Better than the campground but kind of sad in dry years
While camping lakeside to get away from the crowds of the developed campground may be a good idea in spring, the dry winter has left this beautiful area as more of a puddle than a lake/reservoir. I wandered around the lake and found quite a few good tent sites tucked among the trees, the only problem was that the water was 100-300' away in spots and some 50' in elevation lower. Maybe after this winter if it's heavy this will be a nice place to camp again, but until then I would head to Mirror Lake or Moosehorn if you want pristine mountain lake camping. Unlike the campground, if you really want to camp here it'll only cost you $6 for 3 days and $12 for the week with a Mirror Lake Hwy rec pass.
Month of VisitAugust