Photo: Mehira Lozano
Photo: Samantha Sherwood
Photo: Kevin Deoso
Lacamas Lake
★4.6(237 reviews)FreeNature
🕑 3-5 hours👶 Best for all ages, from toddlers to teens. Babies and toddlers enjoy the sandy beach and shallow water areas, while elementary-aged kids love exploring the trails and spotting wildlife. Older kids and teens can paddleboard or kayak on the calm lake waters.🧡 Saved by 42 families
About
Lacamas Lake in Camas, Washington offers families a perfect blend of water fun and easy outdoor exploration. With a designated swimming beach for splashing, boat rentals for on-water adventures, and gentle lakeside trails that even little legs can manage, it's an ideal spot for introducing kids to Pacific Northwest nature without the intensity of a challenging hike.
Highlights
- ✓Sandy swimming beach with designated swim area perfect for young children
- ✓Kayak and paddleboard rentals for family water adventures
- ✓Easy, scenic walking trails around the lake suitable for strollers
- ✓Shaded picnic areas with tables and grills for family cookouts
- ✓Abundant wildlife spotting opportunities including ducks, herons, and turtles
Pro Tips
- 1.Arrive early on summer weekends to snag a picnic table near the beach,they fill up quickly by late morning
- 2.Bring water shoes as the lake bottom can be rocky in places, making it more comfortable for kids to wade and play
- 3.Pack bug spray during spring and early summer when mosquitoes are most active near the water
- 4.The Round Lake Trail loop is stroller-friendly and offers gorgeous viewpoints,perfect for families with young children
- 5.Rent a kayak or paddleboard and explore the quieter coves where kids love spotting turtles sunbathing on logs
Best Time to Visit
Visit on weekday mornings during summer (June-August) for the warmest swimming weather with fewer crowds. Early fall (September) also offers beautiful scenery with comfortable temperatures and a much quieter experience, though the water is cooler.
What to Know
Parking is free but fills quickly on sunny weekends. Restroom facilities are available seasonally. There are no food concessions, so pack your own snacks and lunch for picnicking.
Seasonal Notes
Swimming is best June through September when water temperatures are warmest. Boat rentals typically operate Memorial Day through Labor Day. Spring offers beautiful wildflowers along the trails, while fall showcases stunning foliage. Winter visits are quieter and great for bird watching, though swimming isn't recommended.
Nearby Eats
Head to downtown Camas (5 minutes away) for family-friendly options like Birch Street Uptown for wood-fired pizzas kids love, or Feast 316 which offers a welcoming atmosphere and diverse menu with plenty of kid favorites.
More Activities Near Camas
Farm
Leadbetter Farms
$
Leadbetter Farms offers families an authentic working farm experience where kids can connect with agriculture and explore nature through hands-on learning. With scenic walking trails, educational programs about farming and sustainability, and seasonal activities throughout the year, this Camas farm provides a perfect blend of outdoor adventure and agricultural education that helps children understand where their food comes from.
Adventure
Lacamas Heritage Trail
Free
This scenic five-mile paved loop around Lacamas Lake offers families an ideal outdoor adventure with stroller-friendly paths and kid-approved highlights like the beautiful waterfall at Round Lake. Whether you bike, walk, or scooter, the mostly flat terrain keeps younger children engaged while offering enough distance to tire out energetic older kids.
Library
Camas Public Library
★4.9Free❤️105
Camas Public Library is a modern, family-friendly community hub that goes far beyond just books. With dedicated children's areas featuring cozy reading nooks, engaging storytimes, and year-round educational programs, this highly-rated library makes it easy to foster a love of reading while keeping kids entertained in a welcoming environment.
Park
Lacamas Park
★4.7Free❤️35
Lacamas Park in Camas is a beloved neighborhood gem that delivers all the essentials for a fun family outing without the fuss. With its well-maintained playground, basketball court, and plenty of open grass for running and playing, it's the perfect spot for burning energy on a sunny afternoon or enjoying a casual picnic with the kids.