Deschutes National Forest's Cabin Lake Campground carries an unusual history: the site served as the Fort Rock Ranger District headquarters beginning in the 1920s, with eight CCC-built structures still standing and listed on the historic register. The Forest Service stripped out the potable water and bathroom infrastructure after abandoning the facility in 2002. No fee. Open year-round, the campground accommodates RVs up to 30 feet on open terrain near the lake. Campers researching campgrounds around Deschutes National Forest will find this one among the more historically distinctive free sites in the region. Fort Rock State Natural Area is a nearby alternative for those wanting developed amenities.
Description
Two 8' x 12' covered shelters, approximately 300' apart on a north-south line, permit silent human observers to spy upon thirsty animals. Each blind has a small concrete basin that puddles water piped nearby water collection aprons and storage tanks. Veiled wall openings allow viewing and photography from a distance of 15-20 feet. A barbed-wire fence surrounds the lower site and a pole fence surrounds the upper site. Be sure to browse the registry for its decades-long, international record of human and wildlife visitors. There is a picnic area nearby. Caution: Such close proximity between observer and wildlife demands absolute silence, so keep your dog or cat away. Bring a filled water container to replenish the drink-basin in case the supply system is disabled. You can leave your fishing rod and boat at home because the "lake" dried centuries ago.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsCabin Lake Campground is located in Oregon near Fort Rock
Directions
From Fort Rock: Travel north on Forest Road 18 (graveled Cabin Lake Road) for 9.5 miles to Forest Road 18-970 (dirt), Turn west on Forest Road 18-970 for 0.25 miles to parking area for the viewing blinds. Total Distance: 10 miles. Estimated Time: 30 minutes
Coordinates
43.49600015 N
121.05800082 W
Connectivity
T-MobileNo CoverageVerified by 5 usersLast on 6/29/26
VerizonLTESome Coverage- AT&TLTESome Coverage
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo CoverageVerified by 5 usersLast on 6/29/26
- VerizonLTESome Coverage
- AT&TLTESome Coverage
Access
Site Types
- Tent Sites
Features
Drive Time
- 1 hr 29 min from Bend, OR
- 3 hrs 1 min from Eugene, OR
- 3 hrs 28 min from Albany, OR
- 4 hrs 4 min from Medford, OR
