Clackamas Lake
4.1042 reviewsClackamas Lake
$25.00 - $25.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$25.00
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
Fees include $25 nightly rate for all site types during peak season. A $2 holiday additional fee applies. Reservation fees including $8 for online or app bookings, $9 for contact center transactions, and $3 for in-person reservations.
About this campground
Nestled in the heart of Mt. Hood National Forest, Clackamas Lake Campground invites you to experience the Pacific Northwest's natural splendor across 49 thoughtfully designed sites. Whether you're arriving with tent in tow or RV in hand, you'll find your perfect basecamp here, with 11 specialized equestrian sites welcoming horse enthusiasts to explore the wilderness on horseback. Days unfold with endless possibilities: cast a line into the tranquil waters, take a refreshing dip, paddle across the glassy lake surface, or lace up your boots for the scenic 2.2-mile Miller Trail, your gateway to the legendary Pacific Crest Trail.
Clackamas Lake Campground accommodates various camping styles, including RV, tent, and equestrian camping. Group camping is available, though details are minimal.
Historical SignificanceStep back in time at the nearby Clackamas Lake Ranger Station Historic District, where a collection of early 1900s Forest Service buildings stands as a testament to Oregon's conservation legacy. These rustic structures, with their weathered timber frames and classic architectural details, tell the story of the dedicated rangers who first protected these forests, offering visitors a tangible connection to the region's rich heritage.
Weather and SeasonsFrom May through September, the campground basks in the gentle embrace of moderate mountain weather, creating ideal conditions for outdoor adventures. Nature's soundtrack includes the occasional buzz of mosquitos drawn to the area's lush, marshy environment – a small price for such pristine wilderness. As autumn arrives, the landscape transforms with snow and frost, wrapping the forest in a quiet winter slumber that lasts until spring's return.
ElevationPerched at 3,400 feet above sea level in the majestic Mt. Hood National Forest, the campground offers that perfect sweet spot where mountain air meets comfortable camping, providing refreshingly cool summers and stunning alpine surroundings.
Natural Features and SceneryTowering pines create a natural cathedral around your campsite, their branches occasionally parting to reveal tantalizing glimpses of mighty Mt. Hood on the horizon. The intimate 3-acre Clackamas Lake mirrors the sky through the trees, while the larger Timothy Lake beckons just three miles away, doubling your opportunities for waterside adventures and scenic contemplation.
Geological RegionThis enchanting corner of Mt. Hood National Forest showcases the Pacific Northwest at its finest, where dense pine forests rise from a verdant understory of ferns and moss. The landscape tells a volcanic story, shaped by Oregon's highest peak, Mt. Hood, which presides over the region. Your campsite offers privacy within this heavily wooded sanctuary, where the intimate Clackamas Lake and the more expansive Timothy Lake provide aquatic counterpoints to the surrounding evergreen tapestry.
Campsite details
AccessibilityThe campground offers accessible vault toilets, though there is no specific information on ADA-compliant campsites or additional accessibility features.
Sites SizeCampsite sizes are variable. Some reviewers mention large sites suitable for multiple tents or RVs, while others note cramped or uneven spots. Equestrian sites have additional space for horse trailers.
Sites PrivacySites offer some privacy due to the dense forest and green understory. However, noise issues from neighboring campsites are frequently mentioned in reviews.
Total Campsites49 campsites
Recommended CampsitesSite #30 was noted as spacious and well-maintained. Horse sites are generally praised for the availability of potable water and corrals.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Check-in at 11:00 AM local time.
Check-out
Check-out at 12:00 PM local time.
Stay Limit
Maximum Stay Limit: up to 14 nights during a visit per rolling 30-day period.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutCampground includes 49 sites arranged in loops. 11 sites are equestrian with corrals.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen May 23, 2025, to Sep 7, 2025, during peak season.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov online platform, mobile app, or contact center.
Walk-in AvailabilitySome sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis, but the majority require reservations.
Cancellation PolicyCancellations can be made for individual sites before the date of arrival. $10 cancellation fee applies along with forfeit of reservation fees paid. Late cancellations charge $10 and forfeit the first night’s recreation use fee. No changes/cancellations after start date unless facility rules allow.
