BATTLE GROUND LAKE STATE PARK
Battle Ground Lake State Park is a camping park with 280 acres of beautiful, forested land in the foothills of the Cascade Mountains. The lake itself is of volcanic origin and is considered to be a smaller version of Crater Lake in Oregon.
This park offers five miles of horse trails and a primitive equestrian camping area. The spring-fed lake is stocked with trout and is a favorite of anglers. The lake is said to be a miniature version of Oregon's Crater Lake.
Environmental FeaturesPhysical Features The park is largely evergreen forest with trails around the lake. Annual average rainfall is 35 inches. The lake's origin is volcanic, and is believed to have been formed as a Maar volcano. This type of volcano is the result of hot lava or magma pushing up near the surface of the earth and then coming into contact with underground water. This is thought to have resulted in a large steam explosion, leaving a crater that later formed a lake.
This area was named for a battle that settlers at Fort Vancouver expected to happen in 1855 between U.S. Army soldiers and some Klickitat Indians. The battle never occurred.
Captain Strong, the post commander, allowed some Indians to leave the fort on the promise that they would return after burying their chief, who had been accidently killed. Most fort residents believed a battle would ensue to get the Indians to return, and therefore dubbed the spot "Strong's Battle Ground." The Indians, true to their word, returned peacefully, but the name took hold. Later the area was simply referred to as "Battle Ground."
A Discover Pass is required for vehicle access to Washington state parks for day use. For more information about the Discover Pass and exemptions, please visit the
Discover Pass web page.
The park store is a privately operated concession. It offers burgers, fries, ice, firewood, fishing supplies, soft drinks and candy. The store has game horseshoes available for rent and is open from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend.
Cabins are reservable year-round.
The park has standard campsites, partial-hookups sites, primitive sites that require campers to hike up to half a mile from the parking lot, primitive equestrian sites, an RV dump station, restrooms and showers.
Group camp has adirondack three-sided shelters. The camp offers a covered cooking and meeting area, a group fire ring, and pit toilets. RVs are not allowed in this camp.
1. Battle Ground Lake State Park offers a designated swimming area in the lake.
2. Lifeguards are not provided, so swim at your own risk.
3. The park's beach is sandy and suitable for sunbathing or picnicking near water.
4. Swimming season typically runs from late spring to early fall due to weather conditions.
5. Children under 12 must be supervised by an adult while swimming in the lake.
6. The clear waters of this volcanic crater lake make it ideal for swimmers of all levels.
7. Pets are allowed on leash but cannot enter the designated human-swimming areas.
8. There's no diving board or dock; entry into water is gradual with some rocky sections underwater.
Enjoy fishing in a serene forested setting with two freshwater lakes. Anglers can catch rainbow trout, cutthroat trout and largemouth bass. Fishing from the dock or boats is allowed; boat rentals are available on-site. The park also offers ADA-accessible fishing facilities for everyone's convenience.
Battle Ground Lake State Park is located near Battle Ground, Camas and Portland
A horse camp is available by reservation. It is primitive with no water on the site. Occupancy is four families. Horse camp includes four small corrals, one pit toilet, two fire pits and four picnic tables. There is a minimum group size of 10.
Two kitchen shelters without electricity are available first-come, first-served year-round. Each accommodates about 20 people. There are 70 unsheltered picnic tables.
In this Washington location, biking options are abundant. However, caution is advised due to varying terrain and difficulty levels.
Mountain bikers can explore over 10 miles of trails but should be wary of steep sections.
For a more relaxed ride, the park's main road offers an easy route around the lake - watch for vehicle traffic though!
Cyclists must remember that helmets are mandatory in all areas within these grounds as safety remains paramount.
Also note: some paths may close seasonally or during adverse weather conditions; always check trail status before setting off.
Lastly, bike rentals aren't available on-site so ensure you bring your own equipment!
1. Main Trail: This is a 10-mile trail that circles the entire park, offering stunning views of Battle Ground Lake and surrounding forest.
2. Lakeside Loop: A shorter 0.6 mile loop perfect for families or those looking to enjoy a leisurely stroll by the lake's edge.
3. Forest Edge Trail: An intermediate level hiking path stretching over two miles through dense woodland areas with occasional glimpses of wildlife such as deer and birds.
4. Whispering Pines Pathway: A peaceful one-mile walk under towering pine trees providing shade on hot summer days; ideal for birdwatchers due to its rich avian population.
5. Creekside Way: It's an easy half-a-mile hike along meandering creeks where hikers can spot various aquatic species in their natural habitat.
6. Rocky Ridge Route: As suggested by name, this challenging three-miles long route takes you up steep rocky inclinations but rewards with panoramic vistas from atop hills overlooking lush green valleys below.
7. Meadow Walks: These are multiple short trails crisscrossing open grasslands within park boundaries allowing visitors chance encounters with grazing animals like rabbits & squirrels etc., while also serving as picnic spots amidst nature's bounty.
8. Wildflower Wanderings: During spring season these paths become vibrant display galleries showcasing variety of wildflowers blooming across fields making it favorite among photographers & botany enthusiasts alike.
9. Lake View Point Hike: Short yet slightly strenuous uphill climb leading towards viewpoint platform which offers breathtaking view encompassing whole Battle Ground Lake against backdrop mountain ranges afar.
10. Horse Trails: There are several horse-friendly routes throughout the state park designed specifically keeping equestrian lovers in mind who wish explore scenic beauty astride their equine companions.
An interpretive program is offered every Saturday from mid-June through Labor Day. This evening program includes night sky interpretation with a telescope, slide shows and guest speakers. There is a self-guided nature trail in the park.
Birding enthusiasts can spot various species such as the Bald Eagle, Red-tailed Hawk and American Kestrel. Other common sightings include Northern Flickers, Steller's Jays, Black-capped Chickadees and Dark-eyed Juncos. The park is also home to different woodpecker species like Downy Woodpeckers and Hairy Woodpeckers. During migration season, one might see warblers or sparrows passing through.
The sports field has room for soccer but no goal posts. There are movable poles for badminton or volleyball. Groups provide net and ball or shuttlecock.
The park does not have designated bike trails. Mountain bikers may use horse trails as long as they yield to horse riders.
Located 21 miles northeast of Vancouver, Wash., on the state's western side in Clark County.
From I-5 northbound or southbound: Take exit #11 and drive east to Battle Ground. On the east end of town, turn left on N.E. Grace Ave. (just in front of a Foodliner Grocery). Follow the signs to the park, approximately three miles from the city of Battle Ground.