Clear Lake (Or)
3.8576 reviewsClear Lake (Or)
$26.00 - $26.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$26.00
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
Facility rates vary by season, with peak season fees set at $26 per night for both Standard Nonelectric and Tent Only Nonelectric sites. A holiday surcharge of $2 applies.
About this campground
Nestled along the pristine shores of its namesake lake, Clear Lake Campground beckons adventurers seeking an authentic Pacific Northwest escape. Here, mornings begin with mist rising off the water as anglers cast their lines for the day's catch, while kayakers glide silently across the glassy surface, respecting the 10 mph speed limit that preserves the lake's tranquil atmosphere. Whether you're pitching a tent beneath towering conifers or parking your RV in one of the spacious sites, you'll find yourself immersed in nature's rhythms. Though the campground embraces a back-to-basics approach without utility hookups, modern conveniences like sturdy picnic tables, fire rings with grills, vault toilets, and regular trash collection ensure comfort without compromising the wilderness experience. Days unfold with endless possibilities: explore winding hiking trails, cool off with an afternoon swim, or simply relax at your site as the scent of campfire smoke mingles with pine.
Clear Lake Campground offers options for single-family tent and RV camping. Sites are primitive, providing basic amenities and a focus on a natural camping experience.
Historical SignificanceThis land tells a story that stretches back countless generations. Bordering the ancestral territories of the Warm Springs Indian Reservation, Clear Lake and its surrounding forests have long been cherished by the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs. The towering trees and pristine waters that draw visitors today are part of a cultural landscape that has sustained indigenous communities through traditional hunting, gathering, and spiritual practices. While camping here, visitors walk in the footsteps of those who have treasured this place for millennia, adding their own chapter to the ongoing story of human connection with this remarkable landscape.
Weather and SeasonsClear Lake transforms with the seasons, each bringing its own magic to this mountain retreat. Summer arrives with sun-drenched days perfect for swimming and boating, though mountain breezes can bring refreshingly cool evenings that call for cozy campfires and warm layers. As autumn approaches, crisp nights give way to spectacular days ideal for hiking and mushroom foraging. When winter blankets the landscape in snow, the campground area becomes a wonderland for cross-country skiing and snowmobiling enthusiasts who trace paths through the quiet forest. Spring's arrival brings wildflowers and rushing streams, though visitors should come prepared for the occasional mountain storm that can sweep through even in summer, adding drama to the landscape and reminding everyone of nature's powerful presence.
ElevationPerched at 3,600 feet above sea level, Clear Lake Campground offers a true mountain experience where the air is crisp and pine-scented year-round. This elevation places you in the sweet spot of the Cascade Range, high enough to escape the summer heat of the valleys below, yet accessible enough for comfortable camping from late spring through early fall. The altitude creates a unique microclimate where morning fog often clings to the lake before burning off to reveal stunning mountain vistas, and where evening temperatures drop just enough to make campfires a welcome gathering place under star-filled skies.
Natural Features and ScenerySurrounded by the majestic Mt. Hood National Forest, Clear Lake Campground immerses visitors in a cathedral of Douglas fir, western hemlock, and noble fir that tower overhead like ancient sentinels. The centerpiece is the spectacular 560-acre Clear Lake, its waters reflecting the surrounding forest like a perfect mirror on calm mornings. Originally created for irrigation, the lake has evolved into a recreational paradise where osprey dive for fish and deer emerge from the forest to drink at dawn. Late summer and early fall transform the forest floor into a forager's paradise, with chanterelles, morels, and other prized mushrooms emerging from the duff. Wildlife thrives here—from the haunting calls of owls at night to the chatter of Douglas squirrels by day, while black bears, elk, and countless bird species make their homes in this diverse ecosystem.
Geological RegionClear Lake Campground rests within a fascinating geological tapestry shaped by volcanic forces and glacial carving over millions of years. The 560-acre lake, cradled on the eastern slopes of the Cascade Range within Mt. Hood National Forest, tells a story written in ancient lava flows and mountain uplift. The surrounding mixed conifer forest grows from rich volcanic soils, creating the perfect conditions for the towering trees that define this landscape. The campground's location near the boundary of the Warm Springs Indian Reservation places it at a unique intersection of ecosystems, where the wetter western slopes of the Cascades transition to the drier eastern regions. This positioning creates remarkable biodiversity and stunning contrasts—from dense forest groves to open meadows, from rocky outcroppings to gentle lake shores—offering campers a front-row seat to the Pacific Northwest's geological grandeur.
Campsite details
AccessibilityNo specific accessibility features were mentioned in the official sources. However, user reviews did not highlight significant accessibility issues.
Sites SizeSites are described as spacious in many reviews: "Large clean sites and helpful friendly hosts" and "good-sized campsites well spaced out."
Sites PrivacyPrivacy levels vary by site, with some users describing them as "plenty of space between sites so it feels private," while others noted that adjacent sites like 4 and 5 are very close together.
Total Campsites28 campsites
Recommended CampsitesSite 4 and 5 are often recommended for larger groups due to their proximity, making them feel like a combined site. Site 013 is praised for its access to the water.
