Lost Lake Campground, Resort And Day Use Area

Star4.53
44 reviews
Lost Lake Campground, Resort And Day Use Area
$15.00 - $32.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$26.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$30.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

Camping fee varies by amenities. Fee info can be found on Lost Lake Resort's website.
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About this campground

Nestled in the heart of pristine wilderness, Lost Lake Campground beckons adventurers with its crystal-clear waters perfect for paddling enthusiasts. Glide across the mirror-like surface in your canoe or kayak, explore winding forest trails that reveal hidden vistas, or join fellow nature lovers for unforgettable evenings of stargazing under ink-black skies. Weekend visitors can enjoy the gentle strums of live music echoing through the pines, while early risers might spot eagles soaring overhead or deer grazing at the water's edge during peaceful birdwatching sessions.
Lost Lake Campground offers a variety of camping options, accommodating different preferences and group sizes.
Historical SignificanceLost Lake holds stories etched into its very shoreline, tales that visitors can discover along the interpretive boardwalk trail. Here, thoughtfully placed exhibits reveal the fascinating natural history of the lake's untouched shores, explaining how centuries of ecological processes have shaped this pristine aquatic ecosystem. Each panel invites you to understand the delicate balance between water, forest, and wildlife that has remained largely unchanged since time immemorial.
Weather and SeasonsFrom late spring through early fall, Lost Lake transforms into an outdoor paradise with comfortable temperatures perfect for any adventure. While May mornings may still carry a crisp mountain chill that calls for an extra layer, the season quickly warms into ideal camping weather. Summer days invite swimming and lazy afternoons by the shore, while autumn paints the surrounding forest in brilliant golds and crimsons, creating a photographer's dream backdrop for your outdoor escape.
ElevationPerched at 3,200 feet above sea level, Lost Lake Campground offers that perfect sweet spot where mountain air stays refreshingly cool without the harsh extremes of higher altitudes. This ideal elevation means comfortable sleeping temperatures on summer nights, spectacular star visibility free from lowland haze, and just enough mountain atmosphere to make every breath feel rejuvenating.
Natural Features and SceneryStep into an enchanted forest where ancient cedar giants and towering Douglas firs create a natural cathedral of green. These old-growth sentinels, some standing for centuries, form a protective canopy over the campground, their massive trunks telling stories of resilience and time. Shafts of sunlight filter through the dense mixed conifer forest, creating an ever-changing tapestry of light and shadow that transforms throughout the day. The rich forest floor, carpeted in moss and ferns, provides a soft cushion for woodland creatures and a feast for the senses of visiting nature enthusiasts.
Geological RegionThe campground sits within a remarkable mixed conifer ecosystem where the geological forces of millennia have created perfect growing conditions for a diverse forest community. This unique convergence of soil types, moisture levels, and mountain climate has produced a botanical wonderland where cedar, fir, pine, and hemlock thrive together, creating one of the region's most impressive stands of mixed conifers.

Campsite details

AccessibilityADA-accessible fishing access is available, including a fishing pier, boat launch, and fish cleaning station. An old-growth interpretive trail is also wheelchair-friendly.
Sites SizeCampsites vary, including large pull-through RV sites and terraced tent sites.
Sites PrivacyCampsites offer varying levels of privacy. Loops E and F are noted for being highly secluded, with natural privacy screens provided by shrubs and trees.
Total Campsites118 campsites
Recommended CampsitesLoop F offers terraced sites with privacy and lake access.
Best CampsitesLoop F is highlighted for proximity to the lake.

Reserving a campsite

Check-in
Null
Check-out
12:00 PM
Stay Limit
14 consecutive nights
Guests Allowed Per Site
Null
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed

Site layoutEight loops (A-H) offering varied camping experiences from walk-in tent sites to horse camping with corrals.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen Memorial Day weekend through October 15.
Reservation Platformsnull
Walk-in Availabilitynull
Cancellation Policynull

Accomodation available

Cabin lodgingCabin lodging is available for campers seeking a more sheltered and comfortable experience. These enclosed accommodations offer protection from the elements and are ideal for those who prefer not to camp in tents.
GlampingGlamping options are available for visitors looking to enjoy nature with added comfort. These upgraded accommodations offer a unique blend of outdoor atmosphere and modern convenience.

