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Established Camping

Forlorn Lakes

CAMPER SUMMARY PRESENTED BYFord

Forlorn Lakes, near Skamania, Washington, is a stunning campground that offers a peaceful escape surrounded by pristine alpine lakes. With designated sites right by the water, it’s perfect for those who want to soak in the beauty of nature while enjoying a campfire under the stars.

The campground is known for its serene atmosphere, making it an ideal spot for families and friends looking to unwind. Visitors rave about the spacious sites, with some even mentioning the convenience of having picnic tables available for larger groups. One camper highlighted, “Great camp spot at site 16 with lots of room for tents and two picnic tables for a large group.”

While there are no stores nearby, this adds to the charm of Forlorn Lakes, encouraging campers to bring everything they need for a self-sufficient getaway. The roads leading in can be a bit bumpy, but the breathtaking scenery and tranquil lakes make the journey worthwhile. As one reviewer put it, “The scenery is still amazing,” after multiple visits.

For those who enjoy water activities, the lakes are perfect for swimming and kayaking, though fishing might require a bit of luck. The clean vault toilets and respectful neighbors contribute to a pleasant camping experience. If you’re looking for a quiet retreat away from the crowds, Forlorn Lakes is definitely worth checking out.

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Location

Forlorn Lakes is located in Washington

Detail location of campground

Directions

In Trout Lake, WA, at intersection of State Rt. 141 and Mt. Adams Rec Hwy, take Rt. 141 north 7.9 miles to Goose Lake/Forest Rt. 60 signs. Continue straight onto Rt. 60 and go 1.5 miles to "T" intersection. Turn right, staying on Rt. 60 (gravel) and go 0.1 miles to a "Y" intersection. Bear right, continuing on Rt. 60, and go 1.7 miles to an intersection and Forlorn Lakes sign. Turn left at sign onto Forest Rt. 6030 and go 2 miles to campground sign. Turn left at sign onto Forest Rt. 6040 into the campground or continue straight for another 0.2 miles to sites 22 through 25. NOTE: Forest Rt. 6030 becomes Forest Rt 6035 and is a dirt, rough, narrow roadway for last 1.8 miles.

Coordinates

45.9590002 N
121.75700097 W

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Detours Nearby

LOCAL FAVORITES PRESENTED BYToyota Trucks
Panther Creek Creekside Camp

Panther Creek Creekside Camp

56 min away

Trout Creek

Trout Creek

1 hr away

Drive Time

Presented byToyota Trucks

Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site
  • Walk-In
    Park in a lot, walk to your site.
  • Hike-In
    Backcountry sites.

Connectivity

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  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    Verizon
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&TLTE
    Some Coverage

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • Standard (Tent/RV)
  • Group

Features

For Campers

  • Trash
  • Picnic Table
  • Toilets
  • Alcohol
  • Pets
  • Fires

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Reviews

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5.0

out of 5

8 Reviews

Reviewed Jul. 31, 2025

Incredibly Beautiful

The road is a bit more than a gravel road, there are some large rocks and deep ruts to avoid. Campsites 16-21 are all on a larger lake with great swimming and paddling opportunities with site 17 easily being the best site in my opinion. Feels very remote, can be a bit colder due to altitude, but very beautiful and tons of wild huckleberries everywhere! Weren’t able to have fires due to restriction, but it’s a go-to campground for me!

Site17
Month of VisitJuly
  • Review photo of Forlorn Lakes by Phelan V., July 31, 2025
  • Review photo of Forlorn Lakes by Phelan V., July 31, 2025
  • Review photo of Forlorn Lakes by Phelan V., July 31, 2025
  • (9) View All
Reviewed Sep. 28, 2022

Beautiful lakeside campground

Great camp spot at site 16 with lots of room for tents and two picnic tables for a large group. The private path to the lake was the best part. 

Heads up there are gravel roads to get to the campground but nothing too rough.

SiteSite 16
Month of VisitSeptember
  • Review photo of Forlorn Lakes by Molly S., September 28, 2022
  • Review photo of Forlorn Lakes by Molly S., September 28, 2022
  • Review photo of Forlorn Lakes by Molly S., September 28, 2022
  • (4) View All
Reviewed Jul. 13, 2021

Great hidden spot

Stumbled upon a great spot at one of the forlorn lakes. Spot 14 Very quiet and serene location.

