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Map showing campground location near Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area, Oregon
Camper submitted image from Black Lake Campground—Mount Hood National ForestView 7 Photos
NatureMap showing campground location near Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area, Oregon

Black Lake Campground—Mount Hood National Forest

4 ReviewsAdd Review
SUMMARY PRESENTED BYT-Mobile

Mt. Hood National Forest's Black Lake Campground sits at the end of a forest road in Hood River County, giving it a remote feel despite its established status. The campground has just four sites arranged on a hillside above a small lake, connected by foot paths rather than a paved loop. Four-wheeled vehicles cannot access individual sites, so most campers park outside and walk in, though bicycles and motorcycles can navigate the narrow paths to each spot. Sites 1 and 2 tend to offer more separation, while sites 3 and 4 sit close together near the main access path.

The lake is visible from camp and easy to reach on foot. Jonathan H. describes the setting as having "an overlook of the valley, and nice (if undeveloped camp sites)," which sums up the trade-off here: the layout is distinctive, but amenities are minimal. Pit toilets are on-site, campfires are permitted, and pets are welcome. Cell service is listed as available. Rainy Lake Campground sits roughly a mile to the north, making it a reasonable side trip or alternative if Black Lake is full.

The campground's small size and end-of-road position have historically kept crowds low on weekdays, but at least one reviewer reports that weekend nights, particularly Saturdays, can draw loud groups from the surrounding area. Bugs can also be a factor in June. The season runs June through October 1, with nightly fees between $15 and $23. Campers interested in camping spots around Mt. Hood National Forest will find several other options within a short drive. Those who don't mind the walk-in access and undeveloped sites will find Black Lake worth the extra planning.

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Map & DirectionsBlack Lake Campground is located in Oregon near Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area

Detail location of campground
Public Campground

Directions

From Hood River, OR take OR-281 about 4 miles then turn right on Portland Drive for 2 miles, turn left on Country Club Road then continue on Binns Hill Drive and turn left on Kingsley Road and follow for 6 miles. Take a left on Dead Point Road and after 2 miles take a right on Forest Road 2820 then left on Forest Road 2820 four miles to the campground. 

Coordinates

45.61490047 N
121.75900028 W

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Connectivity

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    T-Mobile5G
    Excellent Coverage
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    VerizonLTE
    Some Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&TLTE
    Some Coverage

Connectivity

Presented byT-MobileT-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoorsLearn More
  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile5G
    Excellent Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    VerizonLTE
    Some Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&TLTE
    Some Coverage

Access

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

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • Group
  • Tent Cabin

Features

For Campers

  • Picnic Table
  • Phone Service
  • Reservable
  • Toilets
  • Alcohol
  • Pets
  • Fires

Drive Time

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Reviews4 Camper Reviews - Black Lake Campground

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4 Reviews

Guests frequently mentioned the unique walk-in layout with lakeside sites connected by trails. Most appreciated the peaceful setting, though weekend party noise can be an issue.

SUMMARY PRESENTED BYT-Mobile
Reviewed Jun. 30, 2025

Quiet and peaceful mountain lake

Love this small campground at the end of the road. Beautiful overlook of the valley, and nice (if undeveloped camp sites). Bugs were a bit rough in June.

Site1
Month of VisitJune
  • Review photo of Black Lake Campground—Mount Hood National Forest by Jonathan H., June 30, 2025
  • Review photo of Black Lake Campground—Mount Hood National Forest by Jonathan H., June 30, 2025
Reviewed Jul. 18, 2021

Teenage parties!

I’ve need here a couple of times and every Saturday night hordes of teenagers show up and party all night. Loud music, drunk driving, trash everywhere, reviving up engines and yelling all night. When confronted the terns said this is where the local kids come to party and purposely run people out to keep this spot as “theirs”.

Month of VisitJuly
Reviewed Sep. 2, 2019

Greats location

4 camp sites surrounding a small lake. 1 and 2 are private While 3 and 4 are right next to each other. Campsite 2 is on the way to 3 and 4 so not to private.

The camp is a close walk to many trails and other sites.

The best campsites are those that are not crowded and you can enjoy the stillness during the day or night. This camp had just that no one around.!

  • Review photo of Black Lake Campground—Mount Hood National Forest by Ryan D., September 2, 2019
  • Review photo of Black Lake Campground—Mount Hood National Forest by Ryan D., September 2, 2019
Reviewed Sep. 11, 2016

Great views of Black Lake

I stumbled on this campground while visiting Rainy Lake, which is one mile North of Black Lake. This is a fun campground with a unique layout.

Unlike most campgrounds, the sites are not laid out on a grid. Spaces are spread seemingly randomly on the hillside just next to the lake and connected by thin hiking paths. There is no vehicle parking, but I could see bicycles and motorcycles having easy access to each campsite. A 4-wheeled vehicle will not fit in here. You'll need to park outside the campground and walk-in if that's your vehicle of choice.

The lake is visible from camp and easily accessible.

Showing results 1-4 of 4 reviews

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need reservations for Black Lake Campground?

Reservations are not available for Black Lake Campground as it operates on a first-come, first-served basis. With only four campsites total, this small campground can fill up quickly, especially on weekends and during summer months. For the best chance of securing a spot, arrive early in the day, particularly on weekdays. Be prepared with backup options in case the campground is full when you arrive.

Where is Black Lake Campground located in Oregon?

Black Lake Campground is located in Mount Hood National Forest in Oregon. The campground is situated right next to Black Lake, and is about one mile south of Rainy Lake. It's positioned on a hillside overlooking the lake, offering beautiful valley views. The campground is at the end of a forest road, making it somewhat secluded while still being accessible for most vehicles. Its location provides convenient access to numerous hiking trails and other recreational sites in the Mount Hood area.

What are the best camping spots at Black Lake?

At Black Lake Campground, sites 1 and 2 offer the most privacy. Site 1 is particularly secluded and well-situated. Site 2, while private, is positioned on the path to sites 3 and 4, so it experiences some foot traffic. Sites 3 and 4 are adjacent to each other with less separation, making them ideal for groups camping together. All sites feature a unique, non-grid layout spread across the hillside near the lake, connected by pathways, offering a more natural camping experience than traditional campgrounds.

Are there photos available of Black Lake Campground?

Photos of Black Lake Campground are available through several sources. The official Mount Hood National Forest website typically features basic images of the campground. For more comprehensive visuals, check The Dyrt's campground listing, which includes user-submitted photos showing the lake, campsites, and surrounding area. Additionally, recreation.gov may offer some photographic content. These resources help visualize the campground's hillside setting, lake views, and the relatively undeveloped nature of the four campsites.

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