Wood Lake Campground
04 reviewsWood Lake Campground
$5.00 - $10.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$10.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Overnight camping costs $10 per single site per night and an additional charge of $5 per extra vehicle per night. Interagency Senior/Access Recreational Passholders receive a 50% discount on the campsite fee when physically occupying it. Payments must be made in cash or check.
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About this campground
Nestled in the heart of the Lewis and Clark National Forest, Wood Lake Campground offers an intimate mountain retreat where tranquility meets adventure. This charming 2-acre sanctuary sits at 5,500 feet elevation, providing just 9 carefully spaced campsites that ensure privacy while fostering a sense of community among outdoor enthusiasts. Modern amenities including restrooms and fresh drinking water complement the rustic setting. Days here unfold with the gentle splash of fishing lines breaking the mirror-like surface of Wood Lake, where motorboats are thankfully prohibited, preserving the pristine quiet. As evening falls, the absence of light pollution transforms the campground into one of the region's premier stargazing destinations, where the Milky Way stretches across the sky in breathtaking clarity.
Wood Lake Campground accommodates tent camping, RV camping for trailers up to 22 feet, and possibly group camping. Group sites and primitive options are not specified.
Weather and SeasonsThe camping season beckons from late spring through early fall, when wildflowers carpet the meadows and warm summer days invite endless outdoor exploration. Daytime temperatures create perfect conditions for hiking and swimming, while evenings bring a refreshing mountain coolness that makes for comfortable sleeping under the stars. As autumn approaches, crisp mornings give way to golden afternoons. Winter transforms the landscape into a snow-laden wonderland, though heavy snowfall and freezing temperatures make the campground inaccessible during these months.
ElevationPerched at 5,500 feet in the majestic Rocky Mountain Front, the campground occupies a sweet spot where the air is crisp and clean, yet the elevation remains comfortable for most visitors. This positioning offers cooler temperatures than the valleys below while providing easier access than the higher alpine zones.
Natural Features and SceneryWood Lake Campground immerses visitors in a tapestry of natural wonders. Towering pines and firs create a verdant canopy overhead, while seasonal wildflowers paint splashes of color across sun-dappled meadows. The crystalline waters of Wood Lake reflect the surrounding peaks like a natural mirror, creating postcard-perfect scenes at every turn. Well-maintained hiking trails wind through this mountain paradise, each bend revealing new vistas of the grand peaks that define the Rocky Mountain Front. Whether you're seeking the perfect photograph or simply a moment of quiet contemplation, the scenery here never fails to inspire.
Geological RegionSet within the dramatic Rocky Mountain Front, where ancient geological forces created towering limestone cliffs and deep mountain valleys, Wood Lake Campground occupies a privileged position in the Lewis and Clark National Forest. At 5,500 feet elevation, visitors experience the unique ecosystem where prairie grasslands transition into mountain forests, creating a diverse landscape that has captivated explorers and nature lovers for generations.
Campsite details
AccessibilityNo information about accessibility features is provided.
Sites SizeThe campsites are described as spacious and nicely dispersed. One user mentioned, 'The sites are spacious, wooded, and abundant in wildflowers.'
Sites PrivacyThe campsites offer a good level of privacy. User reviews describe the sites as 'nicely dispersed' and 'clean and well laid out.'
Total Campsites9 campsites
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Anytime after 12 PM
Check-out
By 11 AM
Stay Limit
14 days maximum per stay.
Groups
No specific details about group camping sites are provided.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Open and Closed SeasonLate spring to early fall. Specific dates vary and users should contact the District Office to verify.
Reservation PlatformsReservations may be made through applicable platforms but no specific website or system is provided.
Cancellation PolicyReservation fees apply for reservable sites but details about cancellation rules are not provided.
Amenities available
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Wood Lake Campground offers several recreational activities, including fishing, hiking, and non-motorized boating. The surrounding beauty of the area enhances these experiences, but users have noted some challenges with the condition of the lake.
Hiking
The campground is surrounded by scenic hiking trails that allow campers to explore the area. These trails are described as 'skirting the camp' and offer opportunities to enjoy the natural beauty of the Rocky Mountain Front.Fishing
Fishing is available at Wood Lake, and user reviews mention catching 10 to 12-inch trout. However, one user pointed out issues with the lake's condition, stating, 'The trodden banks were covered in cow manure, there was a disgusting green slick over the lake.'Swimming
Swimming is permitted in Wood Lake, but user reviews express concerns about the lake's condition, which may affect the swimming experience.Boating
Non-motorized boating is allowed on Wood Lake. However, some users were hesitant to use the lake due to its poor condition, including cow manure and a green slick on the water.Winter Activities
There is no information about winter recreational activities at the campground.Water Sports
Non-motorized water sports like kayaking are possible but may be impacted by lake conditions.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
Hazards
General hazardsBears are frequently reported in the area, requiring mandatory food storage in approved containers. Cow manure around the lake and a green slick have been noted in reviews.
Weather forecast
58
°F
Aug 26
Tuesday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 36%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 5 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Clear sky
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Good to know
Trash and recyclingThere is no mention of trash or recycling facilities at the campground.
Proximity to water featuresWood Lake is within the vicinity, suitable for fishing and swimming. However, user reviews report poor lake conditions due to cow manure and algae.
Common complaintsUser reviews mention generator noise past quiet hours, traffic noise from nearby cattle grates and horse trailers, and poor lake conditions due to cow activity.
Campground Map
Driving directionsWood Lake Campground is located 24 miles west of Augusta on Benchmark Road 235.
Access involves approximately 20 miles of washboard gravel road. User reviews state that the drive 'took about an hour' with a small Geopro trailer in tow. Roads can be rough but manageable.Camper Reviews
0.0
4 reviews
Wood Lake Campground has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews for Wood Lake Campground are mixed. While many praise the natural beauty, spacious campsites, and recreational opportunities like fishing and hiking, others criticize the poor condition of the lake, noise issues, and the rough gravel road leading to the campground.
Review Summaries
Based on 4 reviews
What Campers Love
Highlights include spacious and well-laid-out campsites, clean vault toilets, and opportunities for fishing, hiking, and enjoying scenic surroundings. One user praised the 'clean vault toilets' and...
Based on 4 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Common complaints include the poor condition of the lake, which was described as 'covered in cow manure' and 'a disgusting green slick.' Noise from generators and nearby road traffic, including horse...
Based on 4 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Bring cash or checks for payment. Fishing gear is recommended, but users advise being prepared for the lake's poor condition. A high-clearance vehicle is suggested for the gravel road.
Based on 4 reviewsSeasonal Insights
The campground is best enjoyed in late spring to early fall, per the operating season. Reviews from mid-summer highlight fishing opportunities and clean facilities, while some note noise and lake...
Based on 4 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
1. 'Wood Lake is one of the prettiest places we've ever camped. The sites are spacious, wooded, and abundant in wildflowers.' 2. 'Vault toilet cleaned monthly, $10 per night. No sights on the lake...
Based on 4 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
No specific site numbers were mentioned in the reviews, but users consistently noted that campsites are spacious and well-laid-out.
Based on 4 reviewsAccessibility Features
No reviews specifically addressed accessibility features.
Based on 4 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
No reviews specifically addressed pet-related policies or experiences.
Based on 4 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025