Rainy Lake Campground

Star3.90
12 reviews
Rainy Lake Campground, Mt. Hood National Forest
Peace & QuietSummer Destination

Quick Facts

4,078 ft

Price

$20/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

4 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Opens Hood River Ranger District site

Official Website
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Rainy Lake Campground
$20.00 - $20.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Overnight camping fee is $20 per night for a single site. Additional vehicles incur a $10 fee per night. Interagency Senior, Access, Golden Age, or...
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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

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Provider
(541) 352-6002
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What Campers Say

3.90

Mixed Reviews

Based on 12 reviews

10 Google reviews

Most mentioned

quietlocationlake

"User reviews highlight the campground's primitive nature, scenic location, and challenging access road. The outhouse availability and lack of water are commonly noted."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

Rainy Lake Campground, Mt. Hood National Forest

Rainy Lake Campground

Rainy Lake Campground, Mt. Hood National Forest

Driving directionsFrom Hood River: Travel south on OR Hwy 281 Dee Highway for approximately 11 miles to Dee. Bear right at the old Dee Mill Site and cross the East Fork of the Hood River. Turn right again and go 1.2 miles up Punchbowl Road until it crosses the West Fork of the Hood River. The road becomes Dead Point Road (Forest Road 2820) here. Follow Dead Point Road for 11 miles until you reach Rainy Lake Campground and trailhead.
The road to the campground is described as rough and challenging. High-clearance vehicles like trucks and SUVs are recommended, as noted in user reviews. Seasonal closures are not explicitly mentioned in the authoritative content.
Nearby places
Hood River: Approximately 11 miles and 20 minutes.
Nearby supplies
Supplies, groceries, and fuel are most likely found in Hood River, approximately 11 miles away from the campground. Specific stores or locations are not mentioned in the authoritative content.

Best Time to Camp at Rainy Lake Campground

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Best season for hiking and non-motorized boating; lake access most usable in summer.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
3.5 / 5

Likely scenic and quieter in fall, but no specific seasonal review data provided.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.0 / 5

Spring use possible but access/trails may be muddy or wet; no detailed seasonal notes available.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

No winter facilities; rough access and likely snow make winter visits difficult without gear.

Planning Tips
  • Current Alerts: The campground is temporarily closed as per the authoritative content.

About Rainy Lake Campground

Tucked away in the verdant embrace of Mt. Hood National Forest, Rainy Lake Campground offers an authentic wilderness escape for those who prefer their adventures unadorned. This intimate, primitive campground serves as your gateway to the magnificent Mark O. Hatfield Wilderness, where solitude reigns and nature's rhythms replace the buzz of modern life. With minimal amenities and maximum tranquility, it's the perfect basecamp for adventurers who believe the best campsite is one that lets the wilderness speak for itself.
Rainy Lake Campground is a small, primitive campground catering to tent campers and possibly RVs, though specifics are limited.
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Amenities available

Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Rainy Lake Campground offers a variety of outdoor activities, focusing on nature-centered recreation such as hiking, fishing, and boating.
HikingHiking options include access to trails such as Rainy Lake Trail 423A, Rainy Wahtum Trail #409, and North Lake Trail #423, which connect to the Mark O. Hatfield Wilderness. Specific trail details such as difficulty levels or lengths are not provided.
FishingFishing is allowed in Rainy Lake, although there are no details about the types of fish available or the quality of fishing.
BoatingThe campground supports non-motorized boating activities. Specific details about boat types or docking facilities are not provided.
Winter Activities
Water Sports
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsThe rough road to the campground is a significant challenge for low-clearance vehicles. There is no potable water available, and the outhouse facilities are described as old and in need of maintenance.
Active AlertsThe campground is temporarily closed as per the authoritative content.
No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

Weather at Rainy Lake Campground

Reviews

3.9
12 reviews
Mixed Reviews
Mixed Reviews
Rainy Lake Campground has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews highlight the campground's primitive nature, scenic location, and challenging access road. The outhouse availability and lack of water are commonly noted.
Review Summaries
Based on 12 reviews

What Campers Love

Users appreciate the scenic location near Rainy Lake and the small, quiet nature of the campground. 'Great small primitive campground' and 'easy to get to on dual sport motorcycles' were mentioned.
Based on 12 reviews

Common Concerns

The road access to the campground is a frequent complaint, described as 'rough' or 'nasty' in many areas. The outhouse is described as 'old and dilapidated.'
Based on 12 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring plenty of water, as none is available on-site. High-clearance vehicles like trucks or SUVs are recommended due to the rough road conditions.
Based on 12 reviews

Seasonal Insights

No seasonal trends in user reviews are provided in the source material.
Based on 12 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'A small 4 spot campground a quarter miles hike from Rainy Lake.' 2. 'The road is quite nasty in many areas.' 3. 'Great small primitive campground.'
Based on 12 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

No specific campsite numbers or detailed reviews by site are mentioned.
Based on 12 reviews

Accessibility Features

No reviews specifically addressing accessibility are available.
Based on 12 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

No reviews or policies regarding pets are mentioned.
Based on 12 reviews

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Last updated January 5, 2026
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