
Rimrock Lake
A picturesque mountain lake offering swimming, fishing, hiking, and serene camping experiences amidst stunning natural beauty.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Calm waters, fewer crowds

Rimrock Lake
Best Time
Calm waters, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A picturesque mountain lake offering swimming, fishing, hiking, and serene camping experiences amidst stunning natural beauty.
"It is so beautiful, quiet and the water is wonderful to swim in."

🦟 Pack Mosquito Repellent
Essential for enjoying evenings, especially in late August. Don't forget a good tarp for shelter!
🐾 Leash Your Dogs
Keep dogs on a leash to prevent conflicts and ensure a peaceful experience for everyone.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Rimrock Lake's Serene Waters
Various points around the lake
Enjoy swimming, fishing, and the stunning mountain backdrop. The water is perfect for a refreshing dip on a summer day.

Scenic Mountain Drives
Highway 12 and surrounding forest roads
An easy and gorgeous drive off Highway 12 offers breathtaking views and access to hiking trails.

Dispersed Camping Seclusion
North of NF-711 (Peninsula Park area)
Find total privacy and enjoy the wilderness. Some spots offer incredible views and direct access to the lake.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Outdoors: Camping & Lodging
Lake Levels & Access
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Does anyone know some good outdoors areas?
🦟 Pack Mosquito Repellent
Essential for enjoying evenings, especially in late August. Don't forget a good tarp for shelter!
🐾 Leash Your Dogs
Keep dogs on a leash to prevent conflicts and ensure a peaceful experience for everyone.
Bank fishing for Kokanee
Family friendly camping spots?
♻️ Leave No Trace
Pack out all trash and belongings. Help keep Rimrock Lake beautiful for future visitors.
🥾 Sturdy Footwear Recommended
Some areas require a bit of a climb to reach the water. Tie-downs for tents are also advised due to wind.
Tips
from all over the internet
🦟 Pack Mosquito Repellent
Essential for enjoying evenings, especially in late August. Don't forget a good tarp for shelter!
🐾 Leash Your Dogs
Keep dogs on a leash to prevent conflicts and ensure a peaceful experience for everyone.
♻️ Leave No Trace
Pack out all trash and belongings. Help keep Rimrock Lake beautiful for future visitors.
🥾 Sturdy Footwear Recommended
Some areas require a bit of a climb to reach the water. Tie-downs for tents are also advised due to wind.
🚗 Easy Access Drive
The drive off Highway 12 is well-paved and offers stunning mountain scenery.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Rimrock Lake for its stunning natural beauty, perfect swimming waters, and opportunities for peaceful camping and hiking. While some note that campsites can be close together and the highway is audible at night, many find the secluded dispersed camping spots offer excellent privacy. Lake levels can vary, and visitors are reminded to practice Leave No Trace principles.
"My family camped here in late August, the lake was pretty low (I know that's not the campground's fault), the sites are all really close together, and you can hear the highway at night. Otherwise we had a great experience!"
Nora Clapper
"We like to go up into the mountains and dry camp. There are beautiful views and plenty of hiking."
Kelly Conklin
"I love Rimrock Lake! It is so beautiful, quiet and the water is wonderful to swim in. I have only found one public access park along the lake (Horseshoe Cove Boat Launch) and the rest are private access only. It is also 30-40 minutes out of town, but totally worth it."
Edwin Rushton
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Rimrock Lake is accessible via a scenic drive off Highway 12. The roads are generally well-paved, making it an easy journey from nearby towns. Consider checking local forest road conditions before you go, especially if planning to explore dispersed camping areas.
While specific RV sites might be limited in established campgrounds, dispersed camping areas can accommodate RVs. Ensure you have appropriate supplies as amenities can be scarce in these more remote locations.
For established campgrounds like Peninsula Park, follow signs off Highway 12. For dispersed camping, explore forest roads north of NF-711, but be prepared for potentially rougher terrain.
Yes, you can easily find Rimrock Lake using online mapping services. Search for 'Rimrock Lake' and look for the body of water in the mountainous region. Forest service maps are also helpful for navigating surrounding roads.
Public transport options to Rimrock Lake are very limited. It is best to travel by personal vehicle or rental car to fully explore the area and access different camping and recreational spots.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Fees vary. Established campgrounds like Peninsula Park may have fees, while dispersed camping in National Forest areas is often free. Always check with the local ranger district for the most current information on fees and regulations.
There are typically no general entrance fees for Rimrock Lake itself. However, specific facilities or boat launches might have day-use fees. Dispersed camping areas are usually free to access.
