Elk Lake (OR)

Pacific Northwest

Elk Lake (OR)

Pacific Northwest

About this campsite

Overview

This location is available on a first-come, first-served basis only. Visitors are required to physically arrive at the campground to purchase and claim a site. Once on-site, you may be able to pay for your campsite(s) by scanning a QR code using the Recreation.gov mobile app, and the Scan and Pay feature.

If this option is available, you will need to first download the free Recreation.gov mobile app https://www.recreation.gov/mobile-app prior to your arrival as some remote areas have limited or no cellular service.

This 17 site tent-only campground, located adjacent to the Bull of the Woods and Opal Creek Wildernesses, is full of beauty in the summer. Wildflowers are a beautiful sight in the campground's meadows around July. Swim or paddle in the quiet waters of the non-motorized lake, go for a great hike with views of multiple Cascade peaks, or just kick back and relax in the campground.

Natural Features

Contact Info

For facility specific information, please call (503) 854-3366.

Location

Elk Lake (OR)•OR

Explore on our map Get Directions Open in Maps

Weather Forecast

via Open-Meteo

SUN☁️

24° / 14°

—

TODAY☁️

21° / 13°

—

TUE☁️

24° / 10°

—

WED☀️

27° / 9°

—

THU☀️

27° / 10°

—

Nearby Campsites

within 50km

Elk Lake Campground

This 17 site tent-only campground, located adjacent to the Bull of the Woods and Opal Creek Wildernesses , is full of beauty in the summer. Wildflowers are a beautiful sight in the campground's meadows around July. Swim or paddle in the quiet waters of the non-motorized lake, go for a great hike with views of multiple Cascade peaks, or just kick back and relax in the campground.

3.9 km away

GOLD BUTTE LOOKOUT

Overview The Gold Butte Lookout sits on the summit of Gold Butte at an elevation of 4,618 feet in the Willamette National Forest. It was built in 1934 by the Civilian Conservation Corps. During World War II, the lookout served as part of Aircraft Warning System station in defense of the nation against air attack. It was staffed around the clock, usually by a husband and wife team, who reported all passing aircraft within sight or sound to a central filter center. The lookout stands on 3-foot stilts and is surrounded by glass windows and an exterior catwalk, offering a panoramic view of the Cascades. It is furnished with refurbished or replica furniture. The lookout is typically open from early July through mid-October. It is accessible by car, but guests should be prepared to walk the last half mile on difficult and steep terrain to reach the lookout. A high clearance vehicle is recommended for the drive. Guests will need to pack in most of their own supplies and gear. Recreation In addition to relaxing and taking in the incredible views from Gold Butte, guests can venture out and experience other recreation opportunities nearby. Canoeing and fishing is possible in peaceful Elk Lake. Day hiking is a popular pastime in the adjacent Bull of the Woods and Opal Creek Wilderness Areas or nearby Mt. Jefferson Wilderness. Facilities The 14x14-ft. wood cabin accommodates 4 people and comes equipped with 1 twin bed with mattress and 3 folding cots. Other amenities include a table, bench, chair, cabinet, wood bins, fire extinguisher, broom, dustpan, cleaning supplies, dishes and utensils. A wood stove is provided for heat. An outhouse and a woodshed stocked with firewood are located nearby. An axe may be available for chopping wood. Water, a cook stove and electricity are not provided. Guests must bring enough water for drinking, cooking and washing. Items such as bedding, lanterns or flashlights, cookware, fire starters, extra toilet paper, first aid supplies, trash bags, dish soap, towels and an ice chest are not available. This facility is opened and closed by the Sand Mountain Society. Guests are expected to pack out their trash and clean the cabin before leaving. Natural Features Guests at the lookout can enjoy panoramic views of the Cascade Range, including nearby Mt. Jefferson, Three Fingered Jack, Mt. Hood, the Three Sisters and Bull of the Woods Wilderness Area. Seasonal wildflowers and wild huckleberries grow nearby. Willamette National Forest offers prime habitat for such species as Roosevelt elk, black bear, bald eagles, blacktail deer and bobcats, among other wildlife.

7.0 km away

HUMBUG CAMPGROUND

Recreation Wading and fishing are popular activities in the Breitenbush River, and rainbow trout is the most common catch for anglers. The Willamette National Forest has about 1,700 miles of trail. While many are in wilderness areas, a number of trails are low-elevation, easy-access trails for year-round hiking. Facilities Humbug Campground sites have picnic tables, grills and easy access to the vault toilets. Drinking water spigots are spread throughout the campground. Most campsites offer sweeping views of the river. Natural Features The campground lies in the Willamette National Forest, which stretches for 110 miles along the western slopes of the Cascade Range. The varied landscape of high mountains, narrow canyons, cascading streams and wooded slopes offer varied recreational opportunities for visitors. The Breitenbush River is a tributary of the North Santiam River, and its clean waters flow from short forks of snowmelt in the Mount Jefferson Wilderness. A variety of plants and foliage separate the spacious campsites and provide privacy from other sites. Nearby Attractions Detroit Lake has a marina and provides plenty of opportunity for water recreation like boating, water skiing and kayaking. Contact Info For facility specific information, please call (541) 967-3917.

7.5 km away

FOX CREEK GROUP CAMP

Overview Fox Creek Group Camp is situated in a large, open area surrounded by dense forest near the point where Fox Creek flows in the Breitenbush River. The groups site accommodates tent campers plus RVs and trailers of any size. The groups site caters to groups of up to 75 guests with ample parking. It is equipped with an accessible vault toilet, dumpster, campfire rings and picnic tables. The campground is a short walk from the Breitenbush River, a tributary of Oregon's North Santiam River, at an elevation of 1,700 feet. The river's clean waters flow from short forks of snow melt in the Mount Jefferson Wilderness. There is no water service at this site. Reservations for this site can be made up to 12 months in advance of arrival date by reserving online at RECREATION.GOV or by calling 877-444-6777. Recreation Fox Creek is a central access point to miles of scenic hiking trails. Willamette National Forest boasts 1,700 miles of trails, many of which trek through wilderness areas like the nearby Mount Jefferson Wilderness. Campers can fish and swim in the Breitenbush River. Rainbow trout is the most common catch for anglers. Facilities No drinking water is available at this site. The group site caters to groups of up to 75 guests with ample parking. It is equipped with an accessible vault toilet, dumpster, campfire rings and picnic tables. Natural Features The campground is a short walk from the Breitenbush River, a tributary of Oregon's North Santiam River, at an elevation of 1,700 feet. The river's clean waters flow from short forks of snow melt in the Mount Jefferson Wilderness. The Willamette National Forest stretches for 110 miles along the western slopes of the Cascade Range in western Oregon. The varied landscape of high mountains, narrow canyons, cascading streams, and wooded slopes offer excellent sightseeing and recreation opportunities. Nearby Attractions Head to Detroit Lake for a variety of activities including power boating, water skiing, kayaking and canoeing. Within 10 miles there are also opportunities for off-highway vehicle recreation, hunting, hiking, backpacking, scenic driving, and soaking in hot springs. Contact Info For facility specific information, please call (541) 967-3917.

11.0 km away