Hemlock Lake Campground
4.4412 reviews18782 North Umpqua Highway Glide, OR 97443
Hemlock Lake Campground
$10.00 - $10.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$10.00
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
Single Site: $10/night. Additional Vehicle: $5/night. Interagency Senior/Access Recreation Passes provide a 50% discount to single campsites occupied by the pass holder. Payments must be made with cash or check.
About this campground
Escape to Hemlock Lake Campground, where a pristine 28-acre reservoir mirrors the surrounding forest canopy and offers an authentic back-to-nature experience. This intimate campground features 13 thoughtfully spaced sites nestled among towering evergreens, including 9 standard sites perfect for RVs or trailers, one spacious double site for group gatherings, and 3 secluded tent-only spots for those seeking a true wilderness retreat. Whether you're casting a line for trout at dawn, paddling across the glassy water, or capturing the golden hour light filtering through the forest, Hemlock Lake provides the perfect basecamp for outdoor enthusiasts seeking solitude and adventure.
Hemlock Lake Campground supports tent camping and offers combined campsites. Primitive camping features are prominent with no hookups available. RV camping is limited due to the lack of amenities like water or sewer hookups.
Weather and SeasonsFrom mid-May through October, Hemlock Lake transforms with the seasons, offering visitors a dynamic camping experience. Spring arrives with wildflowers and eager trout, while summer brings warm days perfect for swimming and cool nights ideal for campfire stories. Fall paints the maple trees in brilliant golds and reds, creating a photographer's paradise. While winter's freezing temperatures close the campground, the warmer months provide comfortable conditions for exploring this mountain sanctuary at 4,400 feet.
ElevationPerched at 4,400 feet in the Cascade Mountains, Hemlock Lake offers crisp mountain air and cooler temperatures that provide welcome relief from summer heat. This elevation creates an ideal habitat for diverse wildlife and ensures the reservoir maintains refreshing water temperatures throughout the camping season.
Natural Features and SceneryA tapestry of Douglas fir, noble fir, and vibrant maple trees creates a living cathedral around Hemlock Lake's sapphire waters. This carefully maintained reservoir remains full throughout the season, its surface reflecting the surrounding forest and sky. Regular trout stocking ensures anglers have plenty to pursue, while the diverse ecosystem attracts wildlife watchers and nature photographers. The interplay of water and forest creates countless scenic vistas, from misty morning reflections to sunset-painted waters.
Geological RegionTucked within the vast expanse of Umpqua National Forest, Hemlock Lake showcases the region's volcanic heritage through its dramatic mountain setting. This man-made reservoir harmoniously blends with the natural landscape, surrounded by the mixed conifer forests that define the western Cascades. The area's unique geology creates the perfect bowl for this mountain lake, where ancient lava flows now support towering firs and the clear waters that draw visitors seeking pristine wilderness experiences.
Campsite details
AccessibilityWheelchair-friendly vault toilets are available, but no further details on accessibility features were provided.
Sites SizeUser reviews mentioned sites of various sizes and elevations, adding uniqueness to each campsite.
Sites Privacy"Widely spaced and screened by a thick middlestory dominated by maple trees, sites have good privacy."
Total Campsites13 campsites
Recommended CampsitesSelect campsites on the edge of the campground for more privacy and away from the shoreline for a quieter experience. Based on user reviews, lime green power bait works best for fishing from boats.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
2:00 PM
Check-out
12:00 PM
Stay Limit
Maximum length of stay anywhere on the forest is 14 days.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutCampsites are widely spaced, screened by thick vegetation, and are situated along a hilltop beside Hemlock Lake.
Open and Closed SeasonServices provided May 15 through October 31, weather dependent.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made by calling 1-877-444-6777.
Amenities available
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Hemlock Lake Campground offers a range of activities, including hiking, fishing, sightseeing, photography, swimming, and boating. The lake is stocked with rainbow trout and kokanee salmon, providing excellent fishing opportunities. Hiking trails include the Hemlock Lake Loop (1 mile), Yellow Jacket Loop (5.7 miles), and Hemlock Creek Trail (4 miles). Non-motorized boating is permitted, and visitors often enjoy canoeing and paddleboarding. The campground is an idyllic spot for stargazing, with clear skies enhancing the experience.
