How much does camping cost at Takhlakh Lake Campground?

Camping fees at Takhlakh Lake Campground are $25 - $45/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Takhlakh Lake Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Takhlakh Lake Campground accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Takhlakh Lake Campground before I book?

Yes! Takhlakh Lake Campground has 5 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Takhlakh Lake Campground?

Takhlakh Lake Campground is open July 03 to September 19. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Takhlakh Lake Campground?

Takhlakh Lake Campground does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

How many campsites does Takhlakh Lake Campground have?

Takhlakh Lake Campground has 54 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Takhlakh Lake Campground?

Yes, pets are allowed at Takhlakh Lake Campground. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Takhlakh Lake Campground?

Takhlakh Lake Campground offers: Restrooms, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Takhlakh Lake Campground?

Popular activities at Takhlakh Lake Campground include Hiking, Fishing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Takhlakh Lake Campground

Q: Can I have a campfire at Takhlakh Lake Campground?

Fire policies at Takhlakh Lake Campground: Don't Move Firewood: Please protect Pacific Northwest forests by preventing the spread of invasive species. Firewood can carry insects and diseases that can threaten the health of our western forests. You can make a difference by obtaining and burning your firewood near your camping destination. Visit Dontmovefirewood.org for further information.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

4.20

339 reviews

Gifford Pinchot NF Cowlitz Valley Ranger District, Randle, WA 98377, USA

Top 2% in WAFall

C+Report Card

Scenic ViewsSummer Destination

Quick Facts

4,400 ft

Price

$25 - $45/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

54 campsites

Season

Open season is July ...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on Rocky Mountain Recreation Management Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

4,400 ft

Price

$25 - $45/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

54 campsites

Season

Open season is July ...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on Rocky Mountain Recreation Management Official Website

Get Directions

Takhlakh Lake Campground

$25.00 - $45.00 / night

Campsite Fees

STANDARD NONELECTRIC-DOUBLE: $45.00; STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $25.00; TENT ONLY NONELECTRIC: $25.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8...

Standard Site Fee$25.00

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Provider

541-338-7869

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Campground Map

Gifford Pinchot NF Cowlitz Valley Ranger District, Randle, WA 98377, USA

Takhlakh Lake Campground

Gifford Pinchot NF Cowlitz Valley Ranger District, Randle, WA 98377, USA

Nearby places

Randle (approximately 33 miles, around 1 hour drive). No other population centers explicitly mentioned.

Driving directionsFrom I-5: Take exit 68 and head east on US Highway 12 to Randle, Washington. Turn south onto State Highway 131 and travel 1 mile, stay left at the Y and continue southeast on Forest Road 23 for 30 miles to Forest Road 2329. Turn left onto Forest Road 2329 and follow it through the junction with Forest Road 5601. Proceed on Forest Road 2329 for 3/4-mile to the campground. The last 7 miles of Forest Road 23 are gravel surfaced.

Weather at Takhlakh Lake Campground

Current alerts(6)

ATVs and OHVs are not allowed in the campground
Check in: 2 pm, Check out: 12 pm (noon)
Click here for more information about Gifford Pinchot National Forest
Extra vehicle fee of $8.00/night of stay .

Best Time to Camp at Takhlakh Lake Campground

Best season: fall. Fall delivers the clearest, crispiest views of Mt. Adams reflected in Takhlakh Lake and the light is perfect for photography — especially early September when subalpine larches begin to gold up. Expect daytime highs around 40–60°F and chilly nights near or below freezing, with far fewer mosquitoes and noticeably thinner crowds than mid-summer. Hiking, shore fishing, and calm-water paddling are still excellent in early fall, but note the campground closes for the season on September 20 so plan to Peak months: September, August, July Avoid: October, November, December, January

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

5.0 / 5

Top 2% in WA

Described as best season: clear views, crisp light, fewer bugs and excellent photography.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: July 03 to September 19. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open season is July 3 to September 20. First-come, first-served availability from July 3 to July 10. Reservations available from July 11 to September 20.

