About ELK LAKE CAMPGROUND
Overview Elk Lake Campground is located on the north end of Elk Lake along the Cascade Lakes National Scenic Byway. Recreation Both motorized and non-motorized boating are allowed on Elk Lake providing the opportunity for swimming, fishing, windsurfing and water skiing. Hiking and horseback riding are popular activities on the Elk-Devils Trail, which follows an historic route from Elk Lake to the Wickiup Plains Trail, just west of Devils Lake. Facilities Elk Lake Campground can accommodate RV, trailer or tent-campers, however, electric hookups are not available. All sites are equipped with a picnic table and campfire ring with grill. The campground has drinking water and vault toilets available. This campground also features a boat ramp to provide access to Elk Lake. Natural Features Elk Lake offers magnificent views of South Sister, Mt. Bachelor and numerous other mountainous features. Wetlands, diverse forests and rocky slopes near the campground provide habitat for shorebirds, porcupine, deer, bats and the occasional black bear. Nearby Attractions Visitors enjoy traveling the Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway which climbs from Central Oregon's high desert floor into the Cascade Range on a 66-mile drive winding through snow-capped peaks and alpine lakes. Charges & Cancellations Once your reservation start date has begun, neither the Recreation.gov Contact Center nor the campground manager will be able to modify your reservation.
How to Get There
From Bend, travel 33.1 miles southwest on Cascade Lakes Hwy (46) to north end of Elk Lake.
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 0 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
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 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/267555) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How do I get to ELK LAKE CAMPGROUND?
From Bend, travel 33.1 miles southwest on Cascade Lakes Hwy (46) to north end of Elk Lake.
How do I contact ELK LAKE CAMPGROUND?
You can reach the park at phone: 541-323-1746 or email: Jen@Hoodoo.com.
References & Official Resources
