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Map showing campground location near Mckenzie Bridge, Oregon
Camper submitted image from Scott Lake CampgroundView 34 Photos
CampingMap showing campground location near Mckenzie Bridge, Oregon

Scott Lake Campground

5 ReviewsAdd Review
SUMMARY PRESENTED BYT-Mobile

Kayakers and hikers will find Scott Lake Campground positioned at 5,000 feet elevation along McKenzie Pass Road in the Willamette National Forest. This free Forest Service campground operates from July through October, when the mountain pass remains accessible. The setting provides direct lake access for paddling and serves as a trailhead for Scott Mountain and Tenas Lakes hikes.

Six drive-in sites feature fire rings and picnic tables, with vault toilets available throughout the area. Additional walk-in sites extend along the shoreline for those willing to carry gear a short distance. The campground accommodates small RVs up to 12 feet, though most visitors arrive with tents. Dogs can swim in the lake, and several reviewers mention the well-maintained condition of facilities.

"Clean campground and nice camp sites," notes Sarah A., reflecting the consistent upkeep visitors encounter. The lake level fluctuates seasonally, affecting the boat launch usability, though hand-carried kayaks work well from the shoreline. October visitors should prepare for potential snowfall at this elevation.

Sites fill on a first-come basis during peak season. Campers seeking additional forest camping options can explore campgrounds around Mckenzie Bridge or check Alder Springs Campground for a developed alternative with more amenities.

Fee Info

$5/vehicle/day or valid recreation pass

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Map & DirectionsScott Lake Campground is located in Oregon near Mckenzie Bridge

Detail location of campground
Public Campground

Coordinates

44.21232 N
121.88801 W

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Connectivity

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Connectivity

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Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site
  • Walk-In
    Park in a lot, walk to your site.

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • RV Sites
  • Group
  • Tent Cabin
  • Equestrian

Features

For Campers

  • Trash
  • Toilets
  • Alcohol
  • Pets
  • Fires

For Vehicles

  • Water Hookups

FREE established camping

Enjoy camping on government land. Limited or no services at this camping area.

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Reviews5 Camper Reviews - Scott Lake Campground

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4.5

out of 5

5 Reviews

Visitors often highlighted the stunning Three Sisters mountain views and pristine lake setting with clean, well-equipped sites. Many campers appreciated the peaceful atmosphere and free camping, though access requires seasonal road availability.

SUMMARY PRESENTED BYT-Mobile
Reviewed Aug. 11, 2021

hidden gem

This campsite is amazing. We're pretty new to finding free and dispersed camping spots so it was a long shot to get here, but we lucked out and fell in love with this place. 

Getting there is fairly easy. GPS for us didn't give us the right lake but we drove on until there was a sign for the campground. There's no chance of you missing it. The drive is also very beautiful. 

The campground has a lot of spots. The first spot is the only one I'd considered "good" for an rv but I wouldn't bother trying. The first 5 or 6 spots and can pull your vehicle off the road and set up. There are a few hike in spots that we didn't check out but were well marked. 

There are fire pits, picnic tables, bathrooms, and plenty of good spots to set up a hammock. 

They also have a boat launch, but it didn't seem that great. I didn't see anyone use it to get boats or kayaks in the water-only people carrying their kayaks. 

We loved it here and really lucked out on our spot.

Month of VisitJuly
  • Review photo of Scott Lake Campground by Hannah S., August 11, 2021
Reviewed Feb. 5, 2020

Beautiful late in the season

We went Scott Lake in early October 2019 and had the chance to receive the first snowfall of the season. There are a few spots right along the lake that are pull in for vehicles (a few that you have to hike to the lake but not that far). Farther down the road are hike in spots that we will be going to with family next year. It was peaceful and quiet and we never heard a peep from any of the other campers. The camp sites were super clean and very well laid out. The lake was low so I had to dock my kayak where the channel was between the two main parts of the lake was and explored the rest on foot. My three dogs loved it there and loved swimming in the lake. It was an overall great experience and we will definitely be back again next summer!

Month of VisitOctober
  • Review photo of Scott Lake Campground by Andrea R., February 5, 2020
  • Review photo of Scott Lake Campground by Andrea R., February 5, 2020
  • Review photo of Scott Lake Campground by Andrea R., February 5, 2020
  • (4) View All
Reviewed Oct. 5, 2019

Stunning!

So when I first found this campground I wasn't sure what to expect being as reviews and info were sparse so I'll do me best to sum it up. Things to know that arent stated. It is free may require NW forest pass. It's a drive, hike, bike and walk in. I didn't see any spots big enough for RV but there is space to park that isn't officially a site.

