Elk Lake Campground

Area Status: Open

This 17 site tent-only campground, located adjacent to the Bull of the Woods and Opal Creek Wildernesses, is full of beauty in the summer. Wildflowers are a beautiful sight in the campground's meadows around July. Swim or paddle in the quiet waters of the non-motorized lake, go for a great hike with views of multiple Cascade peaks, or just kick back and relax in the campground.

At a Glance

Current Conditions:	Although open, this campground is in an area impacted by the Beachie Creek and & Lionshead Fires. Before visiting areas affected by wildfire, make sure to review the 4 Steps for Safety for recreating in burned areas. Also, please be aware May 15th through summer 2024 There may be delays on Forest Road 46 of up to 2 hours.
Reservations:	No advance reservations. All sites are first come first serve.
Area Amenities:	Boat ramp
Fees:	Single Campsites - $12 per night Multiple Campsites - $22 per night Extra Vehicles - $6 per vehicle, per night Campsite must be occupied every night paid.
Open Season:	Year Round, weather dependent
Usage:	Heavy
Best Season:	September
Busiest Season:	July - August
Restrictions:	Special regulations are in place to help protect this area and preserve the experience for you and for future visitors including: No camping within 500 feet of Elk Lake. No motorized boating ATVs use is only allowed to enter and leave the campground Camping is not allowed more than 14 days in a 60 day period. Check-in time: 2:00 pm or later. Check-out time: 1:00 pm Use of chainsaws in the campground is prohibited Dogs MUST be on leash at all times within the campground
Closest Towns:	Detroit, Oregon (12.1 miles)
Water:	No
Restroom:	Vault Toilets (3)
Passes:	Interagency Senior and Access Passes (and the Golden Age and Access Passes) may receive a 50% discount on the use fee for individual campsites. This discount does not apply to extra vehicle fee or multiple campsites.
Operated By:	Willamette National Forest
Information Center:	Detroit Ranger District 44125 North Santiam Highway SE Detroit, OR 97342 503-854-3366

General Information

Directions:

12.1 miles north of Detroit

From Highway 22 at Detroit, Oregon, turn onto Breitenbush Road (FSR 46). Proceed 4.4 miles, turn left onto FS Road 4696. Proceed 0.8 miles, turn left on FS Road 4697. Follow FS Road 4697 for 4.5 miles and turn left at an unmarked junction (still FS Road 4697), continue 2.1 miles to a small spur road located at west end of Elk Lake (FS Road 390). The camping area is about 0.3 miles ahead.

CAUTION: FS Road 4697 is not maintained for the last 4 miles into Elk Lake. Access by low-clearance vehicles and trailers not recommended as the road is rough and rocky.

General Notes:

NO drinking water, NO garbage service, NO firewood

Close to:

Opal Creek Wilderness and Scenic Area Trail Area (area is unavailable)
Gold Butte Lookout
Humbug Campground

Read about camping rules, regulations and camping tips on our Camping Rules & Things to Know page.

Parking:

Parking is limited within the campground. If visiting for the day, please be aware that overnight campers have priority in the campsite parking. Day visitors can park in an empty campsite for the cost of half the overnight fee ($5.00).