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Camping

Established Camping

Big Lake West Campground

Big Lake West Campground is located near McKenzie Bridge in the Willamette National Forest. The terrain consists of forested areas and a nearby lake, providing opportunities for water activities and hiking. Temperatures range from 30°F to 80°F, and visitors can explore attractions like the Dee Wright Observatory and Sahalie Falls.

Description

National Forest

Willamette National Forest

Overview

Big Lake West Campground offers sites located on the shores of Big Lake, situated at the top of the Santiam Pass. Opportunities to enjoy the outdoors are numerous and range from off-highway vehicle exploring, boating, swimming and hiking. There are 11 tent only double campsites. There is one single and one double vault toilet. Drinking water is available through the system shared with Big Lake Campground. There are no parking spurs; vehicles must park along the road's edge. Each campsite is equipped with a picnic table and campfire ring. All sites are by reservation. Reservations may be made up to 6 months in advance of arrival date by reserving online at RECREATION.GOV or by calling 877-444-6777.

Contact Info

For facility specific information, please call (541) 967-3917.

Nearby Attractions

The major activities in the Big Lake area revolve around motorized use. Boats frequent the lake and off highway vehicles (OHVs) us the adjacent Santiam Pass Motorized Recreation Area. Other attractions include Mt. Washington Wilderness and associated access trails, historic Santiam__Wagon Road, McKenzie Pass-Santiam Pass National Scenic Byway, Pacific Crest Trail, and Sand Mountain Lookout.

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Location

Big Lake West Campground is located in Oregon

Detail location of campground

Directions

From Eugene, Oregon, take I-105 east to McKenzie Highway 126. Travel east on Hwy 126 for 90 miles to Santiam Pass. At the top of the Pass, turn right onto the access road (sign says Hoodoo Ski Area, Big Lake Road & Benson Sno-Park). Travel one mile to the fork in the road and stay left on Forest Service Road 2690. Continue for 4 miles to the entrance to Big Lake West Campground.

Coordinates

44.3721639 N
121.8827417 W

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Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site
  • Walk-In
    Park in a lot, walk to your site.
  • Boat-In
    Sites accessible by watercraft.

Stay Connected

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

Site Types

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

Features

For Campers

  • Trash
  • Picnic Table
  • Firewood Available
  • Phone Service
  • Reservable
  • Drinking Water
  • Toilets
  • Alcohol
  • Pets
  • Fires

Contact

General Info

Reservations

Drive Time


Reviews

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4.0

out of 5

2 Reviews

Reviewed Oct. 1, 2019

Amazing Lake Side Camping!

This campground is a hidden gem on the west side of Big Lake!  Its a smaller, quieter campground compared to the much larger campground across the lake.  All of the spots are lake side, and the spots are huge.  I had the spot at the very end, which was also the Patjens Lake Trail-head.   People using the trail-head did create a bit of noise throughout the day, but died down once it got dark.  The campground design and past fire scars created a unique camping experience.  If you have a trailer, please note the actual table/spot/lake was a distance from where trailers had to park on the road.  Also slides could not hangover the road.

The best part of the campground is the view!  A full view of Mt. Washington.  Also having full access to the lake.  If you are going to be in this area, I highly recommend this campground!

SiteSpot 11
Month of VisitAugust
  • Review photo of Big Lake West Campground by Ashley B., October 1, 2019
  • Review photo of Big Lake West Campground by Ashley B., October 1, 2019
  • Review photo of Big Lake West Campground by Ashley B., October 1, 2019
  • (11) View All

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What is the max vehicle length at Big Lake West Campground?

    Big Lake West Campground allows vehicles up to 40 feet.

  • Are fires allowed at Big Lake West Campground?

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

  • Is there cell phone reception at Big Lake West Campground?

    According to campers on TheDyrt.com, Verizon signal is unknown, AT&T is unknown, and T-Mobile is good.

  • How hard is it to get a campsite at Big Lake West Campground?

    Some campers book as far as 6 months in advance, so on high-demand weekends it can be very difficult to get a campsite at Big Lake West Campground. If you want to get a last-minute campsite at Big Lake West Campground, try setting up a text message Alert atTheDyrt.com/alerts

  • Why is it so hard to get a campsite at Big Lake West Campground?

    There are 11 campsites at Big Lake West Campground and over 80 million Americans who camp! Try snagging a cancellation by setting up a text message Alert atTheDyrt.com/alerts