Peninsula (Olallie Lake) Campground
3.467 reviewsPeninsula Campground, Olallie Lake Scenic Area, Mt. Hood National Forest, Oregon
Peninsula (Olallie Lake) Campground
$20.00 - $30.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$20.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$20.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Single sites are $20 per night, double family sites are $30 per night, and there is an additional $5 per night fee for extra vehicles. Payments can only be made via cash or check at a dropbox or to an Olallie Lake Resort employee. Credit and debit cards are not accepted.
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About this campground
Perched on a dramatic peninsula that reaches into the pristine waters of Olallie Lake, Peninsula Campground reigns as the area's premier camping destination. This sprawling lakeside retreat beckons anglers and paddlers with its unmatched water access and sweeping vistas. While recent wildfires have left their mark on the landscape, creating a haunting beauty of charred giants and regenerating forest, visitors should remain mindful of potential hazards like unstable trees and erosion-prone trails. The raw, evolving wilderness adds a layer of adventure to your stay, reminding campers of nature's powerful cycles of destruction and renewal.
The Peninsula Campground caters primarily to tent campers, with rustic and primitive camping options.
Historical SignificanceThe waters of Olallie Lake lap against lands that hold deep cultural significance, with portions of the shoreline bordering the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs Reservation. This sacred landscape has sustained indigenous peoples for countless generations, most notably through the abundant huckleberry patches that still carpet the forest floor each summer. These prized native berries continue to draw gatherers who honor age-old traditions, making late summer a particularly special time when the forest offers up its purple treasures and the air fills with the sweet scent of ripe fruit.
Weather and SeasonsPeninsula Campground transforms with the seasons, offering distinct experiences throughout the year. Summer brings gentle mountain breezes and comfortable temperatures perfect for lakeside lounging, while autumn paints the landscape in golden hues. Winter transforms this high-country paradise into a frozen wonderland, where hardy adventurers can experience the profound silence of snow-laden forests—though accessing the campground requires determination and proper winter gear. The typically dry climate means crystal-clear nights perfect for stargazing, though mountain weather can change quickly at this elevation.
ElevationAt 5,000 feet above sea level, Peninsula Campground offers a true high-mountain experience where the air is crisp and thin, and the weather plays by alpine rules. This lofty perch means cooler temperatures year-round—pack that extra layer even in July—and the possibility of surprise snowflakes well into spring or arriving early in fall. The elevation creates a unique microclimate where morning mist dances across the lake and afternoon thunderstorms can materialize from clear skies, adding drama to the already spectacular mountain setting.
Natural Features and SceneryA living tapestry of Pacific Northwest forest unfolds around Peninsula Campground, where towering lodgepole pines stand sentinel alongside fragrant cedars, majestic hemlocks, and stately white pines. This diverse coniferous cathedral frames stunning views of Olallie Lake's sapphire waters, creating picture-perfect scenes at every turn. Lucky visitors might spot deer picking their way through the understory at dawn, or catch sight of osprey diving for trout in the lake's crystal-clear depths. The interplay of forest, water, and sky creates an ever-changing canvas that photographers and nature lovers find irresistible.
Geological RegionNestled within the volcanic wonderland of the Olallie Lake Scenic Area in Mt. Hood National Forest, Peninsula Campground sits atop ancient lava flows that shaped this dramatic landscape. This 5,000-foot-high plateau cradles numerous pristine lakes, with Olallie being the crown jewel. The surrounding peaks and ridges tell the story of fire and ice—volcanic eruptions that built these mountains and glaciers that carved the lake basins. Recent wildfires have added the latest chapter to this geological narrative, creating a mosaic of burned and unburned forest that showcases nature's resilience and the eternal cycle of mountain ecosystems.
Campsite details
AccessibilityThe campground features vault toilets that are wheelchair accessible.
Sites SizeThe campground is described as accommodating tent campers, pop-up tents, and slide campers.
Sites PrivacySites near the tip of the peninsula provide delightful lake views and are walk-in tent sites. Burnt areas closer to the entrance offer less shade and privacy.
Total Campsites36 campsites
Recommended CampsitesChoose sites closer to the tip of the peninsula for better views and shade from diverse conifers.
Best CampsitesWalk-in tent sites at the tip of the peninsula are highly recommended for their views.
Reserving a campsite
Stay Limit
Maximum 14 consecutive days.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Exact number of guests not specified.
