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Established Camping

Clear Lake Campground

Clear Lake Campground, near Mt. Hood National Forest, is a fantastic spot for those looking to unwind in nature. With its picturesque setting and spacious sites, it’s perfect for families and friends wanting to enjoy the great outdoors together.

The campground is known for its beautiful scenery, with tall trees providing shade and a serene atmosphere. Many visitors have praised the cleanliness of the facilities, including the vault toilets, which are kept in decent shape. As one camper noted, “The rest of the campground was very clean!” You’ll find picnic tables and fire pits at your site, making it easy to gather around for meals and evening chats.

For those who love water activities, Clear Lake is just a short walk away, offering opportunities for paddleboarding and swimming. Reviewers have mentioned the lake's clarity, making it a lovely spot to cool off. While there’s not a ton of organized activities nearby, the peaceful environment is ideal for hiking and simply soaking in the natural beauty.

If you’re planning a visit, keep in mind that the campground operates from late May to early October. It’s a popular destination, so arriving early is a good idea, especially if you’re hoping for a lakeside spot. Whether you’re camping in a tent, RV, or cabin, Clear Lake Campground is a solid choice for a relaxing getaway.

Description

National Forest

Mt. Hood National Forest

Overview

Clear Lake Campground is a shady outdoor paradise ON Clear Lake in the mountains of northern Oregon. Visitors enjoy boating, fishing, swimming and sailing on the lake, and hiking and exploring the nearby hills and terraces. Winter recreation opportunities are available in the area when it snows.

Recreation

Boating is popular on the lake, however speeds are limited to 10 mph. A steady breeze keeps bugs away at the campground, and also propels sailboats on the lake. Swimming and fishing are available. Anglers can expect to find a variety of trout. Visitors enjoy picnicking in the day use area near the boat ramp. A hiking trail begins near the north end of the lake, connecting to the Pacific Crest Trail. In the winter, miles of snow-covered roads and trails crisscross the forest. Shellrock Creek and High Rock, off Forest Road 57, are open to cross-country skiers and snowmobile enthusiasts.

Natural Features

The campground is located in a mixed conifer forest, just north of Warm Springs Indian Reservation, in Mt. Hood National Forest. It is situated on the eastern shore of the 560-acre lake, at an elevation of 3,600. Clear Lake is used primarily for irrigation purposes. Wild mushrooms are abundant in the area during late summer and early fall. A variety of wildlife makes its home in the area.

Nearby Attractions

The small Mt. Hood village of Government Camp is 12 miles northwest of the campground. The area offers a visitor center, restaurants and year-round skiing, as well as scenic views.

Contact Info

For facility specific information, please call (541) 352-6002.

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Location

Clear Lake Campground is located in Oregon

Detail location of campground

Directions

From Sandy, travel east on Highway 26 for about 35 miles. Turn onto Forest Road 2630 and continue for 1 mile to the campground.

Coordinates

45.17945 N
121.69675 W

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Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site
  • Walk-In
    Park in a lot, walk to your site.
  • Hike-In
    Backcountry sites.
  • Boat-In
    Sites accessible by watercraft.

Stay Connected

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

Site Types

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

Features

For Campers

  • Market
  • Trash
  • Picnic Table
  • Reservable
  • Drinking Water
  • Toilets
  • Alcohol
  • Pets
  • Fires

For Vehicles

  • Pull-Through Sites

Reviews

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4.5

out of 5

24 Reviews

Reviewed Aug. 14, 2024

Decent Camping Location

This is a decent camp spot within an hour and a half of Portland metro. It has limited services, potable water, garbage and pit toilets. The water was nice, plenty deep for paddling or wading. It is pretty small, so not too many sites.

There was a Camp Host present thankfully and daily Sheriff drive by during the weekend. This was welcome due to a few obnoxious party groups. One in particular turned the forest into a rave with lights that flashed into tents, which was irritating. I think the Sheriff spoke to them because they headed out the next day. We had a nice weekend but I probably wouldn’t stay much longer than that in the future.

