Swimming at Millersylvania

Millersylvania State Park has two swimming beaches on Deep Lake, a calm, 63-acre lake with a 5 mph no-wake limit. There is no swim fee; you only need a Discover Pass to park, $10 for the day. Dogs, glass bottles and metal cans are not allowed on the swim beaches.

The Two Beaches

Both swimming areas are on the park's stretch of Deep Lake, next to the day-use area with its kitchen shelters and picnic tables. The park page lists a sandy beach, restrooms, drinking water and showers in the park. The water has been a summer draw for a long time: in July 1938 the state parks superintendent counted almost 200 children in the wading area.

Beach Rules

• No dogs on designated swim beaches. Leashed dogs are fine elsewhere in the park.
• No glass bottles or metal cans on swim beaches.
• Alcohol is allowed only in designated campground and picnic areas, not on the beach.
• Fireworks are banned on all state park land.
• Boats stay at 5 mph with no wake on the whole lake.

The agency's park page does not say whether lifeguards are posted, so plan to watch your own swimmers. Bring life jackets for small children.

Tubes, Kayaks and Paddleboards

From Memorial Day to Labor Day, Lakefront Boats and Bites rents gear at the beach near the boat launch:

• Tubes: $20 for two hours, $35 for four hours.
• Kayaks and paddleboards: $25 for the first hour.
• Canoes: $30 for the first hour. Pedal boats: $35 for the first hour.

See boating and rentals for hours and the full price list.

Snacks and Shade

The same stand sells snacks in summer, and Lakeside Taphouse, a small cabin near Kitchen Shelter #2, serves drinks Memorial Day to Labor Day. See food and drink.

Algae Warnings

Toxic blue-green algae can bloom in Washington lakes, usually in mid to late summer. Washington State Parks says a bloom may look like spilled blue-green paint or a blobby mess on the water. If you see a warning sign, stay out, and even without a sign: "When in doubt, stay out!" Keep dogs on leash and away from the shore during a bloom.

Getting There

Park in the day-use lots by the lake. The lot is close to the water. See parking and hours: the park opens at 6:30 a.m. in summer and closes at dusk.