Kayak camping

Looking for a lake in WA. where my wife and I can kayak around the lake and boat in camp.

Any ideas or recommendations? We are thinking a 3-5 day trip.

I've always wanted to kayak camp one of the North Fork of the Lewis reservoirs (Merwin, Yale, or Swift). There is USFS property that borders most of them and Swift has a sizable island. The tough part would be finding level ground and it would be primitive camping in those areas. However, some of the lakes do have developed campgrounds.

Lake Chelan is one place at the top of the list.   Diablo lake is another choice, at the foot of Ross lake dam.  If you are willing to drive into Canada then back down, Ross Lake is another.  Another option is to paddle parts of the Columbia River, but wind can be an option.  Lake Ozette is a little small for a 3-5 day trip, in my opinion, but you can do hikes out to the ocean from there.

Doesn't Chelan get really windy?

We prefer primitive camping.  Suburban camping is not really our thing. Do those lakes allow shoreline camping?

Thanks for the lake ideas, keep them coming!

All of the places i mentioned can get quite windy, particularly in afternoons, one of the "features" of linear lakes with a long reach.  I follow the "paddle early/paddle late" rule or just plan for the wind. 

Most of the lakes focus people to established campgrounds because of the impact and sanitation issues.  I "free camped" on the Columbia, upriver of Vantage, but I was either by myself or in a small group.  For Washington, i'm afraid, the days of digging cat holes and stopping wherever are pretty much over.

There may be more possibilities over in northeastern WA but I've never explored over there. 

Lake Cushman, over west of Hood Canal might be another possibility, but probably not for more than 3 days.

Unfortunately, WA doesn't have places like Bowron Lakes, B.C.

Chelan has half a dozen marine campgrounds.  Yes it gets windy, but kayakers and canoe groups are always traveling from 25 mile creek to stehekin.  Dragging a rapala on the surface is a reliable way to pick up trout, pike minnow, and the occasional chinook

The choices are endless for lakes bordering forest land. But one that's on my bucket list is Ross Lake via Diablo Lake off Hwy 20, about 3 hours north of Seattle. You park at a campground on Diablo Lake (parking spaces set aside even when campground is full), kayak about 5 miles to the end of the lake and call for a shuttle from Ross Lake Resort. It cost $20 per kayak (2 or 3 boat) or $30 for single for them to send a truck and haul your gear up to Ross lake dam (1 mile and 500' elevation gain). Once on Ross there are 16 or more developed campsites starting at just 2 miles from the dam. It's a deep long lake, similar to Chelan. Big wild rainbows are the prize species.

Bowron Lakes, B.C.

Talk about bucket list!  That would be epic!

We might start with a three day trip hanging out in Diablo, then maybe do a Diablo-Ross trip.  Those are two lakes that are really high on the list right now.  We are starting to look at our gear etc.  We have boat in camped but never out of a kayak.  We always used the big boat (on lake Roosevelt) and could basically pack anything we wanted.  This will be a much different affair.

Baker Lake might be another choice for a few day trip used to trim out your gear using kayaks.  No primitive camping though.  Diablo sounds more like what you are looking for.

I've always wanted to kayak camp one of the North Fork of the Lewis reservoirs (Merwin, Yale, or Swift). There is USFS property that borders most of them and Swift has a sizable island. The tough part would be finding level ground and it would be primitive camping in those areas. However, some of the lakes do have developed campgrounds.

Look into a camping hammock.  No need for level ground.  Much smaller than a tent and all you need is trees.

I have been going on the guys trip to Ross Lake for 20 yrs.  Great camp sites with great views.  Lots of kayak campers launch at Lake Diablo and like someone said then have resort trucks haul kayaks to top of Ross Dam.  There are islands to camp on (Cougar or Cat Island). Resort has ice and free map.  You can hike to Big Beaver Lake.  I go there with my 12 yrs old on this guy trip and have hiked in to go fishing for a day.   Rainbow Trout are big and are easy to catch on a wet fly or even a Dick Nite. It does get windy afternoon at times.  I will be at Ross Lake. Resort on July  9-12 staying in a cabin and renting resort boats.  If you are up there at same time I can resupply you with dry wood or something.  Ross Lake has  lots of fond memories and will be passing it on to my son.

Sounds awesome,  thanks for the generous offer woo.

We will be going a bit later in the summer.  My wife is a little concerned about the temperature. She likes the heat (ugg) and hates to be cold on camping trips.  We camped for years with our big boat on Roosevelt. 

What is the temp on Diablo/ Ross in August?

Those hammock tents look cool.

Those hammock tents look cool.

Not to hijack the thread, but they are awesome.  I've used them for years.  So much better than a tent in certain situations.  I've done it wrong (ouch) and I've done it right (zzzzzzz..).  I am currently using a Kammock Roo.  Awesome sling.  I sleep better in that thing than my own bed. 

August will be great and the water temperature is nice and brisk.   The kids and even the wife jumped in and swam from the cabin to log boom.  Make sure you make it to Devils.  It is also a good place to get out of the afternoon wind if it gets too ruff.  Very popular time in August, but the lake is so big that you will have privacy.  Stop by the resort office and say hi to the owner Tom and ask to see the photos of the lake when  it is completely drained.  Tom will tell you what the fish are hitting on this season.  Fresh caught trout are the best.  You will be visited by the Fish and Game if you fish so make sure you have you fishing license.  The rules are single barbless hooks, trout must be at least 13 inches, and daily limit is 3. Should not be a problem - just drag a fly or whatever Tom advises about 15 to 20 ft from the shore and you will have dinner.   Good luck and I will tell you how we do in July and don't forget to get a wilderness camp permit from the Rangers Office on your way up.

Thanks for all the great information!  I will look forward to your report!