Escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life and unplug with a camping trip to the quiet Coho Campground at Wynoochee Lake. A haven for those who love nature, all ages can find solitude and adventure in the Olympic National Forest.

Coho Campground is a peaceful haven in the Olympic National Forest. Photo credit: Krysta Carper

Coho Campground Offers Comfortable Camping

With 44 standard campsites, there’s a spot for all types to camp out at Coho Campground. Spaces can accommodate tents, trailers and RVs up to 36 feet. If your group needs more space, reserve one of the two group sites that allow up to 16 people each. For those seeking a more private visit, check out the nine walk-in tent camping sites, one with space for up to 12 visitors.

Yurts are a fun way to camp with less hassle, and Coho Campground offers several easy family fun. Photo courtesy: NorthAmericaTalk


Beyond traditional camping, Coho Campground also features three yurts tucked in the trees that can sleep six with parking for two automobiles. One yurt site (#50) allows for an additional tent. Yurts offer a fantastic way to camp when conditions are unfavorable for tent camping, as they have lights and heat – just bring your bedding and cooking supplies!

Despite the remote location, find creature comforts like flushing toilets in the clean and spacious bathrooms, water and trash cans conveniently scattered throughout the campground and picnic tables with fire rings at each site. There’s even an RV dump station just near the day-use area.

Coho Campground offers a way to unplug and relax in nature with all the comforts of home. Photo credit: Kryta Carper

Immerse in Nature and Unplug at Coho Campground

Coho Campground and Wynoochee Lake offer an opportunity to truly disconnect and unplug in nature. There’s limited cell reception and no services, so plan ahead by downloading directions and filling up your car with gas before you head out into the forest. The road to the campground is paved, but if you plan on exploring the surrounding area by car, be prepared to drive on graded gravel roads.

End the day at Coho Campground with stunning sunsets on Wynoochee Lake. Photo courtesy: NorthAmericaTalk

The towering evergreen trees circling the tranquil waters of Wynoochee Lake provide families with a wonderful way to spend meaningful time together exploring or reconnecting at camp over a fire, provided there isn’t a burn ban. The family dog will also enjoy Coho Campground as it is pet-friendly. Just be sure to keep them on leashes and that they don’t disturb other campers.

It’s a Recreational Paradise on Wynoochee Lake

Wynoochee Lake offers a variety of activities, from hiking the endless trails surrounding the stunning lake to watersports, including various kinds of boating, fishing, and swimming on the shores in the day-use area. Pack up lunch, enjoy one of the picnic areas with tables and stoves, and be rewarded with beautiful lakeside views and memories for a lifetime.

The jewel of this area is Wynoochee Lake, where visitors can paddleboard, kayak, and use power boats and small boats for fishing, water skiing and wakeboarding. There’s even an option for epic boat camping or kayak camping on the shores with easy access and a great boat launch with a $5 per day boat launch fee.

Coho Campground provides easy access to Wynoochee Lake, where families can explore on foot, by bike, or by boat. Photo courtesy: NorthAmericaTalk

There are other family-friendly recreational opportunities, including hiking, trail running, biking and motorbiking, all with stunning views of the hillsides of the surrounding lake. While on the water or land, it is the perfect opportunity for wildlife watching. Watch for the famed Roosevelt Elk that calls the area home.

From Coho Campground Loop B, the Working Forest Nature Trail is perfect for all ages and abilities. The interpretive trail is just a half mile and includes stunning river views plus a vista overlook with educational exhibits.

For a truly epic hike or mountain bike experience that will allow you to explore the area in depth, don’t miss the 16-mile loop that makes up the Wynoochee Lake Shore Trail. Follow the lake for six miles, and then go two miles up the spectacular Wynoochee River and loop back to Coho Campground on the opposite side of the lake. Along the way, find small streams and waterfalls nestled amid dense, lush forests, giant sword ferns, wildlife and wilderness for an adventure to remember.

For panoramic views of the lake, stop by the dam. Built by the Army Corps of Engineers in 1972, the dam formed Wynoochee Lake and provides flood control, irrigation and water storage for Aberdeen. It’s the perfect place to take in a sunset!

Be sure to stop by the Wynoochee Dam and learn more about Tacoma Power. Photo courtesy: NorthAmericaTalk

On the west shores of Wynoochee Lake, Coho Campground is a wonderful way to unplug and spend time in nature with the family. The campground is open from May to October and provides a mix of campsites to suit your needs, starting at $30.

Getting to Coho Campground

Use Highway 12 to Montesano. Turn north on Wynoochee Valley Road, one mile west of Montesano. Drive 35 miles to the intersection of Wynoochee Valley Road and Forest Road 22. Then, turn left to stay on Forest Road 22. Drive a short distance, turn right on Forest Road 2294 and continue one mile to Coho Campground.

Coho Campground
Forest Road 2294, Montesano

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