Established Camping
Odell Lake
About
USDA Forest Service
Deschutes National Forest
Diamond Peak stands as a sentinel over Odell Lake, one of the blue giants of the Deschutes National Forest. This large lake is 3562 acres, 6 miles long and 1 1/2 miles wide, and reaches a depth of 282 ft. The average depth is 132 ft. which makes it ideal habitat for lake trout (Mackinaw) and bull trout. Rainbow trout, kokanee salmon and whitefish also naturally reproduce in this lake. Odell Lake is managed as a trophy lake trout fishery and has the distinction of the last two state record lake trout being caught here. The current state record is a 40 lb 8 oz 45.5 inch long giant caught in 1984 by Kenneth Erickson. Bull trout is listed as a threatened species with the US Fish and Wildlife Service and is thus closed to angling. Odell Lake also offers beautiful campsites tucked away in thick forests and some excellent wind surfing. Boats are the most effective way to fish this lake but be aware of afternoon winds; the lake can get dangerously rough. Motorized and non-motorized boats are allowed on this body of water. For boat launch information see Princess Creek Boating Site, Sunset Cove Boating Site , Trapper Creek Boating Site, Odell Lake Resort and Shelter Cove Resort.
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
Stay Connected
- WiFiUnknown
- VerizonUnknown
- AT&TUnknown
- T-MobileUnknown
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
- Cabins
- Tent Cabin
Features
For Campers
- Market
- Trash
- Firewood Available
- Phone Service
- Drinking Water
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
Beautiful and windy
We booked site 30, which is up a hill away from the water with a few other sites (27, 28, 29). The site was rated for 32 feet and we were able to comfortably fit our 31 foot trailer and long bed truck. We did have to pull in way too close to the fire pit to make this work but there is a burn ban so we would not have been using it anyway. It would have been nice to know that we were up a hill since we have a toddler, but it wasn’t a huge deal.
The trailer took up the vast majority of the level space available at the site, but otherwise it would be a nice space for a tent and chairs around the fire.
Be aware that the wind picks up around noon and goes super strong until after you go to bed. It’s great for not getting any mosquito bites but it is not a mild breeze!
The lodge staff weren’t overly helpful but not hostile either. I’m sure they are understaffed and annoyed by tourists just like everyone else. They had live music Saturday night and we would have loved to go if our little one wasn’t asleep.
The area has so many hikes and bike trails so close by that you could spend weeks there and not get bored.
Overall great spot
We got a camping spot right on the lake. I mean RIGHT ON the lake. One day was really nice and sunny and we went kayaking, the other day was VERY windy. But my wife and I have been here multiple times so needless to say we like it.
Big beautiful lake surrounded by peaks!
This beautiful lake is nestled between the mountains near hwy 58. We visited in Auguat, 2018 and the water was quite warm and it has a rock bottom. This combo in Oregon makes for rare swimming conditions! There are many camp grounds and a resort located on the south end.
Location
Odell Lake is located in Oregon
Coordinates
43.56496612 N
121.98232954 W