Hiking
Hiking trails include Hemlock Lake Loop (1 mile), Yellow Jacket Loop (5.7 miles), and Hemlock Creek Trail (4 miles). Suitable for foot, horse, mountain bike, and dirt bikes.Fishing
Fishing is highly praised by users, with the lake stocked with rainbow trout and kokanee salmon. "Nice campground but primitive, take lots of water, trash cans on site. The Lake is great, fully stocked with trout, most folks catch their limit quickly."Biking
Trails like Yellow Jacket Loop and Hemlock Creek Trail support mountain biking and dirt biking.Boating
Non-motorized boating is allowed. Trolling motors are permitted, but gas engines are prohibited. There's a boat ramp at Hemlock Meadows.Winter Activities
Lake can freeze over in winter, making ice fishing a potential activity.Water Sports
Kayaking and paddleboarding are popular non-motorized water sports.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfires are allowed only in developed fire pits when conditions allow. Fireworks are strictly prohibited.
- Quiet hours are 10:00 PM to 6:00 AM
Hazards
General hazardsNo cell service. Bugs can be present during the summer months, but not severe. Roads leading to the site can be challenging due to gravel and single-lane stretches.
Weather forecast
75
°F
Aug 26
Tuesday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 33%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 8.5 mph
Strong wind, exercise caution
Clear sky
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
North Umpqua Ranger Station (Address: 18782 North Umpqua Highway Glide, OR 97443, Phone: 541-496-3532, Hours: Wednesday and Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM).
Good to know
Trash and recyclingGarbage disposal facilities are available, but recycling was not mentioned.
Proximity to water featuresThe campground sits beside Hemlock Lake, a 28-acre reservoir stocked with trout. It includes a boat ramp located 0.5 miles around the east arm of the lake.
Common complaintsNo potable water available, requiring campers to bring their own or boil lake water. Reports of some noise from generators used by travel trailers.
Campground Map
18782 North Umpqua Highway Glide, OR 97443
Driving directionsIn Glide, OR, at intersection of State Rt. 138 and Little River Rd. (County Rt. 17), take Little River Rd. south 1.1 miles to a 'Y' intersection. Bear left, staying on Little River Rd. (which becomes Forest Rt. 27), and go 26 miles to Hemlock Lake sign. Turn right, staying on Rt. 27, and go 2.5 miles to a 'Y' intersection. Bear right, again continuing on Rt. 27, and go 0.6 miles to another intersection. Turn right and go 0.7 miles to campground. NOTE: The last 9.1 miles are on a single lane, gravel road.
Access requires navigating 9.1 miles of single-lane gravel road. Official driving directions highlight multiple intersections along Little River Road and Forest Route 27, indicating potential navigation challenges.Nearby places
Glide (28 miles west)
Nearby supplies
Gas and limited groceries are available at Peel Store, 28 miles west of the campground on County Road 17.
Camper Reviews
4.4
12 reviews
Hemlock Lake Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews highlight Hemlock Lake Campground as a peaceful and scenic destination offering excellent fishing and a relaxing camping experience. The lake is often described as beautiful and calm, with campsites providing good privacy. However, visitors emphasize the need to bring water and be prepared for the primitive facilities.
Review Summaries
Based on 12 reviews
What Campers Love
Common praises include excellent fishing opportunities, peaceful surroundings, stargazing potential, and a variety of hiking options.
Based on 12 reviewsCommon Concerns
Lack of potable water, no cell service, and potential noise from generators used by travel trailers.
Based on 12 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Bring your own water supply; select campsites away from the shoreline if camping with pets; lime green power bait works best for fishing.
Based on 12 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Lake freezes over in winter, limiting boating activities but possibly allowing for ice fishing. Summers are described as ideal for floating on the lake and escaping valley smoke.
Based on 12 reviewsCamper Quotes
1. "Not usually crowded!" 2. "Camping spots are $10/night with plenty of bathrooms, but no shower or hookups." 3. "No cell service here, just good fishing and quiet camping." 4. "Lake is stocked with...
Based on 12 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Site sizes and elevations vary, providing uniqueness. "Camping spots are $10 night with plenty of bathrooms, but no shower or hookups."
Based on 12 reviewsAccessibility Features
Wheelchair-friendly vault toilets are available, but users did not elaborate further.
Based on 12 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Dogs are allowed but must adhere to strict guidelines, including leashes and cleanup protocols. "Clean up after your pet. It will only take a few minutes, and there is no single action that will more...
Based on 12 reviewsShow more
Last updated August 10, 2025