Kanaskat-Palmer State Park RV & Campground Guide
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This 320-acre state park is located in the state of Washington, two miles north of the town of Cumberland in King County. The park provides two miles of shoreline along the Green River. Along with kayaking and whitewater rafting in the river, visitors to the park can enjoy fishing, hiking, and picnicking along the waterfront.
Spring 38 - 56 F
Summer 52 - 75 F
Fall 49 - 69 F
Winter 33 - 43 F
RV Resorts & Campsites in Kanaskat-Palmer State Park
The campground at the park has 19 campsites with hookups for RVs and additional campsites without hookups. Some of the sites can accommodate RVs up to 50 feet in length. Restrooms, showers, drinking water, and a dump station are available, and there are also ADA-accessible campsites, showers, and restrooms. In addition to the main campground, there is also a large group camp and individual camping yurts that can be reserved. During the wintertime, the campground is available on a first-come, first-served basis only.
What to Do at
Kanaskat-Palmer State Park
Participate in a game of horseshoes while enjoying the scenic mountain view, head out to the Green River for some whitewater rafting, or enjoy hiking along the forested trails. Pick up a souvenir of your trip from the gift shop at the park office before you leave.
Fishing
The trout fishing and salmon fishing are excellent at Kanaskat-Palmer State Park. Salmon fishing is best in the fall and winter, when you are more likely to catch various species, including chum, coho, sockeye, chinook, and kokanee salmon. Trout fishing is at its peak in the spring, after a run-off and when the water levels drop a bit. Be sure to get a Washington State fishing license before you head out onto the water.
Geocaching
There is at least one geocache waiting to be found at every state park in Washington, including Kanaskat-Palmer State Park. Log into your geocaching app to find the exact coordinates and have fun searching for treasure in the beauty of the great outdoors.
Nature Watching
The wetland areas around the river and the surrounding forested areas are filled with old-growth trees that provide a home for a variety of plants, birds, and animals. Two day-use areas at the park provide shaded shelters where you can relax and enjoy the beauty of this scenic riverside park. Along the river, notice the towering sandstone and shale cliff walls. In the fall, the trees turn bright shades of red, yellow, and orange.
Stargazing
The stargazing at Kanaskat-Palmer State Park is at its peak on clear nights in the wintertime when the nights are longer and darker.
Flora and Fauna
The trails at the park wind their way through forests of towering alder, spruce, hemlock, cottonwood, and cedar trees. Black bears are occasionally spotted in the park, but wildlife viewers more often spot some of the western gray squirrels, mule deer, raccoons, foxes, elk, rabbits, and coyotes that make their home in the park. Near the river, you might see minks and otters as well as plenty of waterfowl in season. Mountain bluebirds, blue damselflies, and fence lizards are also native to the area.
Hiking
Hike along the River Trail, which weaves around the park and the river for about three miles.
Swimming
Look for a calmer spot away from the rapids if you'd like to take a dip in the Green River. In the spring during a run-off, the water is likely running too quickly for a swim, so be aware of the water conditions before you wade on in.
Boating
Kayaking and whitewater rafting along the Green River are a big draw at this state park. The rapids range from Class II to Class IV, so it's best to have some experience in calmer waters before attempting to paddle along the Green River, particularly in the springtime after a run-off from the rains. There are two access points along the river for boaters, both of which are near the day-use areas.
Biking
The park's three miles of hiking trails are multi-use trails that are open to use by cyclists. You can also cycle along any of the paved roads in the park.
How to Get to
Kanaskat-Palmer State Park
Coming from the I-5 Interstate heading south, take Exit #142A to get on Highway 18 E heading towards Auburn. After about 17 miles, take the exit to merge onto Highway 169 S. Continue for about three miles and then take a left to get onto SE Kent-Kangley Road. After another 3.1 miles, you'll make a slight right to veer onto Cumberland Kanasket Road. Follow this for another two miles and then look for signage directing you to the park. Take a right onto Kanasket-Palmer State Park Road to enter the park.
Entering Kanaskat-Palmer State Park
There are several parking lots with ADA-accessible sites throughout the park, including at the campground and at each of the two day-use areas.
Washington Discover Pass (daily) : $10.0
Washington Discover Pass (annual) : $30.0
Frequently Asked Questions About Kanaskat-Palmer State Park
The park is open year-round, though winters can be chilly. Most people prefer to visit when the weather is warmer in late spring, summer, and early fall.
Some of the mammals that make their home in the park and the surrounding areas include black bears, foxes, squirrels, rabbits, raccoons, coyotes, elk, and mule deer. Waterfowl, minks, and otters can often be seen along the river.
RVs are welcome at any of the sites at the campground, but only 19 sites offer hookups.
The nightly camping rates vary, depending on which site you choose, but you can expect to pay around $32 for a site with hookups. Reservations for the peak season can be made online, but reservations are not available during the wintertime.
Pets are welcome in most areas of the park, including along the trails and in the campgrounds. However, they must be kept on a leash and under your control at all times.