About Takhlakh Lake Campground

Takhlakh Lake Campground sits at mid-elevation in Gifford Pinchot National Forest, 35 miles southeast of Randle, with direct views of Mt. Adams rising above the lake. Rocky Mountain Recreation Management operates this seasonal forest campground with tent and RV sites, vault toilets, and trailhead access. Visitors fish for trout, hike surrounding trails, and photograph the mountain's reflection at dawn.

Takhlakh Lake Campground offers a mix of camping experiences with sites suited for tents and small RVs. Some sites are designated for tent use only.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: fall. Fall delivers the clearest, crispiest views of Mt. Adams reflected in Takhlakh Lake and the light is perfect for photography — especially early September when subalpine larches begin to gold up. Expect daytime highs around 40–60°F and chilly nights near or below freezing, with far fewer mosquitoes and noticeably thinner crowds than mid-summer. Hiking, shore fishing, and calm-water paddling are still excellent in early fall, but note the campground closes for the season on September 20 so plan to Peak months: September, August, July Avoid: October, November, December, January

Elevation4400 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryMt. Adams dominates the view from the lake's edge, with Mt. Rainier and Mt. St. Helens visible on clear days. The campground sits in a forest of hemlock and Douglas fir that provides shade across most sites. The lake itself is a reflecting pool for the volcanic peaks, particularly striking at dawn and dusk when alpenglow lights the summits. At this elevation, the Cascade volcanic legacy is visible in multiple directions. On dark nights, the Milky Way arcs overhead with minimal light pollution.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo hotel-style lodging is available. Tent and RV camping are the primary options.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Maximum stay of up to 14 nights.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made on Recreation.gov.

AccessibilityAccessible sites and activities are available and meet current accessibility standards.

Site SizeSites accommodate a range of equipment with parking spurs from 15 to 40 feet.

PrivacyReviews highlighted that sites have varying levels of privacy. For example, site 5 is noted for its privacy, while sites 30 and 32 are within 10 feet of each other.

Total Campsites54 campsites

Recommended SitesSites outside the loop provide more privacy." Avoid sites near vault toilets due to flies and odor. Reserve early for waterfront or spacious sites like 23 and 47.

Best CampsitesSite 23 gets praise for spacing. Site 47 offers good views and trail access. Site 5 provides more privacy than most. Sites near the boat ramp have unobstructed lake and mountain views, though sites 30 and 32 sit within 10 feet of each other. Reserve early for the outer loop sites.

Need help booking Takhlakh Lake Campground ?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

Free alerts for this campground

Amenities available

No drinking water is provided at this campground, but other amenities include vault toilets, picnic tables and campfire rings.

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Firewood available

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

RV details

Things to do at Takhlakh Lake Campground

Takhlakh Lake Campground offers a variety of recreational activities, including hiking, fishing, boating, and wildlife viewing. The lake is especially popular for non-motorized boating, such as kayaking and canoeing. Hiking trails range from short accessible loops to more challenging trails like the Pacific Crest Trail nearby.

Hiking4.0/5

Numerous trails (Takhlakh Loop, Takhlakh Meadow, PCT nearby) noted for access and variety.

Fishing4.0/5

Boating4.0/5

Non-motorized boating allowed; frequent kayaking and canoeing reported.

Water Sports4.0/5

Winter Activities

Signature experiences

Photography5.0/5Specifically highlighted for dawn reflections and Milky Way photography—highly photogenic.

Not sure what to pack?Our complete camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

No Flush ToiletsFlush toilets are not available at this campground.

No Electric HookupsElectric hookups are not available at this campground. RV campers should arrive with a full battery and plan for off-grid power (generator hours/quiet rules permitting).

