Campground: Goose Lake
4.3127 reviewsIntersection of State Route 141 and Mt. Adams Recreation Highway, Trout Lake, WA
Campground: Goose Lake
$5.00 - $20.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$20.00
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
Overnight camping costs $20 per site per night with an additional vehicle fee of $8 per night. Day use costs $5 per vehicle per day. Cash, checks, and valid Recreation Passes are accepted methods of payment. A 50% discount is offered for single-site camping to pass holders of Interagency Senior, Interagency Access, Golden Age, or Golden Access passes.
About this campground
Tucked away on the eastern shores of pristine Goose Lake, this serene walk-in tent campground offers an authentic Pacific Northwest escape within the Gifford Pinchot National Forest. Here, campers discover a peaceful hillside retreat where towering mature conifers frame stunning lake views, creating an intimate connection with nature. While the campground embraces simplicity with picnic tables, vault toilets, and lake access via boat ramp, visitors should note that water must be brought in and the rugged access road makes this a haven for tent campers rather than RV travelers.
Goose Lake Campground primarily caters to tent campers, with 19 walk-in sites located on a hillside overlooking the lake. Group camping, RV sites, and cabin accommodations are not available. The campground is first-come, first-serve, and does not support reservations.
Historical SignificanceJust beyond the campground lies the fascinating Big Lava Field, where ancient volcanic forces sculpted a moonscape of rugged basalt formations. This geological wonder tells the story of the Cascade Range's fiery past, offering intrepid explorers a chance to walk across frozen rivers of stone and discover the raw power that shaped this remarkable landscape thousands of years ago.
Weather and SeasonsThe camping season at Goose Lake follows nature's rhythm, with July through September offering sun-dappled days perfect for swimming and stargazing. Summer brings warm, comfortable conditions that invite lazy afternoons by the water and evening campfires under clear skies. Spring and fall adventurers should pack extra layers, as the elevation can bring surprise snowflakes and frosty mornings that transform the landscape into a crystalline wonderland.
ElevationPerched at 3,100 feet in the Cascade foothills, the campground enjoys a refreshing mountain climate where Douglas firs and cedars reach skyward, creating a natural cathedral of shade. This elevation gifts campers with crisp, pine-scented air and comfortable summer temperatures, while spring and fall visitors experience the invigorating chill that makes morning coffee taste even better and sleeping bags feel especially cozy.
Natural Features and SceneryGoose Lake's 58 acres of crystal-clear water serve as the sparkling centerpiece of this forest sanctuary, where towering Douglas firs and ancient cedars cast dancing shadows across the campground. Visitors consistently marvel at the harmonious blend of lake and forest, where morning mist rises from the water to mingle with sunbeams filtering through the canopy. The nearby Big Lava Field adds dramatic contrast to the verdant surroundings, creating a landscape where volcanic history meets thriving forest ecosystem.
Geological RegionRising from the volcanic heart of the Gifford Pinchot National Forest at 3,100 feet, this campground occupies a unique position where ancient lava flows meet pristine mountain waters. The hillside location along Goose Lake's eastern shore showcases the region's geological diversity, from the weathered basalt of the Big Lava Field to the rich forest soils that nourish magnificent stands of Douglas fir and cedar. This remarkable setting exemplifies the dynamic forces that continue to shape the Cascade Range, offering campers a front-row seat to millions of years of natural history.
Campsite details
AccessibilityThe campground is not fully accessible for individuals with disabilities. Several reviews mentioned challenges due to sloped campsites and walk-in accessibility.
Sites SizeThe campsites are described as having enough space for tents, but some are smaller and may require a short hike to access.
Sites PrivacyThe campsites are spread out on a hillside overlooking Goose Lake, offering scenic views but limited privacy due to the open layout.
Total Campsites19 campsites
Recommended CampsitesPick tent spots carefully, as they vary in accessibility and size; some are on slopes or require short hikes.
Best CampsitesSpecific campsite numbers are not provided; general consensus from user reviews suggests lakeside spots have the best views.
Reserving a campsite
Stay Limit
Maximum stay of 14 consecutive days.
Guests Allowed Per Site
- User reviews indicate tent sites vary in accessibility and size
- some sites allow larger groups. Official guidelines do not specify guest numbers.
Groups
Group camping is not available at this campground.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutSites are scattered along a hillside with roadside parking. Tent camping only; no RV sites.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen seasonally from June to October (weather-dependent).
Reservation PlatformsNo reservations; first come, first served camping only.
Walk-in Availability"Campsite is first come, first served," per user reviews.
Cancellation PolicyFirst come, first served; no reservation options available, therefore cancellation policies do not apply.
Amenities available
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Goose Lake Campground is ideal for outdoor enthusiasts, offering fishing, wildlife viewing, and boating. The lake is regularly stocked with fish, making it a popular spot for anglers. Non-motorized boating is permitted, and a boat ramp is available for easy access to the 58-acre lake. While hiking trails are not available directly from the campground, the adjacent Big Lava Field and other natural features offer exploratory opportunities.
