Lake Harriet

Star4.38
37 reviews
Oak Grove Fork Rd., Lake Harriet, OR, USA
Lake Harriet
$26.00 - $26.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard nonelectric camping fee is $26 per night during peak season (May 23 - September 13). Holiday reservations incur an additional $2 fee. Fees...
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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
Total Campsite Fees$26.00

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Recreation Dot Gov
Provider
503-464-8515pgeparks@pgn.com

About this campground

Nestled along the pristine eastern shores of Lake Harriet, this intimate campground offers eight thoughtfully spaced single-family sites where the gentle lapping of water creates nature's perfect soundtrack. Whether you're pitching a tent under the stars or settling in with your RV, you'll find everything needed for a comfortable stay: accessible vault toilets, fresh drinking water, crackling fire pits, sturdy picnic tables, and convenient boat ramp access for morning paddling adventures.
Lake Harriet Campground accommodates both tent and RV camping with a total of eight single-family sites. Primitive camping options may exist further up the lake beyond the official campground area.
Weather and SeasonsSummer brings pleasantly warm days perfect for swimming and hiking, while cool mountain evenings invite cozy campfire gatherings. Pack layers for those refreshing nights when temperatures dip. Occasional rain showers keep the forest lush and green, creating that distinctive Pacific Northwest atmosphere. Winter transforms the landscape into a quieter retreat, though adventurous souls should note that road conditions can become challenging and access may be limited during the snowy months.
ElevationPerched at 2,000 feet within a dramatic forested canyon of the legendary Cascade Mountain Range, the campground offers that perfect sweet spot where mountain air stays crisp without leaving you breathless. This elevation provides stunning vantage points while keeping you comfortably below the snow line for most of the camping season.
Natural Features and SceneryA scattered canopy of graceful alder trees frames your camping experience, offering dappled shade while preserving those coveted lake views. The campground serves as your gateway to a densely forested canyon where towering evergreens create cathedral-like groves. Lake Harriet sparkles before you, reflecting the majestic Cascade peaks beyond. Keep your camera ready for wildlife encounters—majestic bald eagles soar overhead, elusive northern spotted owls call through the twilight, and playful otters splash along the shoreline.
Geological RegionTucked within a spectacular narrow canyon carved by ancient forces through Oregon's iconic Cascade Mountain Range, Lake Harriet Campground showcases the raw beauty of Mt. Hood National Forest. At approximately 2,000 feet elevation, this geological wonderland places you amid volcanic peaks, old-growth forests, and pristine mountain waters, where alder groves whisper stories of the Pacific Northwest's wild heart.
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Campsite details

AccessibilityAccessible vault toilets are available. The campground host is reportedly very helpful and accommodating, ensuring accessibility for all visitors.
Sites SizeThe campground has eight single-family campsites, described by one visitor as 'spaces are very large' with plenty of room for standard camping setups.
Sites PrivacySites offer limited privacy due to their close proximity, as noted in reviews: 'Only drawback is there is almost zero privacy between campsites.'
Total Campsites8 campsites
Recommended CampsitesChoose campsite 002 for lake views and campsite 008 for privacy and waterfall access.
Best CampsitesCampsite 002 is noted for its direct lake view. Campsite 008 is recommended for its privacy and proximity to a waterfall.

Reserving a campsite

Check-in
Check-in begins at 4 PM.
Check-out
Check-out is required by 12 PM.
Stay Limit
Maximum consecutive stay allowed is 14 nights.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Maximum occupancy of 6 persons per campsite.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed

Site layoutThe campground consists of eight single-family campsites arranged closely within a small area near Lake Harriet.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen for reservations from May 23 to September 13 during peak season. Closed for reservations during off-season.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through Recreation.gov, the mobile app, or contact center.
Walk-in AvailabilityWalk-up availability is limited to specific days during the year, such as June 20 - June 21, 2025, when reservations are not offered in advance.
Cancellation PolicyReservations can be cancelled at any time before the date of scheduled arrival. Late cancellations incur a $10 fee and forfeit the first night's recreation use fee. Changes to reservations incur a $10 change fee when balance adjustments occur.

Amenities available

Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Firewood available
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Lake Harriet Campground provides a variety of recreational opportunities, including fishing, boating, wildlife viewing, and hiking. The 22-acre lake is a focal point for activities, with a 10 mph speed limit ensuring a peaceful environment.
Hiking
The Bull of the Woods Wilderness area, located south of the campground, offers hiking trails. These trails are not described in detail, but the nearby wilderness is noted for its scenic beauty.
Fishing
Fishing is a standout activity at Lake Harriet. The lake is stocked annually with rainbow trout and also supports cutthroat and brown trout. Anglers may catch additional species like steelhead, chinook, and kokanee salmon in the nearby Oak Grove Fork of the Clackamas River. User reviews frequently praise the fishing opportunities: 'Kids had a blast. We caught so many fish.'
Biking
Several primitive forest roads near the campground are suitable for mountain biking. The Cascades Scenic Byway, which runs nearby, may also provide biking opportunities.
Boating
Boating is permitted with a 10 mph speed limit. Electric motors and rowing are allowed, which maintain the serene environment. A boat ramp and dock provide easy access to the lake.
Wildlife viewing
The area is a habitat for species such as bald eagles, northern spotted owls, peregrine falcons, and otters. Visitors have noted opportunities to observe eagles and other wildlife: 'Saw many eagles, and a few otters.'
Winter Activities
No specific winter activities are mentioned; however, roads can be rough during winter, which may restrict access.
Water Sports
Non-motorized water sports, such as kayaking and paddleboarding, are popular. A reviewer mentioned: 'Awesome place to kayak around the lake.'
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Campground rules

