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FacilityCampgroundRecreation.gov

Elk Lake Campground

Detroit, Oregon · Marion County · 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 C…

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44.82243, -122.12782
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5-Day Forecast

Weather at Elk Lake Campground

Live forecast for the park. Plan your visit accordingly.

Avg High63°F
Avg Low40°F
Peak Rain Chance6%
Humidity62%
UV (avg)7
Air Quality37 · Good
Today
🌫
Fog
49°/33°
🌬 10mph
5:26 AM8:45 PM
Sun
Partly Cloudy
55°/35°
🌬 8mph
5:26 AM8:46 PM
Mon
☁️
Overcast
71°/43°
🌬 13mph
5:25 AM8:47 PM
Tue
☁️
Overcast
79°/45°
💧 2%🌬 9mph
5:25 AM8:48 PM
Wed
🌦
Light Drizzle
60°/42°
💧 6%🌬 10mph
5:24 AM8:49 PM

Forecast data © Open-Meteo. Refreshed every 6 hours. Always check the most recent forecast before heading out.

About 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.

How to Get There

12.1 miles north of DetroitFrom Highway 22 at Detroit, Oregon, turn onto Breitenbush Road (FSR 46). Proceed 4.4 miles, turn left onto FS Road 4696. Proceed 0.8 miles, turn left on FS Road 4697. Follow FS Road 4697 for 4.5 miles and turn left at an unmarked junction (still FS Road 4697), continue 2.1 miles to a small spur road located at west end of Elk Lake (FS Road 390). The camping area is about 0.3 miles ahead.CAUTION: FS Road 4697 is not maintained for the last 4 miles into Elk Lake. Access by low-clearance vehicles and trailers not recommended as the road is rough and rocky.

Driving directions (Google Maps) →

What to Pack for Your Stay

Tuned to the live forecast for this park.

👔 What to Wear

  • 👕
    Long-sleeve shirt
    Synthetic or merino, sun-protective.
  • 🧥
    Light shell or windbreaker
    Even on warm days, wind can chill (avg wind 10 mph).
  • 👖
    Hiking pants or convertible
    Layer for variable conditions.
  • 🥾
    Trail runners or low boots
    Comfortable, broken in.

🎒 What to Pack

  • 💧
    Water
    Bring at least 1L of water; more in heat.
  • 🍫
    High-energy snacks
    A snack for the trail.
  • 🧴
    Sun protection (UV 7)
    SPF 50+ sunscreen, lip balm w/ SPF, sunglasses, sun 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 Elk Lake Campground

Heading to Elk Lake Campground? 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 Elk Lake Campground?

No central reservation system listed for Elk Lake Campground. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/244100) for the latest entry policy and availability.

How do I get to Elk Lake Campground?

12.1 miles north of DetroitFrom Highway 22 at Detroit, Oregon, turn onto Breitenbush Road (FSR 46). Proceed 4.4 miles, turn left onto FS Road 4696. Proceed 0.8 miles, turn left on FS Road 4697. Follow FS Road 4697 for 4.5 miles and turn left at an unmarked junction (still FS Road 4697), continue 2.1 miles to a small spur road located at west end of Elk Lake (FS Road 390). The camping area is about…