How much does camping cost at Kachess?

Camping fees at Kachess range from $27-$158/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Kachess first-come first-served or reservation?

Kachess 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 Kachess before I book?

Yes! Kachess has 4 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 Kachess?

Kachess is open May 22 to September 18. 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 Kachess?

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

Can I have a campfire at Kachess?

Fire policies at Kachess: Firewood is available to purchase at the campground for $10.00/bundle.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

How many campsites does Kachess have?

Kachess has 150 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Kachess?

Yes, pets are allowed at Kachess. 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 Kachess?

Kachess offers: Restrooms, Potable Water, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Kachess?

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

Kachess

4.25

806 reviews

8000 Lake Kachess Rd, Easton, WA 98925, USA

SwimmingSummer Destination

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

2,277 ft

Price

$27 - $158/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

150 campsites

Season

Open: May 23, 2025. ...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on U.S. Forest Service Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

2,277 ft

Price

$27 - $158/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

150 campsites

Season

Open: May 23, 2025. ...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on U.S. Forest Service Official Website

Get Directions

Kachess

$27.00 - $158.00 / night

Campsite Fees

GROUP STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $158.00; STANDARD NONELECTRIC-DOUBLE SITE: $54.00; STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $27.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation...

Standard Site Fee$27.00

Group Site Fee$158.00

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

509-852-1100jveulman@goexplorus.com

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

8000 Lake Kachess Rd, Easton, WA 98925, USA

Kachess

8000 Lake Kachess Rd, Easton, WA 98925, USA

Nearby places

Seattle (62 miles, approximately 1 hour drive), Cle Elum (20 miles, approximately 20-minute drive), Easton (5 miles, approximately 10-minute drive).

Weather at Kachess

Current alerts(11)

Check in: 2 pm, Check out: 12 pm (noon)
Citations may be issued for exceeding Max Occupancy and campsite footprint
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.
First-come, first-served sites may be available

Best Time to Camp at Kachess

Best season: summer. Summer offers the most reliable weather and full access to lakeside recreation — expect daytime highs generally between 50°F and 70°F with long, sunny days perfect for swimming, boating, paddling, and shore fishing. Trails and boat ramps are fully accessible, campground facilities are open (May 23–Sept 20), and wildflower meadows and high-country views are at their best; weekends and holiday weeks are moderately busy. Note the potential for lower reservoir levels later in a dry summer and an upt Peak months: July, August, June, September Avoid: October, November, December, January

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.5 / 5

Primary season (open May–Sept); long sunny days and peak water activities make summer best.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 22 to September 18. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open: May 23, 2025. Closed: September 20, 2025. First-come, first-served available: June 20-24, 2025.

About Kachess

Kachess is a U.S. Forest Service campground on the shore of Kachess Lake in the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest, a short drive from Easton in the Cascade foothills. This large, seasonally operated site offers tent, RV, and group camping with flush and vault toilets, potable water, and a 14-day stay limit. Campers come for lakeside access, hiking and biking trails, and fishing, with spacious sites and long summer days ideal for water-based recreation.

Kachess Campground provides a mix of camping experiences suitable for different preferences. It includes sites for tents, RVs, and group camping.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer offers the most reliable weather and full access to lakeside recreation — expect daytime highs generally between 50°F and 70°F with long, sunny days perfect for swimming, boating, paddling, and shore fishing. Trails and boat ramps are fully accessible, campground facilities are open (May 23–Sept 20), and wildflower meadows and high-country views are at their best; weekends and holiday weeks are moderately busy. Note the potential for lower reservoir levels later in a dry summer and an upt Peak months: July, August, June, September Avoid: October, November, December, January

Elevation2277 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryKachess Lake dominates the landscape, a reservoir surrounded by forested ridges and Cascade peaks. Old-growth conifers shade many campsites, though privacy and tree cover vary significantly by loop. The lake supports native trout and attracts black-tailed deer and migratory birds. Reviewers consistently mention the lake's beauty and clarity, with one noting "the water is so relaxing to be in." Water levels can drop later in dry summers, affecting shoreline access and the visual appeal of the reservoir.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo hotel-style lodging or other accommodations such as cabins or yurts are available at Kachess Campground. The focus is on tent and RV camping.

Programs & ActivitiesNo cultural or educational programs were specifically mentioned.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

14 nights maximum.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Maximum guests per site: 8.

Groups

The group site accommodates up to 50 guests and is equipped with a large fire pit and private vault toilet. A user noted, 'The main group site was perfect for our weekend camping trip.'

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 via Recreation.gov.

AccessibilityThe campground offers wheelchair parking and accessible entrances to facilities. One reviewer highlighted the ease of access for people with disabilities.