Month of VisitAugust
Reviewed Sep. 30, 2023

Gray Stay in Mt Hood Nat Forest

Only stayed one night, had walking access to the lake and a huge pretty secluded campsite. Beautiful area and almost no one there as of the end of September

Site13
Month of VisitSeptember
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Reviewed Aug. 21, 2023

Totally awesome spot, hosts could be more resz

Nestled among tall trees, almost on the lakefront - this campground location is ideal! The lake water was very clear and several families were paddle boarding. Unfortunately we didn't think to check the air quality before we left - it was pretty bad due to forest fires. The vault toilets were clean enough, but they ran out of toilet paper. I was glad I brought some. The rest of the campground was very clean! I would have appreciated the hosts enforcing the no-fire rule that is in effect right now, since fire danger is extremely high. There were signs posted all over but we saw several campfires at night.

Site8
Month of VisitAugust
  • Review photo of Clear Lake Campground by Kristen W., August 21, 2023
  • Review photo of Clear Lake Campground by Kristen W., August 21, 2023
  • Review photo of Clear Lake Campground by Kristen W., August 21, 2023
  • (5) View All
Reviewed Apr. 23, 2022

Winter camping on my own!

Not really clear lake but skyline sno park! Went up early one night and had a solo adventure. Was awesome and while it didn’t snow it was clear so stars were plentiful.

Siteno designated site
Month of VisitJanuary
  • Review photo of Clear Lake Campground by Jason  B., April 23, 2022
  • Review photo of Clear Lake Campground by Jason  B., April 23, 2022
  • Review photo of Clear Lake Campground by Jason  B., April 23, 2022
  • (4) View All
Reviewed Sep. 9, 2021

Beautiful Campground, not much around to do

Beautiful campsite, but there isn’t really anything around to do- (unless you’ve reserved the space - I was there on a first come). Probably better for non solo campers.

Site10
Month of VisitSeptember
  • Review photo of Clear Lake Campground by Alysa W., September 9, 2021
  • Review photo of Clear Lake Campground by Alysa W., September 9, 2021
  • Review photo of Clear Lake Campground by Alysa W., September 9, 2021
  • (6) View All
Reviewed Aug. 3, 2021

Stunning and fun-filled!

I highly recommend this campground as it is beautiful and tucked back off 26 far enough that you don't hear the highway. The host were very nice, very accommodating and our campsite was just in front of the lake shore! My son had a great time as well as my dog and I would absolutely go back again!

Site15
Month of VisitJune
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  • Review photo of Clear Lake Campground by Rebekah W., August 3, 2021
  • Review photo of Clear Lake Campground by Rebekah W., August 3, 2021
  • (13) View All
Reviewed Jul. 13, 2021

Nice campground.

Did not stay at campground. Full. Drove around lake and found a spot for free.

SiteN/A
Month of VisitJune
  • Review photo of Clear Lake Campground by Brad D., July 13, 2021
  • Review photo of Clear Lake Campground by Brad D., July 13, 2021
  • Review photo of Clear Lake Campground by Brad D., July 13, 2021
Reviewed Jun. 3, 2021

Beautiful campground

I loved camping here. It was a very clean campsite and the people were very nice. The campsites are pretty spread out which is nice and pretty tucked into the forests.

Site16
Month of VisitAugust
  • Review photo of Clear Lake Campground by Arianna R., June 3, 2021
  • Review photo of Clear Lake Campground by Arianna R., June 3, 2021
  • Review photo of Clear Lake Campground by Arianna R., June 3, 2021
  • (4) View All
Reviewed Dec. 1, 2020

Pretty and quiet

Very quiet and cold. Beautiful scenery and a nice place to get away. No cell service which can be good or bad 😸.  Very spacious sites that give privacy.  Bathrooms are alright with pit toilets; no showers unfortunately.  The lake was low when we were there.

