How much does camping cost at Gold Lake Campground (Or)?

Camping fees at Gold Lake Campground (Or) range from $8-$26/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Gold Lake Campground (Or) first-come first-served or reservation?

Gold Lake Campground (Or) 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.

What is the best time to visit Gold Lake Campground (Or)?

Gold Lake Campground (Or) is open June 22 to September 11. 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 Gold Lake Campground (Or)?

Gold Lake Campground (Or) does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

How many campsites does Gold Lake Campground (Or) have?

Gold Lake Campground (Or) has 22 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Gold Lake Campground (Or)?

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

What amenities are available at Gold Lake Campground (Or)?

Gold Lake Campground (Or) offers: Restrooms, Potable Water. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

Gold Lake Campground (Or)

3.95

19 reviews

Top 9%Fall

Summer Destination

Featured in:Fishing Camping

Real-Time Availability

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Quick Facts

5,367 ft

Price

$8 - $26/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

22 campsites

Season

This location is ava...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Book on American Land and Leisure Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

5,367 ft

Price

$8 - $26/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

22 campsites

Season

This location is ava...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Book on American Land and Leisure Official Website

Get Directions

Gold Lake Campground (Or)

$8.00 - $26.00 / night

Campsite Fees

ScanPay 1: $26.00; ScanPay 2: $8.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in person).

No paid fee categories listed.

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Campground Map

Gold Lake Campground (Or)

43.6303, -122.0647

Weather at Gold Lake Campground (Or)

Current alerts(2)

Any accepted senior passes must be entered for the discount at the time of booking for single sites only.
Customer Service Contact 801-226-3564 or Help.Willamette.MiddleFork@AmericanLL.com

Best Time to Camp at Gold Lake Campground (Or)

Best season: fall. Fall offers the best combination of cooler, stable weather and low insect pressure — daytime highs commonly run in the 50s–60s°F with crisp nights dropping into the 20s–30s°F by mid-October. Hiking, fishing and wildlife viewing are at their peak as trails quiet down, lakes calm and the surrounding meadows show late-season color; boating is still possible early in the season. Expect lighter crowds after Labor Day, though weekends can still be moderately busy; bring warm layers and check for local Peak months: September, October, August Avoid: November, December, January, February

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.5 / 5

Top 9% in US

Fall noted as most reliable conditions; cooler days and fewer mosquitoes make it ideal.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: June 22 to September 11. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: This location is available on a first-come, first-served basis only. Visitors are required to physically arrive at the campground to purchase and claim a site.

About Gold Lake Campground (Or)

Gold Lake Campground sits in mid-elevation forest within Willamette National Forest, operated by American Land and Leisure during peak months. The small campground offers tent, RV, and primitive sites with vault toilets, potable water, fire rings, and picnic tables. Visitors hike nearby trails, fish the calm lake, and pick huckleberries in late summer, with fall bringing the best weather and lowest insect pressure.

Gold Lake Campground offers a mix of camping options suitable for tents and RVs. Sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis, and some provide lake access. The campground's small size and remote location contribute to its quiet and peaceful ambiance.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: fall. Fall offers the best combination of cooler, stable weather and low insect pressure — daytime highs commonly run in the 50s–60s°F with crisp nights dropping into the 20s–30s°F by mid-October. Hiking, fishing and wildlife viewing are at their peak as trails quiet down, lakes calm and the surrounding meadows show late-season color; boating is still possible early in the season. Expect lighter crowds after Labor Day, though weekends can still be moderately busy; bring warm layers and check for local Peak months: September, October, August Avoid: November, December, January, February

Elevation5367 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground borders a quiet, motor-free lake surrounded by huckleberry bushes that ripen in mid-August. Sites connect to a network of trails leading through nearby meadows and to other alpine lakes. The area sits in mixed conifer forest with no significant elevation views mentioned in reviews. Flora and fauna are common along the trails, though mosquitoes are heavy during summer months.

Lodging & AccommodationsThere are no indications of hotel-style lodges or alternative accommodations. The campground is exclusively for tent and RV camping.

Programs & ActivitiesNo cultural or educational programs are mentioned in the materials provided.

Best Campsites

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Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Stay limits not specified.

Groups

Group camping sites are not mentioned in the provided material.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations possible through Scan and Pay via Recreation.gov mobile app.

Site SizeSites are standard in size, as no specific measurements are provided. Most sites accommodate tents, and there are some sites with lake access.

PrivacyThe sites are described as quiet, with some offering lake access. They appear to provide a moderate level of privacy, though no fences or barriers are mentioned.

Total Campsites22 campsites

Recommended SitesSites with lake access are recommended for views and proximity to water, though these "can only be accessed from the campsite.

Best CampsitesSite #2 received positive feedback in reviews. Some sites sit directly on the lake, while others are tucked into huckleberry thickets away from the water. All include fire rings and picnic tables, and some have fireplaces with cooking grates.

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Amenities available

The amenities at Gold Lake Campground cater to campers who value natural beauty and simplicity. Fire rings and picnic tables are provided at the campsites. According to multiple user reviews, the campground has very clean and well-maintained pit toilets. Potable water is available via a pump that campers can use to fill their containers, though one reviewer noted that the water appeared 'almost greasy' and recommended it for dishwashing rather than drinking. The lake is calm with no motorized boats allowed, adding to the peaceful atmosphere.

