Tent camping near Skykomish, Washington offers wilderness experiences amid the Cascade Range's western slopes at elevations between 1,000-5,000 feet. Summer temperatures typically reach 70-85°F during daytime, while nighttime temperatures can drop into the 40s even in July and August. Most campgrounds in this area remain snow-covered until late May, with road access to higher-elevation sites often restricted until June.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Cooper Lake at Owhi Campground offers excellent fishing in a motor-free environment. "Pristine waters, state fish stocked lake, bring drinking water. The lake does not have a road going around it, but the fire roads do have trail heads for backpacking," reports Donald C.
Kayaking and paddling: Lake Wenatchee provides scenic water access for non-motorized boats. "I take my kayak and I can launch it directly from my spot. Later in the summer though the mosquitoes are killer," warns Kayla R. about Glacier View Campground.
Wildlife viewing: Watch for wildlife throughout the region. "We canoed on the lake and saw a few Elk bugling. Really amazing views," shares Kerrie L. about her experience at Owhi Campground.
Hiking trails: Gothic Basin offers challenging but rewarding hiking with overnight camping options. "The hike is difficult if you aren't in good shape and you have to be able to climb/hoist yourself over and down large boulders on a steep incline. It's about 7miles from the road to the lake," explains Megan C.
What campers like
Mountain views: Gothic Basin campers enjoy spectacular scenery. "Gothic Basin was the most incredible hike I have ever done, and made better by spending the night below the milky way," writes Niki A. The basin provides "incredible view. Ready access to glacial melt streams for filtering (and swimming)."
Privacy between sites: Several Skykomish area campgrounds offer secluded tent sites. "Quiet and scenic along the North Fork of the Skykomish river. First come first served," notes John W. about San Juan Campground.
Lakeside camping: Direct water access ranks high among camper preferences. "Beautiful sites all along the lake. Quiet and private- the perfect getaway," says Reba J. about her stay at Glacier View Campground, where "almost every campsite has its own access to the lake."
Star-gazing opportunities: Clear mountain nights provide excellent stargazing conditions. "Absolutely gorgeous views," reports Ana T. about camping at Foggy Lake in Gothic Basin, noting the "great swimming and starwatching" available there.
What you should know
Access challenges: Many sites require significant hiking or limited road access. "Cooper Lake is absolutely stunning and admittedly the campsites are situated pretty well for views and privacy but there are definitely Pros and Cons to this campground," explains Marie L. about Owhi Campground. She notes the "steep hill and trails to all the sites - pack light and even then it is A LOT of work getting into your site."
Bugs and mosquitoes: Come prepared with effective insect protection. "The mosquito swarms in mid-June are ABSOLUTELY unbearable. No amount of bug spray seemed to matter, they were flying into ears/eyes/mouths and into the flame from the cookstove by the hundreds," reports Meghan from Glacier View Campground.
Limited water sources: Most sites lack potable water. "Bring drinking water. The lake does not have a road going around it," advises Donald C. about Owhi Campground. Water filtration systems are essential for longer stays.
Temperature fluctuations: Be prepared for cold nights even in summer months. Niki A. notes that Gothic Basin "gets very cold at night. Little protection from wind (though we had no issues)."
Tips for camping with families
Beginner-friendly options: Pete Lake Backcountry Camping offers an approachable backpacking experience. "Pete Lake is a relatively short drive from Seattle. The hike is an easy 4.5 miles of gradual up and down but you won't gain more than 600 feet of elevation at any time," explains Megan C.
Berry picking opportunities: Seasonal berries add fun for kids. "If camping in July-August, blackberries abound! I picked enough berries to share with my crew. There is nothing better than perfectly ripe blackberries on a camping ⛺️ trip," shares Josiah P. about Wallace Falls State Park.
Swimming spots: Several lakes offer swimming options, though they're typically cold. "There was a nice creek to pump water from a bit farther down the trail from our camp," notes Megan C. about Pete Lake, though she cautions "the lake edges are really mucky unless you happen to be on one of the nice rocky sides."
Wildlife education: The area provides opportunities to learn about local fauna. "We saw bear and cougar prints on our way. Large camp area big enough for a group of people," shares Jessica C. about Hyas Lake, making it a teaching opportunity for kids about wilderness safety.
Tips for RVers
Limited RV access: Most tent camping sites near Skykomish aren't suitable for RVs. "Don't bring your RV as it won't fit on the tight gravel road," warns Brian N. about Glacier View Campground. Instead, seek designated RV sites at lower elevations.
Alternative options: Consider walk-in tent camping from RV staging areas. "We arrived and only had hammocks to camp in and the two walk up sites did not provides trees to manage our hammocks. Therefore we parked in the parking lot near a tree and strung our hammocks from the tree to the car. It worked great!" shares Samantha J. about her creative solution at Wallace Falls State Park Campground.
Road conditions: Access roads to many tent camping areas have significant challenges. "The road has some pot holes, but otherwise easy for small vehicles," notes Brian B. about reaching Owhi Campground, suggesting larger vehicles may struggle.