Best CampsitesHighly rated sites include Site 027, noted for its scenic views and spacious layout.
Reserving a campsite
Stay Limit
Campers may stay up to 14 consecutive nights per visit during peak season.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Maximum limit of guests per site is not explicitly stated.
Groups
No specific group camping sites were mentioned.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutThe campground consists of single-family sites laid out in proximity to the shore and hiking trails, with gravel and dirt parking surfaces.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen May 23, 2025; Closed September 21, 2025.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov online portal, mobile app, or contact center.
Walk-in AvailabilityWalk-up availability is not explicitly mentioned.
Cancellation PolicyReservations can be canceled any time before the scheduled arrival date, subject to a $10 cancellation fee. Late cancellations will additionally forfeit the first night's recreation use fee. Changes to reservation dates outside of the original period also incur a $10 fee. Further details depend on the timing and method of modification or cancellation.
Amenities available
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Firewood available
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Clear Lake Campground is a hub for outdoor enthusiasts. Visitors can enjoy activities such as boating, fishing, swimming, hiking, and wildlife viewing. Winter sports like cross-country skiing and snowmobiling are also available during the colder months.
Hiking
A hiking trail begins near the north end of the lake, connecting to the Pacific Crest Trail. Some users highlighted issues with certain trails being obstructed by debris and logs.Fishing
Fishing opportunities include a variety of trout. Anglers have mentioned success and enjoyment: "The water and lake were amazing! Great views and many fish to catch."Swimming
Swimming is available, but the lake's condition varies. One user noted, "The lake was cold, and not swimmable."Boating
Boating is popular, though speeds are limited to 10 mph. The boat ramp has received criticism: "The boat launch has had NO money put into it in decades and now desperately needs to be updated and repaired."Wildlife viewing
Wildlife viewing is abundant with sightings of eagles and osprey mentioned.Winter Activities
Winter recreation includes miles of snow-covered trails for cross-country skiing and snowmobiling.Water Sports
Non-motorized water sports such as kayaking are popular, with one user stating, "The lake was perfect for swimming and non-motor boating."Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Campfires are restricted during dry weather conditions as mandated by local authorities.
- Quiet hours are not strictly enforced as per user reviews.
Hazards
General hazardsUsers should be cautious of muddy lake edges during late summer and broken glass on the shoreline. Wildlife, fallen trees on trails, and potential for windy conditions may pose risks.
Weather forecast
83
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 27%
Very dry conditions, stay hydrated
Wind: 4.8 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 - September 21, 2025.
Trash and recyclingTrash collection is available, but some users noted a need for additional trash cans.
Proximity to water featuresThe campground is located on the eastern shore of Clear Lake, offering direct access for swimming, fishing, kayaking, and boating. The lake is used for irrigation and suffers from reduced water levels by mid-summer.
Common complaintsCommon issues include low water levels during mid-to-late summer, lack of enforcement of quiet hours, and unavailability of camp hosts. Some reviews mention poor restroom maintenance and littering.
HostMixed reviews about camp hosts. Some are described as helpful and friendly, while others are criticized for poor attitude and lack of availability.
Campground Map
Driving directionsFrom Sandy, travel east on Highway 26 for about 35 miles. Turn onto Forest Road 2630 and continue for 1 mile to the campground.
The roads leading to Clear Lake Campground consist of paved highways and gravel/dirt roads for the final mile. There is no indication of seasonal closures or challenging terrain.Nearby places
Government Camp (12 miles northwest)
Camper Reviews
3.9
76 reviews
Clear Lake (Or) has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews for Clear Lake Campground are highly polarized. Some visitors praise the spacious sites, friendly hosts, and beautiful natural setting. Others criticize the maintenance, lake conditions, and camp host availability or behavior.
Review Summaries
Based on 76 reviews
What Campers Love
Positive reviews highlight the natural beauty of the area, spacious campsites, and the tranquility during off-peak times. "Lovely campsite with plenty of space between sites so it feels private," and...
Based on 76 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Negative feedback includes issues such as poor lake conditions, unclean facilities, noise disturbances, and unprofessional behavior from camp hosts. "The bathrooms were the worst I have experienced...
Based on 76 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Users recommend bringing extra supplies like toilet paper and firewood, especially during peak season. It's also advisable to choose campsites carefully, as some are reported to be more spacious or...
Based on 76 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
Peak summer months often see lower water levels in the lake and increased crowding. Winter offers a quieter experience with snow-related activities.
Based on 76 reviewsCamper Quotes
"The lake is beautiful and enormous for solitude paddlers." "With the shaded old growth of trees, it kept us cool with the summer heat." "The bathrooms were clean and overall everything is very well...
Based on 76 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Site-specific reviews include mentions of certain sites being closely spaced (e.g., sites 4 and 5). Site 7 was described as "sunny with little shade, very dusty."
Based on 76 reviewsAccessibility Features
No specific reviews focused exclusively on accessibility features.
Based on 76 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
No specific reviews highlighted pet-related experiences.
Based on 76 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025