Lake Sylvia State Park

Star4.36
146 reviews
Lake Sylvia State Park

Quick Facts

Price

Varies

Booking

Reservable

Sites

Varies

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Allowed

RV FriendlyElectricShowers

Opens Washington State Parks site

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Lake Sylvia State Park
No fees available
Campsite Fees
Day-use Discover Pass required (review source cites $10 day or $33 annual). Campsite fees vary by site and season; one review cited ~$30/night for a...
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Standard Site Fee$0.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Total Campsite Fees$0.00

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What Campers Say

4.36

Recommended

Based on 146 reviews

1168 Google reviews

Most mentioned

peacefullakewell-maintainedsites

Some mention

noisesmall

"Reviewers overwhelmingly praise the park’s scenic, forested lake setting, family-friendly vibe, accessible trails, and lakeside campsites. Common criticisms are dated/restroom facilities and token/pay showers at times, close site spacing and evening noise carrying across the water, muddy swim areas, and limited utility hookups."

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Best Time to Camp at Lake Sylvia State Park

Lake Sylvia welcomes visitors in every season, each offering its own character. Spring and early summer showcase the lake at its fullest, ideal for swimming and paddling, while late summer may reveal lower water levels as the season progresses. Winter anglers find their own quiet rewards here, though it's worth noting that some amenities operate on seasonal schedules—the park office adjusts hours for things like shower tokens depending on the time of year.

Spring (Mar-May)

Wildflowers bloom, mild temperatures, fewer crowds. Great for hiking and photography.

Best
Summer (Jun-Aug)

Peak season with warm weather, perfect for water activities. Book early.

Fall (Sep-Nov)

Beautiful fall colors, cooler temps, quieter campgrounds. Ideal for peaceful trips.

Winter (Dec-Feb)

Off-season, limited services. Check for closures before visiting.

Planning Tips

    About Lake Sylvia State Park

    Tucked into a canopy of towering trees, Lake Sylvia State Park offers the perfect escape for families seeking a peaceful waterside retreat. This intimate campground wraps around a serene, mostly motor-free lake where kids splash in the designated swim area, kayakers glide across glassy water, and coveted lakeside campsites put you just steps from the shore.
    Mixed campground with lakeside tent and RV sites and a separate group campsite; most popular sites are on the lakebank and many are wooded.
    Historical SignificanceA historic dam at the deeper end of the lake is noted by visitors; otherwise no additional historical or cultural details are provided in the source material.
    Weather and SeasonsLake Sylvia welcomes visitors in every season, each offering its own character. Spring and early summer showcase the lake at its fullest, ideal for swimming and paddling, while late summer may reveal lower water levels as the season progresses. Winter anglers find their own quiet rewards here, though it's worth noting that some amenities operate on seasonal schedules—the park office adjusts hours for things like shower tokens depending on the time of year.
    Natural Features and SceneryAt the heart of the park lies a tranquil lake that transitions from shallow, grassy shallows at one end to deeper waters near a charming historic dam. The campground itself feels like a secret forest hideaway, where dense second-growth trees, lush ferns, and thick underbrush create natural privacy screens between sites. Winding trails invite exploration around the lake's perimeter, while a fishing dock extends over the water and sunny day-use lawns provide space to spread out and relax.
    Geological RegionSouth edge of the Olympic Peninsula (Grays Harbor County)
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    Campsite details

    Total Campsitesnull campsites

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    Reserving a campsite

    Tents
    Tents are allowed
    RV vehicles
    RV vehicles are allowed
    Primitive
    Primitive are not allowed
    Reservable
    Reservations are allowed

    Reservation Platformshttps://washington.goingtocamp.com (GoingToCamp)

    Accomodation available

    GroupGroup campsites are offered for larger parties such as families, schools, or organizations. These sites provide space and facilities to accommodate multiple people camping together.

    Amenities available

    Showers
    Picnic tables
    Electricity hookups
    Water hookups

    Activities you can enjoy

    Forest-surrounded, non-motorized lake setting with a paved campground loop, swimming area, fishing dock, boat launch for small craft, and multiple hiking trails. Family-friendly activities dominate (kids biking the loop, playground, short nature trails).
    Hiking
    Several easy-to-moderate trails loop around the lake (one ~1.5 miles) and connect to additional forest trails and the Montesano trail network; some trail sections can flood in wet seasons and portions may be difficult with a stroller.
    Fishing
    Fishing from shore, dock, and small boats is common; reviewers report trout and small winter catches, with mixed reports on fishing success.
    Swimming
    Designated swimming area and small shoreline access; swimming areas can be narrow and quickly deep, with some muddy or mucky bottom sections and steep/muddy drops from some lakeside sites.
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    Campground rules

    • Pets are allowed

    Hazards

    General hazardsLakeside sites may have steep, muddy drops to the water (reported about 12–36 inches), and some swimming areas have a mucky or murky lake bottom. Sound can carry across the water so evening noise from other campers may be pronounced. No recurring reports of dangerous wildlife appear in the sources consulted.

    Weather at Lake Sylvia State Park

    48
    °F
    Dec 14
    Sunday
    Overcast
    Precipitation: 0%
    Humidity: 79%
    Wind: 4.6 mph
    Overcast

    Weather History
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    Good to know

    Common complaintsDated bathrooms/showers (some token-operated), occasional crowding and evening noise in the small campground, muddy or mucky shoreline in places, and limited hookups (only a few sites have utilities).

    Campground Map

    Lake Sylvia State Park
    Nearby supplies
    Montesano (groceries, restaurants, basic services)

    Reviews from booking and map sources

    4.4
    146 reviews
    Recommended
    Recommended
    Lake Sylvia State Park is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
    Reviewers overwhelmingly praise the park’s scenic, forested lake setting, family-friendly vibe, accessible trails, and lakeside campsites. Common criticisms are dated/restroom facilities and token/pay showers at times, close site spacing and evening noise carrying across the water, muddy swim areas, and limited utility hookups.
    Review Summaries
    Based on 146 reviews

    What Campers Love

    Beautiful, peaceful lake surrounded by second-growth forest; many lakeside campsites; easy hikes and paved loop suitable for kids; playground and well-maintained grounds noted by multiple reviewers.
    Based on 146 reviews

    Common Concerns

    • **Bathroom age and layout**: several reviewers say the restrooms and showers are dated and could use major updating, though usually still cleaned.[1] • **Token‑operated showers** and limited...
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    Based on 146 reviews

    Pro Tips & Recommendations

    Reserve early for lakeside sites; bring shower shoes and toiletries; bring or plan for firewood and supplies (some reviewers recommend bringing your own); expect some sites to be dry or...
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    Based on 146 reviews

    Camper Quotes

    "Beautiful little state park... Quiet and relaxing."; "Great little kayak lake, with fishing too."; "The campsites we stay in are either right on the lake or a short walk's distance to the lake."
    Based on 146 reviews

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    Last updated December 14, 2025
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