Magone Lake Campground

Magone Lake Campground is situated along its namesake lake. Visitors enjoy fishing, canoeing, swimming and hiking.
The campground is set in a forest of White Fir and Ponderosa Pine. Magone Lake covers about 50 acres and features both deep holes of up to 100 feet and shoals on the north side. Geologists believe Magone Lake was created by a landslide in the early 1800s.
Public should be aware warmer weather can bring blue-green algae blooms to lakes. Please read the attached information for what to look for and what to do should you encounter a blue-green algae bloom.
Recreation: The Magone Lake area offers swimming, fishing, hiking and mountain biking opportunities. The lake contains eastern brook and rainbow trout. A boat ramp is available on-site. Visitors also enjoy viewing wildflowers and interesting geology throughout the region.
Facilities: The campground offers both a picnic shelter and overnight campsite for groups to reserve. These sites can accommodate up to 75 people each. Individual family sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Picnic tables and campfire rings with grills are provided, as are vault toilets and drinking water.
Magone Lake is a no-wake lake, only boats with 10 horse power or less motors allowed. For hikers there is a trail that leads around the lake Magone Lake Trail #352, another trail near the lake is Magone Slide Trail #353 this trail goes along the original slide that created Magone Lake.
In 2016 the Malheur National Forest in conjunction with Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife and Garman to explore the forest under the lake. To view a short video of the sonar and dive that was done please visit:
At a Glance
Current Conditions: | Water is off for the season. Visitors should be prepared for rapidly changing weather conditions. Pack it in/Pack it out. Anything take home anything you bring/ with you into the forest, including all trash. Examples of trash: cigarette butts, cans, bottles, and food. |
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Reservations: | To reserve the group site, visit www.recreation.gov or call 1-877-444-6777. Reservations can be made same day and up to 6 months in advance for the group sites. |
Fees: | The Group Sites range from $25-60. See details at Recreation.gov $13/Night for single unit, $6.50/Night for extra vehicle - All individual sights are first come first serve. |
Usage: | Heavy |
Closest Towns: | Prairie City, OR |
Water: | unavailable |
Restroom: | Vault Toilets |
Operated By: | Forest Service |
General Information
Directions:From John Day, Oregon, take U.S. Highway 26 east for approximately 9 miles. At the junction of County Road 18, travel north approximately 10 miles. At Forest Road 3620, turn west and drive approximately 1 mile to Forest Road 3618. The campground is about 1 mile from the turnoff.
From Prairie City, Oregon, take U.S. Highway 26 approximately 3 miles west. At the junction of County Road 18, travel north approximately 10 miles. Turn west on Forest Road 3620 and travel approximately 1 mile to Forest Road 3618. The campground is about 1 mile from the turnoff.
Parking:
Parking becomes limited in the day use area during the summer months.
In the campground there are pull through sites. The largest suggested length for trailers would be 30' that includes vehicle.
Accessibility:
Accessible fishing dock, parking, picnic area and picnic shelter.
General Notes:
Drinking water is available only during warmer months; water will be shut off from early to mid-October until mid to late May or early June depending on temperatures.
Activities
Campground Camping
3 of the 21 sites are tent-only.
No. of Sites | 21 single site(s), 1 double site(s), 1 20-50 people group site(s) |
Reservation Info | |
No. of Accessible sites | 7 of 23 |
RV Camping
No. of Sites | 21 site(s) |
Pavement Type for Parking | Asphalt |
Hookup - Water | No |
Hookup - Sewer | No |
Dump Stations | No |
Hookups - Electric | No |
Group Camping
There is one group campsite that is reservable for a fee of $60.00 a night. A group picnic site is also available for $25. To make reservations please visit www.recreation.gov or call 1-877-444-6777.
No. of Sites | 1 site(s) |
Reservation Info | This site can be reserved by calling Toll Free 1-877-444-6777 (International 518-885-3639 or TDD 877-833-6777) or on-line at www.recreation.gov |
Lake and Pond Fishing
Fishing is a popular activity at this campground. Anglers can catch trout in the lake. For regulation and license information please visit the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife.
Areas for Lake and Pond Fishing at Magone Lake Campground
Day Hiking
Two trailheads are near the campground, including a mountain bike trail and a hiking trail, Magone Lake Trail #352, Magone Lake Slide Trail #353 and . Arch Rock National Scenic Trail is northeast of the campground.
Areas for Day Hiking at Magone Lake Campground
Viewing Plants
Nice spot for wildflower viewing in the spring.
Areas for Viewing Plants at Magone Lake Campground
Viewing Scenery
South of the campground, you can see the Magone Slide, which geologists speculate created the lake by damming Lake Creek.
Areas for Viewing Scenery at Magone Lake Campground
Picnicking
There is a large area for picnicking at this site.
To reserve the picnic shelter, visit www.recreation.gov
Areas for Picnicking at Magone Lake Campground
Boating - Non-Motorized
Magone Lake is a great place to spend the day in canoes and boats, swimming, fishing or just enjoying the setting. The lake is a no wake lake, only motors under 10 horse power are allowed. Watch for submerge trees in this lake.
For regulations on boats and permits please visit the Oregon State Marine Board.
Swimming
Swimming in Magone Lake is very popular.
Areas for Swimming at Magone Lake Campground