Established Camping
Umpqua National Forest Poole Creek Group Campground
About
USDA Forest Service
Umpqua National Forest
Overview
Poole Creek Campground is nestled in a forest of lodgepole pine, mountain hemlock and Shasta red fir, just south of the mouth of Poole Creek on the west shore of Lemolo Lake. The lake is the highest reservoir on the North Umpqua River at an elevation of 4,150 feet.
Recreation
Boating, fishing, swimming, kayaking, canoeing and water skiing top the list of recreational activities at the campground. Lemolo Lake provides outdoor enthusiasts with a multitude of recreational opportunities year round. The forested shoreline and mountainous backdrop provide a perfect setting for both swimmers braving the lake's cold, refreshing waters, and for anglers casting lines from boat or beach. Populations of German brown trout, Eastern brook trout, rainbow trout and kokanee salmon thrive in the lake which reaches depths of up to 100 feet in places. For waterfall seekers, nearby Lemolo Falls Trail is a steep traverse that drops down into North Umpqua Canyon for a view of Lemolo Falls as it cascades 150 feet to the canyon bottom. A spur trail accesses the bottom of the canyon below the falls.
Facilities
This campground has 60 standard sites, all sites are reservation only. Reservations must be made two days in advance. There is also one reservable group site. Sites are equipped with picnic tables, campfire rings and grills. Vault toilets and drinking water are provided.
Natural Features
Umpqua National Forest visitors are often taken aback by unique and surprising landscapes shaped by explosive geologic events. The 984,602-acre forest provides spectacular scenery and an abundance of natural and cultural resources. The translation of the word, "Umpqua," meaning "thundering waters," defines the area. High mountain lakes, heart-stopping rapids, peaceful ponds and thundering waterfalls, including the 272-foot Watson Falls on the North Umpqua Highway, offer visitors a renewed sense of spirit. Diverse ecosystems support a wide range of habitat for wildlife. From eagles and owls to salamanders and salmon, these species, along with many others, depend on surrounding undeveloped wilderness, clean streams and diverse forests to live.
Nearby Attractions
Experience 172 miles of diverse river and mountain landscapes along the Rogue-Umpqua National Scenic Byway. Travel from rolling oak-covered hills and towering coniferous forests, to roaring whitewater rapids and ancient lava flows. The highway travels alongside the Upper Rogue and North Umpqua Wild and Scenic Rivers that contain world-class fisheries.
Fee Info
Location
Umpqua National Forest Poole Creek Group Campground is located in Oregon
Directions
From Roseburg, OR, travel east on OR-138 / NE Diamond Lake Boulevard for approximately 72 miles, turn left onto Forest Road 2610 (Bird's Point Road). Proceed 4 miles and turn right at the Poole Creek Campground sign. The campground is located on the west shore of Lemolo Lake. Turn right after the fee station for the group site.
Address
2020 Toketee Ranger Station Road
Idleyld park, OR 97447
Coordinates
43.31002 N
122.20047 W
Access
Stay Connected
- WiFiUnknown
- VerizonUnknown
- AT&TUnknown
- T-MobileAvailable
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Group
Features
For Campers
- Picnic Table
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Pull-Through Sites
LegendRun by the Forest Service
This campground is next to the Lemolo Lake KOA where we were staying. We did a drive through one day. We didn't stay in this campground.
The sites looked amazing. If you could score one on the lake it would be awesome. The other sites are tucked in the woods. Some more private than others. You can reserve your site. I would recommend doing this.
Pit toilets only. No hookups, so probably generator noise. Probably lots of noise on the weekends! If I lived closer I would try this campground out in October during the week.
GuideMeh
Cheap site but no hookups for RV. Water is avail throughout the place but you better have a water bandit as there are no threads on the spigots. Tons, I mean TONS of mosquitoes. Major blue green algae blooms going on in the water, so it's not even safe for your dogs kids or old folks. Hard pass next time I'm invited here TBH.
TravelerLake front view
Although this camp ground was a bit further out from the main hikes and waterfalls, it was a beautiful location. We stayed at campground #20.
Checking in was a breeze and the camp host was so friendly.
The mosquitos here were vicious. I got bit through my clothes and my friend got bit on the forehead. Don’t forget the bug repellant!
GuideLemolo is my absolute favorite!!
We love Lemolo! Between my huge family... we usually have someone up there at least every other weekend during the summer!
GuideCamping by the Lake!
Camped at Poole Creek Campground and had a great experience. Lake is good for swimming, camp site has lots of room, and lots of trees for shade which was nice since it was like 102!
If your bringing a boat, there is a boat ramp, bathrooms are available, and there is no cell service. Really nice and affordable at $15 for tent site.
Good place to stay and play if your traveling through to check out all the waters falls.
TravelerBeautiful, peaceful
Great camp host this year, just a really nice location
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TravelerA Near-Perfect Place to Unwind
My wife's family has been camping here for more than a decade and I was only recently looped into the tradition of spending a week fishing, reading by the lake, telling stories over beer and the occasional hike.
Poole Creek gives you boat access and sits you on a nice trail around Lemolo lake. You're also a short drive away from Crater Lake and Mt. Thielsen. The trail is a nice day hike around the lake and takes you around other campsites on the lake as well as scars from the Bunker Hill fire.
Fishing on Lemolo will require you to get up early in order to get a good catch. The trout there can be good size but they're elusive creatures. If you leave a deep line in overnight from your campsite, you could get a brown on your line!
The campsites at Poole Creek are generously sized and can fit several tents. I've never had trouble finding good trees to hang a hammock from.
The only downside here is the water in Lemolo lake. It usually has a fine temperature for swimming, but late summer algae makes a lot of people think twice. If you want crystal clear (although cold!) water head to where the North Umpqua meets the lake on the east side.
