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Maryhill State Park RV & Campground Guide

Washington

Prior to World War II, a local man, who was considered eccentric by his neighbors, built what he considered a castle on top of a hill in the area that's now Maryhill State Park in Goldendale, Washington. His daughter's name was Mary, so he named the castle Maryhill. Enamored with Stonehenge, he even built a full-size replica of it nearby as a monument to soldiers killed in World War I. Maryhill State Park became an outdoor recreation area when the United States Army Corps of Engineers acquired it in 1972. Today, it is a popular destination for beach combing, swimming, boating, and windsurfing. While in the area, you may want to check out Maryhill Museum, which is only a few miles from the park and features one of the most stunning private art collections on the West Coast.

Nearby Cities:

  • The Dalles, OR

  • Goldendale, WA

  • Yakima, WA

  • Arlington, OR

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Weather
Spring 57-75 F
Summer 82-94 F
Fall 54-82 F
Winter 30-50 F
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RV Resorts & Campsites in Maryhill State Park

Campground Accommodations

Maryhill State Park Campground

  • Water hookups: Yes

  • Electrical hookups: Yes

  • Sewer hookups: Yes

  • Wi-Fi: No

  • Pet-friendly: Yes

  • Max RV length: 60 feet

  • Other amenities: fire rings, picnic tables, restrooms, showers, dump station, boat dock, boat launches

Maryhill State Park

Maryhill State Park offers 20 standard campsites and two primitive sites. The campground can accommodate RVs up to 60 feet long. There are plenty of activities to occupy your time, including horseshoe pits and train watching.

  • Water hookup: Yes

  • Electrical hookup: Yes

  • Sewer hookup: Yes

  • Wi-Fi: No

  • Pet-friendly: Yes

  • Other amenities: RV dump station, restrooms, showers

Peach Beach RV Park

Peach Beach RV Park is located on the beautiful Columbia River in the Columbia River Gorge in south-central Washington and right next door to the state park. This privately owned campground is surrounded by the fragrance of peaches coming from the many orchards surrounding it. There are well over 80 RV and tent sites available at this location. Popular activities include windsurfing, boating, biking, swimming, and wine tasting.

  • Water hookup: Yes

  • Electrical hookup: Yes

  • Sewer hookup: Yes

  • Wi-Fi: Yes

  • Pet-friendly: Yes

  • Other amenities: Dump station, restrooms, showers

RV Rentals Near Maryhill State Park

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What to Do at
Maryhill State Park

In the heat of the summer, you can take a dip in the swimming area to cool off or take a boat out on the water. Or, enjoy a leisurely stroll with your family along the hiking path. Beachcombing is also a popular activity at the park, and you are welcome to bring your metal detector to find hidden treasures. In addition, kids will love spotting trains on the Burlington Northern Santa Fe tracks just north of the park.

Whether you love land or water activities, you will find a fantastic adventure at Maryhill State Park.

Inside Maryhill State Park

Maryhill offers a variety of water sport activities such as a watercraft launch, water skiing, and boating. There is a 216-foot dock where anglers can try their luck in catching some freshwater fish or tie off their boat in between uses. You can go swimming in the shallows of the river as well. There are two picnic shelters with two tables each that can be reserved for picnics. Other activities featured inside the state park are beach exploration, bird-watching, wildlife viewing, sailboarding, and so much more. 

Fishing Fishing

The Columbia River is home to many trophy-size fish, including one sturgeon reputed to be at least 10 feet long and to weigh several hundred pounds. Even the Chinook salmon that run every spring and fall can be of record size. The walleye in the Columbia River are equally prized, so make sure that you have the right fishing equipment before setting out after these fish. You will also need a fishing license, which you can get online.

Geocaching Geocaching

There's a geocache within Maryhill State Park, and you can use your smartphone or GPS device to find it. Once you do, open the container and sign the logbook. You can also take a souvenir, but remember to bring a family-friendly item to leave for the next adventurer.

