Badger Lake Campground
Closed — Closed for the season due to snow and winter road conditions. The campground typically operates from June through October, with exact dates dependent on snowmelt and road access.
Alcohol Prohibitions
This Order describes acts that are prohibited upon lands, roads and trails within the National Forest System administered by the Forest Service Pacific Northwest Region in regards to alcoholic beverages.
Aquatic Invasive Species
This Order prohibits 1) possessing, storing, or transporting any aquatic invasive animal species AND 2) prohibits possessing, storing, or transporting any aquatic or riparian invasive plant species - on National Forest System lands in the Pacific Northwest Region as specified in the Order.
Restrictions on Use of Forage and Mulch Products
This Order prohibits unloading, storing, or using any straw, hay, grain, seed, or other forage or mulch products that are not state-certified weed free on the National Forest System lands, roads or trails in any Closure Area as specific in the Order.
Debris Removal on Salmon River Road
Significant roadwork is occurring on Salmon River Road (Forest Road 2618) on the Zigzag Ranger District beginning Friday, January 16 through at least Monday January 19. Large vehicles on the roadway will impact visitors accessing Old Salmon River Trail.
Winter Storm Closure - Forest Order
(Effective through Jan. 31, 2026) To protect public and Forest Service staff's safety following the 2025 winter storm event as well as prevent road and natural resource damage, a temporary closure order is in place on select roads on the Clackamas River & Zigzag Ranger Districts.
Bagby Hot Springs CLOSED
Bagby Hot Springs is closed. A landslide has closed Forest Road 70, preventing access to the springs.
Tamanawas Falls Trail #650A is CLOSED
Tamanawas Falls Trail #650A is CLOSED due to heavy damage from the December storms. Tamanawas Falls Trail #650A is blocked by multiple slides and completely washed out and destroyed in one section, making Tamanawas Falls inaccessible via that route.
Hazards from Winter Storms
Heavy rains and strong winds have created many hazards across Mt. Hood National Forest and surrounding areas. December storms resulted in downed trees on Forest Roads in addition to localized flooding, landslides, and rockfall.
Sno-park Permits required Nov. 1 to Apr. 30
Sno-Park Permits are required to park in designated sno-parks from November 1 through April 30. Sno-Park Permits are managed by the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT).
Eagle Creek Fire Area Closures - Forest Order
In 2017, the Eagle Creek Fire caused extensive damage to surrounding areas in Columbia River Gorge and parts of Mt. Hood National Forest. Some trails are closed to the public in both the Gorge and Hood River Ranger District, pursuant to 16 USC § 551 and 36 CFR 261.50 (a) and (b).
Health and Safety Closure Due to Roadside Danger Trees - Forest Order
The following acts are prohibited upon the National Forest System Roads described below. Forest Order #06-06-05-25-03 renews Order 06- 06-06-00-23-01, and will be effective June 26, 2025, through June 26, 2026.PROHIBITIONS:
Crane Creek bridge closed on the Barlow Road
The Crane Creek bridge on the Barlow Road (Forest Road 3530) is collapsed and closed. The Barlow Road is open, but it can't be driven from end to end.
About
Badger Lake Campground is a remote, primitive campground located at 4,400 feet elevation in the Mount Hood National Forest, adjacent to the scenic Badger Lake. As one of the major access points to the Badger Creek Wilderness, this campground rewards visitors willing to make the challenging drive with beautiful alpine lake views and excellent wilderness access. The campground features just 4 dispersed campsites scattered near the lake, making it a peaceful destination that sees lighter use than more accessible campgrounds in the forest. Access to the campground requires a rough, unimproved forest road not recommended for passenger cars. The final 4 miles on FR 4860-140 spur road specifically requires high-clearance or 4WD vehicles, and trailers are not allowed on this section. This difficult access helps preserve the remote, backcountry character of the area. The campground operates on an honor system with a $10 per night fee. Badger Lake Campground serves as an excellent base for wilderness exploration, with nearby access to Badger Lake Trail #479A and Badger Creek Trail. Wilderness regulations apply, and motorized boats are prohibited on Badger Lake. The campground offers basic amenities including vault toilets and fire pits at each site, but no drinking water is available. Visitors should come prepared with all necessary water and supplies.
Directions
From Hood River: Follow Highway 35 South for 34 miles. Turn left onto Forest Road 48 and continue 15.3 miles. Turn right onto Forest Road 4860 and head north for 7 miles. Turn left onto FR 4860-140 spur and continue for 4 miles to the campground. High-clearance or 4WD required for FR 4860-140. Trailers not allowed on the 140 spur. Roads are unimproved and not recommended for passenger cars.
Nearby Campgrounds
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $10 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (503) 668-1700 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
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