## Overview

 Waldo Lake is one of the largest natural lakes in Oregon. It offers a uniquely peaceful setting on the water and along remote shorelines, surrounded by forests of Douglas fir and mountain hemlock. Recreation in the area is abundant with the lake an ideal location for water activities like sailing, canoeing and swimming.
## Recreation

 Waldo Lake is circled by the Jim Weaver Loop, 20 miles of trail for hiking and biking. Bikes are allowed on the trails, but not in the nearby Waldo Lake Wilderness. There is also easy access to the Pacific Crest Trail and North Waldo is also a popular starting point for many wilderness trails and lakes, most notably the Rigdon, Wahanna and Torrey Lakes. There is a 1-mile Shoreline Trail between North Waldo Campground and Islet Campground which provides a short and pleasant hike along the lakeshore.
## Facilities

 North Waldo is the most popular of the Waldo Lake Campgrounds. There are 58 sites with fire rings and tables, 34 are reservable. The boat launch is somewhat deeper than the others on the lake, which is more accommodating for large sailboats. The drier environment supports fewer mosquitoes, but they are still plentiful in season. This facility is operated by American Land &amp; Leisure. We appreciate hearing from you. Comment cards are available from campground hosts or online at www.americanll.com.
## Natural Features

 Situated high on the western slopes of the Oregon Cascades at 5,400 feet in elevation, Waldo Lake is one of the purest lakes in Oregon (9.8 square miles with a maximum depth of 427 feet). It has no permanent inlet to bring nutrients into the lake for plant growth. The lack of plant life contributes to its purity, allowing you to see to depths of 120 feet on a calm day.

North Waldo Lake

Large lake that does not allow motorized boats, so great for SUP and kayaking. Research the campgrounds for sites because some are not very close to the lake. There are first come sites as well as reservation only sites. There are multiple day hikes to upper lakes and a 22 mile mountain bike trail around the lake. This is protected wilderness area, soon flush toilets and spigots with potable water. The mosquitoes can be epic there, so be aware!

Large campground at a large high mountain lake

Waldo Lake is a fantastic choice for any non-motorized boaters, as motors are banned. We took our kayaks out onto the large crystal clear lake where you can see straight to the bottom. Since there are no motored boats, the lake and campground were very quiet and peaceful. There is also an extensive trail around the lake, which can be followed on foot or bike. Nearby are more hikes and lakes (Crescent Lake allows for motored boats). Salt Creek Falls is just down the highway and makes for an excellent day hike. Would definitely recommend North Waldo for a relaxing camping trip.

Clean and Quiet

Easily one of the prettiest, and most beautiful camping spots I have ever stayed at. The host was amazing he had a awesome attitude, stopped in at our campsite to shoot the breeze. Overall just a fabtastic place to stay!

This was a great campsite. We were in a walk in Tent site right on the lake which was quiet for the most part. Right next to hiking path that went around the lake. There didn't appear to be a boat put in around the area, but there is one down the street. We stayed in Campsite 28, which helped get away from the chaos of the big group sites which I would strongly Recommend! Beautiful place.

Beautiful Lake with awesome walk up campsite

My car and I climbed over 5,000 ft from the Oregon coast to get to Waldo Lake in the Willamette National Forest. The drive along was well worth it. There are three campgrounds at Waldo Lake and North Waldo is the largest. I didn't have a reservation and attempted to find a site in the smaller two campgrounds first but neither of them had space available. Of the almost 100 sites at North Waldo I'd estimate that about a dozen were unclaimed the second weekend of September.

The campground was definitely crowded. There were many large groups with people of all ages. There was noise until about 11pm. Be warned that it gets VERY chilly at night. There are pit toilets but when I was there the majority were closed for maintenance and had been replaced by portable toilets. There are also water spigots and each site has a sump for dish water. The majority of the sites are removed from the water and only a select few are near the lake. They all have trees between the site and the water. The campgrounds also all have boat ramps and swimming areas. In addition to the trails throughout the national forest, there is also a trail that runs around the lake and through the campgrounds.

The sunsets are not to be missed! I spent all of my phone battery taking pictures of the sunset and didn't get any of the campground...

Well worth a visit!

North Waldo has great beaches.  Some of the sites are huge.  Many are lake front.  

Beautiful Oregon lake. 

One of the purist lakes in the world! Wonderful campground on Waldo Lake. Very secluded, basic sites, and close to the lake. Awesome biking and hiking trails all around the lake. Mosquitos can be vicious, but other than that it’s perfect! 

Unbelievably Beautiful lake

It's beautiful, scenic, and full of mosquitos.  Bring long sleeves and some citronella and you'll have a great time though.  Excellent paddle boarding and swimming.  Loads of stars to look at.

Bring the bugspray!

Wow, this is one of the most pure lakes in the world. Like distilled water! It’s clear and you can see all the way down. Lots of islands to paddle or kayak to. Sites are large and the pit toilets are very clean. Camp Host Doug kept an immaculate campground. The only negative is the massive number of mosquitos, we underestimated their effect. Be conscientious of the lake and respectful. 