Steamboat Rock State Park
Steamboat Rock State Park features an 800-foot basalt butte rising dramatically from Banks Lake—a geological wonder sculpted by Ice Age floods. With 50,000 feet of shoreline and 126 campsites, it’s Eastern Washington’s premier lake destination!
800-Foot Basalt Butte
| Geological Info | Details |
|---|---|
| 📏 Height | 800 feet above lake |
| 📐 Area | 600 acres |
| 🏛️ Formation | Columbia River Basalt (12 lava flows) |
| 🧊 Origin | Sculpted by Ice Age floods |
Camping
| Camping Info | Details |
|---|---|
| 🏕️ Tent Sites | 26 sites |
| 🔌 Full Hookup | 100 sites |
| ⛵ Boat-In | 12 primitive sites |
| 🏠 Cabins | 3 available |
Banks Lake
💧 50,000 feet of freshwater shoreline with 7 boat launches and 320ft of dock space. Perfect for swimming, boating, and fishing!
FAQ
How far ahead can I reserve?
Reservations for mid-May through mid-September can be made up to 9 months in advance.
🪨 Eastern WA’s Geological Wonder
Reserve at WA State Parks or call 888-CAMPOUT.
Location & Getting There
Steamboat Rock State Park is located in Washington. The park’s coordinates are 47.8708, -119.1328. Check the park’s official website or your state parks app for detailed driving directions and GPS navigation tips.
Quick Facts
- Location: Washington
- Coordinates: 47.8708, -119.1328
- Activities: Hiking, Camping, Fishing, Wildlife Viewing
- Pets: Allowed on leash in most areas (check local rules)
Things to Do
Washington state parks offer incredible diversity — from rain-soaked old-growth forests and volcanic Cascade landscapes to arid canyonlands and island-dotted Puget Sound waters. Popular activities include hiking through temperate rainforests, beachcombing on wild Pacific shores, kayaking the San Juan Islands, camping beneath towering Douglas firs, fishing for salmon and steelhead, and cross-country skiing in winter.
Best Time to Visit
Western Washington is driest June through September. Eastern Washington enjoys more sunshine year-round. The San Juan Islands are best May through September. Mountain parks open as snow melts, typically July through October. Always carry rain gear west of the Cascades.
Visitor Tips
A Discover Pass ($30/year or $10/day) is required for vehicle access. Popular parks like Deception Pass book months ahead. Many island parks are accessible only by ferry — check schedules in advance.
Explore More Washington State Parks
Steamboat Rock State Park is one of many outstanding state parks in Washington. Discover more parks in our Best State Parks in Washington guide, or use our Park Finder to search by activity, location, or features.
