Elk Lake Campground

Oregon's Best Camping

Elk Lake, Deschutes National Forest, Oregon
Elk Lake, Deschutes National Forest, Oregon

Elk Lake Campground

Deschutes National Forest


Elk Lake Campground

Elk Lake Campground is on the north end of Elk Lake in the Deschutes National Forest. Visitors find interesting hiking trails nearby. Elk Lake is popular for boating, water skiing, sailing, windsurfing and fishing.

An adjacent day-use area has a boat ramp. Views of Mt. Bachelor and South Sister are enjoyed from several locations around the lake. Neighboring Elk Lake Resort offers some nice amenities.

Elk Lake Campground has 22 campsites for RVs, trailers, and tents, although the Forest Service says the sites are best-suited for tent camping. A mature conifer forest provides good shade for all the campsites. Some sites may be available first-come, first served.

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Elk Lake Campground Basics
Elk Lake Campground Location: From Bend, Oregon, drive about 33 miles west on County Road 46 (Cascade Lakes Hwy).
Elevation: 4,900 feet
Nearby Gateway Cities: Bend - 33 miles
Number of Sites: 22
Open - Closed: Open May through September
Max. People per single site: 6
Vehicles per site: 1 vehicle and 1 legally towed vehicle (fee for additional vehicles)
Pets: On leash, always attended
Operated by Hoodoo Recreation for Deschutes National Forest
Bend-Fort Rock Ranger District: (541) 383-4000

Elk Lake Campground Reservations
Reservations Available Reservations are available for campsites 2 days to 6 months in advance of arrival date.
Maximum vehicle length: 30 feet
Wheelchair accessible sites: None designated
Fees: Single campsite - $21 per night ($2 more on holidays and holiday weekends)
(plus $8 reservation fee)
Campground Map: Elk Lake Campground Map
Campground Reservations: Elk Lake Campground Reservations
Check-in, check-out: Check-in: 2:00 PM, check-out: 12:00 PM

Elk Lake Campground Amenities
Campsites: Picnic table, campfire ring with grill; no hook-ups
Campground: Vault toilets, piped water
Showers: No
Dump station: No
Attractions near
Elk Lake Campground:
  • Use the campground's boat launch ramp to get out on the water for fishing, water skiing, and sailing.
  • Enjoy the Beach Picnic Area at the south end of the lake. A sandy beach makes it a popular swimming area.
  • Set out on a hike from the nearby Elk Lake Trailhead.
  • Take advantage of the amenities at Elk Lake Resort, including scenic cruises, pontoon boat rentals, and a bar and restaurant.
  • Watch the sunset from Sunset View Day Use Area on the east side of the lake.




Elk Lake Campground, Deschutes National Forest, Oregon

Elk Lake Campground

Key Elk Lake Campground Regulations

  1. Pets must be kept on leash and attended at all times. Swimming areas are closed to animals.
  2. Avoid problems with bears by securing food and scented items in a vehicle or other bear-proof locker.
  3. Quiet Hours are from 10:00 PM to 6:00 AM.
  4. Prevent the spread of invasive pests by obtaining firewood locally.
  5. Fires are only permitted in designated fire receptacles and must be attended. Fires must be extinguished upon departure.

Check for any park or campground updates: Deschutes National Forest: Elk Lake Campground


Elk Lake Campground, Deschutes National Forest, Oregon

Elk Lake Campground

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