Camping at Kanaskat-Palmer State Park Near Seattle
Camping at Kanaskat-Palmer State Park offers an exceptional outdoor experience uniquely tailored to Washington's natural beauty. Located just 35 miles southeast of Seattle, this park presents a fantastic option for those seeking a peaceful getaway that combines stunning landscapes with a variety of recreational activities. Known for its lush forests and serene riverside setting, it's an ideal spot for families, couples, or solo adventurers eager to connect with nature.
Adventure Guide To Camping at Kanaskat-Palmer State Park
Campsites: The park features over 50 campsites, equipped with picnic tables and fire pits. Many sites are strategically placed along the Green River, allowing campers to enjoy peaceful river sounds and picturesque views. The sites are also well-shaded by towering trees, providing a sense of privacy and intimacy with nature.
Hiking Trails: One of the park's highlights is its extensive trails, including the Palmer Trail, which offers 3 miles of scenic hiking. This loop trail takes you through dense forests and alongside vibrant wetland areas, making it perfect for wildlife watching—keep an eye out for various bird species, deer, and other local fauna.
Fishing and River Activities: The Green River is renowned for its fishing opportunities, particularly for salmon and trout. Anglers can cast their lines from the riverbanks or enjoy kayaking and canoeing in calmer stretches. Nearby, families can engage in river-related activities like tubing during warmer months.
Local Insights
Kanaskat-Palmer State Park features a rich history tied to the area’s natural resources and Indigenous cultures. The park is built on what was once an important resource ground for local tribes, highlighting the significance of the area beyond recreation.
Visitor Tips
Best Times to Visit: Late spring to early fall offers the best weather and opportunities for outdoor activities. Fall brings vibrant foliage, making it a picturesque time for photography.
What to Bring: Ensure you pack camping essentials—tent, sleeping bags, insect repellent, and food supplies. Don't forget fishing gear if you're aiming to fish!
Driving Directions: From Seattle, take I-90 East to Washington 18 South, then follow signs to the park. The journey typically takes around 45 minutes.
Adventure Map
Seattle Info
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Reviews
Erica McCready5 months ago
A small, incredibly beautiful state park. Most of the campsites are separated by trees and plants, so you can't really see your neighbors. There are 6 showers in the middle of the campground that have hot water (at no additional cost). If you don't mind light hiking, there are trails all over and they'll take you right by the river. Overall, it's been a great experience - very peaceful and quiet.
Chancee Wilkinson5 months ago
We really enjoyed our time here. Such a beautiful place, clean and quiet. We are 42 ft and stayed in site #7. It had to pull forward and backup a few times to get into the spot. Some of the back in spaces would be perfect if you’re long like us. However it will out your doors to the side and not facing your fire pit area. Also when we left we backed out. There was no way we were going to be able to make the turns. Luckily our site was one of the first few upon entering the park. Keep that in mind, if you’re long get one of the first few so you can back out when it’s time to leave.
Debi Chadwick4 months ago
Always a pleasure to visit. Nice quiet fishing spots, kids love diving in deep swimming holes and looking for fish or other critters. (Can you spot the fish in the rock picture?) I especially enjoy the peaceful no cell service spots by the water.
Matthew Mason6 months ago
Great state park with nice trails. I camped there with my wife, son, and two dogs. The camp ground has a classic feel to it. Bathrooms and showers were clean and well maintained. Park staff was super helpful and kind. They sell wood and ice at the Rangers station near the entrance. I hardly heard the trains and they never woke me up. It was a very relaxing and peaceful experience.
Sarah Hopta month ago
Came back here for my wedding anniversary to stay in the yurts and was suprised to see how dirty the bathrooms were and unclean the yurts were. There were huge spiders in the corners of the yurt and it unfortunately downpour rained the days we were there. The trees didn’t allow enough coverage from the rain and our canopy we brought wasn’t even enough with the giant overflow of leaves and puddles in the walking patWith that said, we have been here in the past and the bathrooms and yurts were usually really maintained and extremely clean. Not anymore though unfortunately. Also the water spouts for drinking water were extremely clogged near our campsite. It is also pretty quiet and there are active park rangers that drive by which makes it feel safe and protected. The closest grocery store is about 20 minutes away.
