Lost Lake Resort & Campground: Your Ultimate Oregon Lakeside Escape

Lost Lake Resort & Campground Introduce

For Oregonians seeking an unparalleled escape into the heart of nature, Lost Lake Resort & Campground in Hood River presents an idyllic destination. Nestled amidst the breathtaking beauty of the Mt. Hood National Forest, with the iconic peak serving as a majestic backdrop, Lost Lake is more than just a campground; it’s a full-service resort designed to offer a memorable experience for every type of outdoor enthusiast. Whether you're a seasoned camper, prefer the comfort of a rustic cabin, or enjoy the convenience of resort amenities, Lost Lake has something truly special to offer. Its pristine waters, lush surroundings, and a wide array of activities make it a beloved gem for locals looking to reconnect with Oregon's natural splendor.

The allure of Lost Lake is undeniable, famously captured in countless photographs that showcase its serene waters perfectly reflecting Mt. Hood. This destination isn't just about the picturesque views, though they are certainly a highlight. It's about the comprehensive experience that combines rustic charm with essential conveniences, creating an environment where relaxation and adventure coexist. From early morning sunrises over the lake to starlit nights, Lost Lake provides a setting that feels both remote and welcoming. This article will guide you through what makes Lost Lake Resort & Campground a top choice for your next Oregon outdoor adventure, offering insights into its offerings and highlighting why it’s a perfect fit for our local community.

Lost Lake Resort & Campground is magnificently situated at 9000 Lost Lake Rd, Hood River, OR 97031, USA. This prime location places it deep within the scenic Mt. Hood National Forest, offering a truly immersive natural experience while remaining accessible from major population centers in Oregon. The drive to Lost Lake is part of the experience itself, winding through the beautiful landscapes of the Columbia River Gorge area. While the resort offers a sense of seclusion, it's still within a reasonable driving distance for a day trip or a weekend getaway from cities like Portland, Salem, or Bend, making it incredibly convenient for Oregon residents seeking a quick escape.

Accessibility to the resort is generally good, with paved roads leading most of the way. However, given its forest setting, visitors should be prepared for potential variations in road conditions, especially during different seasons. Upon arrival, parking can sometimes be a challenge, particularly during peak summer weekends, due to the popularity of the lake for day use. It’s advisable to arrive early or consider visiting during off-peak times if you wish to avoid crowded parking lots. While the main resort area provides easy access to the lodge and cafe, accessing the lake with personal watercraft may require driving to designated launch areas, which are approximately a third of a mile from the main lodge. The remoteness of the location also means that the nearest alternative food options are a 30-minute drive away, a detail worth noting for meal planning.

Services Offered:

Lodge Rooms: Four lodge rooms are available for rent, offering a comfortable alternative to traditional camping. These rooms feature large, clean bathrooms with flushing toilets, a significant upgrade from the shared outhouses found with many cabins and tent spots.
Tent and Cabin Spots: A variety of tent and cabin options are available for different camping preferences, though many utilize shared outhouse facilities.
Café: The on-site café serves genuinely good burgers and pizza, with surprisingly reasonable prices for a destination spot. It offers a convenient dining option for guests, particularly given the distance to other food establishments.
Kayak Rental Operation: The resort operates a kayak rental service, providing easy access to water activities on Lost Lake. This operation, however, monopolizes the main dock access point from the lodge.
Vault Toilets: Clean vault toilets are provided throughout the campground areas, ensuring basic sanitation for campers.
Showers: Showers are available for a fee ($6 for 15 minutes), providing a refreshing option for campers after a day of activities.
Gift Shop: A large gift shop is present, though it’s suggested that a smaller souvenir corner could suffice, potentially allowing for expansion of other guest services.

