Yale Lake sits in the shadow of Washington’s Mount St. Helens, the flat-topped volcano that made headlines during its 1980 eruption. Campers at Yale Lake will find plenty to do, including speed boating, sailing, kayaking or fishing. For a day trip, visit nearby viewpoints and waterfalls or hike through a lava tube or a volcanic forest. There are two campgrounds at the Yale Lake reservoir, and one at each of the adjacent reservoirs, Lake Merwin and the Swift Reservoir.
Cougar Bay Campground sits in the northeastern section of Yale Lake, with 45 individual campsites and 15 group sites open for tent camping only. The main campground and group sites are separated by Cougar Bay, with a boat ramp on the campground side and a swimming beach and picnic area on the opposite shore. Campers can enjoy swimming in the roped swimming area, or visit the swimming area at nearby Yale Park. Explore all of Yale Lake by boat, kayak or canoe -- and be sure to bring your fishing pole to catch trout or kokanee. Cougar Bay Campground is open from the Friday before Memorial Day through Labor Day, and reservations are accepted beginning March 1 each year.
On the far northeastern end of Yale Lake, just before the dam, the Beaver Bay Camp has 63 individual campsites, including nine waterfront sites. Campsites are available on a first-come, first-served basis, except for the 15 group sites that accommodating a total of 120 people. Group sites can be reserved through PacificCorp. Beaver Bay's day-use area also has a two-lane boat ramp, a children’s play structure, picnic tables and a swimming beach. A favorite of boaters, Yale Lake's high speed limit is perfect for water skiing, wake boarding and tubing. Beaver Bay Camp is open from the Friday before the last Saturday in April through the end of September.
Yale Lake’s western neighbor, Lake Merwin, is home to the Cresap Bay Campground, about 8 miles from Yale Lake. Cresap Bay has 58 individual campsites and a group site. The campground has spaces to accommodate RVs and a dump station, but no hookups are available. Cresap Bay is an ideal base for boaters, with a boat dock, a two-lane boat ramp and moorage, with 23 slips available for use by overnight guests. Travel by boat to visit the hidden beaches and rock outcroppings, or venture up Lake Merwin's many creeks. The campground is open the Friday before Memorial Day through September. Sites must be reserved in advance, beginning March 1 of each year.
About 20 miles east of Yale Lake, on the shores of the Swift Reservoir, the Swift Forest Camp is conveniently located near many hiking trails and viewing points on the south side of Mount St. Helens, including the popular Ape Caves. Swift Forest Camp has 93 campsites available on a first-come, first-served basis, including several beachfront sites. Campers can swim at the campground's swimming area or enjoy boating and fishing in the reservoir. Bike, walk or drive to Eagle Cliff Park, about a mile away, to picnic, view the cliffs and see the Lewis River above the dam. About 14 miles farther, the powerful Lower Lewis River Falls are well worth a visit. Swift Forest Camp opens the Friday before the last Saturday of April and closes at the end of November. After October 1 and before Memorial Day, the campground’s trash dumpsters, water and restrooms are not available.
