Peninsula (Olallie Lake) Campground

Star3.46
15 reviews
Peninsula Campground, Olallie Lake Scenic Area, Mt. Hood National Forest, Oregon
Summer Destination

Quick Facts

5,000 ft

Price

$20 - $30/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

36 campsites

Season

Open from July 1 thr...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Opens Mt. Hood National Forest site

Official Website
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Peninsula (Olallie Lake) Campground
$20.00 - $30.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Single sites are $20 per night, double family sites are $30 per night, and there is an additional $5 per night fee for extra vehicles. Payments can...
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Standard Site Fee$20.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$20.00
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

3.46

Mixed Reviews

Based on 15 reviews

13 Google reviews

Most mentioned

location

Some mention

dusty

"Reviews highlight the remote, scenic beauty of the campground but caution about the challenging road conditions and lack of amenities. The campground's no-swimming policy was repeatedly noted."

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Campground Map

Peninsula Campground, Olallie Lake Scenic Area, Mt. Hood National Forest, Oregon

Peninsula (Olallie Lake) Campground

Peninsula Campground, Olallie Lake Scenic Area, Mt. Hood National Forest, Oregon

Driving directionsFrom Estacada - drive south on Highway 224 for 45 miles. The road becomes Forest Service Road 46. From Road 46, turn east onto Forest Service Road 4690 and drive 6 miles on pavement, then about 3 miles on gravel, to a junction with Forest Road 4220. Turn south and continue 5 miles past Olallie Lake Resort to the Peninsula Campground. From US Hwy 26- Turn south onto Forest Road 42 (Skyline Rd.). After ~22 miles, turn left onto Forest Road 4230. After 2.7 miles, turn right onto Forest Road 4220. Campground is in about 10 miles.
The access roads include a mix of paved and gravel roads, with significant challenges such as potholes and washboards mentioned in user reviews. Roads are closed seasonally during winter.
Nearby places
Detroit (Exact distance not provided)
Nearby supplies
Nearby Olallie Lake Resort offers limited groceries, firewood, and fishing tackle.

Best Time to Camp at Peninsula (Olallie Lake) Campground

Peninsula Campground transforms with the seasons, offering distinct experiences throughout the year. Summer brings gentle mountain breezes and comfortable temperatures perfect for lakeside lounging, while autumn paints the landscape in golden hues. Winter transforms this high-country paradise into a frozen wonderland, where hardy adventurers can experience the profound silence of snow-laden forests—though accessing the campground requires determination and proper winter gear. The typically dry climate means crystal-clear nights perfect for stargazing, though mountain weather can change quickly at this elevation.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
3.0 / 5

Open in summer with pleasant weather and boating, but reviews note crowds and access issues.

Best
Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Open through Oct 15; typically quieter with good scenery and weather for lake activities.

Spring(Mar-May)
Not recommended

Official season opens July 1; spring access/operations not available.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Official season is Jul 1–Oct 15; campground closed in winter months.

Planning Tips
  • Operating Season: Open from July 1 through October 15.
  • Current Alerts: The campground remains closed as of 2025 due to post-Lionshead Fire repairs.

About Peninsula (Olallie Lake) Campground

Perched on a dramatic peninsula that reaches into the pristine waters of Olallie Lake, Peninsula Campground reigns as the area's premier camping destination. This sprawling lakeside retreat beckons anglers and paddlers with its unmatched water access and sweeping vistas. While recent wildfires have left their mark on the landscape, creating a haunting beauty of charred giants and regenerating forest, visitors should remain mindful of potential hazards like unstable trees and erosion-prone trails. The raw, evolving wilderness adds a layer of adventure to your stay, reminding campers of nature's powerful cycles of destruction and renewal.
The Peninsula Campground caters primarily to tent campers, with rustic and primitive camping options.
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Stay Limit
Maximum 14 consecutive days.

Amenities available

Picnic tables
Firewood available
Vault toilets
Camp Store

Activities you can enjoy

The campground offers a variety of outdoor activities, including hiking, fishing, non-motorized boating, and picnicking.
HikingThe only trail at the campground is the Olallie Lake Trail #731, a 2.9-mile foot trail. The broader Olallie Lake Scenic Area offers additional hiking opportunities, including the Pacific Crest Trail.
FishingFishing is available in Olallie Lake, which is home to rainbow trout. "The fishing is great mostly native rainbow trout even though tgey stock the lake," according to user reviews.
BoatingThe lake supports non-motorized boating. Boats with electric trolling motors may be allowed. The campground features a primitive boat ramp, and some campsites allow for boat mooring.
Winter Activities
Water Sports
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsWildfire-damaged areas pose risks such as falling trees, eroded slopes, and potential flash floods.
Active AlertsThe campground remains closed as of 2025 due to post-Lionshead Fire repairs.
No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

Weather at Peninsula (Olallie Lake) Campground

Reviews

3.5
15 reviews
Mixed Reviews
Mixed Reviews
Peninsula (Olallie Lake) Campground has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews
Reviews highlight the remote, scenic beauty of the campground but caution about the challenging road conditions and lack of amenities. The campground's no-swimming policy was repeatedly noted.
Review Summaries
Based on 15 reviews

What Campers Love

The campground's scenic location on a peninsula and its tranquil setting were frequently praised. Fishing opportunities were highly rated.
Based on 15 reviews

Common Concerns

Road access is difficult, with '6 miles of gravel and pot holes.' Lack of potable water and amenities is a common concern.
Based on 15 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring strong bug spray. Prepare for a long and rough drive; high-clearance vehicles are recommended. Bring all necessary supplies, including water.
Based on 15 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Winter camping is quieter and allows for ice fishing, but summer is crowded and less tranquil.
Based on 15 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'The fishing is great mostly native rainbow trout even though they stock the lake.' 2. 'Remote site with challenging road access (6 miles of gravel and pot holes).' 3. 'The long unkept dirt/pot...
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Based on 15 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Sites at the tip of the peninsula are praised for their views. Burnt areas near the entrance are less appealing.
Based on 15 reviews

Accessibility Features

Vault toilets are wheelchair accessible, but overall accessibility features are limited.
Based on 15 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pet policies and experiences were not mentioned in the reviews.
Based on 15 reviews

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Last updated January 5, 2026
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