Map showing campground location near Gifford Pinchot National Forest, Washington

Camper submitted image from Council Lake

Council Lake

Seven sites spread across a forested hillside make Council Lake a compact destination where campers compete for limited spots during peak times. The bumpy access road handles most passenger cars but eliminates RVs and long trailers, keeping the atmosphere focused on tent and small vehicle camping. Juice B. calls it "one of my favorite organized campgrounds to stay in."

The clear mountain lake allows electric motors and hand-powered boats only, with a steep but manageable launch area that some campers navigate using truck winches for heavier watercraft. Trout fishing draws consistent praise from visitors, while the lake also supports crawfish harvesting and occasional wildlife sightings including river otters and eagles. Swimming provides relief from summer heat, though mosquitoes and flies concentrate near the water's edge.

Council Bluff Trail begins directly from the campground, climbing steeply to overlook views of Mount Adams and the surrounding forest. The route works well for hiking or ATV access. Each site includes metal fire rings with flip grills, and vault toilets serve the campground though visitors should pack their own toilet paper. For those exploring the broader region, campgrounds just outside Gifford Pinchot National Forest provide additional options.

Sites operate on a first-come, first-served basis with no fees, making weekend availability competitive during summer months.

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Location

Public Campground

Council Lake is located in Washington

Coordinates

46.26400023 N
121.63400067 W

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Connectivity

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Connectivity

T-Mobile
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Verizon
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AT&T
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Access

Drive-In
Park next to your site
Walk-In
Park in a lot, walk to your site.

Site Types

Tent Sites
Standard (Tent/RV)
Group

Features

For Campers

Trash
Picnic Table
Toilets
Alcohol
Pets
Fires

Contact

General Info

Drive Time

2 hrs 53 min from Portland, OR
3 hrs 4 min from Longview, WA
3 hrs 12 min from Olympia, WA
3 hrs 27 min from Yakima, WA

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5 Stars

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1 Star

4.5

out of 5

7 Reviews

Visitors repeatedly highlighted this free campground's spacious private sites, excellent fishing, and peaceful mountain setting. Several reviews noted the basic vault toilets require bringing supplies, and access roads can be bumpy for low-clearance vehicles.

Courtney M.

Traveler

Reviewed Sep. 6, 2025

Council Lake

Love this campground! Only a few spot available and was very busy during the Labor Day weekend/week. Went up on Sunday and was lucky enough to share a spot with fellow campers (they were leaving the next morning) but every spot was taken and then some. It did clear out during the week and saw a few people throughout and it began filling back up for the weekend. They have a toilet there but make sure to take toilet paper with you because it’s not always full. We took our paddle boat with us and was a bit worried about how to get it down to the water. I had forgotten how steep it was but had no issue with myself and someone else getting it to the bottom. Once it was there we docked it there for the week and used as wanted. It wasn’t too hard getting back up. I even saw someone wench up their aluminum boat with their truck so you have options. Aside from fishing and boating there was the Council Bluff trail that starts in the middle of the campground and takes you to an amazing view of the mountains and the lake. Overall I enjoyed this trip and will camp here again.

SiteStayed in first site as pulling into campground

Month of VisitSeptember

(4) View All

Jason S.

Guide

Reviewed Oct. 17, 2024

Beautiful lake, quiet and peaceful

This is a lovely lake campground in the forest with gorgeous views of Mt. Adams. The campsites are private and separated. There was a few mosquitoes when we went, but not too bad. It's a quiet a peaceful location and is highly recommended. A jeep trail / atv trail goes steeply up council bluff to a beautiful view overlooking the lake and surrounding forest. Overall, a great location! We originally intended to camp at Lake Takh lakh but when it's already full, this place is an excellent backup plan.

Month of VisitSeptember

Juice B.

Ranger

Reviewed Jun. 25, 2020

Great summer trout fishing

Just got back from a quick overnight trip up to Council Lake. Only 3 of the 7 sites were occupied including myself, which was nice except for the group running a generator to watch movies in their tent until after 11pm. I'm pretty easy going, but if you're going to stay in a campground with neighbors, show some respect. Not everyone is as understanding as I am.

The trout fishing is great here, but bring some mosquito repellent or you'll be sorry.

Bring wood with you if you plan on having campfires. There's some fallen trees down by the lake, but it's a hike to bring it back to camp.

The outhouse is rustic,to put it kindly, so be prepared.

