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

Fish Lake Campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis. Sites are walk-in only, first-come, first-served. User reviews indicate low visitor density, even during holidays.

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

Yes! Fish Lake Campground has 1 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 Fish Lake Campground?

Fish Lake Campground is open Open season: June to October. 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 Fish Lake Campground?

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

Can I have a campfire at Fish Lake Campground?

Fire policies at Fish Lake Campground: Campfire rings are available at most sites, per user Clinton Lusk.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

How many campsites does Fish Lake Campground have?

Fish Lake Campground has 5 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Arrive early for the best site selection.

Are dogs allowed at Fish Lake Campground?

Pets are not allowed at Fish Lake Campground. This policy helps protect local wildlife and other campers. Consider nearby pet-friendly campgrounds if traveling with animals.

What amenities are available at Fish Lake Campground?

Fish Lake Campground offers: Restrooms. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Fish Lake Campground?

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

Fish Lake Campground

4.11

18 reviews

StargazingSummer Destination

Featured in:Camping Near Seattle

Quick Facts

3,350 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

First-Come

Sites

5 campsites

Season

Open season: June to...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Check Policy

Check Availability Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

3,350 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

First-Come

Sites

5 campsites

Season

Open season: June to...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Check Policy

Check Availability Official Website

Get Directions

Fish Lake Campground

No fees available

Campsite Fees

No fees are charged at Fish Lake Campground.

No campsite fee categories listed.

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Provider

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Campground Map

Fish Lake Campground

47.5217, -121.0726

Nearby places

Cle Elum: 19 miles northwest (approximate driving time unknown)

Driving directionsFrom Cle Elum: travel 19 miles northwest on Highway 903/Salmon La Sac Highway. Turn right on Forest Service Road 4330 and travel about 11 miles. Campground is on the right.

The campground is located off a backcountry road, approximately 11 miles past Salmon La Sac Campground on Forest Road 4330. According to user reviews, the road is unpaved, old, and bumpy. Vehicles with 4WD/AWD are recommended, and crossing shallow creeks may be required. Eric Hamann described it as 'not a maintained highway' and noted the road quality as rough, characteristic of a remote camping area.

Weather at Fish Lake Campground

Best Time to Camp at Fish Lake Campground

July and August bring daytime highs of 65–80°F and cool nights in the mid-30s to low-50s°F. Summer weekdays offer the best balance of access and solitude, since the five sites fill quickly on weekends. Mosquitos are thick during summer months. Late December sees heavy snowfall that makes camping impractical, though the frozen landscape attracts winter visitors.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Open June–Oct; summer temps 65–80°F, best stargazing and fishing; mosquitos noted in summer.

Planning Tips

Operating Season: Open season: June to October

About Fish Lake Campground

Fish Lake Campground offers five walk-in tent sites at 3,350 feet elevation in Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest. The primitive campground sits beside Fish Lake and the Cle Elum River with no fees, no running water, and no cell service. Access requires a vehicle with good clearance.

The campground caters specifically to tent campers. RV camping, glamping, and cabins are not supported due to the primitive nature of the site.

Weather and SeasonsJuly and August bring daytime highs of 65–80°F and cool nights in the mid-30s to low-50s°F. Summer weekdays offer the best balance of access and solitude, since the five sites fill quickly on weekends. Mosquitos are thick during summer months. Late December sees heavy snowfall that makes camping impractical, though the frozen landscape attracts winter visitors.

ElevationPerched at 3,350 feet in the Cascade foothills, Fish Lake Campground offers a refreshing mountain retreat where crisp, pine-scented air and sweeping vistas reward those who venture to this elevated paradise. The altitude provides natural air conditioning during summer months and stunning panoramic views of the surrounding peaks.

Natural Features and SceneryEvergreens frame Fish Lake's shoreline, and the Cle Elum River flows nearby. Spring and summer bring wildflower meadows. The surrounding forest is thick, and the area sits in a valley with mountain views. Clear nights deliver exceptional stargazing. Reviews mention "mind-blowing STARS." The lake supports fishing and floating. Some campers report cliff jumping spots in the area.

Geological RegionNestled within the vast wilderness of Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest, Fish Lake Campground occupies a stunning pocket where mountain peaks cradle a pristine alpine lake. The surrounding landscape tells a geological story millions of years in the making, where the Cle Elum River has carved its path through ancient bedrock, creating a lush valley adorned with seasonal wildflowers and thick stands of old-growth forest that stretch toward the sky.

Scenic ViewsReviewers highlighted stunning views of snow-capped mountains to the north. Eric Hamann described seeing 'amazing mountain peaks in the distance,' while John Feistner mentioned 'mind-blowing stars' due to minimal light pollution.

Lodging & AccommodationsFish Lake Campground offers only tent camping sites. No lodge accommodations are available.