Features / Highlights:

Stunning Lakeside Location: The resort's primary highlight is its breathtaking setting on Lost Lake, with panoramic views of Mt. Hood, creating an incredibly picturesque environment.
Variety of Accommodations: From tent sites and cabins to lodge rooms with private bathrooms, Lost Lake offers diverse lodging options to suit various comfort levels and budgets.
Good Food at Reasonable Prices: The café receives positive remarks for the quality and affordability of its food, a welcome convenience in a relatively remote location.
Access to Trails: Good trails are available, including a trail around the lake, though parts of the boardwalk can be in poor condition and overgrown.
Water Activities: The lake is perfect for kayaking, canoeing, and other non-motorized water sports, offering ample opportunities for recreation on the water.
Family-Friendly Environment: Despite some issues with noise from partiers, the resort generally caters to a family-friendly atmosphere with activities and amenities suitable for all ages.
Proximity to Columbia River Gorge: The location in the Hood River area provides easy access to other attractions within the Columbia River Gorge, perfect for extending your outdoor adventures.
Cleanliness of Lodge Rooms and Toilets: Lodge rooms are noted for being clean, and campground vault toilets are generally clean, contributing to a comfortable stay.

Contact Information:

Address: 9000 Lost Lake Rd, Hood River, OR 97031, USA

Phone: (541) 386-6366

Mobile Phone: +1 541-386-6366

For reservations or inquiries, the provided phone numbers are the best way to directly contact Lost Lake Resort & Campground. It is always recommended to call in advance, especially during peak season, to check availability, confirm policies, and make reservations.

Lost Lake Resort & Campground is an exceptionally suitable destination for Oregon locals, offering a unique blend of natural beauty and recreational opportunities right in our backyard. For residents of Portland, Salem, and other Willamette Valley communities, the drive to Lost Lake is manageable for a weekend getaway, providing a quick and effective escape from city life without the need for extensive travel plans. The resort’s location within the Mt. Hood National Forest truly embodies the spirit of Oregon’s outdoor lifestyle, allowing us to easily access stunning landscapes, pristine waters, and invigorating forest air.

The diverse range of accommodations, from tent sites for the traditionalists to more comfortable lodge rooms, means that Lost Lake can cater to various preferences and budgets within the local community. Whether you’re introducing young children to camping for the first time, seeking a romantic lakeside retreat, or planning a group gathering, there’s an option here. The convenience of an on-site cafe with reasonably priced food is a significant advantage, particularly for those who prefer not to cook every meal while camping or for spontaneous trips where extensive meal prep isn't feasible.

While acknowledging areas for potential improvement, such as maintenance on some facilities and managing noise levels, these are often minor concerns compared to the overwhelming positives of the location and its offerings. The sheer beauty of the lake, the reflection of Mt. Hood, and the abundance of water activities like kayaking make it an irresistible draw for anyone looking to embrace Oregon's natural playground. For locals, Lost Lake Resort & Campground offers a readily accessible, breathtakingly beautiful, and genuinely rewarding outdoor experience that fosters a deeper connection to our state's incredible wilderness. It’s a perfect spot to create lasting memories, whether it's a quiet morning by the lake or an adventurous day on the water, all within the familiar and beloved landscapes of our home state.

