About Lake Harriet Campground
Overview Lake Harriet Campground sits on the eastern shores of crystal clear Lake Harriet. It is located between the Oak Grove Fork of the Clackamas River, which flows into the lake, and the nearby forest highway. It is a great location for camping, fishing and boating. Recreation Boating, canoeing and fishing on Lake Harriet are popular activities. There is a speed limit of 10 mph. The lake is stocked with rainbow trout each year, resulting in easy fly fishing. Anglers can also expect to catch cutthroat and brown trout, which spawn in the nearby river. The campground offers a boat ramp and fishing dock for easy lake access. The nearby Oak Grove Fork of Clackamas River is also popular for fishing. Steelhead, chinook and kokanee salmon can often be caught there. Further down the river, the Clackamas provides class III-IV whitewater rafting. The river provides a perfect habitat for the bald eagle and northern spotted owl, as well as an occasional peregrine falcon. Visitors can also enjoy hiking in the Bull of the Woods Wilderness area, just south of the campground. Several primitive forest roads nearby are useful for mountain biking and the Cascades Scenic Byway, which follows the Clackamas River, runs near the campground.Facilities The campground offers eight single-family campsites for tent and RV camping. Each site is equipped with tables and campfire rings with grills. Accessible vault toilets and drinking water are provided. A host is available on-site and firewood is available for purchase at the campground.Natural Features The campground is surrounded by a sparse forest of alder trees that provide limited shade to the area. It is situated at an elevation of about 2,000 feet in the Mt. Hood National Forest. The 22-acre lake and surrounding wilderness rest in a narrow, heavily forested canyon of Oregon's Cascade Mountain Range. Nearby Attractions The Ripplebrook Ranger Station is located just over 6 miles west of the campground. A variety of services can be found
How to Get There
From Sandy, Oregon, travel east on Highway 26 for approximately 40 miles to Skyline Road/Road 42. Turn right on Skyline Road and continue south for about 9 miles. Turn right on Forest Service Road (FSR) 57 and travel west past all campgrounds along the south shore. Cross the dam and continue about 9.5 miles along FSR 57. Turn right onto FSR 4630. Proceed 0.5 miles to Lake Harriet.
Driving directions (Google Maps) →What to Pack for Your Stay
Tuned to the live forecast for this park.
👔 What to Wear
- 👕
Long-sleeve shirt
Synthetic or merino, sun-protective.
- 🧥
Light shell or windbreaker
Even on warm days, wind can chill (avg wind 0 mph).
- 👖
Hiking pants or convertible
Layer for variable conditions.
- 🥾
Trail runners or low boots
Comfortable, broken in.
🎒 What to Pack
- 💧
Water
Bring at least 1L of water; more in heat.
- 🍫
High-energy snacks
A snack for the trail.
- 🧴
Sun protection
Sunscreen, sunglasses, brimmed hat.
- 🩹
First-aid kit
Blister patches, ibuprofen, tape, antiseptic wipes.
- 🗺
Offline map
Download your route in advance via Gaia, Caltopo, or OSM-based apps.
Recommendations adapt to the current forecast + trail stats. Use them as a starting point — local conditions, your experience, and the time of day you start all matter.
Plan Your Visit to Lake Harriet Campground
Heading to Lake Harriet Campground? A few things to know before you go:
- Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
- Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
- Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
- Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
- Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a reservation for Lake Harriet Campground?
No central reservation system listed for Lake Harriet Campground. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/232856) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How do I get to Lake Harriet Campground?
From Sandy, Oregon, travel east on Highway 26 for approximately 40 miles to Skyline Road/Road 42. Turn right on Skyline Road and continue south for about 9 miles. Turn right on Forest Service Road (FSR) 57 and travel west past all campgrounds along the south shore. Cross the dam and continue about 9.5 miles along FSR 57. Turn right onto FSR 4630. Proceed 0.5 miles to Lake Harriet.
How do I contact Lake Harriet Campground?
You can reach the park at phone: 503-464-8515.
References & Official Resources