Badger Lake Campground
04 reviewsBadger Lake Campground, Mt. Hood National Forest, Oregon
Badger Lake Campground
$10.00 - $10.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$10.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Overnight use is $10 per campsite per night. Interagency Senior/Access Recreation Passes provide a 50% discount to the fee for the campsite occupied by the pass holder. Payment must be made via cash or check.
About this campground
Nestled on the pristine shores of Badger Lake, this remote mountain campground rewards adventurous souls who brave its rugged access road with breathtaking lake vistas and direct entry into the untamed Badger Creek Wilderness. As your basecamp for high-country exploration, you'll find yourself at the crossroads of legendary trails, including the scenic Badger Lake Trail #479A and the meandering Badger Creek Trail, where each path promises its own unique journey through Oregon's spectacular backcountry.
Badger Lake Campground supports dispersed and semi-primitive camping with a focus on tents and RVs. It is a fee site with first-come, first-served options.
Historical SignificanceThe timeless wilderness surrounding Badger Lake holds stories yet to be discovered, where ancient forests whisper tales of the mountain's past to those who pause to listen.
Weather and SeasonsExperience the dramatic dance of Pacific Northwest seasons at Badger Lake, where winter transforms the landscape into a crystalline wonderland of snow-draped forests and frozen shorelines. As spring melts into summer, the campground awakens to perfect hiking weather, with daytime temperatures hovering in the sweet spot of 70-80°F—ideal for trail adventures by day and stargazing by cool mountain nights.
ElevationPerched high in the evergreen embrace of Mt. Hood National Forest, the campground sits at an elevation where towering conifers create a natural cathedral and the mountain air carries the crisp, clean essence of the high country.
Natural Features and SceneryWake to mirror-like reflections on Badger Lake's surface, where morning mist dances between ancient Douglas firs and mountain hemlocks. This pristine alpine sanctuary within Mt. Hood National Forest offers front-row seats to nature's daily performance—from eagles soaring overhead to deer tiptoeing to the water's edge at dusk. Wildlife enthusiasts will delight in frequent encounters with the forest's residents, making every moment a potential discovery.
Geological RegionCarved by ancient glaciers and volcanic forces, Badger Lake rests like a jewel within Mt. Hood National Forest's rugged embrace. This gateway to the Badger Creek Wilderness showcases the raw beauty of Cascade geology, where weathered peaks, dense forests, and crystal-clear waters tell the story of millions of years of natural sculpture. The surrounding terrain challenges and rewards in equal measure, offering a true wilderness experience just beyond your tent flap.
Campsite details
AccessibilityThere is no specific information available about features for campers with disabilities.
Sites SizeSite sizes are not specified; reviews indicate dispersed camping is available.
Sites PrivacyPrivacy levels at the sites are not described explicitly. User reviews suggest a remote setting, but overcrowding at peak times is a concern.
Total Campsites0 campsites
Recommended CampsitesRecommendations suggest high-clearance vehicles and off-grid camping preparedness.
Best CampsitesDispersed camping spots are highlighted.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Open 24 hours/day.
Stay Limit
Stay limits are subject to wilderness regulations.
Guests Allowed Per Site
- No explicit limit stated
- subject to wilderness regulations.
Groups
No group-specific camping options are described.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutDispersed camping style; no detailed layout provided.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen year-round.
Reservation PlatformsReservations may be available; specific platforms not detailed.
Walk-in AvailabilityNo reservations required; camping accessible via honor system payment.
Cancellation PolicyCancellation policies are subject to reservation platform rules.
Activities you can enjoy
Badger Lake Campground offers a range of outdoor activities including hiking, fishing, non-motorized boating, swimming, and horseback riding. These activities align with the wilderness setting of the campground.
Hiking
The campground offers access to nearby trails such as Badger Lake Trail #479A and Badger Creek Trail. These trails connect to the Badger Creek Wilderness, catering to both day hikers and backpackers.Fishing
Fishing is available in the lake and nearby streams. Specific details about fish species or fishing conditions are not provided.Swimming
Swimming is permitted in Badger Lake, but no details are provided about designated areas or safety measures.Boating
Non-motorized boating is allowed on Badger Lake. Motorized boats are prohibited due to wilderness regulations.Winter Activities
No winter-specific activities are described, but the area experiences snow as seen in weather data.Water Sports
Non-motorized water sports like kayaking or canoeing are possible but not explicitly described beyond boating.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Explicit fire policies not stated in source materials.
- Quiet hours are Not available.
Hazards
General hazardsRoad access challenges, wildlife, and weather conditions (flies reported by campers).
Active alertsSite is currently closed.
Weather forecast
79
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 31%
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 ranger station, hospital, and emergency services are located in Sandy, OR.
Good to know
Peak season datesNot specified.
Trash and recyclingNo information is provided about trash or recycling facilities.
Proximity to water featuresAdjacent to Badger Lake; suitable for swimming and non-motorized boating.
Common complaintsOvercrowding and disregard for 'leave no trace' principles. Reviewers noted fish guts, trash, and toilet paper left by campers.
HostNot available.
Campground Map
Badger Lake Campground, Mt. Hood National Forest, Oregon
Driving directionsFrom 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 Road 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 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. **These roads are rough and not recommended for passenger cars. Trailers are not allowed on the 140 spur. Please contact the ranger district for road conditions.
Access roads to Badger Lake Campground are rough and not recommended for passenger cars. FR 4860-140 spur requires high-clearance vehicles or 4WD. Trailers are prohibited on this spur road.Nearby places
Sandy, OR: approximately 60 miles, Hood River, OR: approximately 50 miles, Tygh Valley, OR: approximately 25 miles.
Nearby supplies
Groceries, camping supplies, and fuel available in Sandy, OR.
Camper Reviews
0.0
4 reviews
Badger Lake Campground has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews depict a mixed experience at Badger Lake Campground. Some users praise its remote beauty and access to outdoor activities, while others express frustration over overcrowding, littering, and deteriorating conditions.
Review Summaries
Based on 4 reviews
What Campers Love
Users appreciate the scenic beauty, remote setting, and access to wilderness trails. One reviewer mentioned it as 'the best campground I have ever been to by far.'
Based on 4 reviewsCommon Concerns
Common complaints include the rough access road, overcrowding, littering, and lack of adherence to 'leave no trace' principles. Issues such as fish guts and trash being left behind were highlighted.
Based on 4 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Campers are advised to have a high-clearance vehicle or 4WD to access the campground. Bringing all necessary supplies, including drinking water, is crucial as there are no on-site provisions....
Based on 4 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
Reviews indicate that the area is more crowded post-COVID, especially during peak seasons. Conditions such as flies and overcrowding might be more prevalent in warmer months.
Based on 4 reviewsCamper Quotes
1. 'Best campground I have ever been to by far. Definitely need a car with ground clearance and 4wd but so worth the extremely long drive.' - Ethan McKinley.
2. 'It’s sad because it used to be so...
Based on 4 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Reviews suggest dispersed camping options are available, and the main campground fills up quickly during busy periods. Site-specific details are unavailable.
Based on 4 reviewsAccessibility Features
No feedback from users with disabilities is available.
Based on 4 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
No specific information about pet policies or experiences was mentioned.
Based on 4 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025