Amenities available
Potable water
Fire rings
Firewood available
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Clackamas Lake Campground provides a mix of water-based and land-based recreation. Fishing, swimming, and non-motorized boating are the primary water activities. On land, campers can enjoy hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding. The Miller Trail links to the Pacific Crest Trail, offering extended hiking opportunities. Wildlife viewing is a notable activity, with species like trout and small amphibians (e.g., frogs) frequently mentioned.
Hiking
Hiking is popular, with access to the 2.2-mile Miller Trail connecting to the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT). Additional trails lead to Timothy Lake and Little Crater Lake. Trails offer diverse scenery and vary in length, accommodating both short and long excursions.Fishing
Fishing is a key attraction, with opportunities to catch cutthroat, brook, rainbow, and German brown trout.Swimming
Swimming is available, but the lake is described as shallow and swampy by reviewers. The muddy bottom may deter some swimmers.Biking
Mountain biking is supported on trails in and around the campground, including connections to the PCT and nearby Timothy Lake trails.Boating
Boating is limited to non-motorized options such as canoes and kayaks. However, the lake's small size and shallow waters restrict extensive boating activities.Wildlife viewing
Wildlife in the area includes a variety of bird species and aquatic creatures, such as frogs. Campers frequently mention the presence of mosquitoes as a nuisance but also note sightings of deer and other forest animals.Cultural and Educational Programs
The Clackamas Lake Ranger Station Historic District offers educational opportunities related to the area's rustic architecture and Forest Service history. This is a popular attraction for visitors.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Fire restrictions may be imposed during hot, dry conditions.
- Quiet hours not explicitly stated but complaints suggest enforcement issues.
Hazards
General hazardsMosquitos are frequently described as 'horrendous,' especially given the swampy lake conditions. The lake's muddy bottom poses a minor safety risk to swimmers.
Weather forecast
84
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 27%
Very dry conditions, stay hydrated
Wind: 4.4 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
Good to know
Peak season datesMay 23, 2025, to September 7, 2025.
Trash and recyclingTrash disposal is available on-site. For horse site users, black bags for manure disposal are provided by the host, but there is no designated compost area.
Proximity to water featuresNear 3-acre Clackamas Lake and three miles from Timothy Lake.
Common complaintsComplaints include lack of water availability, poor maintenance of bathrooms, no camp host presence, and noise disruptions from neighboring campers.
HostCamp hosts were described as friendly and helpful in some reviews but absent in others.
Campground Map
Driving directionsFrom Sandy, travel east on Highway 26 for approximately 40 miles to Skyline Road (Forest Road 42). Turn right on Skyline Road and continue south for 10 miles to the Clackamas Lake entrance sign. Turn left and head east less than half a mile to the campground entrance.
Access requires traveling on paved roads (Highway 26 and Skyline Road) and is relatively straightforward for passenger vehicles.Camper Reviews
4.1
42 reviews
Clackamas Lake is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews for Clackamas Lake Campground are mixed, with many praising the natural beauty and access to trails, but others highlighting issues such as mosquitoes, lack of maintenance, and noise from neighboring sites. Some users report excellent experiences with helpful hosts and clean facilities, while others note the absence of hosts leading to chaos.
Review Summaries
Based on 42 reviews
What Campers Love
Many reviewers appreciate the clean vault toilets, proximity to the Pacific Crest Trail, and the general beauty of the forested environment. Equestrian campers commend the availability and condition...
Based on 42 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Frequent issues include excessive mosquitoes, unmaintained facilities, lack of camp hosts, and noise disturbances from other campers playing loud music. Some equestrian campers have expressed...
Based on 42 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Campers recommend bringing bug repellents and purchasing firewood in advance. Visitors also suggest exploring nearby attractions like Timothy Lake and Little Crater Lake and preparing for limited...
Based on 42 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
Summer sees a high influx of mosquitoes and occasional issues with noise and unkempt facilities. Fall and spring are likely quieter but lack detailed reviews for trends.
Based on 42 reviewsCamper Quotes
"The vault toilets were the cleanest I have ever been to." - Michael N. "Campground not maintained, no camp host." - Michael S. "The mosquitoes were absolutely unrelenting." - Tobin T. "Beautiful...
Based on 42 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Site-specific reviews are mixed. Site 30 is praised for its large size, while Site 13 is noted to be difficult to maneuver.
Based on 42 reviewsAccessibility Features
No reviews explicitly address accessibility features for those with disabilities.
Based on 42 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Reviews frequently mention pets, particularly dogs, but also highlight issues like unleashed pets causing disturbances at campsites.
Based on 42 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025