  • Pets are allowed
  • Campfires are allowed in fire pits provided at campsites, but restrictions may apply during wildfire season.
  • Quiet hours are from 8 PM to 8 AM.

Hazards

General hazardsSeasonal road closures and rough terrain in winter months pose challenges for access. Wildlife such as bears and bald eagles require campers to follow safety protocols.
Active alertsNF-57 from Hwy 224 is closed as of July 2022, requiring alternative access routes.

Weather forecast

49
°F
Nov 25
Tuesday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%

Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities

Humidity: 48%

Comfortable humidity levels

Wind: 2.9 mph

Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities

Overcast

7 day forecast

Weather History
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo

Emergency Services

Ripplebrook Ranger Station provides emergency services and a general store, located 6 miles west of the campground.

Good to know

Peak season datesMay 23 - September 13 (Peak Season).
Trash and recyclingTrash disposal facilities are not specifically mentioned. Visitors are encouraged to clean up after themselves, as emphasized in a user review: 'If you can't respect the land please stay away.'
Proximity to water featuresSituated on Lake Harriet's eastern shores, the campground offers immediate access to water activities, including fishing and boating.
Common complaintsSeveral reviews mention limited privacy between campsites, dusty conditions, and off-road access challenges.
HostHosts Warren and Kareen are consistently praised for their friendliness, cleanliness, and maintenance of the site. Many reviews highlight their conscientious efforts to keep the campground spotless.

Campground Map

Oak Grove Fork Rd., Lake Harriet, OR, USA
Driving directionsFrom Sandy, Oregon, travel east on Highway 26 for approximately 40 miles to Skyline Road/Road 42. Turn right on Skyline Road and continue south for about 9 miles. Turn right on Forest Service Road (FSR) 57 and travel west past all campgrounds along the south shore. Cross the dam and continue about 9.5 miles along FSR 57. Turn right onto FSR 4630. Proceed 0.5 miles to Lake Harriet.
Road access can be challenging during winter months, with some roads described as rough. NF-57 from Hwy 224 is currently closed as of July 2022, requiring access via Timothy and staying on Road 57 for approximately 30 minutes.
Nearby places
Ripplebrook Ranger Station is located just over 6 miles west of the campground.
Nearby supplies
Ripplebrook Ranger Station offers a general store where visitors can find supplies, located 6 miles west of the campground.

Camper Reviews

4.4
37 reviews
Recommended
Recommended
Lake Harriet is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
Users widely praise the natural beauty, fishing opportunities, and cleanliness of the campground. The campground host receives exceptional feedback for their helpfulness and maintenance efforts.
Review Summaries
Based on 37 reviews

What Campers Love

Top highlights include exceptional fishing, clean and well-maintained vault toilets, quiet atmosphere, and the dedication of the campground hosts. One user noted: 'The host Warren clearly takes pride...
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Based on 37 reviews

Common Concerns

Common complaints involve the lack of cell service, limited privacy between campsites, and occasional road access issues. Dusty conditions and muddy toilets after rain were also mentioned: 'The...
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Based on 37 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring your own water for RV tanks as filling on-site is prohibited. A user recommended accessing the campground via Timothy instead of relying on GPS directions.
Based on 37 reviews

Seasonal Insights

The campground is most popular in summer, with visitors enjoying fishing, boating, and wildlife viewing. However, roads can become challenging in winter, impacting accessibility.
Based on 37 reviews

Camper Quotes

'The lake is beautiful... our boys, 5 and 7 years old, had fun fishing and being in the great outdoors.' 'The outhouse was hands down the cleanest pit toilet I’ve ever seen.' 'I’ve never been in a...
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Based on 37 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site 002 is noted for its direct lake view but lacks running water. Site 008 is described as 'private,' with a waterfall nearby. Reviews frequently highlight the spaciousness and cleanliness of all...
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Based on 37 reviews

Accessibility Features

The campground is described as accessible, with well-maintained vault toilets. The hosts are commended for their attention to accessibility needs.
Based on 37 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed, and the campground's remote and quiet setting makes it a good choice for pet owners.
Based on 37 reviews

Last updated November 24, 2025
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