Lost Lake Campground: An Honest Family Camping Oregon Review (Ages 6-12)

Remember that picture-perfect family camping trip you’ve always dreamed of? The one where the kids are perpetually smiling, the campfire crackles merrily, and nobody spills sticky marshmallows in the tent? Well, our weekend at Lost Lake Campground in Oregon was… almost that. Let’s just say the universe has a funny way of reminding you that perfection is overrated, especially when you’re wrangling a 6 and 10-year-old in the great outdoors. Despite a few hiccups (more on that later!), the Johnson family had a genuinely memorable experience, and we're here to give you the inside scoop on whether Lost Lake is the right spot for your next family camping adventure. Looking for affordable family camping Oregon? Read on!

Our family enjoying the view at a similar Oregon campground - Lost Lake offered equally stunning scenery.

Finding Our Way: Smooth Sailing (Mostly)

Navigating to Lost Lake Campground was surprisingly straightforward. Located in the Mount Hood National Forest, about 90 miles east of Portland, the campground is well-marked from Highway 26. We plugged the campground's GPS coordinates (45.3722° N, 121.7527° W) into our phone and followed the trusty blue line. The last few miles are on a well-maintained gravel road. We drive a minivan and had no issues, but low-clearance vehicles might want to take it slow. The one minor detour? Let's just say the 6-year-old insisted a detour to see “the biggest tree ever” was a crucial part of the journey. Factor in an extra 30 minutes for unplanned sightseeing adventures, especially with younger children!

Setting Up Camp: A Mixed Bag

Our campsite was…cozy. We reserved site #32 through VistaLocation.com (pro tip: book well in advance, especially during peak season!). The site itself was relatively level, mostly dirt with some patches of grass. It was definitely on the smaller side, barely fitting our two tents (a six-person family tent and a small two-person tent for the kids). Shade was plentiful thanks to the towering pine trees, which was a lifesaver during the afternoon heat. Proximity to amenities was a bit of a trade-off. We were a short walk to the restrooms and water spigot, which was convenient. However, we were also close to the main campground road, so we did experience some traffic noise.

Tip for setting up comfortably: Bring extra-long tent stakes! The ground was surprisingly hard in some spots, and the standard stakes just wouldn't cut it. Also, a good ground tarp is essential to protect your tent from moisture and sharp rocks.

Rules and Regulations: Keeping the Peace

The campground rules were clearly posted at the entrance and at each campsite. Quiet hours were strictly enforced from 10 PM to 7 AM, which we greatly appreciated. No loud music or unruly behavior – perfect for families looking for a peaceful night’s sleep. The park rangers were visible and actively patrolled the campground, ensuring everyone was following the rules. Firewood was available for purchase at the campground host site, and they were very strict about only burning approved firewood to prevent the spread of invasive species. This didn't impact our experience negatively; it actually made us feel safer knowing the rangers were on top of things.

Bathroom & Shower Situation: Brace Yourself

Okay, let's be honest. The bathroom situation was…rustic. The restrooms were vault toilets (pit toilets), which, while generally clean, definitely had that "campground" odor. Hand sanitizer is a must! There were no showers available at Lost Lake Campground itself. If you’re desperate for a shower, you'll need to drive to a nearby campground or recreation area that offers them (check the Mount Hood National Forest website for options). For us, it was baby wipes and dry shampoo to the rescue! Pack accordingly. Is Lost Lake Campground good for kids with its bathroom situation? It really depends on your family's tolerance for "roughing it."

Activities & Adventures: Making Memories

This is where Lost Lake Campground really shines! The lake itself is stunning, offering breathtaking views of Mount Hood.

Many family campgrounds have activities for the whole family.

• Hiking: There are several family-friendly hiking trails around the lake, ranging in difficulty. We tackled the Lost Lake Loop Trail (approximately 3 miles), which offered incredible views of the lake and surrounding forest. The trail is mostly flat and well-maintained, making it suitable for children. Kid friendly hiking trails near Lost Lake Oregon are plentiful.
• Swimming: The lake is perfect for swimming, although the water can be chilly, even in the summer. There's a designated swimming area with a sandy beach. The 6-year-old spent hours building sandcastles while the 10-year-old braved the cold water for a quick dip. Lost Lake water temperature for swimming with kids can be unpredictable.
• Fishing: Lost Lake is a popular spot for fishing, with opportunities to catch rainbow trout and other species. You'll need an Oregon fishing license, which can be purchased online or at local sporting goods stores.
• Kayaking/Paddleboarding: You can rent kayaks and paddleboards at the Lost Lake Resort, located on the lake's western shore. Exploring the lake by water is a fantastic way to appreciate its beauty.
• Wildlife Viewing: We spotted deer, squirrels, and various birds during our stay. Keep an eye out for bald eagles soaring overhead!

Our family's favorite activity? Definitely kayaking. Paddling around the lake with Mount Hood as our backdrop was an unforgettable experience. The kids loved being in control of their own kayaks (with adult supervision, of course!) and exploring the coves and inlets.

The Vibe: Relaxed and Family-Friendly

The overall atmosphere of Lost Lake Campground was relaxed and family-friendly. While it wasn't exactly secluded (it's a popular campground!), it wasn't overly crowded either. Most of the campers were families with children, so there was a sense of camaraderie. Kids were riding bikes, playing games, and generally enjoying the outdoors. We found our fellow campers to be respectful and considerate. Lost Lake Campground vibe for families with children? Definitely positive.

We'd recommend Lost Lake Campground to families with children aged 6-12 who are looking for an affordable and memorable camping experience in the Pacific Northwest. It's also a great option for beginner campers, as the campground is well-maintained and offers convenient amenities (despite the bathroom situation!).

The beauty of the surrounding mountain ranges can provide an unforgettable experience.

Final Verdict: Would We Return?

Despite the slightly cramped campsite and the less-than-ideal bathroom situation, we would absolutely return to Lost Lake Campground. The stunning scenery, the abundance of family-friendly activities, and the overall relaxed atmosphere more than made up for the minor inconveniences. Plus, the kids are already begging to go back!

Overall Rating: 4 out of 5 stars.

Ready to book your own family camping adventure? Head over to VistaLocation.com to explore campgrounds in the Pacific Northwest and find the perfect spot for your next getaway! If you enjoyed reading about Lost Lake, consider checking out similar campgrounds in the Mount Hood National Forest, such as Trillium Lake Campground or Timothy Lake Campground. Happy camping!