Amenities available

Fire rings
Picnic tables
Dump station
Firewood available
Lodging and accommodations
Vault toilets
Camp Store

Activities you can enjoy

Lost Lake Campground offers a variety of recreational activities that cater to outdoor enthusiasts. Key features include extensive hiking and biking trails, fishing, boating, and wildlife viewing. The lake itself, with its pristine waters, is a major attraction, drawing visitors for kayaking and paddleboarding. Scheduled activities, such as stargazing and live music events, further enrich the camping experience.
Hiking
Hiking opportunities are abundant, with trails ranging from the 0.25-mile interpretive trail to the over 100-mile system. Notable trails include the Lakeshore Trail (3.2 miles) and Lost Lake Butte Trail (2 miles), which offers spectacular views of Mt. Hood.
Fishing
The lake supports a variety of fishing methods, including wade, shore, non-motorized boat, float tube, fly, spin, and bait fishing. Fish species include brook, brown, and rainbow trout, as well as kokanee salmon.
Biking
Biking trails are available, including the Lake Branch Cascades Trail and Huckleberry Mountain Trail, suitable for mountain biking.
Boating
Non-motorized boating is a popular activity. Rentable options include kayaks, canoes, and paddleboards. A boat ramp is available, and mooring is possible along Loop F.
Wildlife viewing
Opportunities for wildlife viewing are available, with frequent sightings of newts and other species. Visitors are encouraged to stay on trails to protect habitats.
Cultural and Educational Programs
The campground offers scheduled events, including telescoped stargazing and Forest Service activities. An interpretive trail also educates visitors on the local ecology.
Winter Activities
Winter activities are not specified, but snow conditions may impact accessibility early in the season.
Water Sports
Water sports such as kayaking, paddleboarding, and canoeing are popular, with equipment available for rent at the resort.

Campground rules

  • Pets are not allowed
  • Firewood available for purchase at the general store.
  • Quiet hours are null

Hazards

General hazardsSigns warn against reserving spots by the lake with camp chairs and towels. Pit toilets noted to be poorly maintained.
Active alertsSome sites are walk-in; this needs to be verified before booking.

Weather forecast

81
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%

Moderate wind, may affect light items

Humidity: 43%

Comfortable humidity levels

Wind: 5.4 mph

Moderate wind, may affect light items

Overcast
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Temperature Trends

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Weather Summaries

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Emergency Services

null

Good to know

Peak season datesnull
Trash and recyclingTrash and recycling facilities are available, but specific details about their locations or schedules are not provided.
Proximity to water featuresAdjacent to Lost Lake, 240 acres in size.
Common complaintsPit toilets not well maintained, expensive items at the store, noisy neighbors, lack of parking near lakeside campsites.
HostHosts are noted to be friendly and helpful.

Campground Map

Driving directionsFrom Portland Oregon: Take Highway 84 for approximately 58 miles, exiting at #62. Take Country Club Road to Barrett Drive turning left on Barrett Drive to Tucker Road. Turn right on Tucker Road which eventually intersects with 281 (Dee Highway); take Dee Highway to the Lost Lake Road exit, Lost Lake Road dead-ends at Lost Lake Resort & Campground.
The entire route is paved, but the last 6 miles are curvy and hilly.
Nearby places
Portland (58 miles), Parkdale (null miles)
Nearby supplies
Stocked general store onsite.

Camper Reviews

4.5
44 reviews
Top-Rated
Top-Rated
Lost Lake Campground, Resort And Day Use Area is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews for Lost Lake Campground are generally positive, highlighting the natural beauty, serene ambiance, and variety of recreational activities. However, there are consistent complaints about the cleanliness of vault toilets, high campground pricing, and limited accessibility to the lake and facilities.
Review Summaries
Based on 44 reviews

What Campers Love

Users praised the "crystal clear water" and the lack of motorized boats on the lake. Many appreciated the "spacious and secluded" campsites, particularly in Loops E and F. The resort store and...
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Based on 44 reviews

Common Concerns

Frequent criticisms include the poor cleanliness and odor of vault toilets, high costs for basic services and items at the store, and challenges in accessing the lake due to the natural shoreline.
Based on 44 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Visitors recommend bringing walkie-talkies due to the lack of cell reception and preparing for potential rain or cold weather. It's also advised to book campsites early and confirm site details if...
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Based on 44 reviews

Seasonal Insights

The campground is busiest during summer weekends, with crowded conditions and higher noise levels. Early and late-season visits may encounter snow and reduced accessibility.
Based on 44 reviews

Camper Quotes

"The crystal clear water and lack of motorized boats make this a water lover's paradise." - Paul Dixon. "The campgrounds were marked really well and easy to navigate." - Tori Scott. "The bathrooms...
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Based on 44 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Loop F is consistently noted for its proximity to the lake and secluded sites. Loop E is praised for its walk-in tent sites with high levels of privacy.
Based on 44 reviews

Accessibility Features

The old-growth interpretive trail is noted as wheelchair-friendly, and the fishing pier is ADA-accessible. However, some reviews highlight difficulties with site access due to uneven terrain.
Based on 44 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are mentioned in reviews, but specific policies or pet-related amenities are not detailed.
Based on 44 reviews

Last updated August 10, 2025

Campgrounds
Mt. Hood National Forest
Lost Lake Campground, Resort And Day Use Area