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.

## 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.

Lookout Campground

Join the fun near Mckenzie Bridge. With tons of outdoor activities and scenic camping, this is an excellent vacation spot for all kinds of travelers. Enjoy the scenic camping, fun activities, and sights and sounds of Mckenzie Bridge. Search nearby campsites and find top-rated spots from other campers.

Mckenzie Bridge

The Best Camping Near Mckenzie Bridge, Oregon

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

Simple, clean, close to the water campground

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

45th birthday

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. 

No Privacy or Water in Reservoir

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.

Very basic campground

We were at site 15 which was all the way at the end and was nicely secluded from the rest of the sites. We had direct access to the lake, but it looks like if the lake was low it would be a climb to get down to the water. No electricity or water so bring all that. Enough parking for 2-3 vehicles and a couple of tents or an RV. We had amazing views!

Photos of Lookout Campground

Real photos from real campers