I booked six camping trips last summer, and Coho Campground was one of my absolute favorites. Here’s why.
Why I’m Obsessed with Coho Campground
When I go camping, I just need two things really: hammock trees and still water with a view. My daughter just needs flush toilets. Coho Campground delivered all three — plus a secret waterfall!
Motorized boats are allowed on the Wynoochee Lake, but you’d never know it. We camped on a Tuesday-Thursday right before the Fourth (July 1-3), and we basically had the (enormous!) lake to ourselves. There are endless nooks and crannies to explore along the shoreline, and we spent all day paddling and chatting, snacking, and drifting around with absolutely nowhere to be.
The Best Sites at Coho Campground
We stayed at site 31, which had a pretty good view and the all-important hammock trees. It’s tricky to tell which sites actually have water views on the map, but I was fairly happy with our choice. Lucky for you, I did a little reconnaissance while we were there, so now you know that the very best site is actually site 34, with site 35 coming in at a close second.
We have a teardrop trailer and rooftop tent setup, so hike-in sites aren’t an option for us. But if you can manage one, site 53 is a standout with beautiful lake views and its own water spigot. If you’re more of a glamper, the yurts are a great choice, too, with excellent views and easy access to the day-use area.
What to Do at Coho Campground
Yes, you should hike around the lake. And yes, you should absolutely paddle. But please don’t skip the secret waterfall just north of the campground.
A short 24 minute drive away, you’ll find Wynoochee Falls. There’s no sign, but Google Maps will get you there. The hike to the falls is short and easy, and we wished we’d packed a picnic so we could linger. It was the cherry on top of an already spectacular vacation.
The Drawbacks (Because There Always Are Some)
Coho Campground is a three-hour drive from Portland, which could be a deal breaker if you have very young kids. The area is pretty remote, and our drive included gravel roads.
There’s also not a ton of privacy at the individual sites. This didn’t bother me since we were nicely spaced out, but you can clearly see your neighbors, and there isn’t much tree cover between sites.
I obviously can’t guarantee the peaceful experience we had, but I will say this: almost every site was full and we still had the lake to ourselves on a weekday. There’s no kayak rental on site, which likely helps keep water traffic low — so bring your own gear if paddling is on your wishlist. And a heads-up: the water is wetsuit-cold. Much better for kayaking than swimming.
How to Book
Most sites only allow you to book six months in advance, but as of this writing, sites at Coho campground are available seven months ahead, so head to recreation.gov and book as soon as your window opens.
Loving the vibe but not sure you want to travel that far? Check out our other campsite recommendations here!