Site SizeCampsites vary in size, with most providing ample space for multiple tents and vehicles. Some sites are large enough to accommodate three tents and a canopy.

PrivacyPrivacy levels differ across loops. Some sites in Box Canyon and Thetis Creek loops are described as private and well-shaded, while others lack tree cover and are more exposed.

Total Campsites150 campsites

Recommended SitesSite #137 in Box Canyon loop offers lake views and close access to the beach. Lodge Creek loop is ideal for families with children.

Best CampsitesSites in the Box Canyon loop near the lake get the most praise for privacy and views. The Thetis Creek loop also offers well-shaded, private sites. Other areas lack tree cover and feel more exposed. Arriving early improves your chances of securing a preferred site, especially on weekends.

Need help booking Kachess?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

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Cancellation Alerts

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Amenities available

Kachess Campground offers an array of amenities set amidst a stunning natural environment. Located next to the sparkling Kachess Lake, this campground provides 150 campsites, including a group site that accommodates up to 50 guests. Sites are equipped with picnic tables, campfire rings with grills, and access to potable water through hand pumps and spigots. Vault toilets are located throughout the campground, but there are no showers or electrical hookups available. One reviewer noted, 'The bathrooms are flush toilets, but some of the sinks and urinals don't work.' There are two boat launches (motorized and non-motorized), a designated swimming area, and picnic areas for day use. Firewood is available for purchase on-site for $10 per bundle.

Potable water

Flush toilets

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Firewood available

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

Kachess Campground provides a wide range of recreational opportunities, making it a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Activities include fishing, swimming, boating, paddling, mountain biking, and hiking. The nearby Pacific Crest Trail offers additional adventure options.

Hiking

Fishing

Biking

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

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.

Fire PolicyFirewood is available to purchase at the campground for $10.00/bundle.

Trash & RecyclingTrash facilities, including dumpsters, are available, although some reviewers noted overflowing garbage during peak times. Recycling facilities are not mentioned.

Cell CoverageCell phone service is limited and varies by location within the campground. Some reviewers mentioned no coverage in certain loops, while others reported weak signals. One stated, 'You barely had signal from the Mineral loop.'

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

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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

4.3

806 reviews

Satisfactory

Kachess is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews

Overall, reviews highlight the campground's natural beauty, spacious sites, and variety of activities. However, maintenance issues, overcrowding, and occasional staff complaints were noted.

Review Summaries

Based on 806 reviews

Best sites at a glance

Pulled from per-site mentions in 806 reviews.

Site #77Loved
Site #77 in the Lodge Loop received praise for its size and privacy.
Site #184Mentioned
Site #184 in Box Canyon was criticized for being next to a busy parking lot and bathrooms.

What Campers Love

Users praised the serene lake, spacious campsites, and friendly camp hosts. One reviewer shared, 'This campground is absolutely beautiful, and the water is so relaxing to be in.'

Based on 806 reviews

Common Concerns

Common issues include poorly maintained bathrooms, lack of soap, generator noise from camp hosts, and overcrowding during peak seasons. A user commented, 'The bathrooms were filthy and had no soap or...

Based on 806 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Many recommend bringing bug spray due to mosquitoes, arriving early to secure the best sites, and preparing for limited cell service. A reviewer advised, 'Bring your own campfire wood, as it sells...

Based on 806 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer months are busiest, with high temperatures making the lake particularly inviting. Fall offers quieter experiences but may include smoky conditions. Winter information is absent.

Based on 806 reviews

Camper Quotes

- 'The lake is beautiful and not a lot of noise from motorboats was nice.' - 'The sites are private and everyone minds the quiet hours, so at night, all you can hear is the wildlife.' - 'Bathrooms...

Based on 806 reviews

Accessibility Features

Wheelchair-accessible parking and entrances are available. Some reviewers noted the campground's suitability for families with mobility challenges.

Based on 806 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are welcome but must be leashed. A reviewer appreciated the pet-friendly policies, saying, 'Pets can also come, but make sure to clean up after them and have them on a leash!'

Based on 806 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

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Nearby Campgrounds

Less Visited

4.2

(18)

East Kachess Group Site

803 W. 2ND STREET, CLE ELUM, WA 98922

East Kachess Group Site sits in the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest foothills near Cle Elum, operated by the Cle Elum Ranger Station for group tent camping. The site offers access to Kachess Lake for swimming, fishing, and water recreation, with spacious cooking and eating areas suited to large gatherings. Reviewers praise the serene setting and lake proximity, though the path to the water is steep and rocky, and lake levels drop as summer progresses.