How much does camping cost at Black Lake Campground & Day Use Area?

Camping fees at Black Lake Campground & Day Use Area range from $20/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Black Lake Campground & Day Use Area first-come first-served or reservation?

Black Lake Campground & Day Use Area accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Black Lake Campground & Day Use Area before I book?

Yes! Black Lake Campground & Day Use Area has 3 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Black Lake Campground & Day Use Area?

Black Lake Campground & Day Use Area is open null. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Black Lake Campground & Day Use Area?

Black Lake Campground & Day Use Area does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

Can I have a campfire at Black Lake Campground & Day Use Area?

Fire policies at Black Lake Campground & Day Use Area: null. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

Are dogs allowed at Black Lake Campground & Day Use Area?

Pets are not allowed at Black Lake Campground & Day Use Area. This policy helps protect local wildlife and other campers. Consider nearby pet-friendly campgrounds if traveling with animals.

What amenities are available at Black Lake Campground & Day Use Area?

Black Lake Campground & Day Use Area offers: Restrooms. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Black Lake Campground & Day Use Area?

Popular activities at Black Lake Campground & Day Use Area include Hiking, Swimming. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Black Lake Campground & Day Use Area

2.75

8 reviews

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Summer Destination

Featured in:Hidden Gem Campgrounds Oregon

Quick Facts

3,740 ft

Price

$20/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

Varies

Season

null

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Check Availability Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

3,740 ft

Price

$20/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

Varies

Season

null

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Check Availability Official Website

Get Directions

Black Lake Campground & Day Use Area

$20.00 - $20.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Camping : 50% discount for single site camping with any of these passes: Interagency Senior, Interagency Access, Golden Age or Golden Access. Day...

Standard Site Fee$20.00

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USFS

Provider

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I manage this campground

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Campground Map

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Black Lake Campground & Day Use Area

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Nearby places

Hood River, OR - 14 miles

Nearby supplies

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Driving directionsFrom Hood River, OR - Take OR-281 about 4 miles then turn right on Portland Drive for 2 miles, turn left on Country Club Road then continue on Binns Hill Drive and turn left on Kingsley Road and follow for 6 miles. Take a left on Dead Point Road and after 2 miles take a right on Forest Road 2820 then left on Forest Road 2820 four miles to the campground.

The campground is accessible via a combination of paved and unpaved roads. Seasonal challenges may not be documented, but the directions include detailed road changes and turns.

Weather at Black Lake Campground & Day Use Area

Current alert: The campground status reads 'temporarily closed,' but operational hours are listed as 'open 24 hours/day.'

Best Time to Camp at Black Lake Campground & Day Use Area

Summer brings the best conditions for camping and lake activities. Daytime highs typically reach 55 to 75°F, with nights dropping to 30 to 45°F at this elevation. Trails clear of snow by mid-July, when wildflowers peak and mountain views open up. Winter dumps significant snow and sends temperatures below freezing, requiring winter travel gear for access. Spring sees gradual snowmelt. Holiday weekends draw moderate crowds in summer, but the campground otherwise maintains a backcountry feel.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Best season: temps 55–75°F; trails typically clear of snow by mid-July for activities.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: null. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: null

About Black Lake Campground & Day Use Area

Black Lake Campground sits on the eastern shore of Black Lake at 3,740 feet in Mt. Hood National Forest's Hood River Ranger District. The primitive campground offers tent sites with vault toilets but no potable water. Fees run $20 per night. The Black Lake Trail heads north from camp into the Mark O. Hatfield Wilderness.

Black Lake Campground offers a primitive camping experience with minimal facilities. It is primarily designed for tent camping and caters to visitors interested in a rugged and natural setting.

Historical Significance

The Mark O. Hatfield Wilderness takes its name from the Oregon senator who advocated for wilderness preservation during his decades in office. The designation protects this section of the Cascades as roadless, undeveloped terrain.

Weather and SeasonsSummer brings the best conditions for camping and lake activities. Daytime highs typically reach 55 to 75°F, with nights dropping to 30 to 45°F at this elevation. Trails clear of snow by mid-July, when wildflowers peak and mountain views open up. Winter dumps significant snow and sends temperatures below freezing, requiring winter travel gear for access. Spring sees gradual snowmelt. Holiday weekends draw moderate crowds in summer, but the campground otherwise maintains a backcountry feel.

ElevationPerched at 3,740 feet above sea level, Black Lake Campground offers a true mountain escape where the air is crisp and the seasons are pronounced. This elevation creates a unique microclimate where summer days remain pleasantly cool, autumn arrives with spectacular color, and winter brings substantial snowpack that transforms the landscape into a pristine wilderness playground. The altitude ensures cooler temperatures year-round, making it an ideal retreat from summer heat while demanding proper preparation for early and late-season camping.

Natural Features and SceneryBlack Lake anchors the campground, its waters bordered by old-growth conifers. The setting sits within a landscape carved by volcanic activity and glaciers, where ancient lava flows and glacial sculpting shaped the current terrain. The forest canopy shades the eastern shoreline. The campground connects directly to the Mark O. Hatfield Wilderness, part of the larger Cascade volcanic zone that continues to evolve through ongoing geological processes.

