Lost Creek
4.3041 reviewsMT. HOOD
Lost Creek
$25.00 - $50.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$25.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$25.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Facility rates range from $25 for standard non-electric and walk-to sites to $50 for yurt reservations during the peak season (May 16 - September 8, 2025). A $2 holiday additional fee applies.
About this campground
Tucked away in nature's embrace, Lost Creek Campground offers an intimate escape where tranquility reigns supreme. This small, shaded sanctuary has earned devoted followers who praise its peaceful atmosphere and exceptional hammocking opportunities beneath the forest canopy. Whether you choose a traditional single or double site, or venture to one of the secluded walk-to spots, you'll find yourself immersed in comfort with full accessibility throughout. Modern amenities blend seamlessly with the wilderness, featuring sturdy picnic tables, inviting campfire rings, accessible vault toilets, and fresh drinking water—everything you need for a memorable stay without sacrificing the authentic outdoor experience.
Lost Creek Campground offers a mix of camping accommodations, including single, double, and walk-to campsites. The campground is designed to accommodate various camping preferences, but it lacks cabins, glamping, or group-specific facilities.
Historical SignificanceStep back in time along the Lost Creek Nature Trail, where thoughtfully placed interpretive signs reveal the dramatic story written in stone beneath your feet. This self-guided journey unveils how powerful volcanic forces sculpted the landscape you see today, transforming raw geological drama into the serene forest sanctuary that now welcomes visitors. Each sign along the trail connects you to the ancient forces that shaped this land, turning a simple walk into an educational adventure through millennia of natural history.
Weather and SeasonsLost Creek transforms with the seasons, offering distinctly different experiences throughout the year. Winter's heavy snowfall often creates a pristine wonderland while temporarily closing access roads, making this a seasonal treasure best enjoyed from late spring through fall. Summer brings perfect camping weather with moderate temperatures that invite long days of exploration and cool, comfortable nights perfect for gathering around the campfire. The shoulder seasons paint the forest in spectacular colors, with spring wildflowers and autumn's golden hues creating magical backdrops for your outdoor adventures.
ElevationPerched at 2,600 feet above sea level, Lost Creek Campground occupies a sweet spot in the mountain ecosystem where the air is crisp and refreshing without the challenges of high-altitude camping. This moderate elevation creates an ideal climate that's noticeably cooler than the valleys below, yet remains comfortable and accessible for campers of all experience levels.
Natural Features and SceneryBeneath a cathedral of towering evergreens, Lost Creek Campground feels like nature's own sanctuary. Soft moss carpets the forest floor while lush shrubbery creates natural privacy screens between sites, ensuring each camping spot feels like its own secret hideaway. The majestic trees stretch skyward, their branches weaving a living canopy that filters sunlight into gentle, dappled patterns throughout the day. This verdant setting provides not just shade from summer sun, but a sense of being enveloped in the Pacific Northwest's most enchanting forest scenery.
Geological RegionLost Creek Campground occupies one of Mt. Hood National Forest's most geologically fascinating locations in the Old Maid Flat area. At 2,600 feet elevation, you're literally camping atop history—specifically, one of the largest pyroclastic mudflows from Mt. Hood's dramatic 'Old Maid' eruption in the 1700s. This volcanic legacy has created unique soil conditions that support the lush forest ecosystem thriving today, making every step a journey across ancient volcanic deposits that tell the story of the mountain's fiery past.
Campsite details
AccessibilityThe campground is fully accessible, featuring an accessible paved nature trail and vault toilets designed for use by individuals with disabilities. The facilities are designed to accommodate a range of mobility needs.
Sites SizeThe campsites can accommodate structures for up to six campers each, and there are both standard and walk-to sites available.
Sites PrivacyPrivacy varies by site, with some offering more seclusion than others. For example, site 6 is noted for its relative privacy despite its proximity to the bathroom, while site B-03 is described as the most private but farther from parking areas.
Total Campsites15 campsites
Recommended CampsitesAvoid sites near vault toilets due to odors; choose perimeter sites like #3, 6, 7, 8 for more privacy.
Best CampsitesSites 3, 6, 7, and B-03 are praised for privacy and proximity to the creek.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Check-in time is not explicitly stated.
Check-out
Check-out time is not explicitly stated.
Stay Limit
Maximum of 14 nights consecutively.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Up to six guests per site.
Groups
Group camping is not explicitly supported at this campground.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutThe campground includes 10 standard campsites and 5 walk-in sites. Perimeter sites offer more privacy.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen from May 16 to September 8, 2025.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through Recreation.gov, including online or via the app.
Walk-in AvailabilityWalk-up sites are available, but user reviews suggest they fill up quickly: "I showed up at 7:30 PM on a Monday 8/9 and was lucky enough to snag the last spot."
Cancellation PolicyReservations can be canceled anytime before the scheduled date of arrival. A $10 cancellation fee applies, along with forfeiture of the first night's recreation use fee for late cancellations.