I drove up from the Trout Lake area and the drive was clear with no snow on the road, I left Council Lake going north towards Randle, WA and the road was clear of snow, but the potholes are much worse, so take it slow.

From Randle,WA I drove back south via the FR 25, which is back open all the way from Northwoods to Randle. Great drive with spectacular views of Mount St. Helens and several small tributary roads with potential for dispersed camping.

SiteTop of the Hill

Month of VisitJune

Juice B.

Ranger

Reviewed Nov. 22, 2019

Midweek Isolation

Just got back from another trip to Council Lake, WA. Arrived on a Tuesday and left on Thursday in the middle of November, and had the entire campground to ourselves. We didn't even have day use visitors or motorcycle riders pass through the whole time we were there.

The place was reasonably clean, with just a little trash left around some of the sites. Roads were still easy going, but it snowed maybe an inch the night before I arrived. And if my memory serves correct, I think they close the main access forest road NF 23 as soon as snow starts to accumulate.

Site1, I think. Top of the hill

Month of VisitNovember

Juice B.

Ranger

Reviewed Aug. 8, 2019

Best site to get away from crowds. Great trout fishing.

Council Lake, WA is one of my favorite organized campgrounds to stay in. It's a bit of a bumpy road in, most cars should be fine, but no rv's or long trailers. There's only 7 sites with 1 being the premium, on top of the hill, with a bit of a lake view. Again it's kinda hilly driving in to the sites, a Toyota Corolla made it through while I was there, but he bottomed out a few times. The flies and mosquitos are kinda bad by the water, but at least bearable in the sites.

The sites are FREE and 1st come 1st serve. The sites are large and have metal fire rings with flip grills.

The trout fishing is good here. Boats are allowed, but electric or hand operated only.

It's a beautiful clear water lake. I saw a river otter basking in the shallows, and several eagles diving for fish while I was here, in July 2019.

Site#1, I think. Top of the hill

Month of VisitJuly

(6) View All

Barbara N.

Scout

Reviewed Jul. 30, 2019

Best back to nature camping!

Absolutely everything you want, if camping is your thing and not glamping! Has a beautiful lake (Council Lake) full of fish - fresh fish dinner! Also has crawfish everywhere! These are pretty primitive sites, but that's part of the charm! Does have an outhouse type toilet but BYOTP, because you never know ow if or when it's been supplied. Motor boats not allowed! Unless you are camping the same time a youth group is, it is quiet and you can see millions of stars at night! Yellow jackets can be aggressive, so be alert, otherwise, an awesome way to recharge from the concrete jungle.

Jess G.

Legend

Reviewed Jun. 15, 2017

Buzz

Watch out for bees! Beautiful free campground, vault toilets and great fishing! if you go to the far end of the lake and follow the sound of a waterfall, you'll find one!

Month of VisitSeptember

(5) View All

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Council Lake Campground located in Washington?

Council Lake Campground is nestled in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest in Washington state. The campground offers stunning views of Mt. Adams and is surrounded by forest. Access requires navigating a somewhat bumpy forest road, though most passenger cars can make the journey. The campground sits alongside Council Lake in a peaceful, scenic setting away from major tourist areas, making it a tranquil destination for nature lovers.

How close is Council Lake Campground to Ape Caves?

While the exact distance from Council Lake Campground to Ape Caves isn't specified, both attractions are located within the Gifford Pinchot National Forest area. Ape Caves is a popular destination in the Mount St. Helens region, and Council Lake serves as a good base camp for exploring regional attractions. If you're planning to visit both locations, contact the forest service for precise directions and current road conditions, as forest roads can vary seasonally.

What fishing opportunities are available at Council Lake?

Council Lake offers excellent fishing opportunities for campers. The lake is well-stocked with fish, providing a good chance for a fresh fish dinner during your stay. Beyond standard fish species, the lake also contains crawfish that can be caught. For the most productive fishing, try exploring different areas of the lake. The peaceful setting and abundant aquatic life make Council Lake a rewarding destination for fishing enthusiasts of all skill levels.

Is dispersed camping allowed at Council Lake?

Council Lake features an organized campground with 7 designated sites rather than dispersed camping. One site is considered premium, located on top of a hill with partial lake views. The campground is primitive with vault toilets (bring your own toilet paper). For those seeking a dispersed camping experience, it would be best to check with the Gifford Pinchot National Forest office about other nearby areas that permit dispersed camping outside the established Council Lake Campground.

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