If you’re dreaming of casting a line into calm waters or waking up to sunrise views beside a mountain-fringed lake, Washington State is your playground. Packed with glacial lakes, alpine beauty, and year-round fishing opportunities, the Evergreen State offers some of the most peaceful — and rewarding — lake escapes in the Pacific Northwest. Whether you’re after rainbow trout, kokanee, or just want to unplug and pitch a tent lakeside, here are the 15 best lakes in Washington State for camping and fishing in 2025.
1. Lake Chelan – Best for Family-Friendly Fishing & Scenic Campsites
- Location: North-central Washington, near Chelan
- Best for: Trout fishing, kokanee salmon, boat camping, family getaways
Lake Chelan is a 50.5-mile-long glacial lake with water so clear you can see the rocky bottom from your boat. It’s one of the deepest lakes in the U.S., and the fishing here is just as impressive — especially for lake trout, kokanee, and chinook salmon.
Campers love the Lake Chelan State Park, with shaded sites, showers, picnic areas, and easy beach access. For a more remote experience, take the ferry up-lake to Stehekin, where you’ll find quiet campsites, waterfalls, and access to miles of hiking trails.
Fishing Tip: Troll deep in the summer for lakers and kokanee — early morning bites are best.
2. Banks Lake – Best for Bass Fishing and Boondock Camping
- Location: Central Washington, near Grand Coulee
- Best for: Largemouth bass, walleye, primitive camping, boat access.
Stretching 27 miles long, Banks Lake is an underrated fishing and camping destination with rugged beauty and fewer crowds. Anglers come here for trophy-sized bass, walleye, and panfish — and the spring bite is phenomenal.
Campers can choose from Steamboat Rock State Park, which offers RV hookups, boat launches, and sandy beaches, or find a dispersed camping spot along the shoreline for a more off-grid feel.
Fishing Tip: Try the north end coves for early-morning bass using topwater lures.
3. Lake Wenatchee – Best for Mountain Views and Trout Fishing
- Location: Near Leavenworth, in the Cascade Mountains
- Best for: Cutthroat trout, kayaking, mountain camping.
Surrounded by dense pine forest and backed by the Cascades, Lake Wenatchee is one of the most photogenic lakes in the state. It’s a dream for anglers chasing cutthroat and rainbow trout, and the occasional kokanee.
The Lake Wenatchee State Park offers large, family-friendly campgrounds with fire pits, beach access, and water sports rentals. You’re also just a short drive from Leavenworth, the charming Bavarian-themed town perfect for day trips.
Fishing Tip: Fish near the river inlets in early summer when trout are most active.
4. Pearrygin Lake – Best for Eastern Washington Fishing & Relaxation
- Location: Near Winthrop, Methow Valley
- Best for: Rainbow trout, family camping, warm summer swims.
Tucked away in the scenic Methow Valley, Pearrygin Lake is a warm-water lake known for excellent rainbow trout fishing. It’s well-stocked by the WDFW in spring and summer, making it a perfect spot for beginners and families.
Campers enjoy the clean, well-maintained sites at Pearrygin Lake State Park, many of which sit right on the water. Kayaks, paddleboards, and bikes can all be rented nearby — making this a full-on summer adventure destination.
Fishing Tip: The best fishing is from a boat or float tube just off the weed lines.
5. Alta Lake – Hidden Gem for Quiet Camping and Easy Shore Fishing
- Location: North-central Washington, near Pateros
- Best for: Shore fishing, peaceful getaways, easy access camping.
Alta Lake might not be on every tourist’s radar, and that’s what makes it such a hidden gem. Nestled between basalt cliffs and pine trees, this lake offers serene fishing for rainbow trout, especially in spring and early summer.
The campground at Alta Lake State Park has both tent and RV spots, some just steps from the shoreline. It’s a quiet place to fish at dawn, read a book under the pines, and watch the stars at night — without the crowds.
Fishing Tip: Shore fishing is productive with PowerBait or worms, especially in the morning.
