Badger Lake Campground
Open for the season. Roads FR 4860 and FR 4860-140 are passable but very rough with storm damage. High-clearance 4WD required; trailers prohibited. Seasonal road closure runs December 1 through March 31. Sites are first-come, first-served with no reservations.
Air Quality Alert issued August 8 at 11:26AM PDT by NWS Portland OR
The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality have continued an Air Quality Advisory, which is IN EFFECT UNTIL NOON PDT MONDAY. An Air Quality Advisory for Smoke and Ozone remains in effect. Wildfires burning in the region combined with forecasted conditions will cause air quality to reach unhealthy levels at times through 12 PM Monday. Pollutants in smoke can cause burning eyes, runny nose, aggravate heart and lung diseases, and aggravate other serious health problems. Limit outdoor activities and keep children indoors if it is smoky. Please follow medical advice if you have a heart or lung condition. More information about air quality can be found at: www.oregon.gov/DEQ
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.
About
Badger Lake Campground sits at the edge of a serene alpine lake in the Mount Hood National Forest, about a quarter mile from the water. The campground serves as one of the primary gateways to the Badger Creek Wilderness, making it an excellent basecamp for backcountry exploration. Nearby trailheads provide access to Badger Lake Trail #479A and Badger Creek Trail for hiking and wilderness travel. The campground offers 4 primitive tent sites with fire pits and a vault toilet. No potable water is available, so campers must pack in all drinking water. The remote setting delivers solitude and quiet, though reaching it requires commitment. The final 4 miles on FR 4860-140 spur road is very rough with storm damage and demands a high-clearance 4WD vehicle; standard passenger cars and trailers cannot make the approach. Badger Lake itself is open to non-motorized boating, making it ideal for kayaks, canoes, and paddleboards. Fishing is popular. Horse and pack animals are permitted. Wilderness regulations apply in the adjacent Badger Creek Wilderness.
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 4 miles to the campground. FR 4860-140 requires high-clearance 4WD; trailers are not allowed.
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | — |
| 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 (541) 467-2291 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
Useful Links
| USFS Badger Lake Campground | |
| Mt. Hood NF Road Conditions |
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