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Established Camping

Odell Lake

Odell Lake is located in the Deschutes National Forest, surrounded by forested terrain and a large freshwater lake. Temperatures range from lows in the 30s Fahrenheit during winter to highs in the 80s during summer. Nearby attractions include the Pacific Crest Trail and Willamette Pass, offering hiking and skiing opportunities.

Description

USDA Forest Service

Deschutes National Forest

Diamond Peak stands as a sentinel over Odell Lake, one of the blue giants of the Deschutes National Forest. This large lake is 3562 acres, 6 miles long and 1 1/2 miles wide, and reaches a depth of 282 ft. The average depth is 132 ft. which makes it ideal habitat for lake trout (Mackinaw) and bull trout. Rainbow trout, kokanee salmon and whitefish also naturally reproduce in this lake. Odell Lake is managed as a trophy lake trout fishery and has the distinction of the last two state record lake trout being caught here. The current state record is a 40 lb 8 oz 45.5 inch long giant caught in 1984 by Kenneth Erickson. Bull trout is listed as a threatened species with the US Fish and Wildlife Service and is thus closed to angling. Odell Lake also offers beautiful campsites tucked away in thick forests and some excellent wind surfing. Boats are the most effective way to fish this lake but be aware of afternoon winds; the lake can get dangerously rough. Motorized and non-motorized boats are allowed on this body of water. For boat launch information see Princess Creek Boating Site, Sunset Cove Boating Site , Trapper Creek Boating Site, Odell Lake Resort and Shelter Cove Resort.

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Location

Odell Lake is located in Oregon

Detail location of campground

Coordinates

43.56496612 N
121.98232954 W

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Access

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

Stay Connected

  • WiFi
    Fair
  • Verizon
    Good
  • AT&T
    Good
  • T-Mobile
    Good

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • RV Sites
  • Standard (Tent/RV)
  • Group
  • Cabins
  • Tent Cabin

Features

For Campers

  • Market
  • Trash
  • Firewood Available
  • Phone Service
  • Drinking Water
  • Alcohol
  • Pets
  • Fires

Contact

General Info


Reviews

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4.5

out of 5

3 Reviews

Reviewed Jul. 18, 2021

Beautiful and windy

We booked site 30, which is up a hill away from the water with a few other sites (27, 28, 29). The site was rated for 32 feet and we were able to comfortably fit our 31 foot trailer and long bed truck. We did have to pull in way too close to the fire pit to make this work but there is a burn ban so we would not have been using it anyway. It would have been nice to know that we were up a hill since we have a toddler, but it wasn’t a huge deal.

The trailer took up the vast majority of the level space available at the site, but otherwise it would be a nice space for a tent and chairs around the fire.

Be aware that the wind picks up around noon and goes super strong until after you go to bed. It’s great for not getting any mosquito bites but it is not a mild breeze!

The lodge staff weren’t overly helpful but not hostile either. I’m sure they are understaffed and annoyed by tourists just like everyone else. They had live music Saturday night and we would have loved to go if our little one wasn’t asleep.

The area has so many hikes and bike trails so close by that you could spend weeks there and not get bored.

Site30
Month of VisitJuly
Reviewed Jul. 19, 2020

Overall great spot

We got a camping spot right on the lake. I mean RIGHT ON the lake. One day was really nice and sunny and we went kayaking, the other day was VERY windy. But my wife and I have been here multiple times so needless to say we like it.

Reviewed Aug. 27, 2018

Big beautiful lake surrounded by peaks!

This beautiful lake is nestled between the mountains near hwy 58. We visited in Auguat, 2018 and the water was quite warm and it has a rock bottom. This combo in Oregon makes for rare swimming conditions! There are many camp grounds and a resort located on the south end.

Month of VisitAugust
  • Review photo of Odell Lake by Nicolaus N., August 27, 2018
  • Review photo of Odell Lake by Nicolaus N., August 27, 2018
  • Review photo of Odell Lake by Nicolaus N., August 27, 2018

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Are fires allowed at Odell Lake?

    Yes, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, fires are allowed at Odell Lake, although make sure to check current fire restrictions in the area.