About Rooks Park (WA) Bennington Lake
Overview Rooks Park is day use only park, located 10 minutes east of Walla Walla, Washington. This 18-acre developed park offers visitors a wide variety of recreational opportunities. Recreation Rooks Park's grassy spaces provide the ideal place for family picnics and games of volleyball, football or Frisbee. Visitors also enjoy cooling their feet in the creek.Facilities This day-use area is open year-round to foot traffic, and April to mid-October to vehicles. A group picnic shelter is available for reservations and can accommodate up to 75 people. Amenities include flush toilets, drinking water, a playground, sand volleyball court and horseshoe pit.Natural Features The park consists of large open spaces and smaller secluded areas for groups and families alike. Large trees and irrigated lawns offer shade and relief from Walla Walla's hot summer days. Nearby Attractions Bennington Lake is less than 10 minutes from Rooks Park. It is the only public lake in the Walla Walla Valley, covering approximately 52 surface acres. Throughout the spring, the lake is stocked with rainbow trout to enhance angling opportunities.
How to Get There
From Walla Walla, take Highway 12 East. Exit at Airport Way and turn right onto Airport Way. Drive .25 miles then turn left onto East Isaacs Ave. Continue onto Mill Creek Rd in .75 miles. Drive .5 miles then turn right onto Rooks Park Rd. Continue .25 miles to park.
Driving directions (Google Maps) →What to Pack for Your Stay
Tuned to the live forecast for this park.
👔 What to Wear
- 👕
Moisture-wicking T-shirt
Light color, breathable.
- 🩳
Lightweight shorts or pants
Quick-dry preferred — sweat dries fast.
- 🧢
Brimmed sun hat
Better than a cap for back-of-neck protection.
- 🥾
Trail runners
Breathable mesh uppers.
🎒 What to Pack
- 💧
Water
Bring at least 1L of water; more in heat.
- 🍫
High-energy snacks
A snack for the trail.
- 🧴
Sun protection (UV 6)
SPF 50+ sunscreen, lip balm w/ SPF, sunglasses, sun hat.
- 🩹
First-aid kit
Blister patches, ibuprofen, tape, antiseptic wipes.
- 🗺
Offline map
Download your route in advance via Gaia, Caltopo, or OSM-based apps.
Recommendations adapt to the current forecast + trail stats. Use them as a starting point — local conditions, your experience, and the time of day you start all matter.
Plan Your Visit to Rooks Park (WA) Bennington Lake
Heading to Rooks Park (WA) Bennington Lake? A few things to know before you go:
- Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
- Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
- Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
- Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
- Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a reservation for Rooks Park (WA) Bennington Lake?
No central reservation system listed for Rooks Park (WA) Bennington Lake. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/233247) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How do I get to Rooks Park (WA) Bennington Lake?
From Walla Walla, take Highway 12 East. Exit at Airport Way and turn right onto Airport Way. Drive .25 miles then turn left onto East Isaacs Ave. Continue onto Mill Creek Rd in .75 miles. Drive .5 miles then turn right onto Rooks Park Rd. Continue .25 miles to park.
How do I contact Rooks Park (WA) Bennington Lake?
You can reach the park at phone: 509-527-7160 or email: MillCreek@usace.army.mil.
References & Official Resources
