Kinnikinnick (Laurance Lake) Campground
4.1259 reviews5330 Imai Rd, Hood River, OR, 97031, USA
Kinnikinnick (Laurance Lake) Campground
$28.56 - $35.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$28.56
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
Peak season rates (May 15 - Sep 15) are $28.56 for tent-only nonelectric and RV nonelectric sites. Additional fees include a 2% campground tax and fees for extra vehicles.
About this campground
Tucked away in the pristine wilderness north of Mt. Hood, Kinnikinnick Campground at Laurance Lake rewards those who venture off the beaten path with meticulously maintained sites that frame stunning lake vistas and rolling hills. This tranquil retreat, also known as Laurance Lake Campground, combines thoughtful landscaping with raw natural beauty, creating an intimate camping experience where each site feels like your own private viewing deck to the surrounding splendor.
Kinnikinnick Campground caters primarily to tent camping with some RV accommodations. The emphasis is on maintaining a natural, low-impact environment.
Historical SignificanceAs part of the storied Mt. Hood National Forest, Kinnikinnick Campground sits at the crossroads of natural and cultural history. This area has long served as a gateway for explorers, adventurers, and those seeking connection with the ancient forests and waterways that have shaped the region's character for millennia. The campground continues this tradition, offering modern visitors a basecamp for discovering the rich heritage woven throughout the surrounding landscape.
Weather and SeasonsThe lake creates its own microclimate, with afternoon breezes that sweep across the water, bringing welcome relief on warm summer days before settling into calm, mirror-like evenings around 6 or 7 PM. Early season visitors in June will find the glacier-fed waters bracingly cold yet invigorating, while later summer months transform the lake into a refreshing natural pool perfect for escaping the heat.
ElevationNestled at a comfortable elevation within the Mt. Hood National Forest, the campground offers the perfect balance of mountain atmosphere without the challenges of high-altitude camping.
Natural Features and SceneryHere, where the forest meets the water's edge, campers share their mornings with soaring bald eagles and their evenings with alpenglow on ancient rock formations. The crystalline waters of Laurance Lake reflect the surrounding hills in perfect symmetry, creating a natural amphitheater of tranquility. As one visitor perfectly captured it: 'Very peaceful, if you want to take a minute away from the city this is a great place.' The landscape invites quiet contemplation, whether you're watching mist rise from the lake at dawn or counting stars reflected in the still evening waters.
Geological RegionPositioned in the northern reaches of Mt. Hood National Forest, Kinnikinnick occupies a fascinating geological intersection where volcanic history meets glacial artistry. The surrounding rock formations and undulating hills tell the story of fire and ice, creating the dramatic backdrop that frames Laurance Lake. This unique positioning offers campers front-row seats to millions of years of geological theater, where each vista reveals another chapter in the Earth's ongoing narrative.
Campsite details
AccessibilityThe campground is inaccurately listed as accessible on some platforms. Multiple reviews note that the trails to campsites are rooted, hilly, and the parking lot is gravel, making it difficult for individuals with mobility challenges, including those using wheelchairs.
Sites SizeCampsites are generally spacious, with some sites accommodating multiple tents. However, site size varies significantly, and some are reported to be smaller and less private.
Sites PrivacyPrivacy levels vary widely among campsites. Some are secluded and surrounded by dense foliage, while others, like those near the day-use area, are noisy and frequented by visitors.
Total Campsites21 campsites
Recommended CampsitesAvoid Site 10 due to proximity to vault toilet, choose lakeside sites for better views and wind shielding.
Best Campsites"Site 001 offers easy lake access but suffers from day-user traffic. Site 16, 17, and 15 highly recommended for proximity to water."
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
11:00 AM
Check-out
12:00 PM
Stay Limit
Maximum consecutive stay is 14 nights.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Sites allow one vehicle per reservation, additional vehicle fees apply.
Groups
Specific details about group camping accommodations or limits were not provided.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutCampsites mostly walk-in with some vehicle accessible sites. Sites vary in proximity to lake and day-use area.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen May 15 through September 15, 2025.
Reservation PlatformsReservations available on Recreation.gov website and app.
Walk-in AvailabilitySome sites are listed as first-come-first-served, but availability for walk-ups may vary based on demand.
Cancellation PolicyCancellations allowed up to check-in date with a $10 cancellation fee and forfeit of first night's fees for late cancellations. Changes to reservations carry a $10 change fee for new date ranges.
Amenities available
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Laurance Lake is the central feature of the campground, offering a range of outdoor activities. Campers can enjoy non-motorized water sports, hiking, fishing, and wildlife viewing. Nearby attractions include ski resorts and hiking trails.
