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You don’t need to leave Washington State to find epic lake escapes. We’re sharing six lesser known spots where you can park your RV and cool off in some freshwater lakes.
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If you're looking for a place to cool off this summer but want to skip the lakes that everyone already knows about, this episode is for you. We’re sharing six lesser-known lakes in Washington State where you can park your RV just steps from the water. From mountain lakes to quiet waterfront campgrounds, these destinations offer easy lake access, great camping, and plenty of opportunities to swim, paddle, fish, or simply relax by the shore.
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All right, let's get back to it. Grab your map because it's time to count down six Washington lakes where your campsite is just steps from the water.
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You ease your RV into a lakeside campsite, camp is set, and you’re relaxing outside the air smells of pine needles and black cottonwoods. A gentle breeze ripples across the water, carrying the soft lapping of waves against the shoreline while birds call from the treetops overhead. Somewhere in the distance, a kayaker splashes their paddle rhythmically, and the laughter of kids swimming echoes across the lake. As the sun begins its slow descent, the water glows like polished glass, reflecting the surrounding evergreens and mountain peaks. Your only job is deciding if you'll cast a fishing line, launch a paddleboard, or settle into your camp chair with a cold drink in hand and maybe a good book. In moments like these, the calendar fades away, your phone stays tucked in your trailer and the pace of life is in alignment with the water gently rolling onto shore.
It’s summertime in the Pacific Northwest. Now, that’s what I'm talking about.
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The best part? You don't have to imagine it. Washington is home to countless lakes, but today we're highlighting six that combine great RV camping with easy access to the water.
The first lake on our list is Alta Lake.
Alta Lake State Park is a warm-water lake destination in north-central Washington, located near the town of Pateros in the Methow Valley region. The lake covers approximately 220 acres and is surrounded by the rolling hills and dry landscapes of Eastern Washington, giving it a very different feel from the forested alpine lakes found in the Cascade Mountains. Known for its calm, clear water, Alta Lake is a popular spot for swimming, paddleboarding, kayaking, boating, and fishing, with anglers targeting species like rainbow trout and bass. The lake’s warm summer temperatures and easy shoreline access make it especially appealing for families and RVers looking for a relaxing waterfront getaway. With a state park campground located right along the shore, visitors can park their RV, walk to the water, and enjoy everything from morning coffee by the lake to sunset evenings overlooking the hills
For RVers, Alta Lake State Park is well equipped for a comfortable stay. The campground features 123 campsites, including 32 full-hookup RV sites with water, 30/50-amp electric, and sewer, plus 91 standard campsites without hookups. Many sites can accommodate RVs up to 45 feet long, making the park a great fit for everything from travel trailers to larger fifth wheels and motorhomes. Amenities include modern restrooms with hot showers, drinking water, a dump station, Wi-Fi, two boat launches, a dock, picnic areas, and a seasonal camp store stocked with snacks, firewood, and basic camping supplies. Best of all, everything is just a short walk from the lake, so you can spend less time getting around and more time enjoying the water.
The Next lake on our list is Lake Kachess
Lake Kachess is a beautiful alpine lake located in the Cascade Mountains of central Washington, about 75 miles east of Seattle near Snoqualmie Pass. Part of the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest, Lake Kachess stretches nearly 5 miles long and covers approximately 2,560 acres, making it a popular destination for boating, fishing, swimming, and paddling. The lake sits at an elevation of around 2,260 feet and is surrounded by towering evergreens and mountain scenery, offering a classic Pacific Northwest camping experience. Its clear, cold waters are home to species like kokanee salmon and trout, while its close proximity to Interstate 90 makes it one of the more accessible mountain lake destinations for RVers looking for an outdoor escape without a long backcountry drive.
Lake Kachess offers a true Pacific Northwest camping experience, but it’s important to know this is more of a traditional forest campground than a full-service RV resort. Kachess Campground features 150 total campsites that accommodate both tents and RVs, including a mix of reservable and first-come, first-served sites. There are no electric, water, or sewer hookups, so RVers will need to be prepared for dry camping, but the campground does offer drinking water, vault toilets, picnic tables, fire rings, and a dump station for added convenience. Many sites can accommodate RVs and trailers, with some locations fitting rigs up to around 38 feet, although site sizes vary. With direct access to the shoreline, a boat launch, swimming area, and miles of forest surrounding the lake, Kachess is a great destination for RVers looking to unplug and enjoy a classic lakeside getaway.
