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Big Lake Campground
On the western shore of Big Lake at the top of Santiam Pass, surrounded by alpine fir, hemlock and lodgepole pine, campers enjoy views of the lake with the beautiful Mt. Washington as a backdrop. Big Lake Campground offers 49 sites for tent or RV camping. Drinking water, vault toilets and a boat ramp are provided. This campground is a hub of activity during the summer months. Big Lake is very popular for both motorized and non-motorized boating.
The campground is located adjacent to the Santiam Pass Motorized Recreation Area (area is unavailable) and is a popular campground for OHV enthusiasts.
Nearby Patjens Lakes Trail offers easy access to the Mt. Washington Wilderness.
At a Glance
| Current Conditions: | Closed for 2022 season. |
|---|---|
| Operational Hours: | 2023 Season: May 26 - October 1 |
| Reservations: | Reserve online at www.recreation.gov or phone 1.877.444.6777. Over half the campsites are available for advance reservation via recreation.gov. The remainder are first come first serve. Reservations for 2023 season begin on 5/26/23 |
| Area Amenities: | Accessible,Boat ramp,Toilets,Drinking water |
| Fees: | Single Campsites - $28 per night Extra Vehicles - $9 per vehicle, per night Day Use - $9 per vehicle, per day |
| Open Season: | May 26, 2023 - October 1, 2023 |
| Usage: | Heavy |
| Busiest Season: | June-August |
| Restrictions: |
|
| Closest Towns: | McKenzie Bridge, OR |
| Water: | Yes |
| 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: | American Land & Leisure |
| Information Center: | McKenzie River Ranger District 57600 McKenzie Hwy McKenzie Bridge, OR 97413 541-822-3381 |
General Information
Directions:From McKenzie Bridge, OR, travel east on Highway 126 for 29.5 miles to Santiam Pass. Turn, heading south on Big Lake Road #2690.
Follow Big Lake Road for 3 miles to Big Lake Campground on the north side of Big Lake.
General Notes:
Big Lake & Big Lake West Campgrounds Map
Read about camping rules, regulations and camping tips on our Camping Rules & Things to Know page.
Big Lake Campground is close to:
- Big Lake Day Use Area
- Big Lake Trail Area
- Sand Moutain Lookout
- Big Lake West Campground
- Mt. Washington Wilderness
- Pacific Crest Trail
Activities
Campground Camping
Recreation areas with activity Campground Camping:- Tent, auto, trailer sites (Maximum trailer length 35 feet)
- Fire rings
- Reduced service until snow or until end of hunting season (whichever comes first)
| No. of Sites | 49, 30 of which are reservable, 19 are first-come, first-served. |
| No. of Accessible sites | 1 |
| Reservation info: | Reserve online at www.recreation.gov or phone 1.877.444.6777 |
|---|
RV Camping
Recreation areas with activity RV Camping:Boating - Motorized
Recreation areas with activity Boating - Motorized:Boating - Non-Motorized
Recreation areas with activity Boating - Non-Motorized:Swimming
Recreation areas with activity Swimming:Waterskiing
Recreation areas with activity Waterskiing:Amenities
| Toilets: | Vault/Flush |
|---|---|
| Accessible: | 4 vault toilets and one campsite |
| Drinking water: | Piped |
| Boat ramp: | Paved |
Highlights
- Download the Pacific Northwest Forest Service Recreation App!
Planning your next national forest adventure? There's an app for that! The Pacific Northwest Forest Service Recreation App Now Available on Android and iOS Devices - Accessible Adventures Videos
See accessible adventures at Detroit Lake & the McKenzie River Valley
- Recreation Passes
Featured Events
- Girls in the Woods 2023
Date(s): Jun 26, 2023 - Jun 30, 2023
Location