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.
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. Some examples of these include hay bales, hay…
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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