Dog Lake Campground
4.3515 reviewsDog Lake Campground
$10.00 - $10.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$10.00
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
There is a $10 camping fee as cited in user reviews. "10 dollar campground." - ClassC For3, July 2021.
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About this campground
Nestled along the pristine southern shores of Dog Lake, this hidden gem within the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest offers adventurers a true back-to-nature experience. This primitive campground, conveniently accessible directly from Highway 12, provides the perfect basecamp for those seeking solitude and simplicity in the great outdoors.
Dog Lake Campground is primarily for primitive camping and is a first-come, first-served facility. It is better suited for small trailers, tents, and short-term stays due to the limited turning radius on roads.
Weather and SeasonsEach season paints a different portrait at Dog Lake. Summer brings warm days perfect for water activities, though occasional forest fire haze may add a mystical quality to sunsets. Winter transforms the landscape into a snow-laden wonderland, with heavy snowfall creating a peaceful, hushed atmosphere that appeals to those seeking true wilderness solitude. Spring and fall offer moderate conditions ideal for exploration.
Natural Features and SceneryA cathedral of towering conifers creates a natural canopy over the campground, offering cool shade and dappled sunlight throughout the day. The star attraction, Dog Lake itself, beckons with crystal-clear waters perfect for casting a line, paddling a kayak, or simply sitting shoreside with morning coffee. As one satisfied visitor, Chris Morelock, shared in December 2018: 'Love this place, fishing, camping and hiking.' The surrounding trails wind through old-growth forest, revealing hidden vistas and wildlife viewing opportunities at every turn.
Geological RegionSet within the majestic Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest, the campground occupies a special corner of the Pacific Northwest's iconic landscape. This mountainous region, characterized by dense coniferous forests and glacially-carved lakes, showcases the raw beauty of the Cascade Range ecosystem. Dog Lake itself sits like a jewel among the peaks, surrounded by the verdant tapestry of Douglas fir, pine, and cedar that define this remarkable geological province.
Campsite details
Sites SizeSites are described as small, making it more suitable for smaller trailers or tents. One reviewer mentioned fitting a 21-foot Class C motorhome.
Sites PrivacyThe sites are described as being in close quarters. "Unless you don't mind close quarter camping." (user review, Joe Strmiska, 2019).
Total Campsites6 campsites
Reserving a campsite
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutSmall and primitive campground with approximately six campsites and a day-use area as cited by user reviews.
Open and Closed SeasonThis campground is first-come, first-serve and is heavily affected by seasonal weather as stated in user reviews.
Reservation PlatformsReservations are not applicable to this campground.
Walk-in AvailabilityExplicitly noted as all sites being first-come-first-serve: "unfortunately all the sites are a first-come-first-serve basis." - Alicia Meehan, December 2018.
Cancellation PolicyCancellations must be made prior to the reservation check-in date. Late cancellations incur a $10 fee and will also forfeit the first night's fee per official source policies.
Activities you can enjoy
Dog Lake Campground offers opportunities for fishing, camping, hiking, and water-based activities like kayaking. Wildlife viewing and enjoying the scenic beauty of the lake are also common activities. Several reviewers highlighted the presence of mosquitoes as a drawback to spending time outdoors.
Hiking
"Good walking trails." (user review, Robert Alberg, 2019) and "great hiking too!" (user review, Ruthie Elizabeth, 2023).Fishing
Fishing opportunities are popular here. Several reviewers mentioned catching fish such as trout, with good accessibility along the banks. "Caught my limit nice trout all two days out of there." (user review, Doug Brigden, 2021).Boating
Kayaking is a highlighted activity: "Kayaking was really great and the water was beautiful." (user review, Alicia Meehan, 2018).Wildlife viewing
Wildlife can be observed, but no specific species were mentioned.Winter Activities
One reviewer mentioned enjoying the site in the snow without overcrowding, suggesting potential for winter recreation (user review, Alyssa Thompson, 2018).Water Sports
Kayaking is popular at Dog Lake, as noted in user reviews.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
Hazards
General hazardsMosquitoes are frequently mentioned as a nuisance: "Really bad mosquitoes day and night!" - Laura Kast, August 2022. Noise from Highway 12 is also highlighted in several user reviews as a downside to this campground.
Weather forecast
82
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 30%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 9.8 mph
Strong wind, exercise caution
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
Good to know
Trash and recyclingNo specific information given about trash and recycling facilities.
Proximity to water featuresDog Lake is directly adjacent to the campground and offers boating and fishing opportunities: "Kayaking was really great and the water was beautiful." - Alicia Meehan, December 2018.
Common complaintsFrequent complaints include heavy mosquito presence, noise from highway traffic, and lack of reservations: "Near the highway and very noisy with semi traffic." - Paul Guernsey, September 2023.
Campground Map
Driving directionsFrom Naches, WA travel west on Highway 12 for 36.6 miles. Campground entrance is on the right (north) side of the highway.
Interior campground roads have limited turning radius as described in the official overview. The campground is directly accessible from a major highway, specifically Highway 12.Nearby places
Naches, WA is approximately 36.6 miles away (a 45-minute drive).
Camper Reviews
4.4
15 reviews
Dog Lake Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews for Dog Lake Campground reflect a mix of positive and negative sentiments. Highlights include the natural beauty of the lake, good hiking and fishing opportunities, and the campground's accessibility. Complaints focus on heavy road noise due to proximity to the highway, mosquitoes, and poor restroom maintenance.
Review Summaries
Based on 15 reviews
What Campers Love
"Love this place, fishing, camping and hiking." (user review, Chris Morelock, 2018); "Beautiful in fall and really lovely any time you’re in the area." (user review, Ruthie Elizabeth, 2023); "Small...
Based on 15 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
"Really bad mosquitoes day and night." (user review, Laura Kast, 2022); "Very noisy with semi traffic." (user review, Paul Guernsey, 2023); "Bathrooms were filthy however." (user review, Sage...
Based on 15 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Bring mosquito repellent as many reviewers noted a high number of mosquitoes. Consider earplugs if you are sensitive to road noise. Arrive early as sites are first-come, first-served.
Based on 15 reviewsSeasonal Insights
The campground receives positive reviews for fall visits, highlighting the beauty of the area during that season. Last summer, forest fires caused hazy conditions. "Beautiful in fall and really...
Based on 15 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
"Caught my limit nice trout all two days out of there." (Doug Brigden, 2021); "Kayaking was really great and the water was beautiful." (Alicia Meehan, 2018); "Really bad mosquitoes day and night."...
Based on 15 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
A reviewer noted that the campground is small but has a day-use area and half a dozen campsites (user review, Jonathan Erler, 2021). Another review mentioned a $10 fee for the campground; however,...
Based on 15 reviewsShow more
Last updated August 10, 2025