For established campgrounds, reservations are often available through recreation.gov or similar platforms. Some sites are first-come, first-served, so arriving early is advised, especially during peak season.
Rimrock Lake is an outdoor recreation area and is generally accessible year-round. However, campground facilities and services may have seasonal operating hours. It's best to check with the US Forest Service for specific details.
Refund policies depend on the booking platform (e.g., recreation.gov) and the specific campground's rules. It's crucial to review the cancellation policy at the time of booking.
🎫 🎣 Fishing & Activities
Rimrock Lake is known for its trout fishing. Anglers can expect to catch various species of trout, making it a popular spot for fishing enthusiasts.
Yes, a valid Washington State fishing license is required to fish in Rimrock Lake. Licenses can be purchased online or from authorized vendors.
Fishing can be productive from the shore, especially near inlets and outlets, or from a boat. Horseshoe Cove Boat Launch provides good access for anglers.
Yes, there are numerous hiking opportunities in the vicinity of Rimrock Lake, ranging from easy strolls to more challenging mountain treks. The surrounding national forest offers a network of trails.
Besides fishing and hiking, visitors enjoy swimming, boating (non-motorized recommended for tranquility), picnicking, and simply enjoying the natural beauty. Wildlife viewing is also a popular pastime.
🎫 🏡 Lodging & Rentals
Yes, Rimrock Lake cabin rentals are available, offering a more comfortable stay. Options include private rentals and potentially those associated with resorts like the Rimrock Lake Resort. Booking in advance is highly recommended.
The Rimrock Lake Resort offers lodging and amenities for visitors. It's a good option for those seeking a more established accommodation rather than camping.
You can search for 'Rimrock Lake cabin rentals' online. Websites specializing in vacation rentals or local tourism sites often list available cabins. Bear Cove Cabins and The Cove Resort are also options to explore.
Rimrock Lake offers both established campgrounds with amenities and dispersed camping sites for a more primitive experience. Rimrock Lake campground and Rimrock Lake camping sites are common search terms.
Beyond cabins, the Rimrock Lake Resort provides lodging. For more options, you might need to look in nearby towns, as direct lodging outside of cabins and the resort is limited directly at the lake.
📸 📸 Photography Tips
Sunrise and sunset offer the most dramatic lighting for landscape photography. Early mornings are also great for capturing mist on the water and fewer people.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive mountain and lake views. A telephoto lens can be useful for wildlife spotting. Don't forget a sturdy tripod for low-light conditions.
The scenic drive along Highway 12 offers numerous pull-offs with stunning vistas. The shores of the lake, especially from less crowded dispersed camping spots, provide excellent perspectives.
Capture the reflections of the surrounding mountains on the lake's surface, the diverse flora and fauna, and the dramatic skies during sunrise and sunset. The rustic cabins and campsites also offer charming photographic opportunities.
Explore off-the-beaten-path trails for secluded spots. Try capturing macro shots of wildflowers or insects. Experiment with long exposures to smooth out the water's surface.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
💰 Budget Travelers
🎣 Anglers and Outdoor Enthusiasts
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Camping at Rimrock Lake: A Comprehensive Guide
When camping, essential gear is key. Mosquito repellent is a must, especially in late summer. A good tarp can provide extra shelter from wind or rain. For cooking, don't forget essentials like a spatula, or be prepared to improvise! Securing your tent with sturdy tie-downs or rocks is advisable due to potential wind. Dogs are welcome but must be kept on a leash to avoid conflicts. The drive to many camping spots is scenic and generally well-maintained, making access relatively easy.
Fishing and Water Activities at Rimrock Lake
Beyond fishing and swimming, visitors can enjoy boating, though non-motorized options are often preferred to maintain the lake's tranquility. The scenic drive around the lake provides opportunities for hiking with trails catering to various skill levels. The surrounding national forest is rich with natural beauty, offering ample opportunities for exploration and wildlife viewing. Remember to check lake levels, as they can fluctuate, impacting beach access and shoreline activities.
Lodging Options: From Cabins to Resorts
While direct lodging options are concentrated around the lake, for a wider selection, visitors might need to explore accommodations in nearby towns. However, for an immersive experience directly at the lake, the available Rimrock Lake lodging options, including cabins and the resort, provide convenient access to all the recreational activities the area has to offer.






Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit