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Map showing campground location near Cascade Locks, Oregon
Camper submitted image from Wahtum Lake CampgroundView 3 Photos
NatureMap showing campground location near Cascade Locks, Oregon

Wahtum Lake Campground

2 ReviewsAdd Review

Forest Service sites at Wahtum Lake Campground sit approximately 10 minutes uphill from the lake itself, connected by a steep trail with stairs. The campground operates from May through October within Mt. Hood National Forest, offering pit toilets and allowing alcohol but prohibiting pets. Sites cluster near the parking area and pay station with limited privacy, though two more secluded spots exist further from the main area on less level ground.

Three major trails including the Pacific Crest Trail converge here, creating steady hiker traffic even when few campsites are occupied. The parking lot typically holds around 10 vehicles from day hikers and through-hikers. Campers can access campgrounds around Mt. Hood National Forest for additional forest camping options. Sites feature picnic tables and fire rings with adequate firewood availability, making this a functional base for anglers targeting the lake below.

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Location

Public Campground

Wahtum Lake Campground is located in Oregon

Detail location of campground

Directions

Directions from Hood River: Travel southwest on Primary Forest Route 13 past Dee. Continue on 13 follow it west when it splits. About one mile past forest boundary, pick up Forest Road 1310. Follow 1310 northwest to the campground.

Coordinates

45.57731 N
121.79247 W

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Connectivity

  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    Verizon
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T
    No Coverage

Connectivity

  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    Verizon
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T
    No Coverage

Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site
  • Walk-In
    Park in a lot, walk to your site.
  • Hike-In
    Backcountry sites.

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • Standard (Tent/RV)

Features

For Campers

  • Toilets
  • Alcohol

Contact

General Info

Drive Time

Reviews

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4.0

out of 5

2 Reviews

Katie B.
Reviewed Jul. 4, 2017

Gorgeous lake! Secret spots!

Beautiful and secluded place. There are sites right near the parking lot (and pit toilet) that are flat, plenty of wood for building a fire, picnic tables and fire pits, great for care camping. The sites are not private, and are quite exposed to hikers and other campers. Easy access to trails and the lake is 1/4 mile easy downhill hike. We hiked down to the lake and there are sites there. Beautiful, on the lake, first come first served. Highly recommend!

Month of VisitJune
  • Review photo of Wahtum Lake Campground by Katie B., July 4, 2017
Sarah S.The Dyrt ADMIN User
Reviewed Sep. 26, 2016

OK camping but not right on the lake and lots of hikers coming through

Wahtum Lake itself is beautiful but the campground is a bit far from it. It's about a 10 minute walk down a steep path and stairs to actually get to the lake. The sites are extremely close to each other, especially up near the pay station. As you drive up toward the campground there are 2 sites off to the left that are more private but we had a hard time finding enough flat space for 2 tents there. So we ended up near the pay station and parking lot. There are 3 major trails nearby (including the PCT) so even though there was only one other occupied campsite besides ours, the parking lot was super busy with at least 10 cars parked there at all times. It's kind of fun to watch all the hikers heading out but doesn't make for a very quite or secluded experience.

  • Review photo of Wahtum Lake Campground by Sarah S., September 26, 2016
  • Review photo of Wahtum Lake Campground by Sarah S., September 26, 2016
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Frequently Asked Questions

What amenities and facilities are available at Wahtum Lake Campground?

Wahtum Lake Campground offers basic amenities for a rustic camping experience. The campground features designated campsites with picnic tables and fire pits or rings. Pit toilets are available near the parking area. Each site has plenty of wood nearby for campfires. The campground is suitable for car camping with relatively flat sites located near the parking area. Water is not provided, so campers should bring their own supply. There are no hookups or shower facilities available, making this a primitive camping destination.

How do visitors rate Wahtum Lake Campground in reviews?

Wahtum Lake Campground receives mixed ratings from visitors. Many appreciate the beautiful and secluded setting, giving it high marks for natural beauty and tranquility. The lake itself is highly regarded as stunning. However, some visitors note that the campground's proximity to the lake (requiring a steep 10-minute walk) is a drawback. The closeness of the campsites to each other, especially those near the pay station, is mentioned as limiting privacy. Despite these considerations, the campground is valued for its access to trails and natural beauty.

What hiking and recreation opportunities are available at Wahtum Lake?

Wahtum Lake offers excellent access to hiking trails in the surrounding area. The lake itself is beautiful and provides opportunities for fishing and shoreline exploration, though it's about a 10-minute walk down a steep path with stairs from the campground. The area connects to various trails perfect for day hikes or longer backpacking adventures. Visitors can enjoy the scenic beauty of the surrounding forest while hiking. For those seeking solitude and natural immersion, the secluded setting makes for a peaceful outdoor experience.

What does Wahtum Lake Campground look like?

Wahtum Lake Campground features campsites situated in a forested area, with some sites located right near the parking lot and others scattered nearby. The sites are relatively flat but close together, offering limited privacy from other campers and passing hikers. Each site includes a picnic table and fire pit. The beautiful lake is not directly visible from most campsites, as it's accessible via a steep 10-minute walk down a path with stairs. The surrounding area showcases natural forest beauty, creating a rustic, outdoorsy atmosphere despite the somewhat exposed camping areas.

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