Fishing
Fishing at Goose Lake is highly praised, with the lake being regularly stocked with Rainbow, Brook, and Brown trout. Multiple user reviews highlight the excellent fishing conditions, even a week after stocking.Boating
Non-motorized boating is allowed at Goose Lake, and there is a boat ramp available for easy access to the water. Power boating is also permitted.Wildlife viewing
Goose Lake Campground offers opportunities for wildlife viewing, though specific species are not mentioned.Winter Activities
No specific information about winter activities is available.Water Sports
Non-motorized water sports such as kayaking and canoeing are supported due to the non-motorized boating policy.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Campfires are permitted. No additional details provided.
- Quiet hours are 10:00 PM to 6:00 AM.
Hazards
General hazards"Mosquitoes were horrible in July," according to user reviews. Wildlife like cougars has been spotted near the campground. Sloped campsites may be challenging for campers with disabilities.
Active alerts"Looks like they are preparing to close for the season," according to a user review during fall.
Weather forecast
82
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 32%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 7.7 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
Mt. Adams Ranger District Office at 509-395-3402 is the nearest emergency service contact.
Good to know
Peak season datesJune to October.
Trash and recyclingTrash and recycling facilities are not explicitly mentioned. User reviews highlight issues with litter, including garbage and beer cans being left around the area.
Proximity to water featuresLocated along the east bank of Goose Lake, a 58-acre water body suitable for fishing and non-motorized boating.
Common complaintsUser reviews mention issues with garbage and noise during peak times. Sloped campsites and lack of potable water are frequent concerns.
Host"Camp hosts are really nice and do a great job keeping everything clean and green," as noted by user reviews.
Campground Map
Intersection of State Route 141 and Mt. Adams Recreation Highway, Trout Lake, WA
Driving directionsFrom Carson, Washington, drive north for 4.8 miles on Wind River Highway (Forest Road 30) to Panther Creek Road. Take a right on Panther Creek Road at the sign for Panther Creek Campground. Stay on this road which becomes Forest Road 65 at the forest boundary for approximately 11 miles. At the intersection with Forest Road 60, take a right onto Forest Road 60. Continue on Forest Road 60 to the campground which is well signed. From Trout Lake, Washington drive west on Highway 141 to the forest boundary, where Highway 141 becomes Forest Road 24. Continue west on Forest Road 24 past Peterson Prairie Campground to the intersection with Forest Road 60. At this intersection continue straight onto Forest Road 60. At the intersection with Forest Road 66 follow the signs for Goose Lake, taking a right to continue driving west on Forest Road 60 and turn right at the sign for the campground about 3 1/2 miles past the intersection.
"Access is easy (about 17 miles of forest service road, mostly paved, if coming from Carson, only 11 miles if coming from Trout Lake)," according to a user review. Roads include gravel sections and may not be suitable for RVs as per official recommendations.Nearby places
Carson (approximately 17 miles, mostly paved roads)
Trout Lake (11 miles, mixed paved and gravel roads).
Nearby supplies
"No stores nearby, so don't forget anything," according to user reviews. Supplies must be brought in from Carson or Trout Lake.
Camper Reviews
4.3
27 reviews
Campground: Goose Lake is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews for Goose Lake Campground are generally positive, with high praise for the fishing opportunities and scenic views. However, some concerns are raised about litter, noise levels, and the slope of campsites.
Review Summaries
Based on 27 reviews
What Campers Love
Excellent fishing conditions, clean and well-maintained facilities, friendly camp hosts, and scenic views of Goose Lake.
Based on 27 reviewsCommon Concerns
Lack of potable water, littering issues, noise from day-use visitors, sloped campsites, and accessibility challenges for individuals with disabilities.
Based on 27 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Bring potable water, as there is none available on-site. Arrive early for the best campsite selection due to the first-come, first-serve policy. Be prepared for sloped terrain and consider exploring...
Based on 27 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
Summer reviews highlight great fishing but note mosquito issues in July. Fall reviews are generally positive, with fewer bugs and quieter conditions. Memorial Day weekend tends to be crowded.
Based on 27 reviewsCamper Quotes
1. 'Amazing fishing. Beautiful camping. This is my paradise.' - Kara Lehman
2. 'Cute place for tent camping. The spots are dispersed throughout a hillside. Some are much more accessible than others.'...
Based on 27 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Specific users noted that some campsites are less accessible due to their location on a slope. No site numbers are explicitly mentioned.
Based on 27 reviewsAccessibility Features
Several reviews indicate difficulties for individuals with disabilities, particularly due to the hillside layout and lack of accessible facilities.
Based on 27 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
No specific reviews addressed pet policies or experiences with pets at the campground.
Based on 27 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025