State park shelters prolong the picnic season

Nine great picnic shelters for your off-season gathering

Fall is here, and with it comes cozy sweaters, frothy lattes, falling leaves and picnics.

Wait… Did somebody say “picnics?”

Yes we did!

The rain (and snow) may be coming, but we’ve got your picnic plans covered, literally.

More than 30 Washington state parks have picnic shelters, some with electricity, fireplaces and/or kitchen facilities.

Sound cozy? They are!

Several state park shelters date back to 1930s programs like the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) and are instantly recognizable for their wood and stone architecture, coined “National Park Service Rustic” style. Others were built in the 1960s and 70s, using stout concrete blocks, for a vibe that could now be called retro…

We asked our staff for their favorites to help plan your next gathering.

Here’s what they said:

Beacon Rock – This iconic Columbia River Gorge park near Vancouver has two shelters that each hold 100 people. One shelter is fully covered and sits in the heart of the park. The other is near the river, below the 57,000-year-old volcano cone for which the park is named. Both have electricity, but water is turned off from October to March.

Lake Wenatchee – Built by the Washington Conservation Corps in 1984, the park’s rustic shelter holds 50 people. It’s reservable from mid-April thru mid-October, with a non-reservable window during Sockeye salmon season (usually late July through August). In addition to views of the lake (header image above, by Ranger Paul Tomas), the shelter has grills and fireplaces but no electricity. It’s first come first served in winter. (Bring skis or snowshoes to get there!)

Manchester - The star of this Kitsap-area fort park is a soaring  torpedo warehouse turned picnic shelter. Built in 1901, the building fits 150 people and is reservable. It has no electricity or kitchen, but smaller neighboring kitchen shelters hold 12 people and have electricity. Groups of 20 can rent the entire torpedo warehouse and/or the smaller shelters with a special activity permit.

Millersylvania – Throw your company event, family reunion or friends gathering in one of Millersylvania’s large CCC kitchen shelters. They sit beneath a canopy of old-growth trees on a lovely lake, have electricity, wood stoves and sinks. They hold 50 people each.

Potholes – Many central and eastern Washington state parks close for winter, but Potholes near Othello stays open year-round. Set in Ice-Age flood path territory, a short drive from the geologically fascinating Potholes Lakes, the park has a classic picnic shelter that holds 50 people. Bring your coolers and camp stoves; the shelter does not have electricity or kitchen facilities.

Sacajawea – Sacajawea State Park is open through Oct. 31, and once it reopens in March, the spring blooms begin! The sweet rustic shelter holds 30 people and sits in a flower garden with Columbia and Snake River views. Book it by calling the park. Bring coolers and stoves; there’s no electricity or water. While you’re visiting, check out the art deco interpretive center building and its exhibits.

Schafer – This unassuming riverfront park near Elma is open year-round and has two shelters that hold 100 and 50 people. These historic 1930s shelters have been lovingly restored. They don’t have electricity or water, but fishing (and camping) on the Satsop River is great, so bring your rod, reel, stove, butter and garlic (yum)!

Twanoh – Set on a Hood Canal inlet known for its warm summer waters, Twanoh draws visitors from across western Washington. The park’s CCC shelter has an open fireplace and holds 150 people. A smaller, first come first served shelter holds 40 people. Both have wood stoves. Twanoh also has three little kitchen shelters with water and electricity - all just minutes from the beach.

Save it for spring:

Daroga – Tuck this central Washington plan away for 2025! Daroga closes in October and reopens in April. Set on a green lawn near a swimming lagoon and Columbia River watersports, Daroga’s hardy concrete structure holds 100 people and has electricity.

Planning your off-season picnic:

• Most shelters are reservable from May 15 to Sept. 15. Call (888) CAMPOUT or (888) 226-7688, or visit https://washington.goingtocamp.com/ and click on Day-Use.
  • In low seasons, most shelters are first come, first served.
  • Don’t hesitate to call the park office if you have questions.
• Check park alerts to make sure the park is open in iffy weather!  
• Buy firewood locally, vs. bringing it from home, since invasive pests often hitch rides inside firewood.
• Even if the shelter has electricity and a fireplace, bundle up anyway.
• Check out our Field Guide Blog for easy, delicious camp recipes, tips on using camp stoves and other great info!