Campground: Chambers Lake
4.419 reviewsCampground: Chambers Lake
$15.00 - $30.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$15.00
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
Single Site: $15 per night
Double Site: $30 per night
Extra Vehicle: $5 per vehicle per day. These fees apply until 2025 and will then be subject to change.
About this campground
Tucked away in the shadow of towering evergreens, Chambers Lake Campground offers an authentic wilderness escape just steps from the legendary Goat Rocks Wilderness. This intimate, back-to-basics campground serves as your gateway to some of the Pacific Northwest's most breathtaking alpine terrain, with the famous Snowgrass Flats Trail #96 beginning less than a mile from your tent. Wake to the gentle lapping of crystal-clear waters where brown trout rise to meet the morning mist, and spend your days exploring pristine wilderness trails before returning to your shaded sanctuary among the ancient forest.
Chambers Lake Campground offers primitive camping suitable for tents and small RVs. There are no modern conveniences or glamping options.
Historical SignificanceWhile the modern history of this tranquil spot remains unrecorded, the surrounding wilderness has long served as a sanctuary for those seeking solitude and connection with nature's timeless rhythms.
Weather and SeasonsFrom June through October, Chambers Lake transforms into a mountain paradise where warm summer days give way to crisp, star-filled nights. Early season visitors might encounter lingering snow patches that sparkle like diamonds in the June sun, while autumn adventurers are treated to golden larch displays against potentially snow-dusted peaks. Summer brings its own wilderness companions—mosquitoes that remind you this is their home too—so come prepared with repellent and embrace the full mountain experience.
ElevationPerched at 4,500 feet where the mountain air grows thin and pure, Chambers Lake Campground offers a refreshing retreat from summer's heat. This elevation brings morning mists that dance across the lake, afternoon breezes that whisper through the canopy, and the possibility of surprise snowflakes even in early summer or fall—nature's reminder that you've entered the high country.
Natural Features and SceneryA cathedral of Douglas fir, western hemlock, and majestic cedar creates a natural amphitheater around this mountain gem, their ancient boughs filtering sunlight into ethereal patterns on the forest floor. The centerpiece lake beckons with promises of refreshing swims on warm afternoons, peaceful paddle sessions at dawn, and evening fishing expeditions where brown trout dimple the glassy surface. This pristine pocket of the Gifford Pinchot National Forest showcases the raw beauty of the Cascade Range, where every sunrise paints the surrounding peaks in alpenglow and every sunset transforms the lake into liquid gold.
Geological RegionNestled within the vast expanse of Gifford Pinchot National Forest, Chambers Lake Campground sits at the doorstep of the iconic Goat Rocks Wilderness—a volcanic wonderland where ancient lava flows created the dramatic peaks that pierce the sky today. This densely forested haven of Douglas fir, hemlock, and cedar represents millions of years of geological storytelling, from volcanic eruptions to glacial carving, resulting in the stunning landscape that draws adventurers from around the world.
Campsite details
AccessibilityAccessibility features specific to campers with disabilities are not detailed in any sources.
Sites SizeCampsites are generally small and primitive, suitable for tents and small RVs. Maximum vehicle length ranges from 25 to 35 feet as per the official data.
Sites PrivacyPrivacy varies depending on the site chosen. Sites closer to the lake or the vault toilet are more prone to foot traffic. A user noted, 'Pick your campsite carefully. If you pick closer to the water, you'll have other people wandering through your site to get to the lake.'
Total Campsites10 campsites
Recommended CampsitesAvoid sites directly near trails to minimize foot traffic. Sites closer to the lake may experience reduced mosquito activity.
Best CampsitesReviews don't explicitly name specific campsites but advise choosing sites near the lake for water access or closer to trails for privacy.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Null
Check-out
Null
Stay Limit
Null
Guests Allowed Per Site
Null
Groups
Group camping facilities are not mentioned in the sources.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutSites are described as unmarked with flat areas for tents near parking spots.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen June - October
Reservation PlatformsNull
Walk-in AvailabilityMost user reviews describe this site as first-come, first-served. While no explicit number of available sites is mentioned, the campground is described as having approximately 10 spots.
Cancellation PolicyNull
Amenities available
Fire rings
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Chambers Lake Campground provides access to a range of outdoor activities, including hiking, fishing, and non-motorized boating. These activities cater to those seeking immersion in nature rather than modern conveniences.
