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Elk Lake Campground

4 ReviewsAdd Review

Fishing enthusiasts and paddlers will find Elk Lake Campground provides access to a non-motorized lake within Mt. Hood National Forest. The US Forest Service manages this primitive campground with approximately 17 tent-only sites, though reaching it requires navigating six miles of rough forest road that demands vehicle clearance.

Sites sit on a hillside above the lake rather than directly waterfront, with most requiring a walk down to water access points. The campground layout keeps sites relatively close together, which becomes noticeable when full during peak season. Fire pits and picnic tables equip each site, but campers must pack in their own water and supplies. The lake warms enough for swimming by late August, and multiple launch points accommodate kayaks and paddleboards.

Road conditions present the main access challenge, as Stephanie Z. notes: "You'll definitely want some clearance for the trek up." The Pacific Crest Trail passes just one mile from the campground, making this a convenient base for section hikers. Late summer visitors can forage abundant huckleberries along nearby trails.

Campers seeking established amenities might prefer Humbug Campground, which offers more developed facilities without the challenging road access.

Reservation Info

No Reservations. First-come, first-serve only. Campsite must be occupied every night paid.

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Map & DirectionsElk Lake Campground is located in Oregon near Detroit

Detail location of campground
Public Campground

Directions

12.1 miles north of DetroitFrom 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.

Coordinates

44.82242817 N
122.1278175 W

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Connectivity

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Connectivity

Presented byT-MobileT-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoors
  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    Verizon
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T
    No Coverage

Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site
  • Walk-In
    Park in a lot, walk to your site.
  • Hike-In
    Backcountry sites.

Site Types

  • Tent Sites

Features

For Campers

  • Toilets
  • Alcohol

Contact

General Info

Drive Time

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Reviews4 Camper Reviews - Elk Lake Campground

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4.5

out of 5

4 Reviews

Many mentioned the beautiful lake setting and swimming opportunities, though access requires navigating rough roads. Several guests observed that sites are close together and parking can be challenging for larger RVs.

Reviewed Sep. 6, 2020

Good lake access...

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.

Site18
Month of VisitSeptember
  • Review photo of Elk Lake Campground by Gayle B., September 6, 2020
  • Review photo of Elk Lake Campground by Gayle B., September 6, 2020
  • Review photo of Elk Lake Campground by Gayle B., September 6, 2020
  • (6) View All
Reviewed Jun. 26, 2020

Beautiful - Very rustic

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).

Month of VisitAugust
  • Review photo of Elk Lake Campground by Patti S., June 26, 2020
Reviewed Sep. 1, 2019

Worth the Hike Your Car Will Take

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.

Month of VisitAugust
  • Review photo of Elk Lake Campground by Stephanie Z., September 1, 2019
  • Review photo of Elk Lake Campground by Stephanie Z., September 1, 2019
  • Review photo of Elk Lake Campground by Stephanie Z., September 1, 2019
  • (13) View All
Showing results 1-4 of 4 reviews

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Elk Lake Campground located in Oregon?

Elk Lake Campground is located in the Willamette National Forest near Detroit, Oregon. The campground sits about 6 miles up a rough forest road that requires vehicles with decent clearance to access. This secluded campground is situated on the shores of Elk Lake, offering a peaceful retreat in the Cascade mountains. The location serves as an excellent base for exploring nearby attractions like Battle Axe Mountain and provides stunning views of multiple Cascade peaks.

What facilities and amenities are available at Elk Lake Campground?

Elk Lake Campground offers approximately 17 sites for tent camping only (no RV access). The campground is rustic with minimal facilities. Sites are not well-marked, giving the area a more primitive camping experience. The campground provides basic amenities in a natural forest setting. Visitors should come prepared with their own supplies as services are limited. The peaceful, non-motorized lake is the main attraction, with the surrounding natural beauty making up for the modest facilities.

Is there a map available of Elk Lake Campground?

Yes, maps of Elk Lake Campground are available through official forest service channels. Contact the Willamette National Forest office or check their website for an official campground map. Since the campground sites are not well-marked, having a map before arrival is particularly helpful. Visitors can also check with ranger stations near Detroit, Oregon for printed maps and additional site information to help navigate the somewhat undefined camping area.

What activities can visitors enjoy at Elk Lake?

Elk Lake offers numerous outdoor activities in a beautiful setting. Swimming and paddling are popular in the quiet, non-motorized lake waters. Hiking opportunities abound, including trails with spectacular views of multiple Cascade peaks. The area serves as an excellent base for more challenging hikes like Battle Axe Mountain. Fishing is available in the lake, and wildlife viewing opportunities are plentiful. The peaceful environment is also perfect for relaxing, photography, and simply enjoying nature away from crowds and motorized recreation.

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