Maryhill State Park

Maryhill State Park: Columbia River Gateway to Sam Hill’s Stonehenge and Cultural Legacy

Maryhill State Park sits on 4,700 feet of Columbia River shoreline in Goldendale, backed by golden hills and positioned near the remarkable legacy of eccentric entrepreneur Samuel Hill. This 99-acre waterfront camping park offers classic river recreation alongside unique cultural attractions including a full-scale Stonehenge replica and one of the West Coast’s most astonishing private art collections, creating an experience that combines natural beauty with fascinating history in the Columbia River Gorge.

Maryhill State Park Fast Facts

Park Overview

Maryhill State Park occupies a prime Columbia River location where entrepreneur Samuel Hill created his cultural legacy in the early 1900s. Hill, son-in-law of Great Northern Railway tycoon James J. Hill, built a magnificent home he named “Maryhill” to honor his wife, daughter, and mother-in-law, all named Mary.

The park’s setting provides access to Hill’s most famous creations, including a full-scale concrete replica of Stonehenge completed in 1930 as a monument to Klickitat County soldiers killed in World War I, located just one mile from the park.

The state acquired the property through a no-cost lease from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in 1972, transforming it into a waterfront camping destination. Maryhill State Park offers that classic state park experience with swimming, boating, and fishing against the backdrop of the Columbia River Gorge, while serving as a gateway to Hill’s extraordinary Maryhill Museum, which houses one of the most astonishing private art collections on the West Coast.

Activities & Recreation

Facilities & Amenities

Maryhill State Park provides comprehensive camping facilities with 20 standard campsites, 50 full-hookup sites accommodating RVs up to 60 feet, and 2 primitive sites. The park features three restrooms including one ADA-accessible facility, six showers with two ADA-accessible options, and one RV dump station. Day-use amenities include two reservable picnic shelters with tables near the swim area, horseshoe pits, grills, and ample parking. The park offers two watercraft launches and 216 feet of dock for boat handling, though no moorage is available. During winter, water is only available at the dump station, while electricity and sewer remain available at RV sites.

Camping & Accommodations

Maryhill State Park offers year-round camping with 72 total sites including 20 standard campsites, 50 full-hookup sites with 30/50 amp electrical service, water, and sewer connections, plus 2 primitive sites. Maximum RV length is 60 feet with limited availability for larger units. Reservations are available May 15 through September 15 through the state reservation system or by calling (888) 226-7688, with first-come, first-served availability during other periods. The park provides three restrooms with six shower facilities, including ADA-accessible options. Sites are spacious but offer limited privacy, with tent campers required to set up on gravel pads due to the heavy-duty irrigation system that waters the grass areas nightly.

Planning Your Visit

Maryhill State Park operates with summer hours of 6:30 a.m. to dusk and winter hours of 8 a.m. to dusk, requiring a Discover Pass ($30 annual or $10 daily) for entry. The park is located on Highway 97 near Goldendale, easily accessible from Interstate 84 via the Biggs Junction exit. Reservations are strongly recommended during peak season May 15 through September 15. Be prepared for significant wind conditions that make this area famous for windsurfing but can challenge tent campers, requiring secure guy lines and stakes.

Train enthusiasts should note that Burlington Northern Santa Fe tracks run just north of the park carrying approximately 24 trains daily, which can be exciting for kids but potentially disruptive for light sleepers. Dogs must remain leashed at all times and are not permitted on swim beaches.

What to Bring & Know

• Secure tent stakes and guy lines for frequent strong winds that make the area ideal for windsurfing
• Water shoes for rocky river bottom conditions and underwater plant growth in deeper areas
• Reservations for nearby Maryhill Museum and plan time to explore the Stonehenge replica one mile away
• Train watching equipment as the nearby tracks offer excellent opportunities for railroad enthusiasts
• Awareness that sprinkler systems water grassy areas nightly, requiring tents to stay on designated gravel pads

Final Word

Maryhill State Park uniquely combines Columbia River recreation with access to Samuel Hill’s remarkable cultural legacy, offering visitors both classic waterfront camping and the rare opportunity to explore a full-scale Stonehenge replica and world-class art museum.