Lake Cushman Camping: Everything you need to know

Lake Cushman is an irresistible idea close to Washington. This 4,000-acre man-made lake was created in 1926, as part of building Cushman Dam No. 1 by Tacoma Power. This famous tourist destination is within a driving distance of about 45 minutes from Tacoma, about two hours from Seattle, and 3 hours from Portland.

What is Lake Cushman Camping Known For?

Located close to the Olympic National Park, camping at the picturesque Lake Cushman offers a great number of leisure options both in the huge lake and in the nearby wooded area.

Vacationers can choose from a large assortment of leisure options such as boating, canoeing, kayaking, water skiing, fishing, and even scuba diving. They can also spend time playing golf or disc golf a little distance down the road.

 

Lake Cushman camping is famous for some of the most stunning walking trails close to the beach while the campground is full of people throughout the vacation season. Some of the most beautiful trails from Lake Cushman lead to Mount Ellinor and Mount Rose. These trails often meander through colorful wildflower meadows with aggressive mountain goats.

You can also access Copper Creek Canyon and Skokomish Wilderness. Along the trail, you will come across some of the most beautiful waterfalls. However, you will require Northwest Forest Passes for hiking along the more daunting upper trailhead.

Alternatively, you can choose the North-Fork Skokomish River Trail that takes you along the lowland of the National Park forest through the subalpine meadows. For the weekenders who are looking for more relaxed leisure, there are numerous options to keep themselves submerged without ever leaving the blue water of the lake.

Best time to go to Lake Cushman

The weather in Cushman Lake is temperate, with the “standard” half of the year feeling cold and the summer having warmer days and cooler evenings and nights. The best season for the visitors to Cushman Lake is Spring and Fall from early April to early November. If you want to be there during the warm months, April to July is your best bet.

Though the period between August and November can have rain, it is almost rarely significant. Yet, the rain can add to the beauty and charm of Lake Cushman and its surroundings. The winter months can stretch from November to March, marked by winter and snowfall.

What campsites are there at Lake Cushman?

Skokomish Park

The most important camping site near Cushman Lake is Skokomish Park, which is spread over 600 acres with ramps for boat-launch. It has 70 campsites, 30 trailer sites, a group campsite for 60 people, a picnic shelter, a parking lot for over 100 vehicles, and 3 comfort stations. On a hot day, it offers the most satisfying dip in the nearby lake with the picturesque surrounding. The reservation for this campsite is open round the year and can be made as early as one year in advance. The reservation is for a maximum of 14 days.

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Other campsite options

Managed by National Forest Service, Potlatch State Park, and Seal Rock are two other campsite options with direct access to water and a great getaway on the Hood Canal, the A charming and beseeching branch of the Puget Sound, Hood Canal has one of the warmest saltwater in the Pacific Northwest.

Another beautiful place where you can organize your camping trip is at Lilliwaup or Hamma Hamma.

Lake Cushman Resort

Lake Cushman Resort offers a range of rental options from cabin and campsite with access to marina and deck.

Things to Know Before Going to Lake Cushman

 

 

 

 

Should You Go Camping at Lake Cushman?

Lake Cushman is one of the most exciting getaways from Washington and its neighboring states. The huge mountain lake has been carved out of a beautiful glacial landscape. It’s located close to the Olympic National Park. A Lake Cushman camping trip is, therefore, blessed with all elements of nature – water, snow, and the wood. Trails emanating from here can take you into the beautiful meadows of wildflower, waterfalls and mountain goats who would not like to miss any opportunity to befriend you.

But all this is aside from the main attraction that the lake is and the wide range of aquatic sports it offers. You can expect top-class facilities for water-skiing, kayaking, boating, fishing, cruising, and tubing. There are beautiful marinas, decks, and water accesses which will keep every moment of your stay here occupied in things that you enjoy.

Another important attraction of camping at Cushman Lake is that it is one of the well-developed camping facilities where you can expect all the necessary facilities. It has a couple of modest convenience stores that can cater to all your campsite needs such as groceries, ice cream, snacks, sodas, beer, wine, firewood, and ice. You can also find supplies and accessories for camping, hiking, fishing, and swimming. It also boasts coin-operated showers and public restrooms.

Final Thoughts

With excellent scope for swimming, fishing, nature trails, boating, scuba-diving, kayaking, and other water sports, Cushman Lake camping is a great fun-filled, nature-oriented vacation away from the city. People are known to organize their weddings at the group campsites here. This exclusive mountain lake offers with unforgettable marina experience and overnight moorage.

We’ll see you there!

Article Author
Sean's an avid camper, kayaker, and RVer. He loves spending time finding new trails and campsites to take his family and friends.