Perfect Quick Getaway
My friend and I had a great three day weekend here at one of the walk-in sites. Sites fill up quick and I recommend reserving online in advance. Important takeaways:
- There are no lakeside camp sites. I enjoyed this because it means more privacy and quiet.
- The main beach gets very busy on the weekends with day visitors. However, there are several small private coves just off the lake trail if you are willing to walk a bit.
- The lake is pretty warm for the PNW and does not allow motor boats, making for a very family friendly swimming hole.
- Regarding the walk-in sites, the sites are between 1/4 to 1/2 mile from parking. There are supposed to be wheelbarrows available near the parking lot, but people often keep them at their site. If you have a lot of gear and are coming on a weekend, I recommend bringing your own wagon if you can.
- The sites have toilettes and water spikets. There are also restrooms with running water, showers, and a convenience store near the main parking lot.
Just 45 minutes from Portland, sans traffic, this is an awesome weekend camping spot. I would also love to go on a weekday when it is less busy.
Beautiful views
We stayed here with a few friends and our dog. The views of the mountain are stunning and the trail around the lake is a great way to take it all in. Facilities were clean and sites were reasonably spaced apart.