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Map showing campground location near Diamond Lake, Oregon
Camper submitted image from Summit Lake CampgroundView 13 Photos
NatureMap showing campground location near Diamond Lake, Oregon

Summit Lake Campground

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SUMMARY PRESENTED BYT-Mobile

Reaching Summit Lake requires roughly 40 miles of forest road travel after leaving Highway 58, with the final stretch on FS Roads 21, 2154, and 398 running rough enough that high-clearance vehicles are strongly recommended. The campground sits within Deschutes National Forest at the lake's edge, open July through September, with a pit toilet on-site. Mosquitoes are heavy through mid-summer, particularly near the water. Weekday visits tend to leave campers with the lake largely to themselves, making it a reasonable fit for paddlers and those who want direct water access without crowds.

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Map & DirectionsSummit Lake Campground is located in Oregon near Diamond Lake

Detail location of campground
Public Campground

Directions

From Crescent, travel 12.2 miles west on County Road 61, then 3.5 miles north on Hwy 58, then 7.2 miles west on Forest Road 60, then 6.5 miles west on Forest Road 6010 (high clearance vehicle recommended). Forest Road 6010 is not maintained for low clearance vehicles.

Coordinates

43.46291154 N
122.13362797 W

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Connectivity

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Connectivity

Presented byT-MobileT-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoorsLearn More
  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    Verizon
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T
    No Coverage

Access

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

Site Types

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

Features

For Campers

  • ADA Access
  • Alcohol
  • Pets
  • Fires

For Vehicles

  • Pull-Through Sites

Drive Time

Reviews2 Camper Reviews - Summit Lake Campground

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4.5

out of 5

2 Reviews

Reviewed Jul. 3, 2023

Heaven on earth - could do without the mosquitos

My husband, daughter, and I camped at Summit Lake over the weekend 7/1/2023 - 7/2/2023.  This is one of my all time favorite locations. We drove in from I-5 through Oakridge Highway 58 to FS Road 21 to FS Road 2154 to FS Road 398.  Total distance once you get off Highway 58 and onto FS Road 21 is approximately 40 miles.  If you are here during the week, it is highly likely to have the entire lake to yourself.  We don't usually camp in the campground, rather, we camp in one of the primitive sites along the west shore of the lake.  Our site was right on the lake, had a nice rock fire pit, and offered breathtaking views of the lake and surrounding buttes.  The only complaint we had was the mosquitos.  We used an entire bottle of bug spray and I still walked away with dozens of welts.  We built a fire that seemed to push the mosquitos out but drew in the noseeums.  Very peaceful location, breathtaking views, and great kayaking and SUP.

Siteprimitive
Month of VisitJuly
  • Review photo of Summit Lake Campground by dkl97459 , July 3, 2023
  • Review photo of Summit Lake Campground by dkl97459 , July 3, 2023
  • Review photo of Summit Lake Campground by dkl97459 , July 3, 2023
  • (7) View All
Reviewed Aug. 21, 2017

Summit Lake--Primitive but Beautiful

My husband, dog, and I stayed at Summit Lake campground on night 15 of our month long backpacking trip so we accessed it by foot. We did walk along the road to get to it and it was a dirt, forest road. Would definitely recommend using a higher clearance vehicle to get there. In any case, this is a great, secluded, super primitive campground provided by the forest service.

What I liked about the campground:

  1. Location was absolutely amazing! The lake was so pretty and it had lots of little islands you could paddle out to and explore. There was even a lady camping on one of the islands as she left her truck at the campground. It is really secluded and only had two to three designated spots.

  2. It is free! Who doesn't like free?!? And it has a pit toilet which is always a plus when you are backpacking.

  3. It has all the basic amenities you need for a primitive spot--table, fire pit, flat ground for your tent (although the ground was pretty hard and there were a fair amount of rocks). With it being primitive, you need to be sure to bring everything with you including firewood and water (unless you have a water filter).

What I wasn't so keen about:

  1. We stayed there in mid-July so the mosquitoes were horrible!! They were waiting outside our tent by 6 am. So I am not holding them against the location, but when you visit be aware of timing. Earlier in the summer near a water source usually means lots of mosquitoes.

  2. The toilet was closed! I am not sure if this was just a random closure or what but I was really bummed when I went to use a real toilet and wasn't able to.

Summary: If you want a primitive spot in a beautiful and isolated location this is the spot!

Month of VisitJuly
  • Review photo of Summit Lake Campground by Jenny R., August 21, 2017
  • Review photo of Summit Lake Campground by Jenny R., August 21, 2017
  • Review photo of Summit Lake Campground by Jenny R., August 21, 2017
  • (7) View All
Showing results 1-2 of 2 reviews

Frequently Asked Questions

What amenities are available at Summit Lake Campground?

Summit Lake Campground offers basic amenities for wilderness camping. The campground provides campsites suitable for tents and some vehicles. While specific facilities are modest, the natural setting alongside Summit Lake is the main attraction. Visitors should plan to bring their own water and supplies as amenities are limited. The campground's remote location means campers should be prepared for a more rustic experience, making it perfect for those who enjoy a more authentic outdoor adventure.

Where is Summit Lake Campground located in Oregon?

Summit Lake Campground is nestled in the Deschutes National Forest in central Oregon, near Diamond Peak. The campground sits alongside the beautiful Summit Lake, providing a serene mountain setting. This picturesque location is situated away from major highways, offering a peaceful retreat in the Cascade Mountain range. The remote setting makes it an ideal destination for those seeking a quiet wilderness experience surrounded by stunning natural beauty.

Are there hiking trails near Summit Lake Campground in Diamond Peak?

Yes, Summit Lake Campground provides excellent access to hiking opportunities in the Diamond Peak area. The location serves as a great base for exploring the surrounding wilderness, with trails that showcase the natural beauty of the central Oregon Cascades. Hikers can enjoy paths around the lake and into the surrounding forest areas. The campground's position makes it particularly attractive for outdoor enthusiasts looking to explore this scenic region on foot.

How do I get to Summit Lake Campground in Oregon?

To reach Summit Lake Campground, take Highway 58 to Oakridge, then turn onto Forest Service Road 21. Continue to FS Road 2154 and finally FS Road 398, which leads to the campground. The journey from Highway 58 involves travel on dirt forest roads, so a vehicle with higher clearance is recommended. The roads can be challenging but navigable with appropriate vehicles. The remote location requires some planning, but the scenic drive through the forest makes the journey worthwhile.

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