Summit Lake Campground
05 reviewsFrom Sandy- follow Highway 26 east to Forest Road 42 (Skyline Rd.). Follow 42 south (right) through the Warm Springs Indian Reservation and back into the national forest. Continue on 42 to Forest Road 4200-141. Follow 4200-141 west about one mile to the campground.
Summit Lake Campground
$8.00 - $21.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$21.00
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
Camping fee is $21 per night for a single site, with an additional $8 per night for extra vehicles. Payment must be made in cash or check. Discounts are offered for holders of Interagency Senior, Interagency Access, Golden Age, or Golden Access passes.
About this campground
Nestled beside the pristine waters of Summit Lake, this intimate rustic campground invites adventurers to disconnect from the world and reconnect with nature. Whether you're casting a line into the tranquil shallows at dawn, taking a refreshing afternoon swim, or setting off on nearby trails that wind through ancient forests, Summit Lake Campground offers an authentic wilderness experience. Several sites require a short walk from your vehicle, adding to the sense of peaceful seclusion that makes this hidden gem so special.
A small, rustic campground with walk-in and single sites. The campground is noted for its basic facilities.
Historical Significancenull
Weather and SeasonsExperience the dramatic seasonal transformations of this mountain paradise. Winter blankets the landscape in pristine snow, with accumulations ranging from 3 to nearly 12 inches during peak weeks, creating a wonderland for snow enthusiasts. As summer arrives, the campground basks in spectacular weather, with crystal-clear skies dominating up to 83% of the time and comfortable temperatures reaching 77°F – perfect conditions for lakeside relaxation and trail exploration.
Elevationnull
Natural Features and SceneryPicture yourself waking to mirror-like reflections on Summit Lake's calm surface, where morning mist dances across shallow waters perfect for wading and fishing. This intimate mountain lake serves as the campground's centerpiece, embraced by towering evergreens and rugged forest landscapes that showcase the raw beauty of the Pacific Northwest. The surrounding wilderness creates a natural amphitheater of tranquility, where the only sounds are birdsong and the gentle lapping of water against the shore.
Geological RegionSituated within the majestic Mt. Hood National Forest, Summit Lake Campground occupies a special corner of Oregon's volcanic landscape. This shallow mountain lake, cradled by ancient forests and rugged terrain, exemplifies the diverse ecosystems that make the Mt. Hood region a geological wonder. The campground's rustic setting provides an authentic basecamp for exploring one of the Pacific Northwest's most iconic forest environments.
Campsite details
AccessibilityAccessibility features are not detailed in any of the provided sources.
Sites SizeSites are described as small and some are walk-in according to both authoritative sources and user reviews.
Sites PrivacyReviews indicate that the campground is 'small,' and one user mentioned it being 'far off the beaten path,' suggesting a level of seclusion. However, another user highlighted noise concerns, indicating varying levels of privacy depending on the time of visit.
Total Campsites0 campsites
Recommended CampsitesAll-wheel drive recommended to reach the campground.
Best Campsitesnull
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Null
Check-out
Null
Stay Limit
Null
Guests Allowed Per Site
Null
Groups
No details about group camping are available.
Tents
Tents are not allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutnull
Open and Closed SeasonOpen 24 hours a day during 5/25/25 - 9/2/2025 depending on snow conditions.
Reservation Platformsnull
Walk-in AvailabilitySome walk-in sites available, as per user reviews. Number of sites and fill patterns not provided.
Cancellation Policynull
Activities you can enjoy
Summit Lake Campground offers outdoor activities including fishing, swimming in a small and shallow lake, day hikes, and non-motorized boating. However, user feedback is mixed, with one user specifically noting that the lake 'does not have any fish in it at all.'
Hiking
The campground supports day hikes to nearby trails, though specific trail details or difficulty levels are not provided in the authoritative content.Fishing
Fishing is listed as an activity in authoritative sources, but a user review by Jeremy Skeels highlights that the lake is not stocked with fish. This may significantly impact fishing enthusiasts.Swimming
Swimming is available in the small and shallow Summit Lake, which is a feature highlighted in authoritative sources.Biking
Mountain biking is listed as an activity by the authoritative source, but details about trails or terrain are not provided.Boating
Non-motorized boating is permitted on the lake. Specific details about types of boats or facilities are not included.Winter Activities
Winter activities are not mentioned in the authoritative content or user reviews. However, the campground is seasonal and only open from late May to early September.Water Sports
Non-motorized water activities like boating are allowed, but specific options such as kayaking or paddleboarding are not detailed.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- null
- Quiet hours are null
Hazards
General hazardsNo potable water available. Roads are noted to be difficult and potentially require all-wheel-drive vehicles. "Lousy roads" and lack of amenities like nearby water are mentioned in user reviews.
Active alertsnull
Weather forecast
79
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 29%
Very dry conditions, stay hydrated
Wind: 5.2 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
null
Good to know
Peak season datesnull
Trash and recyclingTrash and recycling facilities are not mentioned in the authoritative content or user reviews.
Proximity to water featuresThe campground is located on the shore of Summit Lake, which is described as small and shallow.
Common complaintsComplaints include "Loud stereos, motorboats, jet skis and a ton of children running through the campgrounds," as well as poor fishing prospects and challenging roads.
Hostnull
Campground Map
From Sandy- follow Highway 26 east to Forest Road 42 (Skyline Rd.). Follow 42 south (right) through the Warm Springs Indian Reservation and back into the national forest. Continue on 42 to Forest Road 4200-141. Follow 4200-141 west about one mile to the campground.
Driving directionsFrom Sandy- follow Highway 26 east to Forest Road 42 (Skyline Rd.). Follow 42 south (right) through the Warm Springs Indian Reservation and back into the national forest. Continue on 42 to Forest Road 4200-141. Follow 4200-141 west about one mile to the campground.
The campground is accessible via unpaved roads and requires travel through forested areas and the Warm Springs Indian Reservation. Roads can be challenging and may require all-wheel drive vehicles, as noted by user reviews.Nearby supplies
Potable water is not available at this site
the nearest supply is 10 miles away, as noted by a user review. Fuel and additional supplies can likely be found near Sandy, the nearest city.
Camper Reviews
0.0
5 reviews
Summit Lake Campground has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews provide a mixed perspective. Positive aspects include the serene setting of the campground and its remote location. However, some users have raised concerns about loud noise and the lack of fish in the lake.
Review Summaries
Based on 5 reviews
What Campers Love
Users appreciated the remote and serene location. Max Beaudoin mentioned having a 'really pleasant night' during a bikepacking trip.
Based on 5 reviewsCommon Concerns
Complaints include loud noise from stereos and children, as stated by Clint Kaster, and the lack of fish in the lake for fishing enthusiasts, as noted by Jeremy Skeels.
Based on 5 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
One user recommends all-wheel-drive vehicles to access the campground due to rough roads. Campers should also prepare for the lack of potable water on-site.
Based on 5 reviewsSeasonal Insights
The campground is open from late May to early September. Reviews do not provide specific insights about seasonal variations in user experiences.
Based on 5 reviewsCamper Quotes
1. 'It was beautiful and there wasn't another person around for miles.' - Jeremy Skeels. 2. 'Pretty far off the beaten path... had a really pleasant night.' - Max Beaudoin. 3. 'Loud stereos,...
Based on 5 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Specific reviews do not identify the best or worst campsites by number.
Based on 5 reviewsAccessibility Features
No reviews specifically address accessibility features or experiences.
Based on 5 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
No reviews address pet policies or experiences.
Based on 5 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025