Amenities available
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Firewood available
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Lost Creek Campground offers a variety of recreational activities, making it an excellent choice for outdoor enthusiasts. The area features hiking trails, fishing opportunities, and scenic driving routes. The nearby Sandy River provides year-round fishing, and the accessible Lost Creek Nature Trail provides an educational experience. The 7.1-mile trail to Ramona Falls is a major highlight.
Hiking
The campground provides access to several well-known hiking trails, including the accessible Lost Creek Nature Trail and the popular trail to Ramona Falls, which is 7.1 miles long. Reviews highlight the stunning scenery and educational features of these trails.Fishing
Fishing is available in the Sandy River, where campers can fish for steelhead year-round, Coho salmon in the fall, and Chinook salmon from February through October. Trout are also present in the river.Wildlife viewing
Campers can observe a variety of wildlife. For example, one user mentions, 'Watch Salmon Fighting & Laying eggs!' making fall an optimal time for wildlife viewing.Cultural and Educational Programs
The Lost Creek Nature Trail includes interpretive signs that provide educational insights into the area's geology and natural history.Winter Activities
Winter activities are not mentioned, but one user noted visiting during the off-season when the campground was closed, enjoying solitude and observing salmon.Water Sports
No non-motorized water sports such as kayaking, canoeing, or paddleboarding are mentioned in the available information.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Firewood available for purchase; restrictions apply during dry seasons.
- Quiet hours are enforced after 10 PM, as noted in reviews.
Hazards
General hazardsSnow can block road access in winter. Risk of mice in campsites noted in reviews. "The campsite (007) had lots of mice—poop on the table each morning," wrote one user.
Active alertsSeasonal closures apply. "Why the hell does the Forest Service close this on Labor Day? Don't they know that September is a pretty nice month in Oregon?" exclaimed one reviewer.
Weather forecast
85
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 41%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 4.9 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Overcast
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Closest emergency services are likely in Government Camp, which is 18 miles away.
Good to know
Peak season datesMay 16, 2025 - September 8, 2025
Trash and recyclingCampground rules and facilities for trash and recycling are not explicitly described in the available information.
Proximity to water featuresThe campground is near Lost Creek and the Wild and Scenic Sandy River, offering fishing opportunities and water views.
Common complaintsComplaints include occasional smells from vault toilets, mice infestation, and poor water quality. "Tasted like a mouth full of bloody pennies," claimed one reviewer about the pump water.
HostHosts are described as friendly and helpful. "Jerry, the camp host, was very helpful," mentioned one reviewer.
Campground Map
MT. HOOD
Driving directionsFrom Portland, follow Highway 26 for 18 miles past the town of Sandy to the community of Zigzag. Turn north (left) onto Lolo Pass Road (Forest Road 18). Travel just over 4 miles and turn right onto Forest Road 1825. Continue for less than a mile and then bear right, staying on Forest Road 1825, and cross the Sandy River bridge. Continue for approximately 2 miles and then bear right at the "Y" junction. The campground is less than a mile past the junction, on the right.
The campground is accessible via paved roads, but seasonal conditions such as snow can make access challenging. "Not able to reach the place after the snow the road didn't clear up," one user noted.Nearby places
Government Camp (18 miles, approximately 30 minutes), Zigzag (less than 4 miles, approximately 10 minutes), Sandy (18 miles, approximately 30 minutes)
Nearby supplies
Groceries, camping supplies, and fuel can be found in Sandy or Zigzag, both within 20 miles.
Camper Reviews
4.3
41 reviews
Lost Creek is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews for Lost Creek Campground are overwhelmingly positive, emphasizing the serene and shaded environment, clean facilities, and proximity to popular hiking trails like Ramona Falls. However, minor complaints include occasional vault toilet odors and the campground's seasonal closure after Labor Day.
Review Summaries
Based on 41 reviews
What Campers Love
Users praise the campground's cleanliness, spacious campsites, and proximity to hiking trails. Highlights include, 'Great, small, peaceful campsite,' and 'Lovely trail to Ramona Falls nearby.' The...
Based on 41 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Complaints include vault toilets occasionally lacking toilet paper, poor cell service, and the campground's closure after Labor Day despite favorable weather in September. Some users also mentioned...
Based on 41 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Campers recommend bringing bug spray and filtering river water due to the metallic taste of the pump water. For firewood, purchasing it in Government Camp is advised in case the on-site supply is...
Based on 41 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
The campground is well-loved during peak season (May to September), although several users express frustration about the September closure. Fall is noted as an excellent time for solitude and...
Based on 41 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
'Great hammocking!' - Cara Wild. 'Site 6 had a good amount of privacy but it was close to the bathroom which was kinda smelly.' - Myckaela Hammon. 'Watch Salmon Fighting & Laying eggs!' - Matthew...
Based on 41 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Site B-03 is highly praised for its privacy despite being a walk from the parking area. Site 006 is noted for its scenic location near the creek but occasional bathroom odors due to wind direction....
Based on 41 reviewsShow more
Accessibility Features
Reviews underscore the campground's accessible design, with the accessible vault toilets and nature trail receiving positive mentions. The paved trail is an asset for those with mobility challenges.
Based on 41 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Specific pet-related reviews are not provided, but campers mention critter activity affecting food storage.
Based on 41 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025