  • Review photo of Clear Lake Campground by Alicia F., December 1, 2020
  • Review photo of Clear Lake Campground by Alicia F., December 1, 2020
  • Review photo of Clear Lake Campground by Alicia F., December 1, 2020
  • (8) View All
Reviewed Sep. 1, 2020

Had an amazing time here

Once you get there the directions are easy to follow and the camp hosts are right and the front of you have any questions. The camp spots are pretty big but they are more open and dispersed.

  • Review photo of Clear Lake Campground by Arianna R., September 1, 2020
  • Review photo of Clear Lake Campground by Arianna R., September 1, 2020
  • Review photo of Clear Lake Campground by Arianna R., September 1, 2020
Reviewed Aug. 30, 2020

Beach and trees

Such a cool spot! Short walk through the woods and you are on Clear Lake! And by short walk I mean a small tree line in the back yard of our camp! Pretty lake surrounded by tall pines! Clean bathrooms!

  • Review photo of Clear Lake Campground by Tyler M., August 30, 2020
  • Review photo of Clear Lake Campground by Tyler M., August 30, 2020
  • Review photo of Clear Lake Campground by Tyler M., August 30, 2020
  • (4) View All
Reviewed Jul. 29, 2020

Great campsite, very busy, amazing lake

Review: This is a great campground. We went on a Tuesday and found the only available spot. Many people came in looking for spots. Make sure to reserve a spot ahead of time. Campsite: Campsite had everything you need. Picnic table, tent site, and fire pit. Sites on the lake looked great but we couldn’t find an open one. Lake: Beautiful lake. Really worth the drive. Go to the Clear Lake lodge and rent a boat if you don’t have one (non motorized). It was well worth the 22$. Fishing is great too, stocked lake lots of trout. Overall: Wonderful experience, plan ahead, reserve a spot and you’ll have a great time.

  • Review photo of Clear Lake Campground by Ryan C., July 29, 2020
  • Review photo of Clear Lake Campground by Ryan C., July 29, 2020
  • Review photo of Clear Lake Campground by Ryan C., July 29, 2020
  • (6) View All
Reviewed Jul. 17, 2020

Love the North side!!

In the morning the water is so still and calm, that it looks like a canyon. Amazing time! My pup got in the water for the first time on his own. Lots of space for semi private camping and fishing. Even went topless for a day!!

  • Review photo of Clear Lake Campground by Rebekah H., July 17, 2020
  • Review photo of Clear Lake Campground by Rebekah H., July 17, 2020
  • Review photo of Clear Lake Campground by Rebekah H., July 17, 2020
  • (8) View All
Reviewed Jun. 27, 2020

Beautiful and secluded

Awesome spot if you’re looking to have your own little cove. We were on the north side of Clear Lake and it was beautiful.

Reviewed Dec. 7, 2018

Peaceful place, great sites

Have been to this place a couple of times and love it! There is a campground you can reserve sites at which are large and we'll spaced. You can also stay for free on the BLM land surrounding the lake. (If you do this please leave no trace!)

Hiking around the Clear Lake takes longer than in looks because of all the fingers so allow a couple of leisurely hours.

Its a hauntingly beautiful, chill place. A must visit for fans of mountain lakes!

  • Review photo of Clear Lake Campground by Amber M., December 7, 2018
Reviewed Sep. 7, 2018

Lakeside campground

The campground pros were its proximity to Clear Lake, the huge campsites, and it was not very crowded. We absolutely loved clear lake and it was great for paddleboarding,swimming, and fishing. We had hoped there would have been more shaded areas around the lake for our dogs to hang out but it was a bit of a walk back to the tree coverage.

Cons: Bathrooms were relatively clean but were some of the worst smelling bathrooms I've ever been in.

Month of VisitAugust
  • Review photo of Clear Lake Campground by Jasmine V., September 7, 2018
  • Review photo of Clear Lake Campground by Jasmine V., September 7, 2018
Reviewed Aug. 30, 2018

Great Spots in Great Location

Totally thrilled to have discovered this "new" (to us) camp site not too far out of Portland, Oregon. About $20/site, including some amazing spots with water views. There's a boat dock/area, but when we arrived there in August the "lake" was more of a river, which was perfect for all the splashing and playing that we wanted to do.

