Generally my family heads out to Lake Chelan and i was invited out to visit at Lake Cushman this summer. There are so many beautiful pockets to take in the views & nature'The drive in is beautiful and not too far out, depending where you're staying (vacation residence, campgrounds). Beautiful lake, cold temperatures due to it being a glacier lake - the water is so clear ! Would love to go on some hikes and spend more time out there. Im so grateful that theres so much to see and do in out here in the pnw! read more

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Stunning. Just a really beautiful lake and surrounding forest, like so much of the national park. Swimming is good here but be brave for the cold water. There are 3 boat ramps. Camping and fishing are permitted. read more

Lake Cushman - The lake has boulders with trees growing out of them in one area - Lakes Near Me - Hoodsport, Washington

Lake Cushman is surrounded by a national forest yet it has surprisingly little access unless you drive to the opposite side of the lake, where the road runs along the entire northern section with access points at regular intervals. Because of the dry summers, the road dust kicked up by passing cars layers nearby vegetation with a fine layer of dust. I imagine this is cleaned by the winter rains, but I had never seen this phenomenon before. I noted later on other Washington roads. The clouds moved off the lake in the afternoon, filling the view with bright colors that seemed to attract more water enthusiasts. I spotted some tubers on the lake but not so many that it would scare me from bringing a paddleboard there in the middle of the day. Unless you have a carry in watercraft or want to pay the large fee to use the boat ramp at Skokomish park, there are limited other access points. read more

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I could live here. Well, except in winter maybe when all the trees blow down. With my luck I'd be in a tent under the biggest tree to crash. But all summer for sure. Especially after spending all winter virtually picking out a campsite http://www.lakecushman.com/LCWebPages/CC/index_b.htm because they've got pics of each site and we got the site with the most privacy by booking in April for a July trip. Camp Cushman used to be a state park and is now privately run, which means there's more money to keep it nicer than our underfunded state parks. Though they do run out of toilet paper occasionally. There's firewood for sale, pleasant camp hosts, cheap showers (bring quarters) lotsa birds and critters and the lake is a short walk through the woods. There are miles of trails right around the campsite and the Staircase Ranger Station is not far away with the Staircase Rapids trail and trails that will literally lead you all over the Olympics. The trails around the campground are still littered with trees from the winter storms, but it's more like real hiking that way, as opposed to the heavily traveled, more like a pleasant walk in the woods Staircase Rapids trail. Lake Cushman itself is a water lover's paradise. Just the right temperature for swimming, crystal clear and green and blue, little rocky beaches for boats to tie up, plenty of jet skiers out there with enough room to play without bothering the jet ski haters. Camp Cushman has a boat launch, a designated swimming area with a tiny little island you can swim out to (we didn't bother with that area though, way too crowded and the shady spots were taken), plenty of scattered picnic tables, and a small camp store for people like me who forget to bring hot dog buns to go with their hot dogs. What? It isn't a vacation unless you forget to bring something. There are tiny little beaches off the gravel road on the lake on the way to Staircase that looked like insider's secrets. There's an RV Resort before you get to the campground, there's the cute little waterfront town of Hoodsport on Hwy 101 where you turn on to Lake Cushman Road, plenty of places for people who don't want to "rough it". This is one of my favorite spots in the Olympics, which is my favorite Washington destination. There's just everything here an outdoor lover would love. Now if I could just convince my kids that strapping a 60 lb. backpack to their protesting bodies and hiking 7 miles up to Flapjack Lakes and peeing in the woods is fun... Ah well, Camp Cushman will do. read more

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Lake Cushman itself is amazingly beautiful. Unfortunately for camping, be prepared to book your shaded/private tent space 3 years in advance (with a nonrefundable extra fee) and be micro charged to death. Parking, campsite, fee per pet, boat launch, etc. Sounds like airline travel... read more

Lake Cushman - Lake Cushman - Lakes Near Me - Hoodsport, Washington

I am visiting from California and let me tell you... This lake is one of the, if not thee best I've ever seen. The scenery was breath taking. My friends and I came on a Monday so it was pretty empty. We layed on the dock which was super relaxing. I cannot rave enough about how much I love the air in Washington. Super pure. We parked our car on one of my friends best friends cabins (private property). And to our surprise a security came to check on who we are. Of course they were concerned about an unknown car parking here all of a sudden. Of course we had permission and they confirmed by calling the parents of the cabin owner. This was so cool to me! Made me feel like a safe area to be in. I would understand why they needed to confirm but that was a good safety check. Very impressed. read more

