Kayakers and anglers find direct water access at Kachess Campground, where multiple loops spread across forested terrain beside Kachess Lake in Wenatchee National Forest. The 110-foot RV length limit accommodates larger rigs, though campers report the access road can be rough and dusty. Several loops offer different experiences, from lakefront sites to more secluded spots tucked into the trees.
Most sites provide privacy between neighbors, with picnic tables and fire pits standard throughout the campground. Dawnielle C. notes that site 20 offers "lots of room, trees for hanging hammocks, and a view of the water" along with sounds from a nearby waterfall. The Thetis Loop places campers steps from the lake, while other loops require short walks to reach the water. Vault toilets serve each loop, and rangers maintain supplies regularly.
Lake activities dominate the recreation scene here. Campers launch boats directly from the campground, with jet skiing and motorboating common during busy periods. The main beach area sees heavy day use, particularly on weekends, though some lakefront sites provide more private water access. Early morning and evening paddling offer calmer conditions for kayaks and canoes. Fishing targets kokanee and whitefish, with various access points along the shoreline.
The campground operates on reservations from mid-June through mid-September, filling quickly during peak summer months. Day use traffic creates a busy atmosphere, especially on weekends. Cell service remains limited except near the beach and boat launch areas. Rangers enforce a strict 2 PM check-in policy even for early arrivals. Campers seeking more solitude might consider places to camp around Wenatchee National Forest or the nearby Kachess Lake Logging Road Campsites for a quieter alternative.
Description
Overview
Kachess Campground sits just off the forested northwest shore of Kachess Lake in Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest. Set in dense old-growth conifer forest and surrounded by high mountains, Kachess Campground is considered one of the most beautiful sites in the Cle Elum Ranger District.
Recreation
Kachess is a prime location for fishing, swimming, boating, paddling and mountain biking in summer and early fall. The campground is also a great base camp for day-hikers and overnight backpackers. Several access trails from the area give hikers the chance to create their own excursions, whether it be a day hike or an overnight trip. Starting at the campground, the Kachess Lake Trail is a short loop next to the lake, enjoyable for hikers of all levels. Anglers enjoy fishing for rainbow trout, cutthroat trout and kokanee salmon from boat or shoreline. Box Canyon Creek is closed to all fishing from the mouth, 2-miles up to the falls. Check current WDFW fishing regulations for additional restrictions.
Facilities
Kachess Lake Campground offers 150 sites that accommodate both tent and RV camping, including one designated group site that can accommodate up to 50 guests. The group site and 106 single family sites are available for reservation, and the rest are available on a first-come first-serve basis. Sites are equipped with picnic tables, campfire rings with grills, vault toilets. Drinking water is available. There are no electric hookups. One motorized boat launch, one non-motorized boat launch, a swimming area and picnic areas are also available to visitors.
Natural Features
Towering peaks, high-country lakes and old-growth forests provide visitors with a variety of landscapes. Kachess Lake, adjacent to the campground, is a reservoir that stores and provides water for irrigation for south-central Washington. The surrounding undeveloped wilderness, clean streams and diverse forests support an abundance of wildlife, including deer, porcupine, native fish and migratory birds.
Nearby Attractions
The spectacular Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) can be accessed near the campground. One of the world's premier National Scenic Trails, it showcases some of North America's most fantastic scenery as it winds its way from Mexico to Canada through California, Oregon and Washington.
Contact Info
This location has limited staffing. Please call (661) 702-1420 for general information.
Charges & Cancellations
Cancellations Individual Campsites: Cancellations up to 2 days before a reservation start date incur a $10.00 cancellation fee. A visitor who cancels a reservation the day before or on the day of arrival will pay a $10.00 service fee AND forfeit the first night's use fee including tax and applicable add-on for a campsite. Cancellations for a one-night reservation will forfeit the entire amount paid and will not be subject to an additional service fee. Group Sites Group Facility (including Cabins and Lookouts): A visitor who cancels a group overnight facility reservation less than 14 days before the arrival date will pay a $10.00 service fee AND forfeit the first night's use fee. No-Shows A no-show visitor is one who does not arrive at a campground and does not cancel the reservation by check-out time on the day after the scheduled arrival date. Staff will hold a campsite until check-out time on the day following the arrival date. No-shows are assessed $20.00 service fee and forfeit the first night's rate, taxes and applicable add-on for a campsite. Refunds Visitors may submit a refund request through their Recreation.gov profile within 7 days of the end date of their reservation. Refunds will not be issued after the 7 days has ended. Refunds for debit or credit card payments will be issued as a credit to the original bank or credit card used to pay. For check or cash purchases, Recreation.gov will mail a Treasury check for refunds of cash, check, or money order payments to the address associated with the reservation. Treasury check refunds may take up to 6-8 weeks to arrive. In the event of an emergency closure, the Recreation.gov team or facility manager will refund all fees and will attempt to notify you using the contact information within the Recreation.gov visitor profile.
Fee Info
Extra Vehicle Fee $8.00
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsKachess Campground is located in Washington near Snoqualmie Pass
Directions
From Seattle, travel east on I-90 approximately 62 miles, or from Cle Elum travel west on I-90 approximately 20 miles. Take exit 62 and follow Kachess Lake Road for 5.5 miles to the campground, which is on the right.
Address
8000 Lake Kachess Rd
Easton, WA 98925
Coordinates
47.35484 N
121.24342 W
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo CoverageVerified by 6 usersLast on 5/7/26
- VerizonLTEGood CoverageVerified by 18 usersLast on 5/7/26
- AT&TNo CoverageVerified by 1 userLast on 5/7/26
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo CoverageVerified by 6 usersLast on 5/7/26
- VerizonLTEGood CoverageVerified by 18 usersLast on 5/7/26
- AT&TNo CoverageVerified by 1 userLast on 5/7/26
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
- Boat-InSites accessible by watercraft.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
Features
For Campers
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Firewood Available
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Drinking Water
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Sanitary Dump
- Pull-Through Sites
- Big Rig Friendly
Contact
General Info
Reservations
Drive Time
- 1 hr 10 min from Seattle, WA
- 1 hr 29 min from Yakima, WA
- 1 hr 41 min from Wenatchee, WA
- 1 hr 49 min from Bremerton, WA






















































