Clear Lake Recreation Area

Just overnight for us on our way to JBLM from Malmstrom, AFB, MT. Very conveniently located off I-90 so easy in and out. The place seems to be frequented by regulars gathering under the big trees in front of the RV sites. Boat ramp in the other end and few cottages are for rent. Very busy when we got in and the check in office is a bit tricky to to find at first. We parked up top and walked down hill to check in. Luckily I did not drive my 5th wheel all the way down there. We like the location but it’s a bit rundown, very tight spaces and you can smell the dump tank vents every where. So we did not hoop up our sewer hose and waited until we arrived in the next campsite. For longer stay I would recommend reserving the very end spot. But all the utilities works so we got our AC running and have our hot showers.

Just a overnighter for us. Great views. Very convenient near I-90, but you don’t hear it at all. Grounds appear to be overused, lots of dirt in the rv area. Parking is on an asphalt pad. Could use gravel or paving. Posted 5 MPH which most observe but dusty! Goose poop everywhere makes the grassy area tricky. But it’s beautiful area for picnics. Lots to do here if you’re into watersports. Only 30 Amp. RV spaces are tight but got in with no problems. Probably designed in the 60-70s with the small trailers in mind. I didn’t try to extend my awning, but our neighbors had theirs out....18” from our slide. Nice staff. Upon arrival, staff and I were the only three wearing a mask around the vicinity of the office. I’d stay here again. Nearly all spots taken so call in advance for reservations.

Yes the spaces are tight, but lots of room behind your rig to hang out plus tables and fire rings. Yes there are a lot of geese, it's nature, deal with it. Price is good for what you get, however, I wish they had laundry facilities available. The closest laundromat is in Cheney (6 miles). The guy parked next to me had so much stuff in his space that he could have lived there forever. Outdoor kitchen, tables and a trailer for all his stuff. Seriously, fully equipped kitchen, fridge, hot and cold water to sink, grill and stove top. Don't know how he got away with it, guess he's pretty high up the COC to disregard all the rules. Anyway, nice lake and not terribly crowded on the weekend. Bonus that Spokane Riverfront Park is not far.

I have to agree with parts of many of the existing reviews. We have found our brief, mid-week stay to be a good one. The sites ARE close together. I understand that this is a RECREATION area, and it is busy with folks playing and having an active time. The exterior maintenance of the buildings is very good. There is attention being paid to the playground and the lawns. The marina appears to be very well run, and the equipment is in good to excellent condition. The Marina staff were thorough and on the ball. The Cafe in the "Lodge" is just fine, although I am not sure how they manage if there is a very busy time. The burgers were good and the fries top notch. Office staff were friendly and knowledgeable. That is the good ... now for the bad. The women's bathroom and shower was awful. On a Thursday at about noon, it was littered, muddy and in poor condition. The handicapped shower equipment was broken and on the floor. One of the sink faucets was unable to be shut off. Dressing room curtains were torn, one toilet bowl sagging (but useable) ... just not at all what I expected, compared to the outdoor experience. We have been warned that on the weekends there are large groups who party loudly and long past quiet time. There is no camp host here, just a caretaker. Perhaps that is why some long-term campers have been allowed to accumulate lots of junk piled under and around their units. Most sites are not bad, but I had to empty a tote filled with water & dirty dishes that had apparently been sitting outside my neighbor's rig for most of the week. It was breeding mosquitoes!! I hate to sound like a crab, but I am not used to seeing this kind of behavior at any military facility, on or off base. This facility could be a gem ... but there are some things that need to be looked at with fresh eyes.

Stayed there for a weekend. It was very busy, but a nice place. Users don't obey the quiet times. The bathrooms were a pig sty! I've never seen such filthy restrooms at a military campground. The showers are the push for water type which you have to keep pushing to get more water. The men's bathroom needed painting badly and had toilet paper pieces, trash etc scattered all over. The floors were very duty. We left mid-morning Monday and the bathrooms had been somewhat cleaned-at least the toilet paper picked up.

I understand this place was very very busy over the July 4 weekend, as it should be, but it is very very quiet now during the middle of the week. There seems to be some of the good old boy stuff going on with one trailer being parked on a year 'round basis and rented to friends while the trailer owner is employed at the FamCamp and lives in a house nearby?? The leash law was not enforced as I watched someone let their dog run freely in the picnic/playground area for at least fifteen minutes. This is a good place for young military families to have a day or a week at the lake, but there is room for improvement. It would not be a destination site for us, but is adequate for a short stay while on the road. This web site says the fee is $15/day, but we were charged $16 - perhaps for 50 amp? The RV sites are very close together so your bit of "grass" is occupied by your neighbors water, electric, and sewer hookups. The lower numbered sites, closest to the entrance and office, face a green picnic area with very nice playground equipment and a view of the lake beyond. We stayed here in a motor home.

Nice setting, amenities numerous, boating, swimming,(fishing according to the regulars is spotty at best)? Sites are packed too closely together making it an experience of overwhelming 'togetherness' it's probably great for the locals who know one another, - but not for an outsider. Won't go back,,,

Excellent facility has become an annual tradition for my family. Started with a 30' TT and this year will take our 36' FW. If renting a boat I suggest going to outdoor rec at Fairchild AFB. This will save you $$. Gets busy on the weekends but is very quiet after sundown plus the resort is gated after hours.