Hiking
Hiking trails around the Laurance Lake area are accessible, with some described as easy and offering scenic views of Mt. Hood and surrounding terrain. Specific trails like the Laurance Lake Ridge hike are popular among visitors.Fishing
Fishing at Laurance Lake is a highlight for campers. The lake offers good trout fishing opportunities, including hatchery trout, though native trout must be released. Bait is not allowed, and fly rods or spinners are recommended.Swimming
The lake provides opportunities for swimming, with water temperatures described as refreshing in warmer months. Some areas are calm and suitable for a swim.Biking
Biking is possible in the area, but no specific bike trails or amenities were mentioned.Boating
Non-motorized boating is allowed, and the lake is ideal for activities like canoeing, kayaking, and paddleboarding. There are no rental facilities on-site, so visitors must bring their own equipment.Wildlife viewing
The area is known for sightings of bald eagles and other bird species. The natural surroundings make it an excellent spot for wildlife enthusiasts.Winter Activities
Nearby ski resorts offer winter activities, though none are directly associated with the campground.Water Sports
Non-motorized water sports such as kayaking, paddleboarding, and canoeing are popular on Laurance Lake.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Strict enforcement with NO CAMPFIRES during fire bans. Hosts monitor compliance.
- Quiet hours enforced after 10 PM.
Hazards
General hazardsTreacherous dirt road with rocky bridge crossing. No potable water onsite and vault toilets can be unpleasant. High wind may occur during afternoons.
Active alertsVault toilets require maintenance during peak seasons. Road conditions may vary, check alerts.
Weather forecast
86
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 30%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 5.9 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
Nearest town is Parkdale with emergency services and a grocery store.
Good to know
Peak season datesMay 15, 2025 - September 15, 2025
Trash and recyclingTrash dumpsters are available, but reviews noted instances of overflowing dumpsters during busy periods, which can attract wildlife such as bears.
Proximity to water featuresLocated directly on Laurance Lake. Some campsites offer direct lake access.
Common complaints"Site 14 is not waterfront and is connected to the day-use area. The vault toilet smell can be strong in nearby sites."
HostHosts praised as friendly and helpful. "The camp host David and park ranger Steve were excellent."
Campground Map
5330 Imai Rd, Hood River, OR, 97031, USA
Driving directionsFrom I-84 in Hood River - South on highway 35 to Parkdale. Follow signs to Laurance Lake.
The road is rough and not trailer-friendly. There is a 16 to 18" ford crossing Elliot Creek, approximately 12' in width.Nearby places
Parkdale (10 minutes), Hood River (approximately 30 minutes)
Nearby supplies
Groceries and supplies available in Parkdale, approximately 10 minutes away.
Camper Reviews
4.1
59 reviews
Kinnikinnick (Laurance Lake) Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
Kinnikinnick Campground receives generally positive reviews for its natural beauty, peaceful environment, and proximity to Laurance Lake. However, concerns about accessibility, noise from day-use visitors, and vault toilet maintenance are recurring themes.
Review Summaries
Based on 59 reviews
What Campers Love
Campers frequently praised the stunning lake views, opportunities for outdoor recreation (hiking, fishing, boating), and the peaceful atmosphere. Many reviewers mentioned the helpfulness of camp...
Based on 59 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Common complaints include the odor and maintenance of vault toilets, noise from day-use visitors near campsites, difficulties with accessibility for those with mobility challenges, and the lack of...
Based on 59 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Campers recommend bringing potable water and firewood, arriving with AWD or high-clearance vehicles due to rough roads, and choosing campsites further from the day-use area for a quieter experience....
Based on 59 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
Summer months are popular but busy, with noise from day-use visitors being a common issue. Fall offers a quieter experience but with lower lake levels. Spring provides a high-water experience, and...
Based on 59 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
"The lake is very beautiful, with good swimming and great hikes nearby." "No water, power, or sewer hookups. No cell service." "Vault toilets are pretty 'ammonia-y' in the mornings but air out." "The...
Based on 59 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Site 001: Beautiful and close to the lake but noisy due to day-use visitors. Site 016: Close to the lake but can be windy and busy. Site 014: Lacks privacy and is near the day-use parking area. Site...
Based on 59 reviewsShow more
Accessibility Features
Several users noted that the campground is not wheelchair accessible despite being listed as such. Trails to campsites are uneven and rooted, and the gravel parking lot adds to the difficulty.
Based on 59 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are welcome at the campground, but campers are advised to keep them under control and be mindful of other visitors. One review mentioned an issue with a pet-unfriendly neighbor.
Based on 59 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025