Elk Lake Campground

Great beautiful place to stay! Once we found it that is. The road getting there is terribly rough as well.

Our first time at Elk Lake Campground.  Firstly, until The Dyrt updates the listing, the description and the reviews here are for the Elk Lake Campground by Detroit, OR in the Willamette Nat'l Forest - NOT Elk Lake Campground in the Deschutes Nat'l Forest up past Mt. Bachelor.  So my review and photos reflect the Deschutes campground :)

Nice views of the lake, but none are lakeside.  There are a few closer to the lake, but most of the sites are on a hillside above the lake.  Tough parking if you have anything bigger than a small RV or towable.  Traffic direction and site parking angles are such that you have to back in, which means your door will face the road in most cases lakeside.  Sites are a little close, and the resort with kayak rentals, store, and rental cabins are right next door, so this is a busy and crowded campground.

If you are hauling kayaks or paddle boards, most sites are a hike to the water entry.  The sites up the hill but with lake views are mostly not tent-friendly, as there were not large clear flat areas.  Doable, however.  There are cabins all along the west side of the lake, and the east side is all day use...it's VERY busy in the summer.  There is a marina at the resort, so lots of sailboats, a few pontoon boats, and a few small fishing boats.  Lots of water traffic.

It's a good campground, but definitely not at the top of our list.  Probably great if you have kids, as there is more "beach" area here than almost any other lake campground we've been to.

Cell service - whether that's a plus or minus, who knows.  We went midweek, so were happy we could keep an eye on business emails periodically.

IMO, site 17 is the best for a small RV or trailer, with good views of the lake.  18/19 are close together and smaller, with more trees obstructing the views.  8/9/10/11 are closer to the water, but also close together...better for a group and if you have backing in skills, as there is no turnaround down that row.

TENT CAMPING ONLY - there are about 17 sites.  We did an overnight stop here on our way to Bend.  It was full of beauty! 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. Pacific Crest Trail one only mile from the campground.  The sights are a little close together, not a problem unless they are full (which is often).

If your car can make it up the 6 miles of "road" you'll be glad that you found Elk Lake. I made it up the hill in a 2001 Rav4. You'll definitely want some clearance for the trek up.

I used this campground for my base for hiking Battle Axe Mountain. The sites are not well marked and the campground was pretty empty- even leading up to a holiday weekend. There are fire pits and tables.

The campground is pretty primitive, you'll want to bring in everything that you need - including water and some kind of floating device to spend your days on the lake. There are several places where you can put in your boat, kayak or paddle  board, and the lake is actually pretty warm in August - warm enough for swimming (and I don't ever swim in Oregon water)

If you do the Battle Axe Hike in the late summer, study up on your edible berries before you come, there are so many huckleberries here I could have filled a bucket.