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FacilityCampgroundRecreation.gov

SHADOW BAY

Crescent Lake, Oregon · Lane County · Campground

Overview Shadow Bay Campground rests on the shores of Waldo Lake in a forest of towering conifers. This large recreation area provides plenty of things to see and do like sailing, canoeing, fishing and swimming.Recreation Waldo Lake is circled by the Jim Weaver Loop, a 22-mile hiking and biking trail. The Shoreline Tra…

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43.69306, -122.04167
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About SHADOW BAY

Overview Shadow Bay Campground rests on the shores of Waldo Lake in a forest of towering conifers. This large recreation area provides plenty of things to see and do like sailing, canoeing, fishing and swimming.Recreation Waldo Lake is circled by the Jim Weaver Loop, a 22-mile hiking and biking trail. The Shoreline Trail lines the lakeside of the campground and takes hikers and bikers to a network of other trails. From there, hikers can continue into the Waldo Lake Wilderness, but mountain bikers are not allowed in Wilderness. The lake offers boating and swimming. A boat ramp is located on-site.Facilities This 92 site campground is less busy than its neighboring campground, North Waldo, resulting in a quieter atmosphere. Nineteen sites are reservable. Garbage containers and gray water disposal areas are available at the campground.Natural Features Shadow Bay Campground is located on a large bay at the south end of Waldo Lake. It is considerably wetter than either North Waldo or Islet Campground, supporting a more diverse and prolific ground cover, and also more mosquitos. Situated high on the western slopes of the Oregon Cascades at 5,400 feet in elevation, Waldo Lake is one of the purest lakes in Oregon (9.8 square miles with a maximum depth of 427 feet). It has no permanent inlet to bring nutrients into the lake for plant growth. The lack of plant life contributes to its purity, allowing you to see to depths of 120 feet on a calm day. Nearby Attractions Explore Waldo Lake and surrounding hiking trails for views of the snow-capped North, Middle and South Sisters, three of the seven major peaks in Willamette National Forest.

How to Get There

From Oakridge, Oregon: At the intersection of Crestview Street and Oregon State Highway 58 (the only traffic light on State Highway 58 in Oakridge), travel east on Highway 58 for 23.3 miles. Turn left on the Waldo Lake Road/Forest Road 5897 and travel 6.7 miles to Forest Road 5896. Turn left onto Forest Road 5896, travel 1.7 miles and the destination will be on your right.

Driving directions (Google Maps) →

What to Pack for Your Stay

Tuned to the live forecast for this park.

👔 What to Wear

  • 👕
    Moisture-wicking T-shirt
    Light color, breathable.
  • 🩳
    Lightweight shorts or pants
    Quick-dry preferred — sweat dries fast.
  • 🧢
    Brimmed sun hat
    Better than a cap for back-of-neck protection.
  • 🥾
    Trail runners
    Breathable mesh uppers.

🎒 What to Pack

  • 💧
    Water
    Bring at least 1L of water; more in heat.
  • 🍫
    High-energy snacks
    A snack for the trail.
  • 🧴
    Sun protection
    Sunscreen, sunglasses, brimmed hat.
  • 🩹
    First-aid kit
    Blister patches, ibuprofen, tape, antiseptic wipes.
  • 🗺
    Offline map
    Download your route in advance via Gaia, Caltopo, or OSM-based apps.

Recommendations adapt to the current forecast + trail stats. Use them as a starting point — local conditions, your experience, and the time of day you start all matter.

Plan Your Visit to SHADOW BAY

Heading to SHADOW BAY? A few things to know before you go:

  • Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
  • Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
  • Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
  • Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
  • Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a reservation for SHADOW BAY?

No central reservation system listed for SHADOW BAY. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/234219) for the latest entry policy and availability.

How do I get to SHADOW BAY?

From Oakridge, Oregon: At the intersection of Crestview Street and Oregon State Highway 58 (the only traffic light on State Highway 58 in Oakridge), travel east on Highway 58 for 23.3 miles. Turn left on the Waldo Lake Road/Forest Road 5897 and travel 6.7 miles to Forest Road 5896. Turn left onto Forest Road 5896, travel 1.7 miles and the destination will be on your right.

How do I contact SHADOW BAY?

You can reach the park at phone: 801-226-3564 or email: Help.Willamette.MiddleFork@AmericanLL.com.