Salmon Lake State Park Campground

Good for one night, but there was lots of road noise.

We stayed at Salmon Lake on 2 different occasions in June 2021.  We were lucky enough to score last minute reservation on the lower loop. The lower loop is right on the water and has only 2 campsites, #22 and #23. These two sites are farther down the hill so we did not hear the street noise that other campers complain about in the upper loop. We were tent camping when we stayed in site #22 and #23,  Site #22 has a very nice covered picnic table and is large enough to accommodate a large RV or trailer. This  lower loop only has pit toilet but the upper loop has flush toilets and  very clean showers.  We did appreciate that they sold firewood at the campground for $4. This campground also has very nice walk-in campsite for cyclist and hikers.  We enjoyed both of our stays and would highly recommend the lower loop since the sites were right on the water and you had more privacy.

The bathhouse was fairly new. Showers were taken operated and warm. Much more road noise than we had anticipated. Hard surface driveways/road. Grassy area for tent was not very level and fairly rocky. Short walk to the water. Beautiful sunset.

Nice campground with swimming area and great lake views.

Well managed, clean, and pretty campground with views through the trees of Salmon Lake. Best access to the lake is from the day use and boat ramp area south of the campground. We enjoyed exploring all the trails leading down to and along the lake. The park manager was very friendly and helpful. We lucked out and got a site with water and electricity. The only down side was we could hear the highway during the day, but it quieted at night. The sites closer to the lake probably didn’t have that issue. The walk-in tent sites are really nice above the lake.

Nice campground, if bustling! We were the only tent campers but the sites were nice, somewhat spacious. Appreciated the firewood vending machine ($4/bundle) and ice availability. Good amenities; flushing toilets, running water and showers. Was just hoping for a little more privacy and peace and quiet; the traffic noise was really noticeable so I’d bear that in mind (especially if you’re in a tent)! There’s a few little trails with views of the lake. It’s paved so kids can bike/scooter. You will have to drive to the day use area if you are boating and that space was definitely very busy and crowded, even on a Monday-Wednesday stay.

A long lake that often doesn't have a lot of boaters on it. The campground is spacious. Large RV did see to have issues with parking (over 30 feet). Loved the day use area and very family friendly.

Salmon Lake is quite stunning. There's a nice boat launch and dock right off the highway. It's a busy spot for day use. We camped in our RV so we weren't bothered by the road noise, but if you were in a tent, it might be bothersome. Really impressed by the cleanliness of the shower and restrooms. We constantly saw staff during our 3-night stay. They were helpful and friendly. We met the park manager (Ryan I think). He came to talk to us about Bear safety and our grill. He gave the kids a state park ranger badge and a sucker. It was super nice to deal with someone who handles rules and enforcement tactfully. Now my son says he wants to be a park ranger 😂

Overall, this park was great but we would likely stay at a less busy park in the future.

Be prepared for lots of neighbors, children on bikes, and the sound of boats hitting the water early.

If having access to your car and a shower are your thing, this campground is perfect.

There are some big campsites, which make getting away for the weekend with a bunch a friends a breeze, and dogs are more than welcome.

Not so great for solitude, fishing, or calmness.

This is a lake campground so every spot is really the best. Bring your boat with all the toys you have! Nearby hikes are in the Mission Mountains.