Black Lake Campground & Day Use Area
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Black Lake Campground & Day Use Area
$20.00 - $20.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$20.00
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
Single campsite fee is $20/night. Additional vehicles are $10/night. Campsite fees can be paid using cash or check. Interagency Senior and Access Recreation Pass holders receive a 50% discount on single campsite fees specifically for sites occupied by the pass holder. Day use fees are $10/vehicle/day.
About this campground
Tucked away on the eastern shores of pristine Black Lake, this secluded primitive campground beckons adventurers seeking an authentic wilderness experience. Here, where the forest meets the water's edge, you'll find yourself immersed in the untamed beauty of the Pacific Northwest. The campground serves as a gateway to the Black Lake Trail, threading north into the renowned Mark O. Hatfield Wilderness—a landscape where solitude reigns and nature remains undisturbed. This is camping as it was meant to be: no hookups, no crowds, just you and the wilderness. While basic restrooms provide a touch of convenience, you'll need to bring your own water and embrace the pack-in, pack-out ethos that keeps this hidden gem pristine.
Black Lake Campground offers a primitive camping experience with minimal facilities. It is primarily designed for tent camping and caters to visitors interested in a rugged and natural setting.
Historical SignificanceBlack Lake Campground stands as a testament to Oregon's conservation legacy, intimately connected to the Mark O. Hatfield Wilderness—a living monument to environmental stewardship. Named for the longtime senator who championed wilderness preservation, this protected landscape represents decades of dedication to keeping Oregon's natural treasures intact for future generations. Every trail and shoreline here tells the story of successful conservation efforts that have preserved this corner of the Cascades in its wild, original state.
Weather and SeasonsThe seasonal rhythms at Black Lake paint a dramatic portrait of mountain weather. Winter transforms the landscape into a snow-laden wonderland, with temperatures plunging below freezing and frequent snowfall blanketing the forest floor. As spring awakens the wilderness, the snow gradually retreats, revealing emerald meadows and crystal-clear skies. Late spring through summer emerges as the sweet spot for camping, when warm days, star-filled nights, and minimal precipitation create perfect conditions for lakeside adventures. Savvy campers target these golden weeks when the weather aligns perfectly with the area's natural splendor.
ElevationPerched at 3,740 feet above sea level, Black Lake Campground offers a true mountain escape where the air is crisp and the seasons are pronounced. This elevation creates a unique microclimate where summer days remain pleasantly cool, autumn arrives with spectacular color, and winter brings substantial snowpack that transforms the landscape into a pristine wilderness playground. The altitude ensures cooler temperatures year-round, making it an ideal retreat from summer heat while demanding proper preparation for early and late-season camping.
Natural Features and SceneryBlack Lake's mirror-like waters reflect the surrounding old-growth forest, creating a scene of breathtaking tranquility that defines this primitive paradise. The eastern shoreline where the campground nestles offers intimate access to the lake's peaceful waters, while towering conifers provide a cathedral-like canopy overhead. This untouched pocket of the Mark O. Hatfield Wilderness showcases nature in its purest form—moss-draped trees, pristine waters, and the kind of deep forest silence that has become increasingly rare. The lush, temperate environment supports a rich ecosystem where wildflowers bloom in season and wildlife moves freely through their ancestral corridors.
Geological RegionNestled within the Hood River Ranger District of Mt. Hood National Forest, Black Lake Campground occupies a geological wonderland shaped by volcanic forces and glacial artistry. This corner of the Cascades, where the campground seamlessly connects to the Mark O. Hatfield Wilderness, showcases the raw power of the region's volcanic heritage. The surrounding landscape bears the signatures of ancient lava flows, glacial carving, and the ongoing geological processes that continue to shape the Pacific Northwest's dramatic topography.
Campsite details
AccessibilityThere is no information available regarding accessibility features for individuals with disabilities.
Sites SizeThere are no specific descriptions of campsite sizes.
Sites PrivacyNo information is provided about site privacy, such as seclusion or clustering.
Total Campsites0 campsites
Recommended Campsitesnull
Best Campsitesnull
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
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Check-out
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Stay Limit
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Guests Allowed Per Site
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Groups
There is no mention of designated group sites at the campground.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutnull
Open and Closed Seasonnull
Reservation Platformshttps://store.usgs.gov/recreational-passes
Walk-in AvailabilitySites may be reservable, and reservation fees apply. There is an indication that walk-up availability exists but details are not specified.
Cancellation Policynull
Activities you can enjoy
Black Lake Campground offers recreational opportunities centered around its primitive and natural setting. Swimming is noted as an activity, and there are nearby trails like the Black Lake Trail, which connects to the larger trail network in the Mark O. Hatfield Wilderness. The activities are best suited for those who enjoy a less developed, wilderness-focused environment.
Hiking
The campground accesses the Black Lake Trail, which connects to the Mark O. Hatfield Wilderness trail network. No additional details are provided about trail difficulty, length, or features.Swimming
Swimming is listed as a water activity available at Black Lake. No specific details about designated areas or safety measures are provided.Winter Activities
There is no mention of winter-specific activities such as skiing or snowshoeing.Water Sports
No details are provided about non-motorized water sports like kayaking or paddleboarding.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
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- Quiet hours are null
Hazards
General hazardsThere is no potable water available on-site, and visitors must prepare accordingly. Natural hazards such as wildlife and uneven terrain may be present.
Active alertsThe campground status reads 'temporarily closed,' but operational hours are listed as 'open 24 hours/day.'
Weather forecast
80
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 34%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 5.6 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
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Precipitation Trends
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Weather Summaries
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Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Hood River Ranger District, Address: 6780 Highway 35 Parkdale, OR 97041, Phone: (541) 352-6002 (Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Closed 12 to 1 for lunch. Closed on federal holidays.)
Good to know
Peak season datesnull
Trash and recyclingThere is no detailed information about trash and recycling facilities at the campground.
Proximity to water featuresLocated on the east shore of Black Lake.
Common complaintsLimited amenities including no potable water availability may serve as a visitor concern.
HostThe site is managed by Lost Lake Resort, a concessionaire.
Campground Map
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Driving directionsFrom 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.
The campground is accessible via a combination of paved and unpaved roads. Seasonal challenges may not be documented, but the directions include detailed road changes and turns.Nearby places
Hood River, OR - 14 miles
Nearby supplies
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Camper Reviews
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Black Lake Campground & Day Use Area has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
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Review Summaries
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Common Concerns
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Pro Tips & Recommendations
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Seasonal Insights
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Camper Quotes
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Accessibility Features
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Pet-Friendly Features
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Last updated August 10, 2025