Clear Lake (Or)

3.85

169 reviews

Summer Destination

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

Opens Mount Hood Recreation site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

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

Opens Mount Hood Recreation site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Clear Lake (Or)

$26.00 - $26.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Facility rates vary by season, with peak season fees set at $26 per night for both Standard Nonelectric and Tent Only Nonelectric sites. A holiday...

Standard Site Fee$26.00

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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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

541-352-6002mthoodcampgrounds@vista-rec.com

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What Campers Say

3.85

Mixed Reviews

Based on 169 reviews

Most mentioned

viewscleanspacioussites

"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."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

Clear Lake (Or)

45.1795, -121.6967

Driving directionsFrom Sandy, travel east on Highway 26 for about 35 miles. Turn onto Forest Road 2630 and continue for 1 mile to the campground.

The roads leading to Clear Lake Campground consist of paved highways and gravel/dirt roads for the final mile. There is no indication of seasonal closures or challenging terrain.

Nearby places

Government Camp (12 miles northwest)

Best Time to Camp at Clear Lake (Or)

Clear Lake transforms with the seasons, each bringing its own magic to this mountain retreat. Summer arrives with sun-drenched days perfect for swimming and boating, though mountain breezes can bring refreshingly cool evenings that call for cozy campfires and warm layers. As autumn approaches, crisp nights give way to spectacular days ideal for hiking and mushroom foraging. When winter blankets the landscape in snow, the campground area becomes a wonderland for cross-country skiing and snowmobiling enthusiasts who trace paths through the quiet forest. Spring's arrival brings wildflowers and rushing streams, though visitors should come prepared for the occasional mountain storm that can sweep through even in summer, adding drama to the landscape and reminding everyone of nature's powerful presence.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

3.5 / 5

Open and active in summer with boating/swimming, but low water levels and crowds can reduce experience.

Fall(Sep-Nov)

Not recommended

Campground closes Sept 21; fall season largely not available.

Spring(Mar-May)

3.0 / 5

Late spring (after May 23) open with similar features to summer; limited window and variable conditions.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

Not recommended

Campground is closed outside peak season; winter camping not available here.

Planning Tips

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

About Clear Lake (Or)

Nestled along the pristine shores of its namesake lake, Clear Lake Campground beckons adventurers seeking an authentic Pacific Northwest escape. Here, mornings begin with mist rising off the water as anglers cast their lines for the day's catch, while kayakers glide silently across the glassy surface, respecting the 10 mph speed limit that preserves the lake's tranquil atmosphere. Whether you're pitching a tent beneath towering conifers or parking your RV in one of the spacious sites, you'll find yourself immersed in nature's rhythms. Though the campground embraces a back-to-basics approach without utility hookups, modern conveniences like sturdy picnic tables, fire rings with grills, vault toilets, and regular trash collection ensure comfort without compromising the wilderness experience. Days unfold with endless possibilities: explore winding hiking trails, cool off with an afternoon swim, or simply relax at your site as the scent of campfire smoke mingles with pine.

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.

Historical SignificanceThis land tells a story that stretches back countless generations. Bordering the ancestral territories of the Warm Springs Indian Reservation, Clear Lake and its surrounding forests have long been cherished by the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs. The towering trees and pristine waters that draw visitors today are part of a cultural landscape that has sustained indigenous communities through traditional hunting, gathering, and spiritual practices. While camping here, visitors walk in the footsteps of those who have treasured this place for millennia, adding their own chapter to the ongoing story of human connection with this remarkable landscape.

Weather and SeasonsClear Lake transforms with the seasons, each bringing its own magic to this mountain retreat. Summer arrives with sun-drenched days perfect for swimming and boating, though mountain breezes can bring refreshingly cool evenings that call for cozy campfires and warm layers. As autumn approaches, crisp nights give way to spectacular days ideal for hiking and mushroom foraging. When winter blankets the landscape in snow, the campground area becomes a wonderland for cross-country skiing and snowmobiling enthusiasts who trace paths through the quiet forest. Spring's arrival brings wildflowers and rushing streams, though visitors should come prepared for the occasional mountain storm that can sweep through even in summer, adding drama to the landscape and reminding everyone of nature's powerful presence.

