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Camping

Established Camping

Lookout Campground

Warning 2 Alerts are In Effect

There are 2 alerts for this campground. Camp safely!

CLOSURE ALERT: This campground is closed until further notice due to the Blue 190 Fire.

Per the Willamette Forest Order, effective 7/31/24: fire restrictions are in effect that prohibit the building, maintaining, attending or using a fire, campfire or stove fire, including a charcoal, wood, or coal fire. However, pressurized liquid or gas stoves, lanterns, and heaters that can be switched on and off are allowed. For a full list of restrictions and exemptions, please review the Forest Order.

Lookout Campground, near Blue River, Oregon, is a straightforward spot for those looking to enjoy the great outdoors without the frills. It’s got the basics covered with picnic tables, fire rings, and a community water spigot, making it a decent choice for a couple of nights under the stars.

The campground is right by Blue River Lake, giving you easy access to the water for some fishing or just chilling by the shore. While it’s not the most private setup—many sites are out in the open—visitors have enjoyed the quiet atmosphere and the surrounding conifer trees that add a touch of nature to the experience. One camper even found a native arrowhead during their stay, which made for a memorable birthday celebration.

Facilities are pretty basic, with pit toilets and no showers, but that’s part of the charm for those who appreciate a more rustic experience. Some folks have mentioned that the campground could use a bit more attention when it comes to cleanliness, but the peaceful vibe and proximity to nature make it worth a visit. If you’re looking for a simple, no-frills camping experience, Lookout Campground might just fit the bill.

Description

National Forest

Willamette National Forest

Overview

Lookout Boat Launch and Campground is found on Blue River Reservoir. The campground includes a day use picnic area, a boat launch, floating dock, and a day use/overflow parking area. It is located on a beautiful open meadow with plenty of sunshine.

Recreation

Fishing, boating, swimming, and water skiing on Blue River Reservoir draw campers here. There is hiking on Buck Mountain Trail and Lookout Creek Old Growth Trail. Sightseeing is popular on the West Cascades National Scenic Byway.

Natural Features

The campground sits on the northeastern shore of Blue River Reservoir and can be accessed by driving the West Cascades National Scenic Byway. It is located in the Willamette National Forest on the western slopes of the Cascade Mountains.

Nearby Attractions

Come for water play or fishing at Blue River Reservoir or for exploring the nearby trails and Scenic Byway. Hot springs are loctated within 10 miles.

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Location

Lookout Campground is located in Oregon

Detail location of campground

Directions

From Blue River, travel 3 miles east on Hwy 126. Turn left on FS 15 Road. Go 4 miles to Lookout Boating Site & Campground on left.

Coordinates

44.2047694 N
122.2586 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
    Unknown
  • Verizon
    Unknown
  • AT&T
    Available
  • T-Mobile
    Available

Site Types

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

Features

For Campers

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

For Vehicles

  • Big Rig Friendly

Reviews

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3.5

out of 5

4 Reviews

Reviewed Sep. 26, 2022

Very basic campground

Not much to it, but it was decent for a couple nights stay. The reservoir was almost empty in late September, estimated at about 20%. Sites have picnic table and fire ring, there is water at a community spigot, and pit toilets, but that's it. My Verizon signal was weak but usable. Some trees for shade, and plenty of conifers on the slopes to look at. Also near the experimental forest.

Site10
Month of VisitSeptember
Reviewed Sep. 8, 2021

No Privacy or Water in Reservoir

Campground is not too bad if you don’t mind the lack of privacy. Most of the sites are out in the open with no shade or trees around. We camped the first weekend of September and the reservoir was empty. We were really disappointed since we chose this campground so we could fish and swim. Our campsite was also full of trash. There was no camp host. So I am not sure who handles the clean up or management there. No one from the campground checked us in or made sure we were the campers on the reservation. The primitive no-reservation sites are a little better. Next year, we will check out Mona Campground instead.

Site19
Month of VisitSeptember
  • Review photo of Lookout Campground by Angel G., September 8, 2021
  • Review photo of Lookout Campground by Angel G., September 8, 2021
  • Review photo of Lookout Campground by Angel G., September 8, 2021
  • (20) View All
Reviewed Sep. 6, 2021

45th birthday

Had a great weekend there and the camp ground was right on the shore , also found a native arrowhead 1st night there which happened to be my 45th birthdsy , memories

Sitenumber 11
Month of VisitMay
Reviewed Aug. 31, 2021

Simple, clean, close to the water campground

Was looking for a campground that was open after many of the wildfires had closed most of the others. Came across this simple little campground.

Parked next to the Blue River Lake, gives easy access to the water

Not a ton of spots, but plenty of room for each spot. Pit toilets, and campfire rings.

Was nice and quiet there.

Nothing fancy, but a good out of the way spot

Month of VisitApril
  • Review photo of Lookout Campground by Chris P., August 31, 2021
  • Review photo of Lookout Campground by Chris P., August 31, 2021
  • Review photo of Lookout Campground by Chris P., August 31, 2021
  • (5) View All

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What is the max vehicle length at Lookout Campground?

    Lookout Campground allows vehicles up to 30 feet.

  • Are fires allowed at Lookout Campground?

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

  • Does Lookout Campground have wifi?

    No, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, Lookout Campground does not have wifi.

  • Is there cell phone reception at Lookout Campground?

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

  • How hard is it to get a campsite at Lookout 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 Lookout Campground. If you want to get a last-minute campsite at Lookout Campground, try setting up a text message Alert atTheDyrt.com/alerts

  • Why is it so hard to get a campsite at Lookout Campground?

    There are 21 campsites at Lookout Campground and over 80 million Americans who camp! Try snagging a cancellation by setting up a text message Alert atTheDyrt.com/alerts