Free and hike-in only, Buck Lake Camping sits within Mt. Hood National Forest, tucked into forested terrain alongside a lake. No fees mean no reservations either. Campers heading here should come self-sufficient: there are no developed facilities on record, and access is on foot. Shellrock Creek lies roughly three miles to the southwest for those who want a more established alternative. Pack in all water and supplies, and plan for a carry-in, carry-out approach to waste.
Description
This is a very kid-friendly hike to a quiet alpine lake. There are campsites at the lake. This trail begins at Buck Lake Road (Forest Road 5810-210) (3,820’) and ends at Buck Lake (4,080’). The trail climbs at a moderate grade to the west shore of Buck Lake
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsBuck Lake Camping is located in Oregon near Mt. Hood National Forest
Public CampgroundDirections
From Portland, OR - travel east on US Hwy 26 to Sandy. Turn right (southwest) on OR Hwy 211 and travel 6.1 miles to OR Hwy 224. Turn left (southeast) on OR Hwy 224 and travel 30.2 miles to Oak Grove Fork Road (Forest Road 57) (approximately at milepost 50). Turn left (east) on Oak Grove Fork Road and travel 7.4 miles to High Rock Road (Forest Road 58). Turn left (northeast) on High Rock Road and travel 1.1 miles to Forest Road 5810. Turn right (east) on Forest Road 5810 and travel 4.9 miles to Forest Road 5810-210. Turn left (northwest) on Buck Lake Road (Forest Road 5810-210) and travel 0.5 mile to the marked trailhead at a pullout on the left (west) side of the road.
Coordinates
45.11161532 N
121.87359955 W
Connectivity
T-MobileNo Coverage- VerizonNo Coverage
AT&TLTESome Coverage
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TLTESome Coverage
Access
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
- Hike-InBackcountry sites.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
Features
FREE established camping
Enjoy camping on government land. Limited or no services at this camping area.
PERMIT might be REQUIRED
We curate permit requirements across the US for our PRO members. Try PRO to see if Buck Lake Camping needs a permit.
Drive Time
- 1 hr 33 min from Portland, OR
- 1 hr 56 min from Bend, OR
- 2 hrs from Salem, OR
- 2 hrs 18 min from Albany, OR