ElevationPerched at 3,600 feet above sea level, Clear Lake Campground offers a true mountain experience where the air is crisp and pine-scented year-round. This elevation places you in the sweet spot of the Cascade Range, high enough to escape the summer heat of the valleys below, yet accessible enough for comfortable camping from late spring through early fall. The altitude creates a unique microclimate where morning fog often clings to the lake before burning off to reveal stunning mountain vistas, and where evening temperatures drop just enough to make campfires a welcome gathering place under star-filled skies.

Natural Features and ScenerySurrounded by the majestic Mt. Hood National Forest, Clear Lake Campground immerses visitors in a cathedral of Douglas fir, western hemlock, and noble fir that tower overhead like ancient sentinels. The centerpiece is the spectacular 560-acre Clear Lake, its waters reflecting the surrounding forest like a perfect mirror on calm mornings. Originally created for irrigation, the lake has evolved into a recreational paradise where osprey dive for fish and deer emerge from the forest to drink at dawn. Late summer and early fall transform the forest floor into a forager's paradise, with chanterelles, morels, and other prized mushrooms emerging from the duff. Wildlife thrives here—from the haunting calls of owls at night to the chatter of Douglas squirrels by day, while black bears, elk, and countless bird species make their homes in this diverse ecosystem.

Geological RegionClear Lake Campground rests within a fascinating geological tapestry shaped by volcanic forces and glacial carving over millions of years. The 560-acre lake, cradled on the eastern slopes of the Cascade Range within Mt. Hood National Forest, tells a story written in ancient lava flows and mountain uplift. The surrounding mixed conifer forest grows from rich volcanic soils, creating the perfect conditions for the towering trees that define this landscape. The campground's location near the boundary of the Warm Springs Indian Reservation places it at a unique intersection of ecosystems, where the wetter western slopes of the Cascades transition to the drier eastern regions. This positioning creates remarkable biodiversity and stunning contrasts—from dense forest groves to open meadows, from rocky outcroppings to gentle lake shores—offering campers a front-row seat to the Pacific Northwest's geological grandeur.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

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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.

Groups

No specific group camping sites were mentioned.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutThe campground consists of single-family sites laid out in proximity to the shore and hiking trails, with gravel and dirt parking surfaces.

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

Walk-in AvailabilityWalk-up availability is not explicitly mentioned.

Cancellation PolicyReservations can be canceled any time before the scheduled arrival date, subject to a $10 cancellation fee. Late cancellations will additionally forfeit the first night's recreation use fee. Changes to reservation dates outside of the original period also incur a $10 fee. Further details depend on the timing and method of modification or cancellation.

AccessibilityNo specific accessibility features were mentioned in the official sources. However, user reviews did not highlight significant accessibility issues.

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.

Amenities available

Potable water

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Firewood available

Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

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.

HikingA hiking trail begins near the north end of the lake, connecting to the Pacific Crest Trail. Some users highlighted issues with certain trails being obstructed by debris and logs.

FishingFishing opportunities include a variety of trout. Anglers have mentioned success and enjoyment: "The water and lake were amazing! Great views and many fish to catch."

SwimmingSwimming is available, but the lake's condition varies. One user noted, "The lake was cold, and not swimmable."

BoatingBoating is popular, though speeds are limited to 10 mph. The boat ramp has received criticism: "The boat launch has had NO money put into it in decades and now desperately needs to be updated and repaired."

Wildlife viewingWildlife viewing is abundant with sightings of eagles and osprey mentioned.

Winter Activities

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsUsers should be cautious of muddy lake edges during late summer and broken glass on the shoreline. Wildlife, fallen trees on trails, and potential for windy conditions may pose risks.

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

Fire PolicyCampfires are restricted during dry weather conditions as mandated by local authorities.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are not strictly enforced as per user reviews.

Trash & RecyclingTrash collection is available, but some users noted a need for additional trash cans.

Water FeaturesThe campground is located on the eastern shore of Clear Lake, offering direct access for swimming, fishing, kayaking, and boating. The lake is used for irrigation and suffers from reduced water levels by mid-summer.

Camp HostMixed reviews about camp hosts. Some are described as helpful and friendly, while others are criticized for poor attitude and lack of availability.

Weather at Clear Lake (Or)

Reviews

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

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

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