Takhlakh Lake Campground

Star4.22
339 reviews
Gifford Pinchot NF Cowlitz Valley Ranger District, Randle, WA 98377, USA
Scenic ViewsStargazingSummer Destination

Quick Facts

4,400 ft

Price

$25 - $45/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

54 campsites

Season

Open season is July ...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens Rocky Mountain Recreation Management site

Official Website
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Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

April 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

April 2026
Takhlakh Lake Campground
$25.00 - $45.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard nonelectric sites cost $25. Tent-only sites also cost $25. Sites during peak season cost up to $45. Extra vehicle fee is $8 per night.
Standard Site Fee$25.00
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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Provider
541-338-7869
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What Campers Say

4.22

Satisfactory

Based on 339 reviews

129 Google reviews

Most mentioned

cleanshadewell-maintainedsites

Some mention

noisebugsmosquitoes

"Takhlakh Lake Campground is highly rated for its stunning views, clean facilities, and accessibility to outdoor activities like fishing and hiking. However, the lack of potable water and challenges with mosquitoes are common complaints."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

Gifford Pinchot NF Cowlitz Valley Ranger District, Randle, WA 98377, USA

Takhlakh Lake Campground

Gifford Pinchot NF Cowlitz Valley Ranger District, Randle, WA 98377, USA

Nearby places
Randle (approximately 33 miles, around 1 hour drive). No other population centers explicitly mentioned.
Nearby supplies
Randle is mentioned as a supply center. Fischer's Market in Randle (28 miles away) has essentials such as sleeping bags, bug spray, and food items. Firewood can be purchased onsite for $10/bundle.

Best Time to Camp at Takhlakh Lake Campground

The mountain weather at Takhlakh Lake tells its own dramatic story throughout the year. Summer days bring warmth and sunshine perfect for lakeside adventures, though savvy campers come prepared for the notorious mosquito welcoming committee that thrives in the lush mountain environment. As darkness falls, the temperature can plunge dramatically – sometimes dropping to 65°F or cooler – reminding visitors they're camping more than 4,000 feet above sea level. Autumn transforms the campground into a peaceful sanctuary, with crisp air, fewer insects, and golden light painting the volcanic peaks in spectacular hues.

Best
Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5
Top 2% in WA

Late summer/early fall noted as cooler with fewer bugs and excellent views.

Planning Tips

  • Peak Season: July 11 to September 20.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open season is July 3 to September 20. First-come, first-served availability from July 3 to July 10. Reservations available from July 11 to September 20.

About Takhlakh Lake Campground

Perched at 4,400 feet in the heart of the Cascade Mountains, Takhlakh Lake Campground offers one of the Pacific Northwest's most spectacular camping experiences. Here, 54 secluded sites nestle beneath a canopy of ancient trees, each offering back-in access with parking spurs from 15 to 40 feet. But it's the view that steals the show – imagine waking to the sight of three volcanic giants reflected in the mirror-like waters of Takhlakh Lake. This beloved high-country retreat draws photographers, hikers, and anyone seeking communion with the raw beauty of the Cascades.
Takhlakh Lake Campground offers a mix of camping experiences with sites suited for tents and small RVs. Some sites are designated for tent use only.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers
Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in
2PM
Check-out
12 PM
Stay Limit
Maximum stay of up to 14 nights.

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Amenities available

Fire rings
Picnic tables
Firewood available
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Takhlakh Lake Campground offers a variety of recreational activities, including hiking, fishing, boating, and wildlife viewing. The lake is especially popular for non-motorized boating, such as kayaking and canoeing. Hiking trails range from short accessible loops to more challenging trails like the Pacific Crest Trail nearby.
Hiking
Fishing
Boating
Wildlife viewing
Winter Activities
Water Sports
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsMosquitoes and biting flies are frequent complaints in user reviews, especially during July and August. Roads leading to the campground are gravel-surfaced with potholes and washboarding, requiring caution.
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 Takhlakh Lake Campground

Trip Planning Tools

Reviews

From Booking Sources
4.2
339 reviews
Satisfactory
Satisfactory
Takhlakh Lake Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
Takhlakh Lake Campground is highly rated for its stunning views, clean facilities, and accessibility to outdoor activities like fishing and hiking. However, the lack of potable water and challenges with mosquitoes are common complaints.
Review Summaries
Based on 339 reviews

What Campers Love

"Breathtaking view of Mt. Adams," "clean and well-maintained vault toilets," "great fishing with trout up to 21 inches," "fantastic for photography of the Milky Way," and "well-shaded campsites with...
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Based on 339 reviews

Common Concerns

"Mosquitoes were unbearable," "sites are close together with little privacy," "road to the campground is rough and poorly maintained," and "no potable water available."
Based on 339 reviews
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Last updated March 28, 2026
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