Rainy Lake Campground
03 reviewsRainy Lake Campground, Mt. Hood National Forest
Rainy Lake Campground
$20.00 - $20.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$20.00
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
Overnight camping fee is $20 per night for a single site. Additional vehicles incur a $10 fee per night. Interagency Senior, Access, Golden Age, or Golden Access pass holders receive a 50% discount on single-site fees, but not on additional vehicles or other sites occupied by the party.
About this campground
Tucked away in the verdant embrace of Mt. Hood National Forest, Rainy Lake Campground offers an authentic wilderness escape for those who prefer their adventures unadorned. This intimate, primitive campground serves as your gateway to the magnificent Mark O. Hatfield Wilderness, where solitude reigns and nature's rhythms replace the buzz of modern life. With minimal amenities and maximum tranquility, it's the perfect basecamp for adventurers who believe the best campsite is one that lets the wilderness speak for itself.
Rainy Lake Campground is a small, primitive campground catering to tent campers and possibly RVs, though specifics are limited.
Natural Features and SceneryImagine waking to the gentle rustle of old-growth forest canopy overhead and the mirror-like surface of Rainy Lake just a short walk away. This campground immerses you in a world of towering evergreens, where shafts of sunlight filter through dense branches to illuminate carpets of moss and fern. The rugged terrain surrounding the camp tells ancient stories of volcanic activity and glacial carving, while well-worn trails beckon you deeper into the Mark O. Hatfield Wilderness, where each turn reveals another postcard-worthy vista of Oregon's untamed beauty.
Geological RegionNestled within the dramatic landscapes of Mt. Hood National Forest, this campground sits at the doorstep of the Mark O. Hatfield Wilderness—a realm where volcanic legacy meets pristine forest ecosystems. The area showcases the raw geological power of the Cascade Range, with its rugged terrain carved by centuries of volcanic activity, glacial movement, and the patient work of mountain streams. Here, where ancient forests cling to steep slopes and hidden lakes reflect the sky, you'll discover why this corner of Oregon has captivated outdoor enthusiasts for generations.
Campsite details
AccessibilityNo specific accessibility features are mentioned in authoritative sources or user reviews.
Sites SizeThe campground consists of four small sites. There are no specific size details mentioned.
Sites PrivacyNo specific information about site privacy is available in the sources.
Total Campsites4 campsites
Reserving a campsite
Groups
There are no designated group sites mentioned.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutThe campground consists of four campsites accessible via a short hike from Rainy Lake.
Reservation PlatformsReservations may be available. Payment accepted by cash or check at the site.
Walk-in AvailabilitySites may be available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Reservation policies are not fully detailed.
Amenities available
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Rainy Lake Campground offers a variety of outdoor activities, focusing on nature-centered recreation such as hiking, fishing, and boating.
Hiking
Hiking options include access to trails such as Rainy Lake Trail 423A, Rainy Wahtum Trail #409, and North Lake Trail #423, which connect to the Mark O. Hatfield Wilderness. Specific trail details such as difficulty levels or lengths are not provided.Fishing
Fishing is allowed in Rainy Lake, although there are no details about the types of fish available or the quality of fishing.Boating
The campground supports non-motorized boating activities. Specific details about boat types or docking facilities are not provided.Winter Activities
Winter activities are not mentioned in the sources provided.Water Sports
Non-motorized water sports like kayaking or canoeing are supported, but no further details are available.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
Hazards
General hazardsThe rough road to the campground is a significant challenge for low-clearance vehicles. There is no potable water available, and the outhouse facilities are described as old and in need of maintenance.
Active alertsThe campground is temporarily closed as per the authoritative content.
Weather forecast
70
°F
Aug 26
Tuesday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 37%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 6.1 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Overcast
7-Day Forecast
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Daily & Hourly Insights
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Temperature Trends
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Precipitation Trends
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Weather Summaries
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Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Hood River Ranger District (Address: 6780 Highway 35, Parkdale, OR 97041), Phone: (541) 352-6002. Open Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., closed for lunch from 12 to 1 p.m. Closed on federal holidays.
Good to know
Trash and recyclingGarbage cans are available for trash disposal, as noted in user reviews.
Proximity to water featuresLocated near Rainy Lake, offering opportunities for non-motorized boating.
Common complaintsUser reviews mention the rough and challenging road conditions, lack of potable water, and the dilapidated state of the outhouse.
Campground Map
Rainy Lake Campground, Mt. Hood National Forest
Driving directionsFrom Hood River: Travel south on OR Hwy 281 Dee Highway for approximately 11 miles to Dee. Bear right at the old Dee Mill Site and cross the East Fork of the Hood River. Turn right again and go 1.2 miles up Punchbowl Road until it crosses the West Fork of the Hood River. The road becomes Dead Point Road (Forest Road 2820) here. Follow Dead Point Road for 11 miles until you reach Rainy Lake Campground and trailhead.
The road to the campground is described as rough and challenging. High-clearance vehicles like trucks and SUVs are recommended, as noted in user reviews. Seasonal closures are not explicitly mentioned in the authoritative content.Nearby places
Hood River: Approximately 11 miles and 20 minutes.
Nearby supplies
Supplies, groceries, and fuel are most likely found in Hood River, approximately 11 miles away from the campground. Specific stores or locations are not mentioned in the authoritative content.
Camper Reviews
0.0
3 reviews
Rainy Lake Campground has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews highlight the campground's primitive nature, scenic location, and challenging access road. The outhouse availability and lack of water are commonly noted.
Review Summaries
Based on 3 reviews
What Campers Love
Users appreciate the scenic location near Rainy Lake and the small, quiet nature of the campground. 'Great small primitive campground' and 'easy to get to on dual sport motorcycles' were mentioned.
Based on 3 reviewsCommon Concerns
The road access to the campground is a frequent complaint, described as 'rough' or 'nasty' in many areas. The outhouse is described as 'old and dilapidated.'
Based on 3 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Bring plenty of water, as none is available on-site. High-clearance vehicles like trucks or SUVs are recommended due to the rough road conditions.
Based on 3 reviewsSeasonal Insights
No seasonal trends in user reviews are provided in the source material.
Based on 3 reviewsCamper Quotes
1. 'A small 4 spot campground a quarter miles hike from Rainy Lake.' 2. 'The road is quite nasty in many areas.' 3. 'Great small primitive campground.'
Based on 3 reviewsSite-Specific Reviews
No specific campsite numbers or detailed reviews by site are mentioned.
Based on 3 reviewsAccessibility Features
No reviews specifically addressing accessibility are available.
Based on 3 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
No reviews or policies regarding pets are mentioned.
Based on 3 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025