Big Lake

Willamette National Forest

This campground provides 49 single campsites.  There are both reservable and FCFS sites.  The original campsites within Big Lake are in two loops, (sites #1-14 and #15-20) which have eight or so sites with frontage on the lake shore.  In 1992 additional campsites were opened (sites #21-49) on a long straight stretch from the boat launch towards Big Lake West.  These sites have larger and wider parking spurs, and most sites use stairs to access the table, fire rings and tent pad below the parking spur.  Sites can accommodate trailers up to 35 feet in length, depending on site.  Drinking water is provided by a water system, built in 1993, which serves the entire Big Lake complex by filtering water drawn from the lake and distributing it to the campgrounds.  There are three single vault toilets, and two double vault toilets in the campground.  The extra vehicle parking area consists of a boat launch, picnic area, and parking for approximately 15 vehicles and boat trailers.  All of these day use facilities are located in the middle of the campground, between the original loops and the "expansion" campsites.  

Reservations may be made up to 6 months in advance of arrival date by reserving online at RECREATION.GOV or by calling 877-444-6777.

Big Lake Campground offers 49 spacious campsites for tent or RV camping. Drinking water, vault toilets and a boat ramp are provided.

Notifications and Alerts

Need to Know

Natural Features

Nearby Attractions

The major activities in the Big Lake area revolve around motorized use.  Boats frequent the lake and off highway vehicles (OHVs) us the adjacent Santiam Pass Motorized Recreation Area.  Other attractions include Mt. Washington Wilderness and associated access trails, historic Santiam Wagon Road, McKenzie Pass-Santiam Pass National Scenic Byway, Pacific Crest Trail, and Sand Mountain Lookout.

Water skiing, sailing and swimming are among the favorite activities at the lake. The Patjens Lakes Trail offers excellent hiking opportunities. The trail follows the western side of Big Lake, heads south into the Mt. Washington Wilderness, passes alongside the scenic Patjens Lakes, and then loops back to the campground.

Recreation

Water skiing, sailing and swimming are among the favorite activities at the lake. The Patjens Lakes Trail offers excellent hiking opportunities. The trail follows the western side of Big Lake, heads south into the Mt. Washington Wilderness, passes alongside the scenic Patjens Lakes, and then loops back to the campground.

Contact Information

Mailing

McKenzie Ranger Station, 57600 McKenzie Hwy., Blue River, OR 97413 Managed by Linn County Parks and Recreation, 3010 Ferry St. SW, Albany, OR 97322 OR

Phone Number

For campground inquiries, please call: 801-226-3564

Rental Options

Learn more about gear rental options for your trip

Driving Directions

From Eugene, Oregon, take I-105 east to McKenzie Highway 126. Travel east on 126 for 90 miles to Santiam Pass. At the top of the Pass, turn right onto the access road (sign says Hoodoo Ski Area, Big Lake Road, & Benson Sno-Park). Travel one mile to the fork in the road and stay left on Forest Service Road 2690. Continue for 2 miles to the entrance to Big Lake Campground on the left.

Available Campsites

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