Anderson and Watson Lakes Hike-In
Ethan A.
Reviewed Apr. 24, 2020

Scenic, lake-side sites with fantastic views

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.

SiteDispersed
Month of VisitSeptember
  • Review photo of Anderson and Watson Lakes Hike-In by Ethan A., April 24, 2020
  • Review photo of Anderson and Watson Lakes Hike-In by Ethan A., April 24, 2020
  • Review photo of Anderson and Watson Lakes Hike-In by Ethan A., April 24, 2020