Many of the camp sites are huge, and most also have beautiful trees and plenty of space. No showers and such, but the pit toilets are clean enough. If you're looking for a spot to get away for the weekend, do a little hiking, hang out by Mt. Hood and play in some water, this is a perfect campground.

Month of VisitAugust
  • Review photo of Clear Lake Campground by Corinna B., August 30, 2018
  • Review photo of Clear Lake Campground by Corinna B., August 30, 2018
  • Review photo of Clear Lake Campground by Corinna B., August 30, 2018
  • (20) View All
Reviewed Aug. 4, 2018

Critter lake 😊

If you have small ones, take them critter catching! Fat frogs. Slimy salamanders, and big ol crawdaddies are good for catching. Of course release them after you snap a pic with them! First time staying in the overflow camp spots, and prefer it over the actual campground!

SiteOverflow spot 7.
Month of VisitAugust
  • Review photo of Clear Lake Campground by Stacie F., August 4, 2018
  • Review photo of Clear Lake Campground by Stacie F., August 4, 2018
  • Review photo of Clear Lake Campground by Stacie F., August 4, 2018
  • (4) View All
Reviewed Jul. 24, 2018

Site #24

Our trip to Clear Lake this weekend was quite lackluster. The lake was so incredibly low. The deepest the lake got was probably no more that 8 feet deep and there were do many stumps poking out of the lake that we were hesitant to take the boat out. We also got accused of dumping our trash by one of the park employees (it absolutely was not us) and he only talked to us which was annoying. The plus was our spot was large and clean. probably won't be going back to clear lake the rest of the summer. Also the drive up there is always so lovely.

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  • Review photo of Clear Lake Campground by Kimmee P., July 24, 2018
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Reviewed Jul. 18, 2018

Clear Lake Campground

This is one of my favorite spots to camp. The sites are clean, the new camp hosts are lovely and the lake is gorgeous!

  • Review photo of Clear Lake Campground by Kimmee P., July 18, 2018
  • Review photo of Clear Lake Campground by Kimmee P., July 18, 2018
  • Review photo of Clear Lake Campground by Kimmee P., July 18, 2018
Reviewed Jun. 15, 2018

Annual family camping spot

We absolutely love this place. Big, clean, camping sites. Cabins are nice as well. The lake of course is the best part. Crystal clear but COLD. Great fishing. They have a little restaurant where you can rent boats. Bathrooms are nice as well.

Have a full tank of gas there is no service and closest gas station is far away and closes at night.

Month of VisitAugust
Reviewed Aug. 28, 2017

Fourth of July 2017

I had a great visit at Clear Lake on the Fourth of July 2017. I arrived very late. There was only a toilet but that was fine with me. I was leaving early. The quiet morning at the lake was the perfect start to my day. The campground was near capacity, but I didn't hear a sound.

Site7
Month of VisitJuly

Frequently Asked Questions

  • How much does it cost to camp at Clear Lake Campground?

    Camping at Clear Lake Campground can cost between $26.00 and $28.00 depending on the site.

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

    Clear Lake Campground allows vehicles up to 34 feet.

  • Are fires allowed at Clear Lake Campground?

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

  • Does Clear Lake Campground have wifi?

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

  • How hard is it to get a campsite at Clear Lake Campground?

    Some campers book as far as 6 months in advance, so on high-demand weekends it can be very difficult to get a campsite at Clear Lake Campground. If you want to get a last-minute campsite at Clear Lake Campground, try setting up a text message Alert atTheDyrt.com/alerts

  • Why is it so hard to get a campsite at Clear Lake Campground?

    There are 28 campsites at Clear Lake Campground and over 80 million Americans who camp! Try snagging a cancellation by setting up a text message Alert atTheDyrt.com/alerts