Campground

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4.5

out of 5

16 Reviews

Reviewed Jul. 30, 2024

Stunning Views, Close Sites

The Views surpass anything negative I could say. The location is ideal, we escaped the summer heat, at our site it was about 15 degrees cooler than Sisters temps. The Host who was a Forest Service Employee was wonderful, sites are fairly close together, I would bring a large sheet potentially next time to keep from looking straight into neighbors camps. The bugs were bad in the evening at the water, but not terrible during the day. Bring lots of big spray. The lake is serene, even with boater activity there was plenty of room for my kids to very safely swim. They do not sell firewood at the campground so if you are visiting when fires are allowed bring your own wood. We will for sure return!

Site002, A Loop
Month of VisitJuly
  • Review photo of Big Lake by LAUREN B., July 30, 2024
  • Review photo of Big Lake by LAUREN B., July 30, 2024
  • Review photo of Big Lake by LAUREN B., July 30, 2024
  • Review photo of Big Lake by LAUREN B., July 30, 2024
  • Review photo of Big Lake by LAUREN B., July 30, 2024
  • Review photo of Big Lake by LAUREN B., July 30, 2024
  • Review photo of Big Lake by LAUREN B., July 30, 2024
  • Review photo of Big Lake by LAUREN B., July 30, 2024
  • Review photo of Big Lake by LAUREN B., July 30, 2024
  • Review photo of Big Lake by LAUREN B., July 30, 2024
  • Review photo of Big Lake by LAUREN B., July 30, 2024
  • Review photo of Big Lake by LAUREN B., July 30, 2024
  • Review photo of Big Lake by LAUREN B., July 30, 2024
  • Review photo of Big Lake by LAUREN B., July 30, 2024
  • Review photo of Big Lake by LAUREN B., July 30, 2024
  • Review photo of Big Lake by LAUREN B., July 30, 2024
  • Review photo of Big Lake by LAUREN B., July 30, 2024
  • Review photo of Big Lake by LAUREN B., July 30, 2024
Reviewed Jul. 15, 2024

Bring bug spray!

The lake is beautiful, although unfortunately not too shaded during the day due to the wild fires. I only spent a night here and it did the job. Bring bug spray, the bugs are outrageous. This is also not a quite campground. Neighbors are close and you can hear the people on the lake, but that’s to be expected.

Site42
Month of VisitJuly
Reviewed Jul. 8, 2022

Camping bliss

The lake is calm, the campsites line the lake full of evergreens. Truly peaceful.

Site36
Month of VisitJuly
  • Review photo of Big Lake by Caitlyn P., July 8, 2022
  • Review photo of Big Lake by Caitlyn P., July 8, 2022
Reviewed Sep. 25, 2021

Beautiful Location- Limited Privacy

We stayed in Big Lake West last weekend. The site was huge extending all the way down to the lake but we discovered that all of the west sites are walk-in only so we parked our van on the side of the road in front of our campsite in the designated area. The vault toilets were relatively clean and there were ample water spigots and garbage cans.

The downside is that we had a constant stream of hikers, hunters, other campers, and their dogs wandering through our campsite all day on both of the days we had reserved the site. It seems that most people elect to forgo the day-use access to the lake and use the campsites instead.

We also had substantial fast-moving traffic (hunters, hikers and OHVs) who appeared to be exploring the area.

And lastly- the trash in our site was substantial. The sites are large and not heavily maintained, but it’s disappointing to see piles of cigarette butts, cans, plastic bottles, a camp rug, along with the normal micro-trash lying around.

If you are easy going and like to make new friends with the endless stream of people wandering through your site- this is a great location. If you are trying to disconnect and have a little space to call your own for the weekend, I would avoid or stick to the regular big lake sites.

Site008
Month of VisitSeptember
Reviewed Jul. 27, 2021

Beautiful spot

Campsite marker said full but we drove in anyways and wete able to find one lucky open spot! Got a beautiful view of the lake and easy water refill/trash stop!

Month of VisitJuly
  • Review photo of Big Lake by Jay , July 27, 2021
Reviewed Jul. 11, 2021

Beautiful spot!

Great spot for some camping and time on the lake! Busy place, and motor boats allowed, so not particularly quiet.

