Black Lake Campground & Day Use Area

3.67

8 reviews

null

Summer Destination

Quick Facts

3,740 ft

Price

$20/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

Varies

Season

null

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Opens Lost Lake Resort site

Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

3,740 ft

Price

$20/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

Varies

Season

null

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Opens Lost Lake Resort site

Official Website

Get Directions

Black Lake Campground & Day Use Area

$20.00 - $20.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Single campsite fee is $20/night. Additional vehicles are $10/night. Campsite fees can be paid using cash or check. Interagency Senior and Access...

Standard Site Fee$20.00

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

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

Free with account · Checks every 2 minutes

150,000+ sites monitored · Email, SMS, or in-app notifications

Share this campground

USFS

Provider

nullnull

Help improve this page

See something outdated or incorrect? Let us know!

What Campers Say

3.67

Mixed Reviews

Based on 8 reviews

6 Google reviews

Most mentioned

views

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

Read all reviews

Campground Map

null

Black Lake Campground & Day Use Area

null

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.

Nearby places

Hood River, OR - 14 miles

Nearby supplies

null

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

The seasonal rhythms at Black Lake paint a dramatic portrait of mountain weather. Winter transforms the landscape into a snow-laden wonderland, with temperatures plunging below freezing and frequent snowfall blanketing the forest floor. As spring awakens the wilderness, the snow gradually retreats, revealing emerald meadows and crystal-clear skies. Late spring through summer emerges as the sweet spot for camping, when warm days, star-filled nights, and minimal precipitation create perfect conditions for lakeside adventures. Savvy campers target these golden weeks when the weather aligns perfectly with the area's natural splendor.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Summer likely best for swimming and trail access; explicit seasonality not given.

Fall(Sep-Nov)

3.0 / 5

Fall likely pleasant scenically but limited specific information.

Spring(Mar-May)

3.0 / 5

Spring access may be affected by snowmelt; trails connect to wilderness.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

2.0 / 5

Winter brings heavy snow; access and services likely limited or seasonal.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: null. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: null
Current Alerts: The campground status reads 'temporarily closed,' but operational hours are listed as 'open 24 hours/day.'

About Black Lake Campground & Day Use Area

Tucked away on the eastern shores of pristine Black Lake, this secluded primitive campground beckons adventurers seeking an authentic wilderness experience. Here, where the forest meets the water's edge, you'll find yourself immersed in the untamed beauty of the Pacific Northwest. The campground serves as a gateway to the Black Lake Trail, threading north into the renowned Mark O. Hatfield Wilderness—a landscape where solitude reigns and nature remains undisturbed. This is camping as it was meant to be: no hookups, no crowds, just you and the wilderness. While basic restrooms provide a touch of convenience, you'll need to bring your own water and embrace the pack-in, pack-out ethos that keeps this hidden gem pristine.

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 SignificanceBlack Lake Campground stands as a testament to Oregon's conservation legacy, intimately connected to the Mark O. Hatfield Wilderness—a living monument to environmental stewardship. Named for the longtime senator who championed wilderness preservation, this protected landscape represents decades of dedication to keeping Oregon's natural treasures intact for future generations. Every trail and shoreline here tells the story of successful conservation efforts that have preserved this corner of the Cascades in its wild, original state.

Weather and SeasonsThe seasonal rhythms at Black Lake paint a dramatic portrait of mountain weather. Winter transforms the landscape into a snow-laden wonderland, with temperatures plunging below freezing and frequent snowfall blanketing the forest floor. As spring awakens the wilderness, the snow gradually retreats, revealing emerald meadows and crystal-clear skies. Late spring through summer emerges as the sweet spot for camping, when warm days, star-filled nights, and minimal precipitation create perfect conditions for lakeside adventures. Savvy campers target these golden weeks when the weather aligns perfectly with the area's natural splendor.

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's mirror-like waters reflect the surrounding old-growth forest, creating a scene of breathtaking tranquility that defines this primitive paradise. The eastern shoreline where the campground nestles offers intimate access to the lake's peaceful waters, while towering conifers provide a cathedral-like canopy overhead. This untouched pocket of the Mark O. Hatfield Wilderness showcases nature in its purest form—moss-draped trees, pristine waters, and the kind of deep forest silence that has become increasingly rare. The lush, temperate environment supports a rich ecosystem where wildflowers bloom in season and wildlife moves freely through their ancestral corridors.

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.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

Null

Check-out

Null

Stay Limit

Null

Guests Allowed Per Site

Null

Groups

There is no mention of designated group sites at the campground.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutnull

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

AccessibilityThere is no information available regarding accessibility features for individuals with disabilities.

Site SizeThere are no specific descriptions of campsite sizes.

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

Recommended Sitesnull

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.

HikingThe campground accesses the Black Lake Trail, which connects to the Mark O. Hatfield Wilderness trail network. No additional details are provided about trail difficulty, length, or features.

SwimmingSwimming is listed as a water activity available at Black Lake. No specific details about designated areas or safety measures are provided.

Winter Activities

Water Sports

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.

Active AlertsThe campground status reads 'temporarily closed,' but operational hours are listed as 'open 24 hours/day.'

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.