Campground: Horseshoe Lake

Star4.27
29 reviews
Summer Destination

Quick Facts

4,100 ft

Price

$8 - $20/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

11 campsites

Season

Open mid-June throug...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly
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Campground: Horseshoe Lake
$8.00 - $20.00 / night
Campsite Fees
A single campsite is $20 per night, and an extra vehicle is $8 per night.
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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USFS
Provider
661-702-1420
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What Campers Say

4.27

Satisfactory

Based on 29 reviews

25 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewsquietpeacefulhiking

Some mention

crowdedsmall

"Reviews for Horseshoe Lake Campground are mixed. While some praise its tranquility, scenic views, and proximity to outdoor activities, others criticize the poor maintenance, tight campsite layout, and insufficient facilities."

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Campground Map

Campground: Horseshoe Lake

46.3087, -121.5666

Driving directionsFrom Randle, Washington travel south on State Highway 131 (Forest Roads 23 and 25). Veer left in 1 mile at the Y of Forest Road 23 and Forest Road 25. Continue to follow Forest Service Road 23 for 18.5 miles then turn left onto Forest Road 21. Follow Forest Road 21 for 4.6 miles and turn right onto Forest Road 56. Follow Forest Road 56 for 3 miles and turn right onto Forest Road 5603. Follow Forest Road 5603 for 5.2 miles and turn right onto Forest Road 2329. Follow Forest Road 2329 for 3 miles and turn right onto Forest Road 2329078. Follow Forest Road 2329078 for 1.3 miles and arrive at the campground.
Road access is challenging, involving unpaved roads, gravel paths, and tight turns. This includes sections that are rutted and washed out as described in reviews; high-clearance vehicles are advised.
Nearby places
Cougar (approximately 68 miles north)
Nearby supplies
null

Best Time to Camp at Campground: Horseshoe Lake

This high-altitude haven welcomes visitors during its brief but spectacular summer season, operating from mid-June through mid-September when wildflowers bloom and mountain air turns crisp. Mountain weather here dances between sun-drenched mornings and afternoon thundershowers, creating an ever-changing tapestry of conditions. Summer brings its share of mosquitoes, so pack your repellent alongside your sense of adventure.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
3.5 / 5

Open mid‑June to mid‑Sept; wildflowers, hiking and boating are highlights but mosquitoes and crowds noted.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
Not recommended

Campground closes mid‑September; fall season largely outside operating window.

Spring(Mar-May)
Not recommended

Campground closed until mid‑June; spring not part of operating season.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Closed in winter; seasonal operation is mid‑June to mid‑September.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: null. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open mid-June through mid-September.
  • Current Alerts: Site closed as of 3/28/25 for winter.

About Campground: Horseshoe Lake

Nestled alongside a pristine 24-acre alpine lake, this rustic mountain retreat offers an intimate camping experience where nearly every site enjoys sweeping water views. The campground's cozy layout creates a close-knit community atmosphere, perfect for those seeking a traditional outdoor experience without barriers between nature and neighboring adventurers.
Horseshoe Lake Campground provides options for tent camping and possibly RVs, given the vehicle length limit of 16 feet, but does not cater to glamping or cabins. Sites operate on a first-come, first-serve basis.
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Reserving a campsite

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Stay Limit
14 consecutive nights

Amenities available

Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Horseshoe Lake Campground offers a variety of outdoor activities such as hiking, fishing, boating (limited to electric motors), and OHV trail riding. It is also located near the Mt. Adams Wilderness and several trails, making it a popular spot for adventurers.
HikingHiking opportunities are abundant, with nearby access to the Mt. Adams Wilderness via the Killen Creek trailhead. Trails such as Green Mountain Trail #110, High Lakes Trail #116, and Spring Creek Trail #115 are also in the vicinity.
FishingFishing is permitted in the 24-acre Horseshoe Lake, which features species like tiger, brook, and brown trout. However, some user reviews mention dissatisfaction with the fishing experience, describing the lake as having 'tiny fish not fit for even bait.'
BikingMountain biking is available on trails near the campground.
BoatingBoating is allowed but limited to non-motorized boats or those with electric motors. Gas-powered motors are not permitted.
Wildlife viewingWildlife spotting opportunities are highlighted in user reviews, with mentions of bears in the area. Campers should have bear spray handy.
Winter Activities
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential hazards include bears as noted by user reviews. Mosquitos are frequently mentioned. Roads are rough and require high-clearance vehicles.
Active AlertsSite closed as of 3/28/25 for winter.
No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

Weather at Campground: Horseshoe Lake

Reviews

4.3
29 reviews
Satisfactory
Satisfactory
Campground: Horseshoe Lake is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
Reviews for Horseshoe Lake Campground are mixed. While some praise its tranquility, scenic views, and proximity to outdoor activities, others criticize the poor maintenance, tight campsite layout, and insufficient facilities.
Review Summaries
Based on 29 reviews

What Campers Love

Positive aspects include the scenic lake views, peaceful setting, and opportunities for hiking and boating. One reviewer described it as 'quiet and tranquil,' and another called it 'a secret hidden...
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Based on 29 reviews

Common Concerns

Common complaints are about the small, cramped campsites, poor maintenance (particularly of the vault toilets), and the rough access roads. A user noted, 'The camp sites are tiny and poorly...
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Based on 29 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers recommend arriving early to secure a spot, bringing drinking water, and being prepared for rough roads. Bear spray and mosquito repellent are also advised.
Based on 29 reviews

Seasonal Insights

The campground is busiest during its open season from mid-June to mid-September. Summer months see an influx of visitors, making early arrival essential. Mosquitoes are noted as a significant issue...
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Based on 29 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'Great camping ground on a wonderful little lake on Mt. Adams. Quiet and tranquil.' - Bradley Jones 2. 'This place is absolutely TERRIBLE! The camp sites are tiny and poorly arranged, and the lake...
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Based on 29 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

No reviews specifically identifying the best or worst individual sites were available.
Based on 29 reviews

Accessibility Features

No reviews specifically addressing accessibility features were available.
Based on 29 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed, and dogs must be leashed. While no detailed reviews focus on pet-related experiences, the pet policy aligns with general forest guidelines.
Based on 29 reviews

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Last updated January 5, 2026
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Campground: Horseshoe Lake