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Established Camping

Big Lake West Campground

CAMPER SUMMARY PRESENTED BYFord

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.

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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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Connectivity

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  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile5G
    Excellent Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    VerizonLTE
    Some Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&TLTE
    Some Coverage

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Detours Nearby

LOCAL FAVORITES PRESENTED BYToyota Trucks
Ikenick Sno-Park

Ikenick Sno-Park

43 min away

Trout Creek

Trout Creek

46 min away

Drive Time

Presented byToyota Trucks

Connectivity

Presented byT-Mobile SatelliteT-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoorsLearn More
  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile5G
    Excellent Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    VerizonLTE
    Some Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&TLTE
    Some Coverage

Access

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

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


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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 amenities are available at Big Lake West Campground in Oregon?

Big Lake West Campground offers spacious lakeside campsites with beautiful views. The campground is smaller and quieter than others in the area, with all sites positioned along the lake. Basic amenities include pit toilets and access to fresh water. Each campsite is generously sized, providing ample room for tents and camping equipment. The campground also serves as a trailhead for the Patjens Lake Trail, making it convenient for hikers to access the trail system directly from camp.

Are there photos of Big Lake West Campground to view before visiting?

Yes, photos of Big Lake West Campground are available online through various camping platforms and the Forest Service website. These images typically showcase the campground's lakeside setting, spacious campsites, and beautiful views of Big Lake. Photos often highlight the natural surroundings including the lake, mountain vistas, and forested areas. To find the most current and comprehensive collection of images, check the Deschutes National Forest website or use camping apps that feature user-submitted photos of the campground.

What do reviews say about Big Lake West Campground?

Big Lake West Campground is described as a hidden gem that offers a quieter alternative to the larger campground across the lake. Campers appreciate the spacious sites, all of which have lakeside positions with beautiful views. The campground's location at the Patjens Lake Trailhead is highlighted as a convenience for hikers. While the scenic setting and cold, refreshing lake water receive praise, visitors should be prepared for significant mosquito activity, which can impact the camping experience. The overall atmosphere is peaceful, making it ideal for those seeking a more secluded outdoor experience.

What recreation activities are available at Big Lake in Oregon?

Big Lake offers numerous recreation opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts. Water activities include swimming in the refreshingly cold lake, fishing, kayaking, and canoeing. Hiking is popular with direct access to the Patjens Lake Trail from the West Campground. The surrounding area provides excellent opportunities for wildlife viewing, photography, and stargazing away from city lights. During winter months, the area transforms for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. Mountain biking is available on designated trails in the vicinity, and the scenic landscape makes for enjoyable day trips exploring the surrounding Deschutes National Forest.