Stargazing Stargazing

Maryhill State Park has level-4 stargazing on the Bortle Scale. This means that you will notice some city-based light pollution on the horizon but will have mostly dark skies overhead. The beach is a great place to gaze at the heavens, or you can set up a telescope on one of the picnic tables.

Flora and Fauna

You can spot otters and wading birds in the Columbia River. On land, coyotes, bighorn sheep, and even the occasional mountain lion will make an appearance. Desert parsley, Barrett's Penstemon, and Columbia kitten tail are three of the many colorful wildflowers that bloom in the park.

Hiking Hiking

The hiking path is just a little more than a mile long, and it's paved and almost entirely flat. It's popular for walking, running, or biking laps.

Boating

No boat rentals are available, but you can use one of the boat launches for your watercraft, and when disembarking or returning to shore, you can tie your boat off at the dock. The Columbia River has many small islands to explore, and the larger ones make outstanding places for picnics.

Swimming Swimming

You can swim in the designated area and enjoy some time in the sun on the beach. It is a great place for kids because they can build castles, and the water is shallow along the shoreline.

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How to Get to
Maryhill State Park

From Vancouver, WA, or Portland, the fastest way to get to Maryhill State Park is to take Route 84 east along the Oregon side of the Columbia River. Take Route 84 all the way to Biggs Junction, where you will exit onto Route 97, which is also called Sherman Highway. Cross the Sam Hill Memorial Bridge, and Maryhill State Park is right there on the east side of the road.

From all points south, proceed to Route 97. Then, drive north on Route 97. It's also called Sherman Highway. When you reach the Columbia River, you will go over the Sam Hill Memorial Bridge. Cross the bridge, and Maryhill State Park is immediately to your east.

From Yakima and all points north, follow Route 82 south until you reach the exit for Route 97. Take that exit and continue south on Route 97. You will also probably see signs for Sherman Highway, which is another name for Route 97. Continue south on Route 97 until you reach Route 14. Bear east on Route 14 until you see another sign for Route 97. Take that south, and it will bend around to the west. Maryhill State Park is on the west side of the road, just before you reach the northern shore of the Columbia River.

Entering Maryhill State Park

Parking is available near the park office, the beach, and the boat ramp. You need a Washington State Discover Pass to enter Maryhill State Park. An annual pass is $30, and a one-day pass is $10.

Maryhill State Park One-Day Discovery Pass : $10.0

Per vehicle (1-4 adults)

Maryhill State Park Annual Discovery Pass : $30.0

Per vehicle (1-4 adults)

RVshare is excited that you have chosen to visit Maryhill State Park where there are plenty of exciting things to do for the whole family. The team at RVshare would like to hear about your stay in the state park and all the wonderful adventures you enjoyed during your vacation. When uploading your photos and memories, make sure that you share them by tagging RVshare in your social media pages or by sending your preferred anecdotes and snapshots to [email protected]. The site may even feature them on its next blog post or on one of its social media profiles.

Frequently Asked Questions About Maryhill State Park

What is the best time of year to visit Maryhill State Park?

If you fish, then spring or fall are the two best seasons to visit because that's when the salmon run. Boaters and swimmers may prefer the warmer temperatures in the summer.

What kind of wildlife can be found in Maryhill State Park?

Birds are the most common form of wildlife in the park, and you can look forward to seeing a variety of waterfowl, songbirds, and raptors. You may also spot bighorn sheep, elk, and even an occasional mountain lion when exploring.

Are there designated RV camping spots in Maryhill State Park?

Yes, there are 52 RV-specific campsites at Maryhill State Park. Two of these are primitive campsites; the other 50 have full hookups.

Do you have to reserve a camping spot at Maryhill State Park and what is the cost?

You must have a reservation to stay at the park. The rate depends on the time of year, and a site with hookups will cost you between $20 and $50 a night.

Are pets allowed at Maryhill State Park?

Pets are welcome at Maryhill State Park. They must be on a leash, and you are responsible for picking up after your four-legged companions.