Elk Lake Campground

ELK LAKE CAMPGROUND

Part of Deschutes National Forest

Overview

Elk Lake Campground is located on the north end of Elk Lake along the Cascade Lakes National Scenic Byway.

Facilities

Elk Lake Campground can accommodate RV, trailer or tent-campers, however, electric hookups are not available. All sites are equipped with a picnic table and campfire ring with grill. The campground has drinking water and vault toilets available. This campground also features a boat ramp to provide access to Elk Lake.

Natural Features

Elk Lake offers magnificent views of South Sister, Mt. Bachelor and numerous other mountainous features. Wetlands, diverse forests and rocky slopes near the campground provide habitat for shorebirds, porcupine, deer, bats and the occasional black bear.

Recreation

Both motorized and non-motorized boating are allowed on Elk Lake providing the opportunity for swimming, fishing, windsurfing and water skiing. Hiking and horseback riding are popular activities on the Elk-Devils Trail, which follows an historic route from Elk Lake to the Wickiup Plains Trail, just west of Devils Lake.

Nearby Attractions

Visitors enjoy traveling the Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway which climbs from Central Oregon's high desert floor into the Cascade Range on a 66-mile drive winding through snow-capped peaks and alpine lakes.

Important Notices

  • Prevent the spread of invasive species by inspecting and cleaning packs, equipment and tires before using rivers, lakes or trails.
  • Please Note: One RV with tow vehicle per single site or one vehicle per tent site. Most sites can accommodate 1 extra vehicle that is not included with the reservation fee. Extra vehicle will be charged a per night fee and collected at the campground. 

  • Fire Restrictions: Fire restrictions may be imposed at any time due to hot, dry weather conditions, at which time campfires and charcoal fires may not be allowed. 

  • During your time in Central Oregon, you can find wildfire, prescribed fire and smoke information at centraloregonfire.org 

  • Reserved Sites will be held until check out time (NOON) the day following your arrival date. Sites must be occupied by the checkout time of that following day to hold a reservation or the site will be forfeited and released to other guests.

    Once your reservation start date has begun, neither the Recreation.gov Contact Center nor the campground manager will be able to modify your reservation.

  • Refunds: Refund requests made through www.recreation.gov will be charged a $10 processing fee. This fee is retained by the reservation service contractor along with the non-refundable reservation fee. All requests for the return of the non-refundable reservation fee and the cancellation fee will be declined by the campground concessionaire as they did not receive these fees (these are the fees retained by the reservation contractor, a different entity).

  • Don't Move Firewood: Please protect Pacific Northwest forests by preventing the spread of invasive species. Firewood can carry insects and diseases that can threaten the health of our western forests. You can make a difference by obtaining and burning your firewood near your camping destination. Visit Dontmovefirewood.org for further information.
  • Camping or otherwise occupying a single location (including leaving camping equipment and/or related supplies) for a period longer than 14 consecutive calendar days is prohibited. ‘Location’ means the occupied area, the occupied campsite, and the National Forest System lands in the immediate vicinity thereof. Camping or occupying any location on all National Forest lands for more than 28 calendar days total during a calendar year is prohibited.

  • NO generator use is allowed in campgrounds between 10:00PM and 7:00AM (36 CFR 261.10). Silent power banks or battery powered devices are allowed.

Available Activities

  • CAMPING - Camping

Directions

From Bend, travel 33.1 miles southwest on Cascade Lakes Hwy (46) to north end of Elk Lake.

Cancellation Policy

<p>Once your reservation start date has begun, neither the Recreation.gov Contact Center nor the campground manager will be able to modify your reservation.</p>

Contact Information

Phone: 541-323-1746

BEND, OR 97701

Rental Options

Learn more about gear rental options for your trip

Available Campsites

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