Campground: Horseshoe Lake
4.2711 reviewsCampground: Horseshoe Lake
$8.00 - $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
A single campsite is $20 per night, and an extra vehicle is $8 per night.
About this campground
Nestled alongside a pristine 24-acre alpine lake, this rustic mountain retreat offers an intimate camping experience where nearly every site enjoys sweeping water views. The campground's cozy layout creates a close-knit community atmosphere, perfect for those seeking a traditional outdoor experience without barriers between nature and neighboring adventurers.
Horseshoe Lake Campground provides options for tent camping and possibly RVs, given the vehicle length limit of 16 feet, but does not cater to glamping or cabins. Sites operate on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Historical SignificanceServing as a gateway to the magnificent Mt. Adams Wilderness, this campground has long been a cherished basecamp for generations of mountaineers, hikers, and wilderness enthusiasts drawn to explore one of the Pacific Northwest's most iconic volcanic peaks.
Weather and SeasonsThis high-altitude haven welcomes visitors during its brief but spectacular summer season, operating from mid-June through mid-September when wildflowers bloom and mountain air turns crisp. Mountain weather here dances between sun-drenched mornings and afternoon thundershowers, creating an ever-changing tapestry of conditions. Summer brings its share of mosquitoes, so pack your repellent alongside your sense of adventure.
ElevationPerched at 4,100 feet above sea level, the campground offers that perfect sweet spot where mountain meadows meet alpine forests, providing cooler temperatures and crystal-clear air that refreshes both body and spirit.
Natural Features and SceneryTowering Silver Firs and ancient Hemlocks create a natural cathedral around the campground, their evergreen boughs filtering sunlight into dancing patterns on the forest floor. Well-maintained trails lead directly from camp into the untamed beauty of Mt. Adams Wilderness, where alpine meadows, glacial streams, and volcanic landscapes await exploration.
Geological RegionSet within the vast expanse of Gifford Pinchot National Forest, at the doorstep of Mt. Adams Wilderness, this campground occupies a remarkable geological crossroads where volcanic legacy meets ancient forest ecosystems in Washington's stunning Cascade Range.
Campsite details
AccessibilityNo specific details about accessibility for people with disabilities are provided, though vault toilets are noted to be wheelchair-friendly.
Sites SizeCampsites are described as small, with limited space for tents or vehicles.
Sites PrivacyThe campground has a tight configuration, offering poor privacy as sites are close together.
Total Campsites11 campsites
Recommended Campsitesnull
Best Campsitesnull
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Null
Check-out
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Stay Limit
14 consecutive nights
Guests Allowed Per Site
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Groups
Group camping is not supported at this campground.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutTight configuration with minimal privacy.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen mid-June through mid-September.
Reservation PlatformsReservations are not available; first-come-first-serve.
Walk-in AvailabilityFirst come, first serve availability.
Cancellation Policynull
Amenities available
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Horseshoe Lake Campground offers a variety of outdoor activities such as hiking, fishing, boating (limited to electric motors), and OHV trail riding. It is also located near the Mt. Adams Wilderness and several trails, making it a popular spot for adventurers.
Hiking
Hiking opportunities are abundant, with nearby access to the Mt. Adams Wilderness via the Killen Creek trailhead. Trails such as Green Mountain Trail #110, High Lakes Trail #116, and Spring Creek Trail #115 are also in the vicinity.Fishing
Fishing is permitted in the 24-acre Horseshoe Lake, which features species like tiger, brook, and brown trout. However, some user reviews mention dissatisfaction with the fishing experience, describing the lake as having 'tiny fish not fit for even bait.'Biking
Mountain biking is available on trails near the campground.Boating
Boating is allowed but limited to non-motorized boats or those with electric motors. Gas-powered motors are not permitted.Wildlife viewing
Wildlife spotting opportunities are highlighted in user reviews, with mentions of bears in the area. Campers should have bear spray handy.Winter Activities
The campground is closed during winter, so no winter activities are applicable.Water Sports
Non-motorized water sports such as kayaking and canoeing are supported on Horseshoe Lake, but no specific facilities are mentioned.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
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- Quiet hours are 10:00 PM to 6:00 AM
Hazards
General hazardsPotential hazards include bears as noted by user reviews. Mosquitos are frequently mentioned. Roads are rough and require high-clearance vehicles.
Active alertsSite closed as of 3/28/25 for winter.
Weather forecast
80
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 37%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 8.1 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
Emergency Services
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Good to know
Peak season datesnull
Trash and recyclingNo information is provided about trash and recycling facilities. Campers are advised to practice Leave No Trace principles.
Proximity to water featuresAdjacent to Horseshoe Lake, which is 5 acres in size.
Common complaintsComplaints include small, uneven sites, crowded conditions, rowdy campers, poorly maintained facilities, and dirty bathrooms.
Hostnull
Campground Map
Driving directionsFrom Randle, Washington travel south on State Highway 131 (Forest Roads 23 and 25). Veer left in 1 mile at the Y of Forest Road 23 and Forest Road 25. Continue to follow Forest Service Road 23 for 18.5 miles then turn left onto Forest Road 21. Follow Forest Road 21 for 4.6 miles and turn right onto Forest Road 56. Follow Forest Road 56 for 3 miles and turn right onto Forest Road 5603. Follow Forest Road 5603 for 5.2 miles and turn right onto Forest Road 2329. Follow Forest Road 2329 for 3 miles and turn right onto Forest Road 2329078. Follow Forest Road 2329078 for 1.3 miles and arrive at the campground.
Road access is challenging, involving unpaved roads, gravel paths, and tight turns. This includes sections that are rutted and washed out as described in reviews; high-clearance vehicles are advised.Nearby places
Cougar (approximately 68 miles north)
Nearby supplies
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Camper Reviews
4.3
11 reviews
Campground: Horseshoe Lake is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
Reviews for Horseshoe Lake Campground are mixed. While some praise its tranquility, scenic views, and proximity to outdoor activities, others criticize the poor maintenance, tight campsite layout, and insufficient facilities.
Review Summaries
Based on 11 reviews
What Campers Love
Positive aspects include the scenic lake views, peaceful setting, and opportunities for hiking and boating. One reviewer described it as 'quiet and tranquil,' and another called it 'a secret hidden...
Based on 11 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Common complaints are about the small, cramped campsites, poor maintenance (particularly of the vault toilets), and the rough access roads. A user noted, 'The camp sites are tiny and poorly...
Based on 11 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Campers recommend arriving early to secure a spot, bringing drinking water, and being prepared for rough roads. Bear spray and mosquito repellent are also advised.
Based on 11 reviewsSeasonal Insights
The campground is busiest during its open season from mid-June to mid-September. Summer months see an influx of visitors, making early arrival essential. Mosquitoes are noted as a significant issue...
Based on 11 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
1. 'Great camping ground on a wonderful little lake on Mt. Adams. Quiet and tranquil.' - Bradley Jones
2. 'This place is absolutely TERRIBLE! The camp sites are tiny and poorly arranged, and the lake...
Based on 11 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
No reviews specifically identifying the best or worst individual sites were available.
Based on 11 reviewsAccessibility Features
No reviews specifically addressing accessibility features were available.
Based on 11 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are allowed, and dogs must be leashed. While no detailed reviews focus on pet-related experiences, the pet policy aligns with general forest guidelines.
Based on 11 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025