No Water HookupsSite-level water hookups are not available. RV campers should fill freshwater tanks before arrival; check the No Potable Water note above if applicable for drinking water.

No Dump StationThere is no dump station at this campground. Plan to use a dump station along your route or at a nearby facility before or after your stay.

Fire PolicyDon't Move Firewood: Please protect Pacific Northwest forests by preventing the spread of invasive species. Firewood can carry insects and diseases that can threaten the health of our western forests. You can make a difference by obtaining and burning your firewood near your camping destination. Visit Dontmovefirewood.org for further information.

Trash & RecyclingTrash bins are available and emptied twice a day, yet some reviews mentioned an insufficient number of bins for the volume of campers.

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

Researching this campground? Ask anything — other campers and our team will weigh in. No visit required.

Tips from campers

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.

Reviews

Rate Takhlakh Lake Campground

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From Booking Sources

4.2

339 reviews

Satisfactory

Takhlakh Lake Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews

Takhlakh Lake Campground is highly rated for its stunning views, clean facilities, and accessibility to outdoor activities like fishing and hiking. However, the lack of potable water and challenges with mosquitoes are common complaints.

Review Summaries

Based on 339 reviews

What Campers Love

"Breathtaking view of Mt. Adams," "clean and well-maintained vault toilets," "great fishing with trout up to 21 inches," "fantastic for photography of the Milky Way," and "well-shaded campsites with...

Based on 339 reviews

Common Concerns

"Mosquitoes were unbearable," "sites are close together with little privacy," "road to the campground is rough and poorly maintained," and "no potable water available."

Based on 339 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site 23 is frequently praised for its size and privacy. Sites near the boat ramp have the best views but are less private.

Based on 339 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring potable water, mosquito repellent, and citronella candles. Reserve early for the best sites. Avoid bringing large RVs due to road conditions.

Based on 339 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer is the peak season, with reports of high mosquito activity in July and August. Visitors in late summer and early fall often note fewer bugs and slightly cooler temperatures.

Based on 339 reviews

Camper Quotes

"The views of Mt. Adams are worth the mosquitoes." - User Review. "We caught 28 rainbow trout in one day!" - User Review. "The vault toilets were always clean and stocked." - User Review.

Based on 339 reviews

Accessibility Features

Campers with disabilities appreciated the accessible sites and trails, though some noted challenges with uneven terrain.

Based on 339 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed, but some reviews mentioned issues with off-leash dogs causing disturbances.

Based on 339 reviews

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Takhlakh Lake Campground

$25.00 - $45.00 / night

Campsite Fees

STANDARD NONELECTRIC-DOUBLE: $45.00; STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $25.00; TENT ONLY NONELECTRIC: $25.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8...

Standard Site Fee$25.00

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

Free to start · paid plans add 2-min scans

263,000+ sites monitored · Email alerts to start; SMS and in-app with an account

Learn more about alerts →

Share this campground

Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

541-338-7869

Go if

You want mountain photography opportunities and don't mind close-set sites during peak season.

Skip if

You need spacious, private campsites or want to avoid seasonal mosquitoes and biting flies.

Nearby Campgrounds

Less Visited

4.1

(23)

Campground: Olallie Lake

Gifford Pinchot National Forest

Olallie Lake sits at 4,252 feet in Gifford Pinchot National Forest, offering six sites spread far apart along the lakeshore. Five sites are small and tent-friendly, while one larger spot accommodates RVs up to 22 feet. Fees run $20-36 per night. Mt. Adams rises across the water, visible from most sites.

Takhlakh Lake Campground

Quick Facts

Quick Facts

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About Takhlakh Lake Campground

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Amenities available

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Current alerts(6)

Best Time to Camp at Takhlakh Lake Campground

Planning Tips

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Need help booking Takhlakh Lake Campground ?

Amenities available

Things to do at Takhlakh Lake Campground

Policies & Safety

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Reviews

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Common Concerns

Site-Specific Reviews