Site19
Month of VisitJuly
  • Review photo of Big Lake by Paula G., July 11, 2021
  • Review photo of Big Lake by Paula G., July 11, 2021
  • Review photo of Big Lake by Paula G., July 11, 2021
  • Review photo of Big Lake by Paula G., July 11, 2021
Reviewed Mar. 2, 2021

Great campground, awesome views, burn zone though

Big Lake Campground is a great place to visit in all seasons, although you would need snowshoes, skis, or a snowmobile to get there in the Winter.  The views of Mt. Washington over the lake are truly stunning.  My only knocks on it is that mosquitoes can be vicious in the summer, and most of the forest in view is burnt.

  • Review photo of Big Lake by Christian , March 2, 2021
  • Review photo of Big Lake by Christian , March 2, 2021
  • Review photo of Big Lake by Christian , March 2, 2021
  • Review photo of Big Lake by Christian , March 2, 2021
Reviewed Aug. 8, 2020

Stunning Views!

Gorgeous views and hiking trails galore! I don’t think I’ve camped at a place that is as beautiful scenery as Big Lake Campground. Campground has all the necessities: there are vault toilets, fire pits, tables, and drinking water. No cell service of course and lake is very close.

Lots of space and highly recommend!

  • Review photo of Big Lake by Johnny G., August 8, 2020
  • Review photo of Big Lake by Johnny G., August 8, 2020
Reviewed Jul. 8, 2019

Lovely spot, shared with many sports

This was a great little lakeside campground with easy water access, and bathrooms (pit toilets) onsite.

It is really dusty, which was expected.

We also found it to be pretty loud as people played their loud music on boats late into the evening and the music carried over the water.

The view of Washington, however, cannot be beat.

  • Review photo of Big Lake by Kristi R., July 8, 2019
  • Review photo of Big Lake by Kristi R., July 8, 2019
  • Review photo of Big Lake by Kristi R., July 8, 2019
  • Review photo of Big Lake by Kristi R., July 8, 2019
  • Review photo of Big Lake by Kristi R., July 8, 2019
Reviewed Aug. 27, 2018

BEST CAMPGROUND IN OREGON

Great camping spot with awesome mountain views. Area also has private campsites for tent so you’re not out in the open. Very accessible to hikes (Sahalie, Koosah, Tamolitch Blue Pool, and many lakes).

  • Review photo of Big Lake by Rhyss Anne P., August 27, 2018
  • Review photo of Big Lake by Rhyss Anne P., August 27, 2018
  • Review photo of Big Lake by Rhyss Anne P., August 27, 2018
  • Review photo of Big Lake by Rhyss Anne P., August 27, 2018
  • Review photo of Big Lake by Rhyss Anne P., August 27, 2018
  • Review photo of Big Lake by Rhyss Anne P., August 27, 2018
  • Review photo of Big Lake by Rhyss Anne P., August 27, 2018
Reviewed Jul. 17, 2018

Very relaxing and beautiful lake to enjoy the outdoors

This hidden gem can’t be seen from the highway. But it’s a quick drive down a improved road to it,s clear refreshing waters with fishing and plenty places to swim. Trails to go off road and places to camp near or away from the water. You’ll find views of snowcapped mountains and relax at night with no city noise or lights glowing. Check this place out before the winter hits and the snow piles up.

Month of VisitJuly
  • A small alpine snow melt lake, leading to a view above to big lake.
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  • Review photo of Big Lake by Austin G., July 17, 2018
Reviewed Jun. 19, 2018

great views

We headed out from Portland late Friday, not really knowing what to expect. The campground was clean and easy to find, obviously a hit for OHV. We went on a hike just a few yards from the campsite, and put our kayaks in the lake after. Not to loud, and great views

  • Review photo of Big Lake by Mackenzie C., June 19, 2018
Reviewed Jul. 13, 2017

Great kayaking lake!

Have camped here a few different times, Always a great time. Lake is great for kayaking, big enough to give you lots to paddle, but small enough to not be overwhelming. Beautiful view of the mountain (Mt. Washington I believe), and lots of birds and deer in the area. A bit dusty, and no re hookups, but the lake and views make up for that. Pit toilets, and not all sites are leveled for every parking. Check site length to your needs and being leveling blocks in case!

Site18, 20
Month of VisitJune
Reviewed Sep. 26, 2016

Great For Dirt Biking

This is pretty well a dry camp area but great if you have bikes or dirt bikes or four wheelers. The lake is not breathtaking but pretty enough.