How much does camping cost at Clear Lake?

Camping fees at Clear Lake are $26/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Clear Lake first-come first-served or reservation?

Clear Lake 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 Clear Lake before I book?

Yes! Clear Lake has 11 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 Clear Lake?

Clear Lake is open May 22 to September 21. 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 Clear Lake?

Clear Lake does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

Can I have a campfire at Clear Lake?

Fire policies at Clear Lake: Fire Restrictions: Fire restrictions may be imposed at any time due to hot, dry weather conditions, at which time campfires and charcoal fires may not be allowed.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

How many campsites does Clear Lake have?

Clear Lake has 28 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Clear Lake?

Pets are not allowed at Clear Lake. This policy helps protect local wildlife and other campers. Consider nearby pet-friendly campgrounds if traveling with animals.

What amenities are available at Clear Lake?

Clear Lake offers: Restrooms, Potable Water. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Clear Lake?

Popular activities at Clear Lake include Fishing, Swimming, Boating, Wildlife Viewing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Clear Lake (Or)

3.85

169 reviews

C-Report Card

Featured in:Best Campgrounds Oregon

Quick Facts

3,600 ft

Price

$26/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

28 campsites

Season

Open May 23, 2025; C...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Book on Mount Hood Recreation Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

3,600 ft

Price

$26/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

28 campsites

Season

Open May 23, 2025; C...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Book on Mount Hood Recreation Official Website

Get Directions

Clear Lake (Or)

$26.00 / night

Campsite Fees

STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $26.00; TENT ONLY NONELECTRIC: $26.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in person).

No campsite fee categories listed.

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

503-630-5721jacob@alaskarm.com

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

Clear Lake (Or)

45.1795, -121.6967

Nearby places

Government Camp (12 miles northwest)

Weather at Clear Lake (Or)

Current alerts(5)

Click here for more information on the Mt. Hood National Forest
Don't Move Firewood: Please protect Pacific Northwest forests by preventing the spread of invasive species. Firewood can carry insects and diseases that can threaten the health of our western forests.
In accordance with standard industry practices, Mount Hood Recreation will be assessing an additional vehicle fee on the second vehicle in each single family campsite, and on the third and fourth vehicle in any double family campsite, provided these vehicles are not joined to…
Off-road vehicle use is prohibited within the campground

Best Time to Camp at Clear Lake (Or)

Best season: summer. Summer offers the warmest, most reliable weather for boating, swimming, and lakeside camping — expect daytime highs around 65–80°F and cool evenings around 40–50°F at 3,600 ft. Long daylight and calm mornings make kayaking and trout fishing excellent, while most campground services are open (May 23–Sep 21). Expect moderate crowds on holiday weekends and check for wildfire smoke and seasonal fire restrictions during late summer. Peak months: July, August, June, May Avoid: October, November, December, January

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Best season for boating, swimming and reliable weather; peak crowds and lower water levels reported.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 22 to September 21. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open May 23, 2025; Closed September 21, 2025.

About Clear Lake (Or)

Clear Lake sits in the Mount Hood National Forest foothills at 3,600 feet, operated by Mount Hood Recreation with tent, RV, and primitive sites spread across a small lakeside setting. Spacious, private campsites appeal to anglers and paddlers who fish for trout and launch kayaks in calm morning water. The campground operates seasonally during peak months with vault toilets, potable water, and fire rings.

Clear Lake Campground offers options for single-family tent and RV camping. Sites are primitive, providing basic amenities and a focus on a natural camping experience.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer offers the warmest, most reliable weather for boating, swimming, and lakeside camping — expect daytime highs around 65–80°F and cool evenings around 40–50°F at 3,600 ft. Long daylight and calm mornings make kayaking and trout fishing excellent, while most campground services are open (May 23–Sep 21). Expect moderate crowds on holiday weekends and check for wildfire smoke and seasonal fire restrictions during late summer. Peak months: July, August, June, May Avoid: October, November, December, January

Elevation3600 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground sits at 3,600 feet in mixed conifer forest. Douglas fir, western hemlock, noble fir. On volcanic soils. Clear Lake covers 560 acres and was originally built for irrigation. The location near the Warm Springs Indian Reservation boundary marks a transition zone where the wetter western Cascades meet drier eastern slopes, creating contrasts between dense forest groves and open meadows. Osprey hunt over the water, and deer visit the shoreline at dawn. By mid-to-late summer, water levels drop noticeably.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo hotel-style lodges are available as this campground is focused on single-family tent and RV sites.

