PENROSE POINT STATE PARK
Penrose Point State Park is a richly forested, 237-acre marine and camping park on the shores of Puget Sound. The park has nearly 2 miles of saltwater frontage on Mayo Cove and Carr Inlet.
Large stumps with springboard notches can be seen in the park, evidence of early logging activity.
The community played an important role in the development of Penrose Point. The park was initially created out of a swamp (now the day-use area).
The name honors Dr. Stephen Penrose, a Pennsylvania native who served as president of Whitman College in Walla Walla from 1884 to 1934. For more than many years, Dr. Penrose and his family spent their summers vacationing on what is now park property. A prominent church and educational leader in the Northwest, Dr. Penrose was a firm believer in outdoor recreation for children.
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 camp provides 82 standard campsites one hiker/biker site, one Cascadia Marine Trail site, one dump station and three restrooms two with showers. The campground is in the woods, and all sites are shady or partly shady. None of the campsites are on the water, but the beach is only a short walk away. Typical campsites accommodate a vehicle or combination of up to 35 feet. A few sites can handle longer vehicles or combinations, but the campground roadways are narrow and winding.
Reservations for camping are available May 15 through Sept. 15 and can be made up to 9 months in advance. Camping is available on a first-come, first-serve basis September 14 thought May 14.
The park offers a group camp which accommodates 20 to 50 people in tents or RVs. Facilities include a shelter with three picnic tables, a fire ring with benches, water and a vault toilet. Restrooms with flush toilets are located nearby in the day-use area. Restrooms with showers are located on the campground. A dump station is located near the park entrance. Fees vary with size of the group. Reservation for the group camp are available year-round.
Firewood is available for purchase at the park through out the summer.
Reservations can be made by calling 888 CAMPOUT or 888 226-7688.
1. Penrose Point State Park offers two miles of saltwater shoreline for swimming.
2. The park features a designated swim area with shallow waters, perfect for families and beginners.
3. Visitors can also enjoy snorkeling in the clear Puget Sound waters surrounding the park.
4. Swimming is permitted year-round but water temperatures are most comfortable between June and September.
5. Lifeguards are not on duty so swimmers should exercise caution when entering deeper areas or strong currents.
Located Pierce County on Puget Sound, Penrose Point provides 158 feet of dock. A picnic area with tables, braziers and a fire ring with benches are located near the dock. A short trail leads uphill to a small picnic shelter, visitor parking lot, campground and public restrooms. The nearest public boat launch is located in the town of Home, three miles from the park.
The park also provides 270 feet of moorage, eight moorage buoys.
Enjoy saltwater fishing along two miles of shoreline, with species like salmon and shellfish available. Freshwater options are limited.
Penrose Point State Park is located near Gig Harbor, Lacey and Lakewood
The park has two picnic shelters without electricity and 15 unsheltered picnic tables. All are first come, first served. A spacious day-use area at the beach features a large lawn, picnic tables, braziers, a small picnic shelter and a restroom.
1. Boundary Trail: This is a 2-mile loop trail that offers scenic views of the park and its surroundings, including Puget Sound.
2. Penrose Point Loop Trail: A moderate difficulty level hike spanning about 3 miles around the peninsula with stunning water views on both sides.
3. Nature Interpretive Trails: These are short trails scattered throughout the park offering educational information about local flora and fauna along well-marked paths.
4. Beach Walks: The state park has over two miles of saltwater shoreline where visitors can enjoy leisurely walks while exploring tide pools or watching wildlife such as seals, otters, herons etc.,.
5. Forest Hiking Paths: There are several unmarked forest hiking paths within this State Park which offer an opportunity to explore dense forests filled with Douglas fir trees and Western Hemlock.
6. Picnic Area Pathways: Short walking routes connecting various picnic areas in different parts of the parks for those who want to combine their outdoor meal experience with some light strolling activity.
7. Bird Watching Trails: Specific pathways designed keeping bird watchers in mind; these trails pass through habitats frequented by numerous species like bald eagles, ospreys , kingfishers among others.
8. ADA Accessible Routes: Certain sections have been made accessible for people using wheelchairs ensuring everyone gets a chance to appreciate nature's beauty at Penrose Point State Park.
9. Shellfish Harvesting Areas: Though not traditional 'hikes', there designated zones near shorelines allow you walk down towards beach during low tides & engage yourself into shellfishing activities (subject seasonal restrictions).
10. Tranquil Woodland Strolls: For hikers seeking solitude amidst lush greenery ;these less-traveled woodland tracks provide perfect setting away from crowd yet close enough main amenities area if needed be.
Located 16 miles southwest of Purdy, Wash., on the state's western side.
From SR 16 at Purdy: Follow SR 302 (Key Peninsula Hwy.) south through the towns of Key Center and Home. Turn left at Cornwall Rd. KPS (second road after crossing the Home Bridge). Continue about 1 1/4 miles, and turn left onto 158th Ave. KPS. Follow this street into the park.
Alternative route (from SR 302 eastbound): From the intersection of SR 302 and Key Peninsula Hwy., travel south through the towns of Key Center and Home. Turn left at Cornwall Rd. KPS (second road after crossing the Home Bridge). Continue about 1 1/4 miles, and turn left onto 158th Ave. KPS. Follow this street into the park.