Fish Lake Campground

Star4.57
18 reviews
Peace & QuietStargazingSummer Destination

Quick Facts

3,350 ft

Price

Free

Booking

First-Come

Sites

5 campsites

Season

Open season: June to...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Check Policy

Opens Fish Lake Campground Management site

Official Website
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Fish Lake Campground
$0.00 - $0.00 / night
Campsite Fees
No fees are charged at Fish Lake Campground.
Standard Site Fee$0.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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What Campers Say

4.57

Top-Rated

Based on 18 reviews

14 Google reviews

Most mentioned

scenerylake

"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."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

Fish Lake Campground

47.5217, -121.0726

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

Best Time to Camp at Fish Lake Campground

Experience the dramatic seasonal transformation of the Pacific Northwest at Fish Lake. Summer arrives with sun-drenched days perfect for lakeside lounging and river exploration, with July's clear skies and warm temperatures creating ideal camping conditions around Week 28. As autumn paints the forest in brilliant hues, crisp air signals the approaching winter, when deep snow blankets the landscape and transforms the campground into a frozen wonderland—beautiful to behold but challenging for camping, especially during late December's heavy snowfall.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Open in summer with clear skies and good stargazing; mosquitos noted as a downside.

Best
Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Open through October; scenic mountain views and quieter conditions in fall are likely positives.

Spring(Mar-May)
Not recommended

Open season listed as June–October; spring access/season not applicable.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Campground closed in winter; winter activities not applicable.

Planning Tips
  • Operating Season: Open season: June to October

About Fish Lake Campground

Escape to the tranquil shores of Fish Lake Campground, where five secluded walk-in campsites await those seeking an authentic wilderness experience. This pristine, no-frills destination sits peacefully beside a sparkling mountain lake and the melodic Cle Elum River. As a primitive campground with no fees, running water, or waste facilities, it offers pure, unspoiled nature—just remember to embrace Leave No Trace principles and pack out everything you bring in.
The campground caters specifically to tent campers. RV camping, glamping, and cabins are not supported due to the primitive nature of the site.
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Stay Limit
Maximum stay limits not provided

Amenities available

Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

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.
FishingFishing is available at the lake and river adjacent to the campground. "You can float and fish in lake/river," according to user reviews.
Winter Activities
Water Sports
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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.

Weather at Fish Lake Campground

Reviews

4.6
18 reviews
Top-Rated
Top-Rated
Fish Lake Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% 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...
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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

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...
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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...
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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

Accessibility Features

Accessibility features or experiences are not mentioned in user reviews.
Based on 18 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Reviews do not explicitly mention pet policies or experiences.
Based on 18 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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