Groups
Group camping is not explicitly mentioned.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutThe campground stretches across a peninsula, with sites distributed closer to the entrance and the tip.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen from July 1 through October 15.
Reservation PlatformsAll sites are first-come, first-served.
Walk-in AvailabilityAll sites operate on a first-come, first-served basis.
Amenities available
Picnic tables
Firewood available
Vault toilets
Camp Store
Activities you can enjoy
The campground offers a variety of outdoor activities, including hiking, fishing, non-motorized boating, and picnicking.
Hiking
The only trail at the campground is the Olallie Lake Trail #731, a 2.9-mile foot trail. The broader Olallie Lake Scenic Area offers additional hiking opportunities, including the Pacific Crest Trail.Fishing
Fishing is available in Olallie Lake, which is home to rainbow trout. "The fishing is great mostly native rainbow trout even though tgey stock the lake," according to user reviews.Boating
The lake supports non-motorized boating. Boats with electric trolling motors may be allowed. The campground features a primitive boat ramp, and some campsites allow for boat mooring.Winter Activities
Winter camping is possible if conditions allow and you have a proper vehicle. Ice fishing is an option during winter.Water Sports
Kayaking and canoeing are supported. The lake is excellent for canoes.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Campfires allowed, but specifics are not detailed.
Hazards
General hazardsWildfire-damaged areas pose risks such as falling trees, eroded slopes, and potential flash floods.
Active alertsThe campground remains closed as of 2025 due to post-Lionshead Fire repairs.
Weather forecast
74
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 34%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 11.3 mph
Strong wind, exercise caution
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
Trash and recyclingTrash and recycling facilities are not explicitly mentioned.
Proximity to water featuresDirectly situated on Olallie Lake, which is 240 acres in size and ideal for non-motorized boating.
Common complaintsLong, dusty, unkept roads with potholes and washboards were noted in user reviews. Lack of potable water is another common concern.
HostThere is no mention of campground hosts.
Campground Map
Peninsula Campground, Olallie Lake Scenic Area, Mt. Hood National Forest, Oregon
Driving directionsFrom Estacada - drive south on Highway 224 for 45 miles. The road becomes Forest Service Road 46. From Road 46, turn east onto Forest Service Road 4690 and drive 6 miles on pavement, then about 3 miles on gravel, to a junction with Forest Road 4220. Turn south and continue 5 miles past Olallie Lake Resort to the Peninsula Campground. From US Hwy 26- Turn south onto Forest Road 42 (Skyline Rd.). After ~22 miles, turn left onto Forest Road 4230. After 2.7 miles, turn right onto Forest Road 4220. Campground is in about 10 miles.
The access roads include a mix of paved and gravel roads, with significant challenges such as potholes and washboards mentioned in user reviews. Roads are closed seasonally during winter.Nearby places
Detroit (Exact distance not provided)
Nearby supplies
Nearby Olallie Lake Resort offers limited groceries, firewood, and fishing tackle.
Camper Reviews
3.5
7 reviews
Peninsula (Olallie Lake) Campground has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews
Reviews highlight the remote, scenic beauty of the campground but caution about the challenging road conditions and lack of amenities. The campground's no-swimming policy was repeatedly noted.
Review Summaries
Based on 7 reviews
What Campers Love
The campground's scenic location on a peninsula and its tranquil setting were frequently praised. Fishing opportunities were highly rated.
Based on 7 reviewsCommon Concerns
Road access is difficult, with '6 miles of gravel and pot holes.' Lack of potable water and amenities is a common concern.
Based on 7 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Bring strong bug spray. Prepare for a long and rough drive; high-clearance vehicles are recommended. Bring all necessary supplies, including water.
Based on 7 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Winter camping is quieter and allows for ice fishing, but summer is crowded and less tranquil.
Based on 7 reviewsCamper Quotes
1. 'The fishing is great mostly native rainbow trout even though they stock the lake.' 2. 'Remote site with challenging road access (6 miles of gravel and pot holes).' 3. 'The long unkept dirt/pot...
Based on 7 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Sites at the tip of the peninsula are praised for their views. Burnt areas near the entrance are less appealing.
Based on 7 reviewsAccessibility Features
Vault toilets are wheelchair accessible, but overall accessibility features are limited.
Based on 7 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pet policies and experiences were not mentioned in the reviews.
Based on 7 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025