Hiking
The campground is located near popular trailheads such as the Snowgrass and Berry Patch Trailheads and the Klickitat Loop Trail. User reviews frequently praise the hiking opportunities, with one stating, 'We hiked the Snowgrass loop, and it was super nice to have this campground so close to the trailhead.'Fishing
Fishing is a popular activity at Chambers Lake, featuring self-producing brook trout and stocked brown trout. However, reviews indicate mixed experiences. One user noted, 'Fishing was tough the whole weekend,' while another shared, 'The fish were jumping everywhere.'Boating
Non-motorized boating is allowed, and the lake provides opportunities for kayaking or canoeing. A review mentions, 'A couple shore access to the lake if you want to fish or paddle in a kayak or canoe.'Winter Activities
Winter activities are not feasible as the campground is inaccessible during snowy conditions.Water Sports
Water sports are limited to non-motorized boating. Kayaking and canoeing are highlighted by user reviews.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfires are allowed within designated rock fire pits as mentioned in user reviews.
- Quiet hours are 10:00 p.m. until 6:00 a.m.
Hazards
General hazardsMosquito swarms are a recurring issue cited in user reviews, with some describing them as 'insane.' Snow-covered roads at elevations above 3,600 feet are noted as an access hazard during late spring.
Active alerts5/21/25: Snow-covered roads in elevations higher than 3,600 feet due to active snow storms.
Weather forecast
80
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 31%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 7.8 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Overcast
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
The nearest contact is the Cowlitz Valley Ranger District (Contact Phone: 360-497-1100). Specific locations for hospitals or police stations are null.
Good to know
Peak season datesNull
Trash and recyclingTrash and recycling services are not available. Campers must pack out all garbage. A review emphasized, 'Pack in, pack out.'
Proximity to water featuresChambers Lake is accessible from the campground, offering fishing, swimming, and non-motorized boating opportunities.
Common complaintsMosquito swarms, lack of potable water, muddy shore access for fishing, and primitive amenities (e.g., no picnic tables, garbage service, or potable water).
HostNull
Campground Map
Driving directionsFrom Packwood, WA travel west on US-12 for 2.7 miles then go left on Forest Road 21. Stay on Forest Road 21 for 13 miles then take a slight left towards Forest Road 2150. Follow 2150 to the campground.
The campground is accessible via Forest Roads, specifically US-12 and Forest Road 21. The 17-mile dirt road leading to the site is described in user reviews as 'long, rocky, dusty' and 'washboard gravel.' While accessible, these roads may pose challenges for vehicles without AWD capabilities, as noted in reviews ('Luckily I had the trooper that day!' and 'I made it up the washboard gravel road to the campsite in my Honda Civic'). Seasonal accessibility issues include snow-covered roads at elevations above 3,600 feet, as reported on May 21, 2025.Nearby places
Packwood, WA: ~20 miles
Nearby supplies
A mid-sized grocery store located in Packwood, WA (~20 miles away). User reviews caution against relying on smaller stores in Ashford.
Camper Reviews
4.4
9 reviews
Campground: Chambers Lake is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews highlight the primitive and rugged nature of Chambers Lake Campground, emphasizing its appeal to campers seeking a backcountry experience. Positive aspects include the clean vault toilet, proximity to hiking trails, and scenic lake access. Negative points frequently mention the heavy mosquito presence and lack of potable water.
Review Summaries
Based on 9 reviews
What Campers Love
Clean vault toilet, quiet and peaceful environment (especially midweek), scenic lake setting, and proximity to well-known hiking trails like Snowgrass Flats.
Based on 9 reviewsCommon Concerns
Persistent mosquitoes and biting flies, lack of potable water, no picnic tables, issues with muddy shorelines for fishing, and the challenging access road.
Based on 9 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Bring sufficient mosquito repellent (reviews suggest 100% DEET), pack in all necessary water and supplies, and arrive early to secure a campsite, especially on weekends.
Based on 9 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Summer months are busy, with increased mosquito activity and higher foot traffic near the lake and toilet. Winter access is impossible due to snow-covered roads.
Based on 9 reviewsCamper Quotes
1. 'This is real camping. No potable water sources, no Wi-Fi, no electrical hookups.' 2. 'The bathroom was clean and is serviced regularly.' 3. 'Fishing! Get down to the lake if you can navigate...
Based on 9 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Campsites near the lake face foot traffic, while those near the vault toilet experience frequent visitors. The sites are generally flat and small, suitable for tents.
Based on 9 reviewsAccessibility Features
No specific reviews address accessibility for campers with disabilities.
Based on 9 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Dogs must be on a leash. No additional pet-friendly amenities are mentioned.
Based on 9 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025