Council Lake, near Skamania, Washington, is a fantastic spot for those who crave a true camping experience without the frills. With only seven sites available, it’s a great place to escape the crowds and enjoy some quality time by the water, especially if you’re into trout fishing.

The campground is pretty basic, which many visitors appreciate. You’ll find picnic tables and fire rings, but don’t forget to bring your own firewood since there’s no firewood provided on-site. The fishing here is top-notch, and you might even spot some wildlife, like river otters and eagles, while you’re casting your line. Just remember to pack some mosquito repellent; those little critters can be relentless!

If you’re looking to stretch your legs, the area around Council Lake offers some easy hiking paths with stunning views. The drive to the campground can be a bit bumpy, but it’s manageable for most vehicles. Just keep an eye out for potholes on the way back, especially if you’re heading north towards Randle, WA. 

For a back-to-nature experience, Council Lake is hard to beat. Just be prepared for a rustic vibe, and you’ll be set for a memorable camping trip.

Council Lake

Looking for the best campgrounds near Gifford Pinchot National Forest, WA? Aside from great camping spots, you'll find hiking and many more outdoor experiences. Thinking of traveling with kids? You're in luck—Gifford Pinchot National Forest is surrounded by family-friendly activities. Ready to plan your adventure? Check out our campgrounds near Gifford Pinchot National Forest and user-submitted reviews.

Gifford Pinchot National Forest

The Best Camping Near Gifford Pinchot National Forest, Washington

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!

Buzz

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. 

Best back to nature camping! 

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.

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

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.

Midweek Isolation

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.

Great summer trout fishing

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.

Photos of Council Lake

Real photos from real campers