Fish Lake Campground
4.576 reviewsFish Lake Campground
$0.00 - $0.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$0.00
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
No fees are charged at Fish Lake Campground.
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About this campground
Escape to the tranquil shores of Fish Lake Campground, where five secluded walk-in campsites await those seeking an authentic wilderness experience. This pristine, no-frills destination sits peacefully beside a sparkling mountain lake and the melodic Cle Elum River. As a primitive campground with no fees, running water, or waste facilities, it offers pure, unspoiled nature—just remember to embrace Leave No Trace principles and pack out everything you bring in.
The campground caters specifically to tent campers. RV camping, glamping, and cabins are not supported due to the primitive nature of the site.
Weather and SeasonsExperience the dramatic seasonal transformation of the Pacific Northwest at Fish Lake. Summer arrives with sun-drenched days perfect for lakeside lounging and river exploration, with July's clear skies and warm temperatures creating ideal camping conditions around Week 28. As autumn paints the forest in brilliant hues, crisp air signals the approaching winter, when deep snow blankets the landscape and transforms the campground into a frozen wonderland—beautiful to behold but challenging for camping, especially during late December's heavy snowfall.
ElevationPerched at 3,350 feet in the Cascade foothills, Fish Lake Campground offers a refreshing mountain retreat where crisp, pine-scented air and sweeping vistas reward those who venture to this elevated paradise. The altitude provides natural air conditioning during summer months and stunning panoramic views of the surrounding peaks.
Natural Features and SceneryStep into a living postcard where towering evergreens frame the glassy surface of Fish Lake, and the Cle Elum River whispers ancient stories as it winds through the valley. In spring and summer, wildflower meadows burst with color, creating a photographer's dream against the backdrop of dense forest. Cast a line into the peaceful waters, float lazily on a summer afternoon, or simply lose yourself in what visitor Eric Hamann perfectly captured as a symphony of 'flowers, trees, river and lake'—nature's elements in perfect harmony.
Geological RegionNestled within the vast wilderness of Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest, Fish Lake Campground occupies a stunning pocket where mountain peaks cradle a pristine alpine lake. The surrounding landscape tells a geological story millions of years in the making, where the Cle Elum River has carved its path through ancient bedrock, creating a lush valley adorned with seasonal wildflowers and thick stands of old-growth forest that stretch toward the sky.
Campsite details
AccessibilityAccessibility features for disabled campers are not described in the sources provided.
Sites SizeStandard-sized tent camping sites.
Sites Privacy"There are 5 well-spaced sites," as mentioned in user reviews. Privacy levels appear to be moderate.
Total Campsites5 campsites
Recommended CampsitesUsers recommended vehicles with higher ground clearance due to creek crossings and rough roads. Site selection based on proximity to water and shade could be personalized.
Best CampsitesUser Darnell Kebo noted the sites are well-spaced with picnic tables and some prep tables.
Reserving a campsite
Stay Limit
Maximum stay limits not provided
Groups
Group camping information is not provided.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutConsists of 5 walk-in tent-only sites spaced apart for privacy and equipped with picnic tables.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen season: June to October
Walk-in AvailabilitySites are walk-in only, first-come, first-served. User reviews indicate low visitor density, even during holidays.
Amenities available
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Fish Lake Campground offers limited recreational opportunities focusing on nature-based activities. Fishing is explicitly mentioned as a popular activity, with opportunities at both the nearby lake and river. User reviews further highlight cliff jumping and stargazing as enjoyable experiences.
Fishing
Fishing is available at the lake and river adjacent to the campground. "You can float and fish in lake/river," according to user reviews.Winter Activities
Winter activities are not applicable as the campground is open seasonally from June to October.Water Sports
Activities such as cliff jumping and floating on the river are noted by user reviews, but no explicit mention of structured water sports is available.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Campfire rings are available at most sites, per user Clinton Lusk.
Hazards
General hazardsPotential hazards include mosquitos (as noted by user Darnell Kebo), crossing creeks, rough terrain, and lack of potable water.
Weather forecast
86
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 26%
Very dry conditions, stay hydrated
Wind: 6.9 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Clear sky
7-Day Forecast
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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 recyclingTrash receptacles are not available. Campers must pack out all trash.
Proximity to water featuresFish Lake and the Cle Elum River are adjacent to the campground, offering fishing and floating activities. User John Feistner highlighted cliff-jumping spots near the river.
Common complaintsMosquitos and the physical effort required for carrying belongings to walk-in sites were noted as minor inconveniences.
Campground Map
Driving directionsFrom Cle Elum: travel 19 miles northwest on Highway 903/Salmon La Sac Highway. Turn right on Forest Service Road 4330 and travel about 11 miles. Campground is on the right.
The campground is located off a backcountry road, approximately 11 miles past Salmon La Sac Campground on Forest Road 4330. According to user reviews, the road is unpaved, old, and bumpy. Vehicles with 4WD/AWD are recommended, and crossing shallow creeks may be required. Eric Hamann described it as 'not a maintained highway' and noted the road quality as rough, characteristic of a remote camping area.Nearby places
Cle Elum: 19 miles northwest (approximate driving time unknown)
Camper Reviews
4.6
6 reviews
Fish Lake Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews consistently praise Fish Lake Campground for its remote and quiet environment, beautiful scenery, stargazing, and fishing opportunities. However, some negative feedback highlights the rough road conditions leading to the campground, limited facilities, and mosquitos during summer months.
Review Summaries
Based on 6 reviews
What Campers Love
- "Mind-blowing STARS." - "Absolutely beautiful" scenery including flowers, trees, and mountains. - Fishing and floating opportunities in the surrounding lake and river. - Cliff jumping experience...
Based on 6 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
- "Bathrooms are a drive away." - Rough roads requiring AWD or 4WD vehicles. - Presence of mosquitos during summer.
Based on 6 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
- Vehicles with AWD or 4WD are recommended due to rough roads. - Pack light as these are walk-in sites. - Bring mosquito repellent for summer stays. - Stargazing is best on clear nights.
Based on 6 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Summer months are highlighted for mosquito presence, while stargazing and clear skies are frequently noted as a positive during this season. Winter activities are not applicable due to seasonal...
Based on 6 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
- "Great escape! No cell service at all. Should use 4WD/AWD vehicle once on forest service road." - "Stars, holy cow, mind-blowing STARS." - "Absolutely beautiful. The flowers, trees, river / lake...
Based on 6 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Specific site numbers are not mentioned, but reviews indicate all 5 sites are well-spaced and equipped with fire rings and picnic tables. Some sites have additional prep tables.
Based on 6 reviewsAccessibility Features
Accessibility features or experiences are not mentioned in user reviews.
Based on 6 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Reviews do not explicitly mention pet policies or experiences.
Based on 6 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025