Few spots in Oregon are more picturesque than Trillium Lake.

Let's be clear: We love Portland in the summer. But sometimes the bustle and swelter of the city demand the reprieve that only a crystal blue lake can provide. In service of that inevitable need, we've rounded up eight lakeside campgrounds offering swoon-worthy views, an abundance of aquatic activities, and pristine water. While many fill up fast, some can be had on short notice (we'll tell you where). Here's where to head this summer—or to start planning next year's trip—in order of proximity to Portland.

MOUNT HOOD

Trillium Lake

90 minutes southeast of Portland

There’s a lot to love about Trillium Lake, starting with its spitting distance from Portland. With Mount Hood hovering above, it may also be the area's most photographed lake. That combination of convenience and beauty means you’re unlikely to have the lake to yourself, but here's the good news: though lakeside camp spots tend to book far in advance, sites farther from the water can often be scooped up on short notice, and there's also a handful of first come, first served sites. Great fishing, swimming, and paddling await. At a max depth of just 20 feet, the lake is only open to nonmotorized boats and warms up nicely by late summer, so it's a great place to introduce younger kids to open-water swimming.

Best for: views, low budgets, romantic getaways

Lost Lake

2 hours east of portland

Like Trillium, Lost Lake has a stunning view of Mount Hood, but from an angle less often showcased. And its charm runs as deep as its water (167 feet!). Pitch a tent at the campground, or book a cabin, lodge room, yurt, or A-frame at Lost Lake Resort, which still has some summer availability. The resort also boasts a cafe, general store, and small armada of handsomely refurbished rowboats for fishing, swimming, and general frolicking.

Great for: views, family fun, romantic getaways, Rental gear, food

Timothy Lake

2 hours southeast of portland

The largest lake on Mount Hood, Timothy Lake has plenty of room for paddlers escaping summer mayhem. Five campgrounds scattered around the lakeshore make it more likely you’ll find a choice spot, especially because some campsite reservations are released two weeks in advance—a feature implemented by Portland General Electric, the lake’s steward. The views at Hoodview are some of the best (as its name suggests); however, Meditation Point (as its name also suggests!) is a much more relaxing stay for those seeking solitude and willing to boat, bike, or hike in. North Arm is off the beaten path, with just a handful of sites that tend to get less traffic, though the views are less impressive than at busier south-side campgrounds like Oak Fork and Gone Creek. One downside: the lake’s large size means it's commandeered by firefighters using aircraft to scoop water to battle blazes, so keep an eye out for boat-launch closures.

great for: motorboats, family fun, fishing, views

Pine Hollow Reservoir

2 hours southeast of Portland

This little lake on the plateau east of Mount Hood is less than a mile across but brings big energy. Locals vacation on the cheap at Pine Hollow Lakeside Resort, which offers a smattering of tent and RV sites, as well as some A-frame cabins and yurts for rent. There’s also an on-site laundromat, camp store, arcade, fish cleaning station, and swimming beach—plus upcoming events like a car show and a poker run. No need to pull out your boat between uses, thanks to the onsite marina. Fair warning that the east side of the mountain means hotter temps, but that makes a dip in the lake even more satisfying.

Great for: lower budgets, party animals, motorboats, fishing, family fun

CENTRAL CASCADES

The view from Suttle Lodge and Boathouse.

Suttle Lake

2 hours 30 minutes southeast of Portland

Suttle Lodge and Boathouse resort is one of the coolest places in the Santiam Pass area, with recurring summer events that include Monday music on the lawn, Tuesday wine on the deck, and Friday creekside yoga. Two tranquil lakeside campgrounds are situated among the firs and pines on the southern shore: Link Creek, which has RV and yurt options, and Blue Bay, which is closer to Suttle Lodge's food and boat rentals. All are near great hiking, swimming, boating, and fishing at the 243-acre lake.

great for: Romantic getaways, solitude, boat rentals, food, high budgets, hiking, swimming, fishing

Odell Lake

3 hours southeast of portland

In the shadow of Diamond Peak, Odell Lake is a recreational paradise. Two resorts (Odell Lake Resort and Shelter Cove Resort) and three campgrounds (Princess Creek, Trapper Creek, and Sunset Cove) provide plenty of options to make yourself at home around this blue giant. Gargantuan lake and rainbow trout swim in the depths, and plenty of shade along forested shores make it an ideal option for families escaping the summer heat. It’s also a popular place to water ski, and its size means paddlers along the shoreline won’t be bothered too much by motorboat wakes.

great for: fishing, motorboats, paddlers, family fun, views

Waldo Lake

3 hours 15 minutes southeast of portland

Waldo Lake is the ideal place to see the drama of post–wildfire regeneration in action, with scars from several blazes over the years. While two campsites remain closed following 2022's Cedar Creek Fire, Shadow Bay's 92 sites are open. More than half of the sites are available for booking six months in advance, while the remainder are first come, first served. Three large group sites are great for friend gatherings and family reunions. One of the purest lakes in the world—it has no permanent inlet, which means little nutrient inflow and minimal plant growth—Waldo reaches maximum depths of 400 feet, and its waters are stunningly clear and cold.

Great for: paddlers, hikers, big groups, views

Paulina Lake

4 hours southeast of portland

Located inside the caldera of a seismically and geothermally active volcano, Paulina is one of Oregon’s most unique lakes. Newberry Volcano, about a half hour southeast of Bend, has been designated a "very high threat" volcano, but don’t let that dissuade you from visiting. Paulina Lake Campground and Little Crater Campground grant easy access to the deep, chilly lake, and are great for both tent and RV camping. Take a hike to the top of the volcano via the Newberry Crater Trail, or take your boat out for a chance to reel some trout. There’s also a series of off-highway vehicle trails throughout the area, offering ATV drivers and dirt bikers prime opportunity to race around in the woods.

great for: paddlers, hikers, fishing, ATVs and Dirt bikes, views, solitude