A great option in Snohomish county just north of Seattle is Flowing Lake.
Flowing Lake is a small but popular recreational lake located about five miles northeast of the city of Snohomish in Western Washington. Part of the “Three Lakes” chain that also includes Storm Lake and Panther Lake, Flowing Lake covers approximately 132 acres with an average depth of about 28 feet. Its convenient location, warm summer water, and easy access make it a favorite for families and RVers looking for a quick getaway close to home. The lake is one of the few in Snohomish County that allows motorized boats and water skiing.
Flowing Lake Park at Leckie's Beach is a Snohomish County Park that offers a convenient lakeside campground with 48 total campsites and four cabins. The campground includes a mix of partial utility sites with water and power hookups, drive-up non-utility sites, and hike-in sites, but it does not have sewer hookups or an on-site dump station. You will need to plan ahead, as the nearest dump station is located at the Evergreen State Fairground RV Park. The campground does offer restrooms with showers, a swimming beach, boat launch, fishing dock, picnic areas, and direct access to the lake, making it a great option for those who want a waterfront camping experience without traveling far from the Seattle metro area. Larger RV owners should note that fifth wheels longer than 35 feet are not allowed due to road limitations within the campground.
COMMERCIAL BREAK OUTRO]: Camper Alerts
We’ve already covered three incredible lakes where you can park the trailer, cool off, and make the most of summer in Washington State. From the warm waters and full-hookup convenience of Alta Lake, to the mountain scenery and classic forest camping at Lake Kachess, to the easy-access waterfront getaway of Flowing Lake, each one offers a different way to experience life by the water.
But we’re only halfway through our list. Coming up next, we’ll continue exploring three more lakes that offer great RV camping, beautiful scenery, and plenty of opportunities to play.
Stay with us. I’m Brooks, and you’re listening to RV Out West.
First a word from our long time sponsor and friend, over at Camper Alerts dot com.
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Welcome back to RV Out West, I’m your host Brooks. Let’s get right back into our journey through six Washington lakes. We’ve already explored Alta Lake, Lake Kachess, and Flowing Lake, and now we’re diving into the final three destinations on our list.
Next on our list is Big Lake.
Located in Skagit County just east of Mount Vernon, Big Lake is a popular freshwater destination that offers a convenient escape for RVers in Western Washington. The lake covers approximately 580 acres and is known for its relatively warm summer temperatures compared to many other lakes in the region. Surrounded by wooded hills with views toward the Cascade foothills, Big Lake has a relaxed recreation-focused atmosphere while still being close to towns, restaurants, and supplies. Its location, less than 90 minutes from Seattle, makes it an easy weekend getaway for those looking to spend more time on the water without a long drive.
For those of you who want to wake up next to the water with more amenities than a traditional campground, Big Lake RV Resort offers a private lakeside camping experience. The resort features approximately 27 RV sites, with many sites located along the shoreline and offering waterfront access. RV sites include full utility hookups, and the resort provides conveniences like docks and lake access, making it easy to enjoy a day on the water right from your campsite. With its smaller size and waterfront setting, Big Lake RV Resort is a great option.
I couldn’t do this episode without talking about my great grandmother’s favorite lake, as she would tow her Airstream up every summer from Oxnard, California back in the 50s or 60s to visit Curlew Lake so she and her husband could go fishing.
Located in northeastern Washington near the town of Republic, Curlew Lake is a freshwater destination surrounded by the rolling hills and forests of Ferry County. The lake covers approximately 860 acres and stretches nearly 7 miles long, offering a substantial body of water set within a quiet, natural landscape. Sitting at an elevation of about 2,350 feet, Curlew Lake has a classic Eastern Washington feel, with wide-open views, warm summer days, and abundant wildlife. Anglers come here for a variety of fish species, including rainbow trout, kokanee, bass, yellow perch, and even tiger muskie.
