Campground

Clackamas Lake

Mt. Hood National Forest
Near Estacada, Oregon

Facilities

The campground offers single-family sites for tent and RV camping. There are 11 equestrian sites in the 49-site campground with corrals. Equestrian sites have 2, 3, or 4 horse corrals and are reservable only by those with horses. Some sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Natural Features

The campground is nestled in a heavily wooded forest of pine trees, with partial views of Oregon's highest peak. A lush, green understory provides some privacy between campsites. The campground is near the shores of 3-acre Clackamas Lake, and just three miles from larger Timothy Lake. It is situated at an elevation of about 3,400 feet.

Recreation

Clackamas Lake is a great place for fishing, swimming and non-motorized boating. Anglers can expect a catch of cutthroat, brook, rainbow or German brown trout. A variety of wildlife make its home in the area as well.

Nearby Timothy Lake provides opportunities for picnicking and water-related recreation, including use of power boats.

The Clackamas Lake Ranger Station Historic District is less than a mile from the campground. It is a series of structures and cabins built to house Forest Service workers in the early 1900s. Rustic architecture and the historic nature of the buildings and the surrounding area, draws thousands of tourists each year. It is a must-see while staying at the campground.

Hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding are also popular activities. The 2.2-mile Miller Trail begins in the campground and connects to the Pacific Crest Trail, which extends more than 2,650 miles, from Canada to Mexico. Additional trails, to scenic Little Crater Lake and to the Mt. Jefferson Wilderness, are also available in the area.

Recreation Sites

  • Tent Only Nonelectric
  • Standard Nonelectric
  • Equestrian Nonelectric
  • Management
  • Overnight

Activities

  • Swimming Site
  • Wildlife Viewing
  • Hiking
  • Fishing
  • Camping
  • Historic & Cultural Site
  • Boating

Amenities

  • Accessible Vault Toilets
  • Parking Area
  • Fire Pit
  • Tent Pad
  • Horse Stall/Corral

Nearby Attractions

The campground is less than 40 miles from Mt. Hood, where a historic lookout provides scenic views of the snow-capped mountain. Hiking and year-round skiing is available.

Getting Here

Latitude
45° 5' 44.1528" N
Longitude
121° 44' 47.5260" W
From Sandy, travel east on Highway 26 for approximately 40 miles to Skyline Road (Forest Road 42). Turn right on Skyline Road and continue south for 10 miles to the Clackamas Lake entrance sign. Turn left and head east less than half a mile to the campground entrance.

Need to Know

  • Off-road vehicle use is prohibited within the campground
  • In accordance with standard industry practices, Mount Hood Recreation will be assessing an additional vehicle fee on the second vehicle in each single family campsite, and on the third and fourth vehicle in any double family campsite, provided these vehicles are not joined to the first vehicle by a hitch and towed onto the site. In the case of motorcycles, the first two are considered as one vehicle for determining additional vehicle fees. The third and fourth motorcycle would also be considered as one vehicle. No additional vehicle fees are collected for bicycles.

  • Fire Restrictions: Fire restrictions may be imposed at any time due to hot, dry weather conditions, at which time campfires and charcoal fires may not be allowed. 

  • Refunds: Refund requests made through www.recreation.gov will be charged a $10 processing fee. This fee is retained by the reservation service contractor along with the non-refundable reservation fee. All requests for the return of the non-refundable reservation fee and the cancellation fee will be declined by the campground concessionaire as they did not receive these fees (these are the fees retained by the reservation contractor, a different entity).

  • Click here for more information on Mt. Hood National Forest

  • Don't Move Firewood: Please protect Pacific Northwest forests by preventing the spread of invasive species. Firewood can carry insects and diseases that can threaten the health of our western forests. You can make a difference by obtaining and burning your firewood near your camping destination. Visit Dontmovefirewood.org for further information.
  • Contact Information

    For facility specific information, please call (503) 622-3191.

    Additional Information