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Camping
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Activities

Established Camping

Badger Lake Campground

Closed For the Season

This campground is closed for the season from November 1, 2024 through May 29, 2025.

Badger Lake Campground, near Dufur, Oregon, is a serene spot tucked away in the Mt. Hood National Forest, perfect for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle. With a mix of tent and RV sites, it’s a great place to unwind and soak in the natural beauty surrounding you.

The campground is known for its peaceful atmosphere, especially near the creek, where you can kick back and enjoy the sounds of nature. Visitors have mentioned that while the drive can be a bit rough, the stunning views of the lake make it worth the trip. As one camper put it, “Super quiet and such a great time had.”

For those who love water activities, the nearby lake is a highlight. It’s a great spot for fishing, and many recommend bringing a kayak or paddleboard to fully enjoy the experience. The hiking trails leading to the lake are manageable, making it a good choice for both seasoned backpackers and newcomers alike.

While amenities are limited—there’s no drinking water or electric hookups—this campground offers a true back-to-nature experience. Just remember to pack your own firewood and enjoy a cozy campfire under the stars. If you’re looking for a peaceful getaway where you can connect with nature, Badger Lake Campground is definitely worth considering.

Description

National Forest

Mt. Hood National Forest

Typically open May thru Oct. depending on weather.

Badger Lake Campground is adjacent to Badger Lake and one of the major portals to the Badger Creek Wilderness. It's a rough drive to the campground, but campers are rewarded with a beautiful lake and access to the Badger Creek Wilderness with nearby access to Badger Lake Trail #479A, and Badger Creek Trail.

Fee Info

Badger Lake Campground is receiving a new recreation fee of $10 per night beginning in July 2023 as part of the fee changes that were approved in early 2023.

Site will have an information kiosk, vault toilet, fire rings, picnic tables, site markers, trash, collection, routine patrols, and overall increased maintenance by recreation staff.

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Location

Badger Lake Campground is located in Oregon

Detail location of campground

Directions

From Sandy, OR -Follow Highway 26 East to merge onto Highway 35 North. Continue on Hwy 35 for 4.5 miles and turn right onto Forest Road 48 and continue 15.3 miles. Turn left onto Forest Road 4860 and head north for 7 miles. Turn right onto FR 4860-140 spur and continue for 4 miles until you reach Badger Lake campground. FR 4860-140 may require high clearance or 4WD. From Hood River, OR - Follow Highway 35 South for 34 miles. Turn left onto Forest Road 48 and continue 15.3 miles. Turn right onto Forest Roadd 4860 and head north for 7 miles. Turn left onto FR 4860-140 spur and continue for 4 miles until you reach Badger Lake campground. FR 4860-140 may require high clearance or 4WD. From Tygh Valley, OR - Follow Wamic Market road for approximately 6 miles. Continue onto Rock Creek / White River Road for another 7 miles. Once you reach the forest boundary you will be on Forest Road 48 which you will follow for 6.6 miles. Turn right onto Forest Roadd 4860 and head north for 7 miles. Turn right onto FR 4860-140 spur and continue for 4 miles until you reach Badger Lake campground. FR 4860-140 may require high clearance or 4WD. These roads are unimproved and not recommended for passenger cars. *Trailers are not allowed* on the 140 spur. Please contact the ranger district for road conditions.

Coordinates

45.30290498 N
121.56131797 W

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Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site
  • Walk-In
    Park in a lot, walk to your site.

Stay Connected

  • WiFi
    Good
  • Verizon
    Poor
  • AT&T
    Unknown
  • T-Mobile
    Good

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • Standard (Tent/RV)
  • Group

Features

For Campers

  • Trash
  • Picnic Table
  • Toilets
  • Pets
  • Fires

Reviews

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4 Reviews

Reviewed Aug. 29, 2022

Peaceful Get-a-Way

The drive up the the lake is not super peaceful but once you get there it's pretty great. Once you get onto the FR 4860-140 spur road it gets a bit rough with limited places to pull over to pass oncoming vehicles.

I preferred camping away from the lake since I had the whole place to myself.

Month of VisitAugust
  • Review photo of Badger Lake Campground by Michael P., August 29, 2022
  • Wind howling across the lake near nightfall.
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Reviewed Aug. 16, 2020

Worth the rough drive

You’ll want a high clearance/4wd vehicle. We took my Honda Element and had to camp in the campground instead of near the lake, which was 1/4 mile from campground. Too many big rocks and ruts in the road to attempt. The lake is gorgeous and saw people catching trout. Bring a kayak or SUP to enjoy the lake. The campground was very peaceful, especially near the creek.

Month of VisitAugust
  • Review photo of Badger Lake Campground by Lisa K., August 16, 2020
  • Review photo of Badger Lake Campground by Lisa K., August 16, 2020
  • Review photo of Badger Lake Campground by Lisa K., August 16, 2020
  • (4) View All
Reviewed Jul. 14, 2020

Backpacking Trail

This is a fairly easy trail to backpack on with lots of great sites to camp. If you’re hiking up to the lake you might want to make it a two day trip to really enjoy it. As a newcomer to backpacking, I wanted to hike a moderately inclined trail to test out my packing skills and learned very quickly that I needed to drop weight, although it was manageable on this trail so I was still able to have a good time.

  • Review photo of Badger Lake Campground by Trayia B., July 14, 2020
  • Review photo of Badger Lake Campground by Trayia B., July 14, 2020
  • Review photo of Badger Lake Campground by Trayia B., July 14, 2020
  • (4) View All
Reviewed May. 21, 2019

Peaceful

Was definitely worth the drive . Super quiet and such a great time had .

  • Review photo of Badger Lake Campground by Roberta E., May 21, 2019
  • Review photo of Badger Lake Campground by Roberta E., May 21, 2019
  • Review photo of Badger Lake Campground by Roberta E., May 21, 2019

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What is the max vehicle length at Badger Lake Campground?

    Badger Lake Campground allows vehicles up to 16 feet.

  • Are fires allowed at Badger Lake Campground?

    Yes, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, fires are allowed at Badger Lake Campground, although make sure to check current fire restrictions in the area.

  • Does Badger Lake Campground have wifi?

    No, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, Badger Lake Campground does not have wifi.