Programs & ActivitiesNo cultural or educational programs are mentioned.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Maximum stay limits not provided

Groups

Group camping information is not provided.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Site layoutWalk-in only. Moderate spacing between sites. Expect to carry your gear from the parking area.

Walk-in AvailabilitySites are walk-in only, first-come, first-served. User reviews indicate low visitor density, even during holidays.

AccessibilityAccessibility features for disabled campers are not described in the sources provided.

Site SizeStandard-sized tent camping sites.

PrivacyThere are 5 well-spaced sites," as mentioned in user reviews. Privacy levels appear to be moderate.

Total Campsites5 campsites

Recommended SitesUsers recommended vehicles with higher ground clearance due to creek crossings and rough roads. Site selection based on proximity to water and shade could be personalized.

Best CampsitesThe five sites are well-spaced. Each has a picnic table, and some include prep tables for gear organization.

Amenities available

There is no fee and no water or trash receptacles. Pack out your trash.

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

Things to do at Fish Lake Campground

Fish Lake Campground offers limited recreational opportunities focusing on nature-based activities. Fishing is explicitly mentioned as a popular activity, with opportunities at both the nearby lake and river. User reviews further highlight cliff jumping and stargazing as enjoyable experiences.

Fishing4.0/5

Water Sports2.5/5

Winter Activities

Not sure what to pack?Our complete camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential hazards include mosquitos (as noted by user Darnell Kebo), crossing creeks, rough terrain, and lack of potable water.

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; the site has a vault toilet, per authoritative sources and reviews.

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.

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

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From Booking Sources

4.1

18 reviews

Satisfactory

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

User reviews consistently praise Fish Lake Campground for its remote and quiet environment, beautiful scenery, stargazing, and fishing opportunities. However, some negative feedback highlights the rough road conditions leading to the campground, limited facilities, and mosquitos during summer months.

Review Summaries

Based on 18 reviews

What Campers Love

- "Mind-blowing STARS." - "Absolutely beautiful" scenery including flowers, trees, and mountains. - Fishing and floating opportunities in the surrounding lake and river. - Cliff jumping experience...

Based on 18 reviews

Common Concerns

- "Bathrooms are a drive away." - Rough roads requiring AWD or 4WD vehicles. - Presence of mosquitos during summer.

Based on 18 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Specific site numbers are not mentioned, but reviews indicate all 5 sites are well-spaced and equipped with fire rings and picnic tables. Some sites have additional prep tables.

Based on 18 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

- Vehicles with AWD or 4WD are recommended due to rough roads. - Pack light as these are walk-in sites. - Bring mosquito repellent for summer stays. - Stargazing is best on clear nights.

Based on 18 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer months are highlighted for mosquito presence, while stargazing and clear skies are frequently noted as a positive during this season. Winter activities are not applicable due to seasonal...

Based on 18 reviews

Camper Quotes

- "Great escape! No cell service at all. Should use 4WD/AWD vehicle once on forest service road." - "Stars, holy cow, mind-blowing STARS." - "Absolutely beautiful. The flowers, trees, river / lake...

Based on 18 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Reviews do not explicitly mention pet policies or experiences.

Based on 18 reviews

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Fish Lake Campground

No fees available

Campsite Fees

No fees are charged at Fish Lake Campground.

No campsite fee categories listed.

Get Notified When Available

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

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USFS

Provider

Go if

Tent campers who fish, float, or just want star-filled nights with no fee and no noise. The Cle Elum River and Fish Lake are right there, cliff jumping spots are close, and weekday arrivals almost always find a site open.

Skip if

No potable water on-site means hauling in everything you drink, the access road needs AWD or 4WD clearance, and mosquitos are relentless mid-summer. Car campers expecting a short carry-in will be annoyed by the walk-in-only layout.

Nearby Campgrounds

Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest

Owhi Campground sits on the east shore of Cooper Lake in the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest, offering 21 walk-in tent sites beneath Douglas fir and conifers at 2,800 feet elevation. Sites range from $14 to $22 per night and are open May 15 through September 25. The campground gets crowded on summer weekends, but weekday visits offer more solitude and easier site selection.

Fish Lake Campground

Quick Facts

Quick Facts

Get Notified When Available

Ask Camp Sage about Fish Lake Campground

Campground Map

Weather at Fish Lake Campground

Best Time to Camp at Fish Lake Campground

Planning Tips

About Fish Lake Campground

Best Campsites

Reserving a campsite

Amenities available

Things to do at Fish Lake Campground

Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

Reviews

What Campers Love

Common Concerns

Site-Specific Reviews

Get Notified When Available

Go if

Skip if

Overview

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Ask Camp Sage about Fish Lake Campground

Best Time to Camp at Fish Lake Campground

Planning Tips

Best Campsites

Reserving a campsite

Amenities available

Things to do at Fish Lake Campground

Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

Reviews

What Campers Love

Common Concerns

Site-Specific Reviews