6. Bumping Lake – Best for Peaceful Forest Camping & Rainbow Trout
- Location: Cascade Mountains, southwest of Yakima
- Best for: Tent camping, rainbow trout, forested solitude.
- Camp at Bumping Lake (USDA)
Tucked deep in the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest, Bumping Lake offers a quiet, unplugged escape from city life. It’s a favorite among campers who prefer tent spots under old-growth pines and anglers looking to catch rainbow trout in clear alpine water.
The Bumping Lake Campground offers primitive campsites with stunning lake access, and the area is surrounded by hiking trails and wildlife viewing opportunities.
Fishing Tip: Early mornings are best with spinners or fly gear. Float tubes work great in the shallows.
7. Riffe Lake – Best for Kokanee Salmon & RV Camping
- Location: Near Mossyrock, southern Washington
- Best for: Kokanee salmon, boating, RV-friendly camping.
- Book at Mossyrock Park
Formed by the Mossyrock Dam, Riffe Lake is one of the largest reservoirs in the state and is known for trophy kokanee, landlocked coho salmon, and cutthroat trout. The water is expansive and boat-friendly, with lots of coves and deep spots.
Campers love Mossyrock Park, with 150+ campsites, RV hookups, boat ramps, and a swim beach. It’s great for families or groups looking for a full-service campground.
Fishing Tip: Troll with dodgers and hoochies at 40–60 feet during summer for big kokanee.
8. Fish Lake (Leavenworth) – Best for Kids and Beginner Anglers
- Location: Near Leavenworth, Central Cascades
- Best for: Stocked trout, family camping, paddleboarding.
- Check Out Cove Resort
Fish Lake lives up to its name. It’s regularly stocked with rainbow trout and brown trout, and its calm waters make it ideal for families and beginner anglers. The shoreline is easily accessible, and you can rent boats at the nearby resort.
Camp at Cove Resort, or nearby Lake Wenatchee State Park, and enjoy fire pits, fishing docks, and mountain air.
Fishing Tip: Dough baits and worms off the dock work well. Early summer is prime for limits.
9. Blue Lake (Coulee City) – Best for Clear Waters and Kayak Fishing
- Location: Near Sun Lakes-Dry Falls State Park
- Best for: Panfish, trout, scenic kayaking
Part of the Sun Lakes chain in eastern Washington, Blue Lake is known for its crystal-clear water, towering basalt cliffs, and excellent fishing for rainbow trout, bluegill, and bass.
The campground at Sun Lakes-Dry Falls State Park offers RV and tent sites, plus direct lake access, boat rentals, and even a mini-golf course for families.
Fishing Tip: Drop a nightcrawler near weed edges for easy panfish action from a kayak or float tube.
10. Bead Lake – Best for Secluded Wilderness Fishing & Backcountry Camping
- Location: Northeast Washington, near Newport
- Best for: Quiet fishing, kayaking, forest camping
- Learn More About Bead Lake Recreation
If you’re craving seclusion, Bead Lake near the Idaho border is a remote, crystal-clear lake surrounded by thick pine forest. It’s lightly trafficked and ideal for non-motorized boats, making it a peaceful haven for trout fishing and backcountry solitude.
There’s no developed campground, but dispersed camping is allowed in designated areas along the shoreline. Just you, the stars, and the sound of loons.
Fishing Tip: Cast from the kayak with flies or spoons along rocky shorelines at dusk.
11. Colchuck Lake – Best for Alpine Hikes & Wilderness Fishing
- Location: Alpine Lakes Wilderness near Leavenworth
- Best for: Backcountry camping, alpine lake trout, breathtaking views
- Alpine Lakes Wilderness Permit Info
Colchuck Lake isn’t just a fishing trip — it’s an adventure. This iconic turquoise alpine lake requires a steep 8-mile round-trip hike, but the reward is surreal mountain scenery and crystal-clear water loaded with cutthroat and rainbow trout.
