Owhi Campground

Star4.11
55 reviews
Scenic ViewsSummer Destination

Quick Facts

2,800 ft

Price

$14 - $22/night

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

21 campsites

Season

Open seasonally from...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Opens Wenatchee National Forest site

Official Website
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Owhi Campground
$14.00 - $22.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Fees are $22 per night for a single site (cash or digital), and $11 for an additional vehicle. Payments can be made through the recreation.gov mobile...
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Standard Site Fee$14.00
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

4.11

Satisfactory

Based on 55 reviews

47 Google reviews

Most mentioned

peacefullocationwaterlake

Some mention

noise

"Owhi Campground is highly praised for its natural beauty, serene location, and proximity to Cooper Lake. However, the lack of privacy, limited facilities, and occasional overcrowding detract from the experience for some campers. Many reviewers recommend visiting during weekdays to avoid crowds."

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Campground Map

Owhi Campground

47.4244, -121.1700

Driving directionsFrom Cle Elum, take State Highway 903 north 16 miles then turn left on Forest Road 46 / Cooper River Road. Travel about 5.3 miles, and turn right on Road 4616 and continue about one half mile to the campground which is to the left on spur road 113.
Approximately 21.6 miles from Cle Elum, including gravel and unpaved roads. Expect a slightly rough ride for about 0.8 miles on Forest Road 4616.
Nearby places
Cle Elum: 21.6 miles (approximately 40 minutes). Roslyn: 16 miles (about 30 minutes).

Best Time to Camp at Owhi Campground

From May through September, Owhi transforms into a mountain sanctuary where summer's heat gives way to refreshingly crisp conditions. Daytime temperatures hover comfortably between the mid-40s and mid-70s Fahrenheit, creating perfect conditions for hiking and lake activities. Early season visitors in June are rewarded with particularly magical mornings—cool, mist-kissed dawns that gradually warm as sunlight pierces the forest canopy. Seasoned campers know to pack layers, as mountain evenings bring a delightful chill that makes gathering around the campfire all the more inviting.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Open May–Sept; summer offers crisp temps, clear water and peak scenic appeal though weekends are busy.

Best
Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Season extends into fall; vine maple understory and cooler, quieter conditions make fall attractive.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.0 / 5

Opens mid‑May; late spring can be cool and variable but offers quiet shoulder‑season visits.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Campground is seasonally closed outside May 15–Sept 25, so winter camping is not applicable.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: Early June to late October, depending on weather conditions.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open seasonally from May 15 through September 25.

About Owhi Campground

Tucked away on the pristine east shore of Cooper Lake, Owhi Campground beckons those seeking an authentic Pacific Northwest wilderness experience. This hidden gem in the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest preserves the romance of old-fashioned tent camping, where 21 thoughtfully spaced walk-in sites nestle beneath a cathedral of Douglas fir and ancient conifers. Here, nature provides the architecture—thick understory shrubs create natural privacy screens between campsites, while the forest canopy filters sunlight into a gentle, dappled glow. Though weekend adventurers have discovered this tranquil retreat, the rustic charm and absence of RV access help maintain its peaceful, back-to-nature atmosphere that makes visitors feel worlds away from civilization.
Owhi Campground is a tent-only, primitive campground with no RV or modern lodging accommodations.
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Stay Limit
Maximum stay of 14 consecutive nights.

Amenities available

Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Owhi Campground offers a range of outdoor activities centered around the serene Cooper Lake and the surrounding forest. These include non-motorized boating, fishing, and hiking.
HikingThe Cooper Lake Trail #1311, suitable for both foot and horse traffic, is available at the campground. The trail is approximately 1 mile long.
FishingCooper Lake offers opportunities to fish for Rainbow and Cutthroat trout. However, several reviewers noted that fishing along the campground's shoreline can be challenging due to busy water activity and shallow edges.
BoatingCooper Lake permits non-motorized boating such as canoeing and kayaking. A user review highlights the lake as 'great for kayak, canoe, or paddleboarding,' and notes the clear, calm waters.
Winter Activities
Water Sports
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsBear activity requires safe food storage practices. The steep trails leading to some campsites may pose a challenge for individuals with limited mobility.
No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

Weather at Owhi Campground

Reviews

4.1
55 reviews
Satisfactory
Satisfactory
Owhi Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
Owhi Campground is highly praised for its natural beauty, serene location, and proximity to Cooper Lake. However, the lack of privacy, limited facilities, and occasional overcrowding detract from the experience for some campers. Many reviewers recommend visiting during weekdays to avoid crowds.
Review Summaries
Based on 55 reviews

What Campers Love

Reviewers frequently commend the campground's stunning location, clear lake water, and peaceful ambiance. 'Such a beautiful campground, idyllic spot,' one user stated. Others praised the opportunity...
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Based on 55 reviews

Common Concerns

Recurring complaints include noise from other campers, lack of privacy due to the trail running through campsites, and dirty vault toilets. 'The pit toilets may have piss/poo next to it,' one...
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Based on 55 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Users recommend arriving early in the week, especially Monday or Tuesday, to secure a good site, as weekends are often crowded. Bringing your own potable water and being prepared to hike gear to your...
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Based on 55 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Owhi Campground is busiest on weekends, particularly during the summer months. Weekdays are quieter, with fewer campers. The area gets crowded during holidays, and wildfire smoke has occasionally...
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Based on 55 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'The lake water is completely clear, you can see right through to the bottom.' 2. 'Prepare to use your muscles to haul your stuff in, but totally worth it!!' 3. 'I love this campground so much—if...
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Based on 55 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site-specific reviews highlight that campsites closer to the lake are desirable but are also more likely to have foot traffic passing through. Larger sites can accommodate multiple tents.
Based on 55 reviews

Accessibility Features

No specific reviews address accessibility features, but the steep trails may make it challenging for individuals with disabilities.
Based on 55 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

No specific reviews regarding pets are available.
Based on 55 reviews

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Last updated January 5, 2026
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