Location: Beautiful sits about 5,000 feet right off McKenzie Pass Road (closed from November to June)

Sites: I saw 6 drive in with fire ring, picnic table also 2 vault toilets.... There's more walk/ hike in but we had to much gear to do that.

Directions: Very easy to find spots all along lake and Google maps took us right to spots.

Activities: Great! Had a kayak/boat launch also had the Scott Mountain TH right there within 1/4 walking distance on dirt road. It seems that a forest fire was pretty recent ontop but the grounds seemed kind of untouched

Warnings: This was my first time up this pass. Elevation is very high which means incremental weather. Aka woke up in October with snow which happened to us.

Overall 5 stars must visit. We will be coming back next year when less snow and road reopens

  • Review photo of Scott Lake Campground by Mavrick S., October 5, 2019
  • Review photo of Scott Lake Campground by Mavrick S., October 5, 2019
Reviewed Apr. 14, 2019

Beautiful beyond compare

Camped here in mid October, not many people around but the view of the three sister mountains were phenomenal!!! Clean campground and nice camp sites

Month of VisitOctober
  • Review photo of Scott Lake Campground by Sarah A., April 14, 2019
Reviewed Oct. 18, 2018

Beautiful camping, easy access to gorgeous hiking and just primitive enough

This campsite is the perfect place if you enjoy secluded tent camping in a primitive style but still want the comforts of a fire pit, picnic table and a toilet. The scenery is hard to match. Views of Three Sisters makes for the most breathtaking sunrise and hiking around the lake is beautiful. There is also hiking up to Tenas Lakes or Scott Mountain that makes for a good day trek. It was serene, quiet, picturesque, clean, and free! We paid $5 to park and the walk to our cite was not bad. Get there early to get the best spot; first come first serve.

Month of VisitOctober
  • Review photo of Scott Lake Campground by Aaron P., October 18, 2018
  • Review photo of Scott Lake Campground by Aaron P., October 18, 2018
  • Review photo of Scott Lake Campground by Aaron P., October 18, 2018
  • (27) View All
Showing results 1-5 of 5 reviews

Frequently Asked Questions

What amenities and facilities are available at Scott Lake Campground in Oregon?

Scott Lake Campground offers primitive camping with basic amenities. Each site includes a fire pit and picnic table. Vault toilets are available for campers. The campground is tent-focused with no hookups or facilities for RVs. There are both drive-in spots along the lake and some walk-in sites that require a short hike. The campground prioritizes a natural experience with minimal development, making it ideal for those seeking a more rustic outdoor adventure with stunning views of the Three Sisters mountains.

How do I make reservations for Scott Lake Campground?

Scott Lake Campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis with no formal reservation system. The campground is free to use, though a Northwest Forest Pass may be required for parking. Due to its limited size and popularity, especially during peak seasons, it's advisable to arrive early to secure a spot. For current status and any policy changes, contact the Willamette National Forest office before your trip.

Where can I find photos of Scott Lake Campground?

Photos of Scott Lake Campground can be found on The Dyrt's campground page, which features user-submitted images showcasing the lake, campsite layouts, and the spectacular views of the Three Sisters mountains. Official photos are also available on the Willamette National Forest website. Additionally, searching social media platforms with hashtags like #ScottLakeOregon or #ScottLakeCampground will yield recent visitor photos that can help you visualize the camping experience and surrounding landscape.

What do reviews say about Scott Lake Campground?

Scott Lake Campground receives high praise for its spectacular scenery, particularly the breathtaking views of the Three Sisters mountains at sunrise. Campers appreciate the secluded, peaceful atmosphere and pristine natural setting. The lake itself is highlighted as beautiful, with opportunities for hiking around its perimeter. Visitors note the campground is clean and well-maintained despite its primitive nature. The campground is described as perfect for tent camping enthusiasts who enjoy a more rustic, back-to-nature experience away from crowds. Some mention that the access road requires careful driving but consider the journey worthwhile for the destination.

Is there a map available for Scott Lake Campground and surrounding areas?

Maps for Scott Lake Campground and surrounding areas are available through several sources. The Willamette National Forest office provides official forest service maps that show the campground's location and nearby trails. You can also find topographic maps through the USGS website. For navigation purposes, it's important to note that some GPS services may not accurately pinpoint the lake, so having a physical map is recommended. Once at the campground, there are typically posted maps showing the layout of campsites and hiking options around the lake.

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