A century of summers   ·   1926–2026Black Lake, Olympia, Washington
Spring trees and picnic lawn overlooking Black Lake

Swimming, picnics & boating

Your day
at Black Lake.

Black Lake day use at Columbus Park: bring a picnic, swim from the lakefront, or launch your boat. Day admission includes access to the lawn and playground.

Black Lake day use: things to enjoy

01 / SPREAD OUT

Picnic by the lake.

Picnic tables and grassy lawns beside the water.

02 / TAKE A DIP

Time in the water.

A roped swimming area and a dock. Check lake conditions before heading in.

03 / KEEP PLAYING

One more game.

A playground, volleyball, and horseshoes. Ask about equipment and use of the courts.

04 / PUSH OFF

Bring your boat.

Launch onto Black Lake. See launch and entry rates below.

Day-use admission

What a lake day costs.

Published single-entry rates
Entry typeRate
Walk-in / Bicycle / Drop-offs$4 per person
Motorcycle$5
Car$10
Boat launch$12
Large vehicle$15

Confirm current charges at the office, including how vehicle entry and boat launch fees apply to your visit.

Rates shown are published by the park and may change. Confirm your total when arranging a visit. Park rate details ↗

Picnic tables along the shaded lawn in the Black Lake day use area
Picnic tables beside the lake.
Red swing set in the park's gravel play area
The park’s swing set.
Gravel water access leading into Black Lake
Water access for a day on the lake.

Make the most of your visit

Day-use questions.

For a birthday, reunion, or larger picnic, a kitchen rental may be a better fit.

Can we reserve picnic tables?

The published reservation charge is $20 per table. Contact the office to ask about dates, locations, and any other charges.

Are boats, floats, or life jackets available?

Ask the office about current rentals, loan equipment, and prices before relying on them for your visit.

Head for Black Lake

5700 Black Lake Blvd SW

Olympia, WA 98512 · Waterfront closes at sunset or 8:30 pm, whichever is earlier.

Find your way around.

The campground map the office hands out to campers. Read the map in text or open it full size ↗. Confirm your assigned site with the office.

Columbus Park campground map, 2026: numbered campsites, the office, beach, kitchens, restrooms, parking and the creek beside Black Lake. A text description is on the park map page.