While camping is allowed with a permit, it’s limited and rugged — pack in and pack out only. This one’s for experienced hikers and anglers looking for peace above the treeline.
Fishing Tip: Use lightweight spinning gear or fly fishing setups — and go barbless to protect this sensitive ecosystem.
12. Deep Lake (Lewis County) – Best for Quiet Weekend Getaways
- Location: Near Doty, Southwest Washington
- Best for: Kayak fishing, rainbow trout, cozy campsites
Tucked away in Millersylvania State Park, Deep Lake is exactly what it sounds like: calm, deep, and perfect for peaceful fishing and camping. The lake is stocked with rainbow trout and offers excellent kayak access and wooded shoreline.
The park has full-service campgrounds, showers, and picnic shelters, making it great for both quick getaways and longer weekend trips with family or friends.
Fishing Tip: Fish the drop-offs near the swim area early in the morning for the best action.
13. Sprague Lake – Best for Big Rainbows & Easy-Access Camping
- Location: Eastern Washington, between Spokane and Ritzville
- Best for: RV-friendly camping, trophy rainbow trout, stillwater fly fishing
- Sprague Lake Resort Info
Sprague Lake is a warm-water lake famous for giant rainbow trout — often 18+ inches — as well as channel catfish and bass. The lake has several public access points and boat launches, and Sprague Lake Resort offers lakeside camping and boat rentals.
It’s one of the best lakes in Eastern Washington if you want easy access, fish that fight hard, and sunsets that seem to last forever.
Fishing Tip: Use woolly buggers or trolling setups in the spring and fall for monster trout.
14. Lake Roosevelt (Franklin D. Roosevelt Lake) – Best for Multi-Day Fishing & Epic Camping
- Location: Stretching 130 miles from Grand Coulee Dam north to Canada
- Best for: Walleye, trout, long-distance boating, dispersed camping
This massive reservoir created by the Columbia River offers endless fishing and camping opportunities. Lake Roosevelt is famous for walleye, rainbow trout, kokanee, and even sturgeon in certain sections.
There are dozens of campgrounds managed by the National Park Service, plus free boat-in camping along the shore. It’s ideal for a multi-day adventure.
Fishing Tip: Walleye bite best near Marcus Island and Keller Ferry — use bottom bouncers or jigs.
15. Twin Lakes (Colville National Forest) – Best for Remote Camping & Fly Fishing
- Location: Northeast Washington, near Inchelium
- Best for: Fly fishing, paddle-in camping, quiet nature
- Explore Twin Lakes Campgrounds
North and South Twin Lakes offer pristine, high-country settings perfect for fly fishing and light tackle angling. They’re less trafficked than other lakes and surrounded by Colville National Forest, providing dispersed and developed campsites.
Great for anglers who prefer floating tubes or quiet canoe fishing — and the sunsets reflecting off the glassy water are unforgettable.
Fishing Tip: Dry flies work well in summer evenings. Focus on drop-offs near fallen trees.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re an angler searching for the perfect cast or a camper chasing Washington’s alpine serenity, these lakes offer the best of both worlds in 2025. From family-friendly parks to off-grid escapes, each lake delivers something unique — and unforgettable.
Pack your gear, grab your license from Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, and head into the wild. The water’s fine, the fish are biting, and the forests are calling.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do I need a fishing license to fish in Washington lakes?
Yes. Anyone 15 or older needs a valid fishing license from the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife.
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Q: When is the best time to camp and fish at Washington lakes?
May through September is ideal for both fishing and camping. Spring is best for trout, while summer brings warmer water and more recreation options.
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Q: Are campgrounds open year-round?
Some lakes like Lake Chelan and Banks Lake offer partial year-round access, but most campsites are seasonal (May–September). Always check with Washington State Parks before planning.
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I am Sabiq Rasel is an Entrepreneur and broadcaster. I believe that every sip of coffee holds the potential for a moment of inspiration, creativity, and every cup tells a story.
