Family Camping at Lake Sylvia State Park {Montesano, Washington}

Lake Sylvia is a small, serene park hidden in the quiet former logging camp above the historic town of Montesano, Washington. Children will love the water and playground as this park features a large swim area in a beautiful forested park setting. This lake offers the classic campground experience for families, with a rustic setting nestled in the woods and beautiful lakefront sites. You can enjoy fishing and kayaking (they have rentals available on site), hiking on a 5-mile loop trail or just enjoy passing time by in this beautiful park. Take a look at our recent visit to Lake Sylvia State Park and get ready to plan your own camping trip to this quintessential family campground!

Campground Info

The park has 31 standard campsites, 4 partial-hookup sites, one dump station, three restrooms (one ADA), and six showers (four ADA). In addition, there are four primitive walk-in sites and two primitive sites for hikers and bicyclers. Most sites will accommodate either a tent or an RV. Maximum site length is 30 feet (limited availability). Individual campsites are reservable from April 1 – Sept. 30. There is one group camp available (tents only) for groups of up to 50 people. Parking for five vehicles is included with your group camp rental. Additional vehicles will be charged the extra vehicle fee of $10 per night. The group camp is reservable April 1 to Sept. 30. (Source)

This campground has lots of trees and open space on a quiet single loop with a large, clean bathroom with showers.

The campground loop is wooded, so most of the sites have some privacy, with the lakeside sites having both moderate privacy and gorgeous views. We have camped here twice and both times had a lakeside site. It is amazing to be able to swim right from your site, though the shores are a steep drop of 12-36″ with muddy waters – so be prepared for lots of dirty feet and swim toys! There is a bathroom with showers (requires tokens) a short walk from all the campsites so you can clean up as needed.

This park has tons of lakeside sites, you can picnic right on the water, enjoy plenty of room at your campsite, and make a fire in the designated fire pit within your very spacious site.

Pop-Up Camping

This campground is great for pop-up camping. There are a couple sites with hookups, but they are not lakefront. We opted to dry camp and enjoy the lakeside sites, and it was amazing! You can recharge your batteries at the bathroom if needed. There is plenty of room for your pop-up camper at any of the sites.

We stayed in site 11 (left) and site 5 (right) with our Pop-Up.

Park Amenities

Serene Lake Setting

Lake Sylvia is a small and serene lake, motorized watercraft is not permitted. Instead you will find calm water full of kayaks and swimmers in a quiet setting surrounded by forest.

There is a bridge you walk over to the swim area of this very serene lake, which is completely wrapped in evergreen trees.

Beach and Playground

A quick 5 minute walk from the camping loop you will find a small park with picnic tables, a playground, and a roped off shallow swim area. It is perfect for families with small children to enjoy the water and the park while relaxing.

Arlo spent hours playing in the large swim area and playground. Beware, this lake does have leeches.

Hiking Trail

There is a 5-mile hiking trail loop that surrounds the Lake. Throughout the walk you will see lots of critters and take in views of the lake throughout the hike. It is an easy hike and perfect for kids of all ages!

This kids enjoyed climbing during their hike, playing on the bridge, and bringing the dogs since this trail is also pet-friendly.

Family-Friendly Camp Loop

The camping loop is small and full of families with kids. It may get a little loud at night, so no one will care if your having fun and enjoying the evening! Though quiet hour is technically at 10pm 😉 Our kids enjoyed riding bikes around the campground loop and swimming right from our lakeside campsite.

Camp activities for our kids included bike riding, walking the dog, finding critters, participating in the Junior Ranger Program, swimming, and having fun!

Kayaking

Two sit-on-top double kayaks are available for rent from May through September. Rental fees are $10 per hour or $25 for three hours. We brought our own Kayaks and enjoyed using them right from our lakefront campsite throughout the trip. Kayaking is definitely a must-do while camping at Lake Sylvia! Rover floaties and swimming is also fun! You can easily launch your kayak from your lakeside site, from an open area within the camp loop, or at the small boat launch across the bridge.

Our family spent several hours a day out on the water in kayaks. This was definitely a main camping activity for everyone!

Lake Sylvia is one of our favorite, small lakes to camp as a family and with friends. We always have a great time enjoying nature in this quaint classic Washington State campground!

If you are in the Pacific Northwest and looking for a hidden campground perfect for families, check out Lake Sylvia for sure! Happy Camping!

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