Anderson and Watson Lakes Hike-In

There are only two downsides to this campground--bugs during the summer and prohibitions on fires at Watson Lakes. If you can overcome those issues, the views alone make the camping at the second of the Watson lakes well-worth it. You'll also need a discover pass (Day ~$10, Annual ~$30) to keep in the dash of your vehicle while its parked. 

As the other reviewer stated, it's a slow drive up the pot-hole filled gravel road, but once you reach the parking lot it's approximately 2.5 miles down to Watson lakes. There were delicious berries along the trail leading up to the lakes and plenty of opportunities to stop and enjoy the view on the hike down. We stayed along the second Watson lake during the middle of the week and saw few people and even fewer campers. There are numerous rock outcroppings with flat ground for camping all along the lake. You'll have to treat all of your water (the lake is right there and there's a stream nearby) and there's a mountain toilet down by the lakes.

To get to this camp, you have to be ready to hike-in. Before that you have to drive 10 miles up a pot-hole strewn road, and before that, you have a lengthy drive just to get to the dirt road. But the trip is worth it. The hike is beautiful - be prepared, there is a lot more up and down than I was anticipating on this trip. The best campsites are at the Upper Watson Lake and it is first come, first serve. You camp right at the lake and going for a dip is definitely an option! I just put my feet in because it was cold, but my hiking buddy went all the way in. We did have to find our way across a small log jam to get to the campsites, but it was all worth it.