake.
Camping
93 standard and 45 hookup sites under the firs, plus a group camp and a 1920s lakeside cottage. Reservations all year.
Sites & Rates →
Swimming
Two swimming beaches on Deep Lake. No dogs, glass or cans on the swim beaches.
Beaches & Rules →
Kayaks & Paddleboards
A calm, 5 mph lake with a hand-carry launch. Summer rentals from $25 for the first hour.
Rentals & Launch →
Hiking & Biking
8.6 miles of hiking and 7.6 miles of bike trails through old-growth forest and wetland.
The Trails →
Fishing
Open year-round: stocked rainbow trout, largemouth bass, bluegill and perch, from the dock or a car-top boat.
Deep Lake Fishing →
Lakeside Taphouse
Craft beer, cider and wine in a CCC-era cabin by the lake, Memorial Day to Labor Day.
Food & Drink →Trails at Millersylvania
8.6 miles of hiking trails and 7.6 miles of bike trails. The agency map names seven of them.
One of seven trails named on the agency park map.
Through the big trees the park is known for.
Named for the orchard of 179 pear, apple and plum trees the Millers planted.
The map marks it as a hiking trail with boardwalk.
How to Get to Millersylvania State Park
About 20 minutes from downtown Olympia by car, off I-5 Exit 95.
By Car
12245 Tilley Road S, Olympia, WA 98512. Day-use lots by the lake. Parking and directions.
Discover Pass
$10 a day or $45 a year, sold at the park's pay stations. Pass details.
Park Office
Ranger station and gift shop in the park. Phone (360) 753-1519. Plan your visit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Millersylvania State Park free?
There is no entrance fee, but day-use parking needs a Discover Pass: $10 for one day or $45 for a year. The park sells both at pay stations at the entrance and the ranger station. Registered campers don't need one.
Where is Millersylvania State Park?
At 12245 Tilley Road S, Olympia, WA 98512, on Deep Lake, about 20 minutes from downtown Olympia. The park map shows access from I-5 Exit 95 and Maytown Road SW.
What are the hours at Millersylvania?
6:30 a.m. to dusk from April 1 to September 30, and 8 a.m. to dusk from October 1 to March 31. Campers may enter until 10 p.m.
Can you swim at Millersylvania?
Yes. The park has two swimming beaches on Deep Lake, a calm lake with a 5 mph no-wake limit. Dogs aren't allowed on the swim beaches.
Are dogs allowed at Millersylvania State Park?
Yes, on a leash no longer than eight feet, on trails and in campsites. Dogs can't go on designated swim beaches, in the Lakeside Cottage or at the retreat center.
How do I reserve a campsite at Millersylvania?
Online at washington.goingtocamp.com or by phone at (888) CAMPOUT, (888) 226-7688. The park takes campsite reservations all year.
How big is Millersylvania State Park?
About 900 acres, with about 3,300 feet of shoreline on the 63-acre Deep Lake.