Site14
Month of VisitJuly
  • Review photo of Forlorn Lakes by Paula G., July 13, 2021
  • Review photo of Forlorn Lakes by Paula G., July 13, 2021
  • Review photo of Forlorn Lakes by Paula G., July 13, 2021
  • (4) View All
Reviewed Jul. 11, 2021

Great spot!

Very quiet, first come first serve camp sites off the beaten path. We will be back!

Site14
Month of VisitJuly
  • Review photo of Forlorn Lakes by Paula G., July 11, 2021
  • Review photo of Forlorn Lakes by Paula G., July 11, 2021
  • Review photo of Forlorn Lakes by Paula G., July 11, 2021
Reviewed Jul. 31, 2020

Best camping EVER!

I discovered these lakes about a year ago and OMG I am obsessed. The campsites are unparalleled. All are lakeside on "private lakes". The only way to gain access to the lakes it through the campsites (the rest of the lake is overgrown and inaccessible). Many of the lakes in the PNW are filled with people but these are pristine alpine lakes. The restrooms (vault toilets) were clean. The only negative is how popular this spot has become. Unless you arrive on a Sunday afternoon or Monday, I think you are SOL. There are a lot of dispersed sites around the area but none as nice as Forlorn Lakes. 

ps- the road turns to gravel about 15 minutes before you reach the site and its pretty bumpy in some spots. Take it SLOWWW.

SiteThey are ALL unreal!!!!
Month of VisitJuly
Reviewed Jul. 4, 2020

Beautiful, quiet, clean.

Beautiful lakes. The forest was lush, green and spotless. Our spot, 7, one of the lower lakes, was a great site. lake access, though no luck with fishing. The smaller lake this site backs up to is great for swimming and kayak/paddle-boarding. Neighbors were respectful. Trailer access limited to this area. Extremely quiet at night. Will definitely be revisiting these lakes! For fishing, I recommend the upper (biggest) lake in the area.

  • Review photo of Forlorn Lakes by Brian B., July 4, 2020
  • Review photo of Forlorn Lakes by Brian B., July 4, 2020
  • Review photo of Forlorn Lakes by Brian B., July 4, 2020
  • (6) View All

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping facilities are available at Forlorn Lakes Campground?

Forlorn Lakes Campground offers basic facilities with picnic tables at each site, including some spots with dual tables for larger groups. Sites are first-come, first-served with no reservation system. Many campsites feature private lake access, making this location ideal for water activities. The campground has minimal amenities, so visitors should pack everything they need as there are no stores nearby. Most sites can accommodate tents easily, while trailer access is limited to certain areas due to the rugged access roads.

Where is Forlorn Lakes Campground located in Washington?

Forlorn Lakes Campground is located in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest in Washington state. It sits at a higher elevation, which contributes to cooler temperatures. The nearest small community is Trout Lake, where you'll find the closest facilities. The campground's remote setting requires traveling on gravel and somewhat rough forest roads to reach it, but this isolation contributes to its peaceful atmosphere.

How do I find a map of Forlorn Lakes Campground?

For a map of Forlorn Lakes Campground, check with the Gifford Pinchot National Forest office or their official website, which typically provides campground maps and site layouts. The campground has approximately 21 sites spread across multiple small lakes, with sites 16-21 situated on a larger lake. Contact the forest service directly for the most current and detailed map information before your trip, as this remote location may not be well-documented on general mapping services.

What do visitors say about Forlorn Lakes Campground in their reviews?

Visitors consistently praise Forlorn Lakes Campground for its exceptional beauty and serenity. They highlight the private lake access from many sites, with particular enthusiasm for sites 14, 16, and 17, which are noted as prime locations. The multiple small lakes are described as perfect for swimming, kayaking, and paddle-boarding. While the access roads are mentioned as rough and bumpy with rocks and ruts to navigate, most feel the journey is worthwhile for the remote, peaceful experience. The campground is described as lush, green, and clean, with respectful neighbors contributing to the quiet atmosphere.

Is fishing allowed at Forlorn Lakes and what can you catch?

Fishing is allowed at Forlorn Lakes, with trout being the primary catch. The lakes appear to be fishing destinations, though success rates may vary as some visitors report no luck while fishing. The collection of small lakes offers different fishing opportunities, with some lakes being more productive than others. For the best experience, bring your own fishing gear and check current fishing regulations with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife before your trip to confirm any license requirements or seasonal restrictions.