Profile
Millersylvania State Park: Historic Old-Growth Forest Camping on Deep Lake’s Shores
Millersylvania State Park offers a unique blend of historic charm and natural beauty in Olympia, nestled among towering old-growth cedar and fir trees on the pristine shores of Deep Lake. Built almost entirely by hand in the 1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corps, this 903-acre camping destination promises visitors an immersive forest experience with 3,300 feet of freshwater shoreline and miles of trails winding through stands of ancient trees.
Millersylvania State Park Fast Facts
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Location | Olympia, Thurston County, Washington |
| Address | 12245 Tilley Road S, Olympia, WA 98512 |
| Size | 903 acres |
| Established | 1924 (developed 1933-1935) |
| Key Features | 3,300 feet Deep Lake shoreline, old-growth forest |
| Activities | Camping, hiking, biking, swimming, boating, fishing |
| Trail System | 8.6 miles hiking trails, 7.6 miles biking trails |
| Camping | 93 standard sites, 45 utility sites, group camp, retreat center |
| Water Access | Two swimming beaches, hand-carry boat launch |
| Hours | April-September: 6:30 a.m. to dusk; October-March: 8 a.m. to dusk |
| Contact | (360) 753-1519 |
Park Overview
Millersylvania State Park stands as a testament to both natural preservation and human craftsmanship, featuring broad stands of old-growth cedar and fir trees that create a cathedral-like canopy over the forest floor. The park’s unique character stems from its well-preserved Civilian Conservation Corps landscape, recognized on the National Register of Historic Places in 2009, where historic stone and timber structures blend seamlessly with the ancient forest setting.
Deep Lake anchors the southern border of the park, offering crystal-clear waters surrounded by towering trees and providing a serene backdrop for water activities.
This historic camping destination serves visitors seeking an authentic Pacific Northwest forest experience, combining the tranquility of old-growth wilderness with thoughtfully designed recreational facilities. The park’s design philosophy emphasizes harmony with nature, evident in the hand-built trails that wind respectfully around massive tree trunks and the careful placement of facilities to minimize impact on the forest ecosystem.
Activities & Recreation
| Activity | Details | Season | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hiking | 8.6 miles of forested trails through old-growth stands | Year-round | Easy to Moderate |
| Mountain Biking | 7.6 miles of dedicated biking trails | Year-round | Easy to Moderate |
| Swimming | Two designated swimming beaches on Deep Lake | Memorial Day-Labor Day | Easy |
| Boating | Hand-carry launch only, 5 MPH no-wake zone | April-October | Easy |
| Fishing | Deep Lake fishing for various freshwater species | Year-round | Easy |
| Bird Watching | Forest and wetland bird species viewing | Year-round | Easy |
| Kayaking | Calm lake paddling with scenic shoreline | April-October | Easy |
Facilities & Amenities
Millersylvania State Park provides comprehensive amenities that reflect its status as a premier camping destination. Four kitchen shelters with electricity offer covered gathering spaces, while 125 unsheltered and 30 sheltered picnic tables accommodate groups of all sizes. The park features modern restrooms with hot showers, an amphitheater for programs, three fire circles, and two horseshoe pits.
A 100-foot dock extends into Deep Lake alongside the hand-carry boat launch, and a trailer dump station serves RV campers. The ranger station doubles as a gift shop, operating daily from 10 a.m. to noon and 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Seasonal concessions include Lakefront Boats and Bites for watercraft rentals and snacks, plus Lakeside Taphouse offering craft beverages.
Camping & Accommodations
The park offers diverse overnight options for 138 total campsites, including 93 standard sites and 45 utility sites accommodating RVs up to 60 feet. The historic Lakeside Cottage provides a unique lodging experience with accommodations for up to six guests, featuring a fully equipped kitchen, master bedroom, and upstairs loft with scenic lake views.
A group camp accommodates 20 to 40 guests with tent camping only, served by Kitchen Shelter #4 with wood stove and electrical outlets. The Millersylvania Retreat Center offers the most comprehensive group experience, accommodating up to 150 guests with a dining hall, 16 heated cabins with eight beds each, three staff cabins, outdoor classroom, and amphitheater. Reservations are accepted year-round for all accommodation types.
Planning Your Visit
Millersylvania State Park operates on seasonal schedules, with summer hours from 6:30 a.m. to dusk (April-September) and winter hours from 8 a.m. to dusk (October-March). A Discover Pass is required for day visits, available as an annual pass for $30 or day pass for $10 as of December 2021. The park is located eight miles south of Olympia via I-5 Exit 95 and Maytown Road SW to Tilley Road S.
Reservations are strongly recommended for camping and can be made online or by calling (888) CAMPOUT. Memorial Day through Labor Day represents peak season with the warmest weather and all seasonal concessions operating. Winter visits offer solitude and excellent wildlife viewing opportunities, though some trails may be muddy and require appropriate footwear.
What to Bring & Know
- Sturdy hiking boots or waterproof footwear for potentially muddy forest trails, especially during winter months
- Swimwear and towels for Deep Lake’s two swimming beaches during warmer seasons
- Camera for capturing the impressive old-growth cedar and fir trees, some reaching massive proportions
- Firewood must be purchased on-site from Boy Scout troops or camp hosts, as gathering is prohibited to protect forest floor ecology
- Hand-carry watercraft only due to the boat launch design and lake’s 5 MPH no-wake restriction
Final Word
Millersylvania State Park delivers an authentic old-growth forest camping experience where history and nature converge in perfect harmony along Deep Lake’s tranquil shores.
This park is part of the Explore Washington State Parks Directory—showcasing all of Washington’s State Parks from the rugged Pacific coast to the Cascade peaks. Whether you’re camping under old-growth forests, hiking scenic trails, or discovering local history, we’re highlighting the places where people connect with the state’s incredible natural and cultural heritage—all year long.
- About the Author
- Latest Posts
Explore Washington State has been covering the real Washington for more than a decade. State parks, small towns, back roads, rest stops, and the people who make this place worth exploring. What started as a hyperlocal project covering individual communities grew into a full media project with more than 340 podcast episodes, a weekly newsletter with 3,800 subscribers, and coverage of all 146 Washington State Parks. The content here comes from people who have actually been to these places: locals, regulars, and lifelong Washington residents who care more about getting it right than getting clicks.
Recommended Locations
- About the Author
- Latest Posts
Explore Washington State has been covering the real Washington for more than a decade. State parks, small towns, back roads, rest stops, and the people who make this place worth exploring. What started as a hyperlocal project covering individual communities grew into a full media project with more than 340 podcast episodes, a weekly newsletter with 3,800 subscribers, and coverage of all 146 Washington State Parks. The content here comes from people who have actually been to these places: locals, regulars, and lifelong Washington residents who care more about getting it right than getting clicks.