Lake Easton State Park is 1-hour from Seattle and nestled in the trees, just off of I-90, in Eastern Washington. It’s an amazing family-friendly campground that we camped at for years! Perfect for first-time campers and veterans alike, Lake Easton State Park has a little something for everyone. From hikes with picturesque views, a playground on a beautiful beach and large wooded campsites, this park won’t disappoint.
Photo credit: Jessi Johnson
Planning & Getting There
With 90 standard campsites and 45 full-hookup sites for trailers, there is no shortage of campsites at Lake Easton. However, due to its popularity, the sites book quickly once reservations open. If you have specific dates in mind, I highly recommend being signed in on the Washington State Parks website and ready to book your trip at 7:00 a.m., 9 months prior to the date you want your trip to start. (Example: If you want to go camping July 18-20 in 2025, then you will need to book your trip on October 18, 2024 at 7:00 a.m. sharp.)
Note: Campgrounds are closed during the winter from October through May 1, 2025. Winter camping is available in the day-use area. A Sno-Park permit is required from December through March for day use and winter camping.
Photo courtesy of park.wa.gov
The Campsites
We have camped at a lot of state parks in Washington, and Lake Easton is one of our favorites because of its large, spacious, and wooded campsites. We tend to favor the sites on the outside of the loop because they have a little more privacy. Forty-five of the sites are equipped with full hookups for trailers. All sites come equipped with a large picnic table and firepit – perfect for roasting those hot dogs and s’mores!
Note: Some people are bothered by the fact that this state park is so close to I-90. We have camped here many times and I can confidently say that I don’t ever recall the traffic noise bothering us, however, if this is something you are worried about, then I recommend looking at the campground map before booking your campsite to ensure you get a site away from the interstate.
Things to do at Lake Easton State Park Campground: Biking
Bikes are a must-have for a trip to this park. The loops around the campground are perfect for riding around and around to help wear little ones out right before bedtime. The hiking trails in the area are also known for being excellent for trail rides, even for kids. Just remember trail courtesy when sharing the trails with hikers and let them know before you go pedaling by.
Photo credit: Jessi Johnson
Active fun at Lake Easton State Park: Hiking
Lake Easton State Park does not have a huge variety of hiking trails to choose from, but you can piece together a five-mile loop hike on the park trails and on a section of the Palouse to Cascades State Park Trail, if you don’t mind walking on roads for a bit through the town of Easton. With that being said, don’t let this deter you from hiking this trail. Along the way you will hike through an old tunnel – The trail was once the Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul and Pacific transcontinental railroad, abandoned around 1980. You will also cross a gorgeous trail bridge that spans the Yakima River and offers breathtaking views of Lake Easton. This trail is a must do for our family as the bridge is great for photos. Washington Trails Association has a detailed description of this hike here.
Photo credit: Jessi Johnson
Exactly what the kids wanted: Playground & Swimming
If you’re looking to stay close to camp and cool off, then look no further than the playground and swimming beach. With sandy and gravel-like shores and absolutely stunning views, this is the place to be on a hot day. Adults can relax on the grassy area while kids run back and forth from the water to the playground.
Photo credit: Jessi Johnson
More to do on the water: Sports
With a boat launch and beautiful calm waters, Lake Easton is a very popular spot for kayaks and paddle boarding. Though motorized boating is allowed, boat motors are limited to 10 horsepower. Lake Easton is a shallow reservoir with stumps near the water’s surface. High-speed activities are not recommended.
Educational experience: Jr. Ranger Program
One of my kid’s favorite things to do at Washington State Parks is their Jr. Ranger Programs and Lake Easton was no exception. Be sure to ask for their Jr. Ranger Packets when you check in for your camping trip. My kids had a great time completing their scavenger hunts and games, in the packet, in order to receive their state park badges.
The Junior Ranger booklet and badge program is a fun way for youth and families to explore Washington’s state parks. Designed for youth 4 and up, this self-guided program encourages families to discover the natural and cultural wonders of Washington through fun exploration, games, and creative activities.
Once your kids complete their packets, they can take them back to the ranger station and be sworn in as Jr. Rangers and they will be given their state park badge.
Know before you go:
- Lake Easton State Park is located at 150 Lake Easton State Park Rd.
- Be sure to book your Lake Easton State Park camping trip 9 months in advance to get your desired camping dates.
- If traffic noise bothers you, be sure to look at the park map before booking your campsite to ensure you get a spot away from the interstate.
- Be sure to pack your bikes, hiking shoes, swimsuits, water floaties, kayaks and paddle board for this trip!
- Please remember lifeguards are not provided at the beach or on the lake. Always practice water safety and keep a close eye on your kids.
- Don’t forget to ask for your Jr. Ranger packets when you check in at the ranger stations and complete them and turn them back in before you leave.
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