Lake Cushman - Lakes Near Me - Hoodsport, Washington

Fun weekend getaway with the girls. So many hikes to choose from and then we cooled off in the lake. Rented kayaks and brought our own SUP. read more

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Cool place but every entrance is closed for the "season". I'm assuming that may actually be due to covid. That made it hard to get to any part of the lake. We ended up having to to drive all the way around to where the road literally ended and then there was a little access. Could be cool when things are open but currently only a scenic drive through the trees. read more

I have lived at lake Cushman for 30 yrs Cushman is a beautiful area but over the years it has gone downhill on customer service you now have to pay property tax on the lot you lease on top of maintenance and also a lease. When it snows up here they plow the roads and shove the snow in front of your driveway so then they give you numbers to pay someone to clear it and they do it again. I would think they could plow the snow in between the lots instead of the driveway but was told that takes too long, which makes no sense. I know if a fire truck or ambulance needed to get in they would have to figure a way to get over the wall of snow. I just spoke to Cheryl in the maintenance to not plow in front of my driveway again I just paid someone to clear it and she was very rude and hung up on me! We pay maintenance and I don't have a clue what it is for the parks are closed a lot of the time! Also where the maintenance sits they plow their parking lot and both entrances! BUYERS BEWARE! read more

All the local attractions and the great variety of outdoors recreation will have you coming back for more. The operators of this campground and the very well run facilities have people coming here. Can't wait to pitch that tent, Lake Cushman, Washington is a perfect place for getting out. Some of the things you can do here are fishing, whitewater paddling, golf, and swimming, so there's no way to get bored. Lake Cushman is located in an area with lots of fun things to do and being here is always fun. **--Things around Lake Cushman--** Whitewater paddling is great on the Jefferson Creek and a trip to Olympic National Park is worthwhile. Paddling on the Hamma Hamma River is so much fun and skiing at Hurricane Ridge Ski Lodge is one of those things you just have to do. This campground has it all. If you're golfer then a great nearby course is Lake Cushman Golf Course, the nice folks of Shelton like to hang out around here. Theres a nice huge rock before Staircase Rapids Trail where you can do some jumping off and play geronimo! Staircase Rapids Trail is my favorite place near Lake Cushman, The trail winds through beautiful forests with moss covered trees. Near the start of the trail, you will find a short side trail leading to the "Big Cedar Tree". This was once one of the largest cedar trees in existence, but it recently fell. Even so, it is an impressive sight with a diameter of 14 feet. Be advised if you want a good spot to camp, book far in advance ~4-6 months out. This is just a little description of what the Lake Cushman area has to offer, Just grab your camping/hiking gear and check it out. read more

Lake Cushman was a beautiful spot, with hilly vistas, sparkling clear water and seas of trees. (Not unlike thousands of other similar scenes found in Washington State). We visited the Indian owned beach and picnic area after paying a $7 day use pass. It was a chilly day, so only the brave, in this case, a pack of 10-12 year olds, ventured to go in the water. The lake level was low, so the swimming area was but a speck of what it was marked off to be. Not surprising, the shoreline and bottom of the swim area was rocky, so water shoes or sandals were a must. There were some nice picnic areas with tables dotted throughout, some under the shade of trees. Not far away, was a boat launch with plenty of parking for vehicles with trailers. It is not a large park, so it may get crowded on hot summer days. They may control the amount of folks going in, so that is something to check out if you are making a day of it. read more

Lake Cushman - The exposed rocky bottom of the swimming area - Lakes Near Me - Hoodsport, Washington

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With all of the great memories of camping at Lake Cushman State Park I must say the lake is pretty sad now. The water level is low. The State Park is closed to everything other than the free boat launch. No trails, no camping, no swimming area with the island, no swinging off the cliffs into the lake. From what I hear the lake may be no more soon. Tacoma Power who ran the dam that made the lake came to an agreement with the Indian Tribe to remove the dam. read more