Programs & ActivitiesNo cultural or educational programs were noted.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Campers may stay up to 14 consecutive nights per visit during peak season.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Maximum limit of guests per site is not explicitly stated.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov online portal, mobile app, or contact center.

Site SizeSites are described as spacious in many reviews: "Large clean sites and helpful friendly hosts" and "good-sized campsites well spaced out.

PrivacyPrivacy levels vary by site, with some users describing them as "plenty of space between sites so it feels private," while others noted that adjacent sites like 4 and 5 are very close together.

Total Campsites28 campsites

Recommended SitesSite 4 and 5 are often recommended for larger groups due to their proximity, making them feel like a combined site. Site 013 is praised for its access to the water.

Best CampsitesSite 27 gets mentioned for scenic views and a spacious layout. Sites 4 and 5 sit very close together. Reviews suggest spacing varies. Some sites offer plenty of privacy, others don't.

Need help booking Clear Lake (Or)?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

Free alerts for this campground

Amenities available

Clear Lake Campground offers basic but functional amenities in a picturesque setting. "The campground offers single-family sites for tent and RV camping. Each site is equipped with a table and campfire ring with grill. Vault toilets, drinking water and trash collection are provided, but utility hookups are not available. Parking surfaces are gravel and dirt." Additionally, firewood is available for purchase from the host, although some users have reported challenges with hosts' attitudes or availability. There is no Wi-Fi or cell phone service, as noted by a user review: "No cellular service." Trash collection is provided, but some visitors have mentioned a need for more trash cans.

Potable water

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Firewood available

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

RV details

Things to do at Clear Lake (Or)

Clear Lake Campground is a hub for outdoor enthusiasts. Visitors can enjoy activities such as boating, fishing, swimming, hiking, and wildlife viewing. Winter sports like cross-country skiing and snowmobiling are also available during the colder months.

Fishing4.0/5

Wildlife viewing4.0/5

Water Sports4.0/5

Paddlers and kayakers launch into calm morning water; popular non-motor boating spot.

Boating3.5/5

Boating popular with easy access and 10 mph limit; some criticism of the boat ramp.

Swimming3.0/5

Swimming available but lake is often cold and water/level conditions vary by season.

Winter Activities3.0/5

Area supports cross-country skiing and snowmobiling, though campground is seasonal.

Signature experiences

Photography4.0/5Lake vistas, wildlife (eagles/osprey) and stargazing make it photogenic.

Not sure what to pack?Our complete camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

No Flush ToiletsFlush toilets are not available; instead, vault toilets are provided.

No Electric HookupsElectric hookups are not available at this campground. RV campers should arrive with a full battery and plan for off-grid power (generator hours/quiet rules permitting).

No Water HookupsSite-level water hookups are not available. RV campers should fill freshwater tanks before arrival; check the No Potable Water note above if applicable for drinking water.

No Dump StationThere is no dump station at this campground. Plan to use a dump station along your route or at a nearby facility before or after your stay.

Trip Planning Tools

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

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Tips from campers

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Reviews

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From Booking Sources

3.9

169 reviews

Mixed Reviews

Clear Lake (Or) has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews for Clear Lake Campground are highly polarized. Some visitors praise the spacious sites, friendly hosts, and beautiful natural setting. Others criticize the maintenance, lake conditions, and camp host availability or behavior.

Review Summaries

Based on 169 reviews

What Campers Love

Positive reviews highlight the natural beauty of the area, spacious campsites, and the tranquility during off-peak times. "Lovely campsite with plenty of space between sites so it feels private," and...

Based on 169 reviews

Common Concerns

Negative feedback includes issues such as poor lake conditions, unclean facilities, noise disturbances, and unprofessional behavior from camp hosts. "The bathrooms were the worst I have experienced...

Based on 169 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site-specific reviews include mentions of certain sites being closely spaced (e.g., sites 4 and 5). Site 7 was described as "sunny with little shade, very dusty."

Based on 169 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Users recommend bringing extra supplies like toilet paper and firewood, especially during peak season. It's also advisable to choose campsites carefully, as some are reported to be more spacious or...

Based on 169 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Peak summer months often see lower water levels in the lake and increased crowding. Winter offers a quieter experience with snow-related activities.

Based on 169 reviews

Camper Quotes

"The lake is beautiful and enormous for solitude paddlers." "With the shaded old growth of trees, it kept us cool with the summer heat." "The bathrooms were clean and overall everything is very well...

Based on 169 reviews