Full-service state park on Riffe Lake with 75 RV sites including 39 full-hookup pull-throughs (60 ft max). Premier warm-water fishing and water skiing in southwest Washington.
Ike Kinswa (named for a Cowlitz tribal member known for his fishing skills) sits on the shores of Riffe Lake, a 23-mile reservoir formed by Riffe Dam on the Cowlitz River. The 75-site campground is split into two loops: Loop A offers 39 full-hookup pull-through sites up to 60 feet, while Loop B provides 36 water-and-electric sites in a more forested setting. Riffe Lake is one of the finest warm-water fisheries in Washington, with large populations of walleye, bass, rainbow trout, and tiger muskie. A boat launch, swimming beach, and sandy shoreline round out the water activities. The surrounding forested hills offer several hiking trails with lake views. Cell coverage is limited — this is a genuine escape — but the nearby town of Morton (12 miles east) has grocery stores and fuel.
Ike Kinswa State Park sits on Riffe Lake — a 23-mile reservoir on the Cowlitz River — in the transitional landscape between west Cascades foothills and the Lewis County lowlands, where the Cowlitz River system drains both Mount Rainier and the 1980 Mount St. Helens blast zone. The Cowlitz River above Riffe Lake historically supported some of the most productive salmon runs in the upper Columbia River basin, and ongoing recovery programs are working to restore fish passage through the reservoirs of this volcanic watershed. The Gifford Pinchot National Forest and Mount Rainier National Park are both within 45 minutes, placing Ike Kinswa at the center of one of the most ecologically significant mountain-to-lowland transition zones in southern Washington.
Sourced from first-hand visits, park ranger notes, and RV community reports. Updated when conditions change.
Riffe Lake waterfront sites (1–35) are the main draw — the lake is excellent for boating, waterskiing, and fishing. Hookup sites in Loop B are comfortable for longer stays. Mt Rainier is visible on clear days from the upper sites — a striking backdrop. Less well-known than coastal parks, making availability better on most summer weekends. A great family campground with lots of water activity options.
| 📍 Nearest Town | Morton (12 mi) |
| ⛽ Gas Station | 12 mi |
| 🛒 Grocery Store | 12 mi |
| 🏪 Costco | 20 mi |
| ☕ Starbucks | 35 mi |
| 🏕️ Nearest State Park | 22 mi |
Stock up in Morton (12 mi) before heading out — services get limited near the campground.
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Check availability online. Reserving 6 months in advance.