Lost Lake Resort & Campground Photos

Lost Lake Resort & Campground Location

Lost Lake Resort & Campground

Oregon Hood River County Hood River Lost Lake Road

9000 Lost Lake Rd, Hood River, OR 97031, USA

Lost Lake Resort & Campground Reviews

The beauty of this location doesn’t need a review — you’ve seen the pictures, you already know. This is strictly about the operations of the facility.We booked a last-minute stay in one of the four lodge rooms on a Saturday in July. We were honestly surprised there was availability, so that was a win. I wasn’t expecting much since most of the cabins and tent spots only offered shared outhouses, so when we saw a large, clean bathroom with a flushing toilet in the lodge room, we were sold. My days of roughing it with a shovel are long over.The Good:The café’s burgers and pizza were genuinely good. The fries were still frozen in the middle, so maybe skip those, but everything else was great. Prices were surprisingly reasonable for a destination spot. The room itself was clean and, for the most part, quiet. And of course, the proximity to the lake was great... though not without a few quirks (more on that below).The Not-So-Good:I don’t say this to complain, but to offer constructive feedback the owners may have unintentionally overlooked — things that could improve the guest experience without major investment.First, the guest experience policies need work. On a summer Sunday morning, having workers driving loud motorized vehicles right outside open guest room windows at 7:30 a.m. is a no-go. Same with starting construction on the building at 8:30 a.m. while rooms are occupied. Maintenance should happen off-season, mid-week, or at the very least, late morning. Additionally, the place attracts partiers who blast music and yell through the night and into the morning. There need to be strict quiet hours and a no-music policy enforced. Guests didn’t travel to the lake to hear someone else’s party playlist.Second, the rooms themselves need attention. The lodge is only about 25 years old but shows heavy wear. Nails are poking through drywall. The mattresses felt like straw-filled sacks... definitely overdue for replacement. And while clean is appreciated, the overwhelming stench of cleaning chemicals was rough. I’d honestly rather smell nature than walk into walls of ammonia. Even more concerning was the decking outside the rooms: many nails sticking up half an inch or hammered sideways, leaving sharp heads exposed. It’s baffling that maintenance would overlook something so obvious and hazardous.Third, the outdoor guest experience could be improved. From the lodge, there’s only one lake access point... completely monopolized by the kayak rental operation. That means the dock is off-limits to paying guests. Want to launch your own boat? Drive a third of a mile and pray for parking. There’s nowhere for guests to sit by the water and relax. The lodge has nice chairs, but the view is blocked by trees. It’s odd that a lakeside lodge wouldn’t offer a decent lakeside view. Also strange: the lodge is unnecessarily brightly lit all night, which ruins stargazing in an otherwise ideal location. The trail around the lake is another issue. Much of it is a wooden boardwalk... and much of that boardwalk is in such poor shape it’s a trip hazard. Several areas are overgrown with prickly bushes. A little regular upkeep would go a long way.Final Suggestion:Ditch the large gift shop. Keep a small corner rack of overpriced souvenirs, sure. But turn that prime real estate into a sit-down café offering basic breakfast. The nearest food is a 30-minute drive away. You already have good coffee and a kitchen... scramble some eggs, toast some bread, and give your captive guests a reason to stay a little longer in the morning.In Conclusion:While it may sound like a lot of negatives, we truly had a great stay and didn’t want to leave. These aren’t expensive fixes... mostly policy adjustments and minor maintenance. With a little care and attention, this could go from a good experience to an unforgettable one.
Jul 07, 2025 · Galin McMahon
Camped at Lost Lake 7/2025. Clean vault toilets, good trails, generally clean campsites.Way too many people for day use when the weather warmed up. Parking lots were full and lined up waiting for people to leave. The resort needs to figure a way to limit the number of people who show up before they drive all the way there from Portland.Camp host was unwilling to enforce the unattended fire regulation.Showers $6 for 15 minutes, find a shower buddy!
Jul 06, 2025 · A P (Teardrop Camper)
Great location, cool and comfy Yurts, friendly staff, and so much to do! My brother and I stayed 3 nights and saw Crater Lake National Park, Hood River, and had a fun day at Lost Lake! You can hike the 3 mile trail around the lake, among other trails, rent kayaks and paddle boards, go fishing or swimming! It’s a great day use area as well. I highly recommend staying here. Great for families, friends and kids! Dog friendly too. Couldn’t get better than here!
Aug 18, 2024 · Stephanie Hale
Awesome glamping spot with iconic views, trails and lots of conveniences.
Jul 03, 2025 · Thomas Hall
Lost Lake Campground is beautiful and well maintained. The lake and Mountain view are iconic. I spent Thursday and Friday night there. Thursday night was nice and quiet. Friday got busier and Friday night was noisy and disappointing with lots of rude campers and no enforcement of posted rules. There are signs posted that include quiet hours, no amplified music, or drones. We experienced all of these and more. People partying well past 2am, with the sounds echoing through the campground. There’s no way the hosts couldn’t hear it. Drones flying overhead at 8pm and 7am. So, if you want to party and not obey rules, come to Lost Lake. If you want to enjoy the sounds of nature and a serene lake, probably find something else less popular or come on a weekday.
Sep 07, 2024 · Cassie B