Badger Lake Campground

Star3.88
12 reviews
Badger Lake Campground, Mt. Hood National Forest, Oregon
Summer Destination

Quick Facts

4,472 ft

Price

$10/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

Varies

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Opens Mt. Hood National Forest site

Official Website
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Badger Lake Campground
$10.00 - $10.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Overnight use is $10 per campsite per night. Interagency Senior/Access Recreation Passes provide a 50% discount to the fee for the campsite occupied...
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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

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What Campers Say

3.88

Mixed Reviews

Based on 12 reviews

6 Google reviews

"User reviews depict a mixed experience at Badger Lake Campground. Some users praise its remote beauty and access to outdoor activities, while others express frustration over overcrowding, littering, and deteriorating conditions."

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Campground Map

Badger Lake Campground, Mt. Hood National Forest, Oregon

Badger Lake Campground

Badger Lake Campground, Mt. Hood National Forest, Oregon

Driving directionsFrom Sandy, OR - Follow Highway 26 East to merge onto Highway 35 North. Continue on Hwy 35 for 4.5 miles and turn right onto Forest Road 48 and continue 15.3 miles. Turn left onto Forest Road 4860 and head north for 7 miles. Turn right onto FR 4860-140 spur and continue for 4 miles until you reach Badger Lake campground. FR 4860-140 may require high clearance or 4WD. From Hood River, OR - Follow Highway 35 South for 34 miles. Turn left onto Forest Road 48 and continue 15.3 miles. Turn right onto Forest Road 4860 and head north for 7 miles. Turn left onto FR 4860-140 spur and continue for 4 miles until you reach Badger Lake campground. FR 4860-140 may require high clearance or 4WD. From Tygh Valley, OR - Follow Wamic Market road for approximately 6 miles. Continue onto Rock Creek / White River Road for another 7 miles. Once you reach the forest boundary you will be on Forest Road 48 which you will follow for 6.6 miles. Turn right onto Forest Road 4860 and head north for 7 miles. Turn right onto FR 4860-140 spur and continue for 4 miles until you reach Badger Lake campground. FR 4860-140 may require high clearance or 4WD. **These roads are rough and not recommended for passenger cars. Trailers are not allowed on the 140 spur. Please contact the ranger district for road conditions.
Access roads to Badger Lake Campground are rough and not recommended for passenger cars. FR 4860-140 spur requires high-clearance vehicles or 4WD. Trailers are prohibited on this spur road.
Nearby places
Sandy, OR: approximately 60 miles, Hood River, OR: approximately 50 miles, Tygh Valley, OR: approximately 25 miles.
Nearby supplies
Groceries, camping supplies, and fuel available in Sandy, OR.

Best Time to Camp at Badger Lake Campground

Experience the dramatic dance of Pacific Northwest seasons at Badger Lake, where winter transforms the landscape into a crystalline wonderland of snow-draped forests and frozen shorelines. As spring melts into summer, the campground awakens to perfect hiking weather, with daytime temperatures hovering in the sweet spot of 70-80°F—ideal for trail adventures by day and stargazing by cool mountain nights.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
3.0 / 5

Accessible for hiking/boating but reviews note crowding, flies and litter more common in warm months.

Best
Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Fall likely offers quieter trails and good foliage/scenery; fewer crowd complaints implied.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.0 / 5

Spring brings melting snow and migrating wildlife; muddy conditions and access variability likely.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
3.0 / 5

Open year‑round with snow‑draped forests and frozen shorelines, but access and winter services unclear.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: Not specified.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open year-round.
  • Current Alerts: Site is currently closed.

About Badger Lake Campground

Nestled on the pristine shores of Badger Lake, this remote mountain campground rewards adventurous souls who brave its rugged access road with breathtaking lake vistas and direct entry into the untamed Badger Creek Wilderness. As your basecamp for high-country exploration, you'll find yourself at the crossroads of legendary trails, including the scenic Badger Lake Trail #479A and the meandering Badger Creek Trail, where each path promises its own unique journey through Oregon's spectacular backcountry.
Badger Lake Campground supports dispersed and semi-primitive camping with a focus on tents and RVs. It is a fee site with first-come, first-served options.
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
Open 24 hours/day.
Stay Limit
Stay limits are subject to wilderness regulations.


Activities you can enjoy

Badger Lake Campground offers a range of outdoor activities including hiking, fishing, non-motorized boating, swimming, and horseback riding. These activities align with the wilderness setting of the campground.
HikingThe campground offers access to nearby trails such as Badger Lake Trail #479A and Badger Creek Trail. These trails connect to the Badger Creek Wilderness, catering to both day hikers and backpackers.
FishingFishing is available in the lake and nearby streams. Specific details about fish species or fishing conditions are not provided.
SwimmingSwimming is permitted in Badger Lake, but no details are provided about designated areas or safety measures.
BoatingNon-motorized boating is allowed on Badger Lake. Motorized boats are prohibited due to wilderness regulations.
Winter Activities
Water Sports
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsRoad access challenges, wildlife, and weather conditions (flies reported by campers).
Active AlertsSite is currently closed.
No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

Weather at Badger Lake Campground

Reviews

3.9
12 reviews
Mixed Reviews
Mixed Reviews
Badger Lake Campground has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews depict a mixed experience at Badger Lake Campground. Some users praise its remote beauty and access to outdoor activities, while others express frustration over overcrowding, littering, and deteriorating conditions.
Review Summaries
Based on 12 reviews

What Campers Love

Users appreciate the scenic beauty, remote setting, and access to wilderness trails. One reviewer mentioned it as 'the best campground I have ever been to by far.'
Based on 12 reviews

Common Concerns

Common complaints include the rough access road, overcrowding, littering, and lack of adherence to 'leave no trace' principles. Issues such as fish guts and trash being left behind were highlighted.
Based on 12 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers are advised to have a high-clearance vehicle or 4WD to access the campground. Bringing all necessary supplies, including drinking water, is crucial as there are no on-site provisions....
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Based on 12 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Reviews indicate that the area is more crowded post-COVID, especially during peak seasons. Conditions such as flies and overcrowding might be more prevalent in warmer months.
Based on 12 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'Best campground I have ever been to by far. Definitely need a car with ground clearance and 4wd but so worth the extremely long drive.' - Ethan McKinley. 2. 'It’s sad because it used to be so...
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Based on 12 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Reviews suggest dispersed camping options are available, and the main campground fills up quickly during busy periods. Site-specific details are unavailable.
Based on 12 reviews

Accessibility Features

No feedback from users with disabilities is available.
Based on 12 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

No specific information about pet policies or experiences was mentioned.
Based on 12 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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