Man, I wished I took pictures. But it was the most beautiful lake I ever seen. So beautiful when it's clear and all you can see is crystal clear water that goes on for miles and fresh water smell as it reached into the mountain top. It was breath taking. My boyfriend wanted to impress me and showed me something I don't see in California where I live. Had a little picnic and was close enough that my son was throwing rocks into the water. Next time I come here, I want to take loads of pictures. But it's a must when you come out here. Especially in a clear beautiful day. :) read more

Amazing,very family friendly, and the most fun I have had camping and the employees were super helpful read more

Lake Cushman - Lakes Near Me - Hoodsport, Washington

I visited Lake Cushman in June 2012 during a family vacation when we rented a house nearby. The water was clear and the views were gorgeous. There was a little playground and large, covered grilling/picnic area. Some family members went swimming off the pier while others fished. It was fun, scenic and peaceful. If only the weather had cooperated.... read more

Apparently, they have a private picnic area, boat launch & piers dedicated to Lake Cushman residents. It's a hush hush type area... because it's a literal treasure! A treasure - I wouldn't be surprised if the land was on a GREEN BELT... untouched beauty... mountains, water, people... fabulous area. I wish to be buried here... I'm 30 years old and have never experienced such beauty. Great place to fish & go tubing! I LOVE LAKE CUSHMAN! read more

So here's the thing about Lake Cushman..It's fabulous. It's a regulated resort type camp spot and if you reserve early enough, you get some great spots on the Lake. It's got a friendly, convenient and very inexpensive store w/ everything from yogurt and milk to floaties. The resort keepers are friendly and accomodating and the only thing they ask in return is your respect of the sites and it's residents. (This includes the many kittens/cats they take in as tons of locals just dump them there, horrible, but they get a great outdoor lake front home) You can camp for days/weeks or just show up w/ your boat for the day. The prices are more than reasonable for what you get and there is the comfort of their extremely pleasant and friendly security officer. He is really nice unless of course you give him a reason not to be such as get drunk and stupid and irritate other campers by lighting fire works (a HUGE no no) or shining your headlights on other campers after 10pm and blare music. This is a family friendly lake front property that is no place for drunken antics but if you enjoy a full day of swimming, kayaking, canoeing, or just sunbathing followed by a campfire dinner, the pleasure of company of those you came with, a relaxing weekend, and showers at your disposal, this is the place. The bathrooms could use toilet seat liners and a bit more upkeep but really, it's much better than poopin in the woods at another camp location so I'll take it! Haha! They have rentable cabins that are up to par and cute and tons to do including a great little burger joint down in Hoodsport just 15 mins away if you get tired of the food you brought w/ you. My first time was last year, went again this last weekend and am planning to do an annual trip from here on. I love this place, the people that run it and that cute lil' store. But I refuse to fork over my preferred campsite...can't run the risk of it not being available the next time I want it..hahahahaha....get a map :) Thank you for reading. read more

It's an alright place for lake leisures, but terrible for camping. I like camping where you can come and go as you please with as many people,cars,and animals u want without extra fees, or having to buy wood. A friend spent more than $200 for 2 days of camping for her bday. no river, lake is away from the sites, too much money, noise curfew. Not my cup of tea. Im used to only paying for gas and food when I go camping. read more

Water is clear, crisp, and clean. Lots of salmon here to fish for. Surrounding areas are just beautiful with plenty of hiking and other recreational activities for the whole family to enjoy. Watch out for the bears. read more

Camp Cushman is a beautiful campground and the hosts are very nice, but we would not stay there again. They nickel-and-dime you, charging for pets, boat launches, and trailer dumps even for paid guests of the campground. There was excessive public drinking while we were there, and there was a lot of partying going on in the campground until about 2AM each night that went completely unchecked. In addition, for being a privately owned campground, the restrooms were very very dirty. The campsites themselves were well maintained and very nice - bring your bugspray if you stay in the upper loop! read more

Spectacular lake. Don't ruin it. Make sure you keep it pristine and make your group/ kids throw their trash in the designated receptacles. There is a little pavillion with grills to use. You need to be a member or guest of a member (that is present) to go to the lake. read more