Potable water

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

Gold Lake Campground offers a range of nature-based recreational opportunities. Popular activities include hiking, fishing, and kayaking, with trails connecting the campground to the surrounding Diamond Peak Wilderness area and other lakes. The peaceful lake prohibits motorized boats, making it ideal for fly fishing and kayaking. While there is no designated swimming area, the lake's calm waters are accessible directly from some campsites.

Winter Activities

Water Sports

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Reviews

From Booking Sources

4.0

19 reviews

Mixed Reviews

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

User reviews consistently praise the campground for its cleanliness, peaceful atmosphere, and scenic beauty. The pit toilets are frequently commented on as being well-maintained, and the lake's no-motor policy enhances the tranquil setting. However, some complaints include mosquitoes during the summer and occasional smoke from regional fires.

Review Summaries

Based on 19 reviews

What Campers Love

Common positives include the 'very clean bathrooms,' 'quiet and calm lake,' and 'nice sites' with amenities like fire rings and picnic tables. Many reviewers appreciate the natural environment, such...

Based on 19 reviews

Common Concerns

Frequent complaints focus on the mosquitoes during summer, with one reviewer describing them as 'horrible.' Another issue is the boat ramp, which is described as 'not well-placed' and surrounded by...

Based on 19 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site #2 is specifically mentioned as having a fire ring and picnic table, along with nearby access to a water pump. Some lakeside sites are described as desirable but often occupied.

Based on 19 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring mosquito repellent, especially in the summer months. Check smoke reports before arrival to avoid poor air quality due to regional fires. Download the Recreation.gov app in advance due to...

Based on 19 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer is the most popular season, but it comes with challenges like mosquitoes and occasional smoke from regional fires. Mid-August is highlighted for huckleberry picking opportunities.

Based on 19 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'Gold Lake is a small campground that is well maintained.' - Jessica M. 2. 'The lake is very calm and still, no motorized boats are allowed.' - Jessica M. 3. 'Clean toilets, nice sites, chill...

Based on 19 reviews

Accessibility Features

No reviews specifically addressing accessibility were provided.

Based on 19 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

No reviews specifically addressing pet policies or experiences with pets were provided.

Based on 19 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

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Go if

You want a quiet lake setting with hiking access and don't mind vault toilets or seasonal operation.

Skip if

You need flush toilets, extensive day-use amenities, or want to avoid summer mosquitoes.

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Campgrounds

Gold Lake Campground (Or)

From the U.S. Forest Service

Reference information about Gold Lake Campground (Or) sourced from official USFS records and forestcamping.com. View official recreation.gov page →

Overview

This 21 site campground is situated near the Cascade crest with some sites adjacent to the picturesque Gold Lake. Visitors come for the alpine forest setting, quiet, autumn huckleberries, and wildlife viewing. The adjacent Gold Lake bog is ideal for viewing deer, elk, and beaver.Gas motors are prohibited on the small lake (100 acres in size and 25 feet deep), but electric motors are allowed at slow-no wake speed. Non-motorized craft are permitted, such as canoes and float tubes. The lake is fly-fishing only; please consult the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife regulations for the most up-to-date information.A historic "Willamette Winged" log shelter exists in the day use area, and provides an overnight place for cross-country skiers during the winter, and a day-use facility during summer. The shelter was designed by William Parke, the Willamette National Forest's first Recreation Planner, and constructed with Civilian Conservation Corps labor during the early 1940s. Parke was a 1932 graduate of the Oregon State College of Forestry, and was training as a Landscape Architect at the University of Oregon when hired by the Forest Service.

About the campground

The elevation is 4,900 ft. The campground, on Gold Lake, has a secton of tent-only sites near the fee booth, two spurs through a stand of mixed conifers including Engelmann spruce, hemlock, and fir offering two different camping experiences. Its Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) origin can be seen in the open log shelter co-located with site 12, stone fire stoves at some sites with no fire- rings or grilles, and tight curves within the campground. The spur straight ahead from the entrance and across a bridge over Salt Creek has sites tucked into the woods. Campsites on the spur to the right of the entrance are closest Willamette National Forest 449 to Gold Lake with some along the shoreline. The campground is a favorite with fly-fishing people of all ages. Huckleberry bushes are plentiful. Firewood is available for a fee. This is bear country; practice safe food storage techniques.

Seasons & access

Open May 13 through October 12 - weather dependent

Facilities

The water spigot is a handpump.

Water activities

Gold Lake is 100 acres - good for canoes and kayaks. Willamette National Forest 450

RV information

The parking aprons in the spur to right of entrance are paved, while the other spur has gravel aprons. Grey water disposal sites are scattered throughout campground. The interior road is paved with tight turns making it difficult for large RVs to maneuver. For the spur straight ahead from entrance, some RVs will probably have to back up at the turnaround.

Directions

From Oakridge, OR, take State Rt. 59 east to Gold Lake Sign. Turn left at sign onto Gold Lk Rd. (gravel) and go 1.9 miles to campground. NOTE: Gold Lk Rd. is single-lane with turnouts.

National Forest: Willamette National Forest
Ranger District: Middle Fork
Elevation: 4900
Rate: $19 per day
Maximum Stay: 14
Open Season: June – October