Curlew Lake State Park offers one of the best ways to experience the area. The campground features 82 total campsites, including 25 utility RV sites, with 18 full-hookup sites and 7 sites with water and electric hookups only. The park also provides a dump station, drinking water, restrooms, showers, a boat launch, fishing dock, and direct access to the shoreline. While it is not a large campground, the combination of hookups, lake access, and outdoor recreation makes Curlew Lake State Park a great option for those of you who want the convenience of amenities while still enjoying a classic lakeside camping experience.
Our final lake is Riffe Lake
Located in southwest Washington near the towns of Mossyrock and Morton, Riffe Lake is a massive reservoir created by the damming of the Cowlitz River and is one of the largest lakes in the state. Stretching nearly 23 miles long and covering approximately 11,000 acres, Riffe Lake sits in the foothills of the Cascade Mountains and offers incredible views of forested slopes and nearby peaks. The lake is part of the Tacoma Power utility system. Anglers come here in search of kokanee, rainbow trout, cutthroat trout, and other species, but anyone can enjoy the lake’s sheer size and remote mountain setting. With its dramatic shoreline, clear water, and access to nearby attractions like Mount St. Helens, Riffe Lake is a great destination for RVers looking for a larger lake adventure in the Pacific Northwest.
The best lakeside camping options around Riffe Lake are found at several campgrounds operated by Tacoma Power, including Mayfield Lake, Mossyrock Park, and Taidnapam Park. The largest RV-focused option is Mossyrock Park, which features approximately 190 campsites, including many RV sites with water and electric hookups, along with a dump station for registered campers. The campground also offers restrooms, showers, a boat launch, swimming area, fishing access, playgrounds, and shoreline campsites with beautiful lake views. While full hookups are limited or unavailable, the combination of RV-friendly sites, lake access, and mountain scenery makes Riffe Lake a great choice for campers who want a waterfront experience with plenty of amenities nearby.
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At the end of the day, that's what makes lake camping so special. It’s not just about finding a place to park your RV; it’s about finding a place where time slows down. It’s the sound of the water tapping against the shoreline while you drink your morning coffee, the smell of pine trees and campfire smoke drifting through the evening air, and those moments when everyone puts down their phones and gathers around the fire as the sun disappears behind the hills.
These six lakes each offer something a little different. Maybe it’s the convenience of having your RV steps from the water, the chance to spend the afternoon swimming and paddling, or the simple joy of watching the stars come out over a quiet lake. The best part is you don’t have to travel thousands of miles to find those moments. Some of the best RV adventures are waiting right here in Washington, tucked along shorelines where you can wake up, step outside, and start your day with your toes in the water.
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Before we wrap things up, I want to send you back to an episode that pairs perfectly with today's conversation about getting out on the water. A while back, I sat down with Dave Fusilli in Episode 194. Dave is a world-traveling whitewater kayaker who has paddled some incredible rivers around the globe, yet still chooses to chase some of the most challenging and inspiring whitewater right here in the Pacific Northwest.
In that episode, Dave shares his passion for paddling, along with practical tips about water safety, gear, and what every paddler should know before heading out, even if your adventure is simply exploring a calm lake on a kayak or paddleboard. It's an inspiring conversation filled with stories, lessons, and reminders that enjoying the water starts with being prepared. If you’re planning to spend more time on Washington’s lakes this summer, go back and give that episode with Dave Fusilli a listen.
CLOSING
Alright my friends, the conversation doesn’t have to end here. If anything we talked about makes you crave more information, head over to RV Out West dot com and take a moment to check out the show notes. We’ve got links to everything we mentioned so you can dive deeper and explore more.
Before we go, I want to give you a sneak peek at next week's episode.
Next week on RV Out West, we're diving into some of Washington's most beautiful lakes that just might not be on your radar. From peaceful escapes to hidden recreation spots, we'll share a handful of destinations that deserve a spot on your next road trip. If you're looking for a new place to launch the kayak, cast a line, or simply unwind by the water, you won't want to miss it.