Geological RegionNestled within the Hood River Ranger District of Mt. Hood National Forest, Black Lake Campground occupies a geological wonderland shaped by volcanic forces and glacial artistry. This corner of the Cascades, where the campground seamlessly connects to the Mark O. Hatfield Wilderness, showcases the raw power of the region's volcanic heritage. The surrounding landscape bears the signatures of ancient lava flows, glacial carving, and the ongoing geological processes that continue to shape the Pacific Northwest's dramatic topography.

Scenic ViewsViews of Black Lake and the surrounding wilderness.

Lodging & AccommodationsThere are no hotel-style lodges or additional accommodations available at Black Lake Campground.

Programs & ActivitiesNo cultural or educational programs are noted at this campground.

Best Campsites

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Check-in

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Check-out

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Stay Limit

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Guests Allowed Per Site

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Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation Platformshttps://store.usgs.gov/recreational-passes

Walk-in AvailabilitySites may be reservable, and reservation fees apply. There is an indication that walk-up availability exists but details are not specified.

Cancellation Policynull

Site SizeThere are no specific descriptions of campsite sizes.

PrivacyNo information is provided about site privacy, such as seclusion or clustering.

Recommended Sitesnull

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Amenities available

Black Lake Campground is situated as a primitive tent camping area on the east shore of Black Lake and includes access to the Black Lake Trail and nearby trail networks within the Mark O. Hatfield Wilderness. The campground is described as minimally developed, and visitors are required to pack in and pack out their items, adhering to Leave No Trace principles. "This area is primitive and less visited than more developed sites," according to official information. Restrooms are available, but potable water is not provided on-site. There are no indications of additional amenities such as fire rings, picnic tables, or Wi-Fi.

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

Activities you can enjoy

Black Lake Campground offers recreational opportunities centered around its primitive and natural setting. Swimming is noted as an activity, and there are nearby trails like the Black Lake Trail, which connects to the larger trail network in the Mark O. Hatfield Wilderness. The activities are best suited for those who enjoy a less developed, wilderness-focused environment.

Hiking

Swimming

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsThere is no potable water available on-site, and visitors must prepare accordingly. Natural hazards such as wildlife and uneven terrain may be present.

No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

Fire Policynull

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are null

Emergency ServicesHood River Ranger District, Address: 6780 Highway 35 Parkdale, OR 97041, Phone: (541) 352-6002 (Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Closed 12 to 1 for lunch. Closed on federal holidays.)

Trash & RecyclingThere is no detailed information about trash and recycling facilities at the campground.

Water FeaturesLocated on the east shore of Black Lake.

Camp HostThe site is managed by Lost Lake Resort, a concessionaire.

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

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Tips from campers

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Reviews

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From Booking Sources

2.8

8 reviews

Mixed Reviews

Black Lake Campground & Day Use Area has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews

There are no user reviews available to summarize experiences at Black Lake Campground.

Review Summaries

Based on 8 reviews

What Campers Love

There are no user reviews available to highlight positive aspects.

Based on 8 reviews

Common Concerns

There are no user reviews available to summarize common complaints.

Based on 8 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

There are no user reviews available that mention specific campsites.

Based on 8 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

There are no user-provided tips or recommendations available.

Based on 8 reviews

Seasonal Insights

There are no user reviews available to analyze seasonal trends.

Based on 8 reviews

Camper Quotes

There are no user-provided quotes available.

Based on 8 reviews

Accessibility Features

There are no user reviews available that address accessibility features or experiences.

Based on 8 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

There are no user reviews available about pet policies or pet-friendly features.

Based on 8 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

Be the first to review this campground

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Go if

Wilderness-minded tent campers who self-supply water and want a lakeside basecamp for the Black Lake Trail with fewer neighbors than the developed campgrounds near Hood River, 14 miles away.

Skip if

No potable water on-site means hauling your own; add the conflicting closure status and cash-or-check-only payment, and anyone expecting basic conveniences or a confirmed-open site should call the Hood River Ranger District at (541) 352-6002 before booking.

Nearby Campgrounds

Less Visited

3.3

(12)

Rainy Lake Campground

Rainy Lake Campground, Mt. Hood National Forest

Rainy Lake Campground sits at 4,078 feet in Mt. Hood National Forest, offering four primitive tent sites at the edge of the Mark O. Hatfield Wilderness. This is bare-bones camping: vault toilets, no water, and a rough access road that demands high-clearance vehicles. Sites run $20 per night.

Black Lake Campground & Day Use Area

Quick Facts

Quick Facts

Get Notified When Available

Plan a trip to Black Lake Campground & Day Use Area

Campground Map

Weather at Black Lake Campground & Day Use Area

Best Time to Camp at Black Lake Campground & Day Use Area

Planning Tips

About Black Lake Campground & Day Use Area

Best Campsites

Reserving a campsite

Need help booking Black Lake Campground & Day Use Area?

Amenities available

Activities you can enjoy

Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

Reviews

What Campers Love

Common Concerns

Site-Specific Reviews

Go if

Skip if

Overview

Plan a trip to Black Lake Campground & Day Use Area

Best Time to Camp at Black Lake Campground & Day Use Area

Planning Tips

Best Campsites

Reserving a campsite

Need help booking Black Lake Campground & Day Use Area?

Amenities available

Activities you can enjoy

Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

Reviews

What Campers Love

Common Concerns

Site-Specific Reviews