Boulder Lake Dispersed Camping Area
Open for free dispersed camping. Access is via Bonney Meadows Trailhead at 5,300 ft elevation. High-elevation Forest Service roads typically open late spring to early summer depending on snowpack. No reservations or fees required.
Air Quality Alert issued August 9 at 11:22AM PDT by NWS Portland OR
The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality has 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 due to smoke and ozone at times through 12PM 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
Boulder Lake Dispersed Camping Area occupies the site of a former Forest Service campground that has been decommissioned. The area now serves as a dispersed camping destination offering approximately 6-10 tent-only primitive campsites scattered around the lake. While the Forest Service no longer maintains the site, some remnants of the former campground remain, including a vault toilet. Campers must bring all water and pack out all trash. Reaching Boulder Lake requires a 2.2-mile hike from Bonney Meadows Trailhead via Boulder Lake Trail #463. The route is rated strenuous, beginning at 5,300 feet elevation at Bonney Meadows. From the trailhead, the trail heads northwest before descending north and eventually southeast to reach the lake. Connected trails include Boulder Lakeshore Trail #463B and Little Boulder Trail #463A for additional exploration. As dispersed camping on National Forest land, standard regulations apply: maximum 14 consecutive days at one location, 28 days total per calendar year forest-wide, and camps must be positioned at least 100 feet from the lake and streams. Campfires require use of existing fire rings with only already-downed wood. Leave No Trace principles are required.
Directions
From Hood River, take Highway 35 south to Forest Road 48. Follow FR 48 southeast, then take Forest Road 4880 to Bonney Meadows Trailhead. From the trailhead, hike Boulder Lake Trail #463 approximately 2.2 miles to reach the lake and dispersed camping area.
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 | $0 |
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 |
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