How much does camping cost at Elk Lake Campground?

Camping fees at Elk Lake Campground range from $25-$27/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Elk Lake Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Elk Lake Campground accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Elk Lake Campground before I book?

Yes! Elk Lake Campground has 7 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Elk Lake Campground?

Elk Lake Campground is open May 29 to September 25. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Elk Lake Campground?

Elk Lake Campground does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

Is there cell service at Elk Lake Campground?

Cell phone service at Elk Lake Campground is generally available. Cell service is available. Coverage may vary by carrier and exact location within the campground.

How many campsites does Elk Lake Campground have?

Elk Lake Campground has 24 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Elk Lake Campground?

Yes, pets are allowed at Elk Lake Campground. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Elk Lake Campground?

Elk Lake Campground offers: Restrooms, Potable Water, Pets Allowed, Camp Store. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

Elk Lake Campground

Q: Can I have a campfire at Elk Lake Campground?

Fire policies at Elk Lake Campground: Fire Restrictions: Fire restrictions may be imposed at any time due to hot, dry weather conditions, at which time campfires and charcoal fires may not be allowed.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

3.98

85 reviews

, , Bend, OR 97701, USA

Scenic ViewsSwimmingSummer Destination

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

4,941 ft

Price

$25 - $27/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

24 campsites

Season

Campground opens May...

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on Hoodoo Recreation Services Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

4,941 ft

Price

$25 - $27/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

24 campsites

Season

Campground opens May...

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on Hoodoo Recreation Services Official Website

Get Directions

Elk Lake Campground

$25.00 - $27.00 / night

Campsite Fees

STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $25.00 (+$2.00 holiday). Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in person).

No paid fee categories listed.

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

541-323-1746Jen@Hoodoo.com

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

, , Bend, OR 97701, USA

Elk Lake Campground

, , Bend, OR 97701, USA

Nearby places

Bend (33.1 miles, approximately 50 minutes driving)

Weather at Elk Lake Campground

Current alerts(8)

Camping or otherwise occupying a single location (including leaving camping equipment and/or related supplies) for a period longer than 14 consecutive calendar days is prohibited.
Don't Move Firewood: Please protect Pacific Northwest forests by preventing the spread of invasive species. Firewood can carry insects and diseases that can threaten the health of our western forests.
During your time in Central Oregon, you can find wildfire, prescribed fire and smoke information at centraloregonfire.org
NO generator use is allowed in campgrounds between 10:00PM and 7:00AM (36 CFR 261.10). Silent power banks or battery powered devices are allowed.

Best Time to Camp at Elk Lake Campground

Best season: summer. Summer offers the most reliable weather and full access to Elk Lake’s water-based recreation — expect warm, sunny days in the 70s–80s°F and cool nights in the 40s–50s°F, ideal for swimming, boating, fishing and stargazing. The lake is calm and clear, making sunrise paddles and trophy-trout fishing especially productive, while all campground facilities (boat ramp, potable water, vault toilets) are open. Expect peak crowds on weekends and holidays; reservations are available June 24–September 27, Peak months: July, August, September, June Avoid: October, November, December, January

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Best season for swimming, boating and hiking; warm days and active recreation.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 29 to September 25. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Campground opens May 23, 2025. Reservations are available from June 24 to September 27, 2025.

About Elk Lake Campground

Elk Lake Campground sits in mid-elevation forest within Deschutes National Forest, a short drive from Bend and steps from Elk Lake's clear, calm water. Operated by Hoodoo Recreation Services, this small campground offers tent and RV sites with vault toilets, potable water, fire rings, and picnic tables. Campers come for kayaking, fishing, swimming, and sunrise paddles on the lake, with a camp store and boat ramp on-site.

Elk Lake Campground accommodates various camping styles, including RV, trailer, and tent camping. The campground does not offer electric or water hookups, which may limit its appeal for certain RV campers.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer offers the most reliable weather and full access to Elk Lake’s water-based recreation — expect warm, sunny days in the 70s–80s°F and cool nights in the 40s–50s°F, ideal for swimming, boating, fishing and stargazing. The lake is calm and clear, making sunrise paddles and trophy-trout fishing especially productive, while all campground facilities (boat ramp, potable water, vault toilets) are open. Expect peak crowds on weekends and holidays; reservations are available June 24–September 27, Peak months: July, August, September, June Avoid: October, November, December, January

Elevation4941 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe lake reflects South Sister and Mt. Bachelor across clear alpine water. Ponderosa pine and mixed evergreen forest surround the campground, with wetlands and rocky slopes defining the shoreline. Deer graze in clearings. Porcupines wander through camp at dusk. Shorebirds work the water's edge. Bats hunt at twilight. Black bears pass through occasionally. The setting mixes high desert and mountain ecosystems. Dry forest meets cold lake. Mosquitoes can be brutal in June. The water stays cold even in summer, but that keeps it clear for paddling and fishing.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo hotel-style lodge accommodations are available within the campground. A nearby resort offers additional amenities such as a restaurant and live music.

Programs & ActivitiesNo cultural or educational programs are explicitly mentioned.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Maximum consecutive stay limit is 14 nights
visitors may stay up to 28 nights total per year.

Guests Allowed Per Site

One RV and tow vehicle per site or one vehicle per tent site
capacity for one extra vehicle per site with an additional nightly fee.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made on Recreation.gov online, app, contact center, or in-person.

AccessibilitySome sites and paths are uneven or narrow, which may pose challenges for campers with mobility issues. A locked handicap-accessible vault toilet in the day-use area was noted in one review.

Site SizeThe campsite sizes are mixed. While many are spacious enough for multiple tents or RVs, others are noted as being slanted or challenging for larger vehicles to maneuver.

PrivacyThe level of privacy varies across the campground; some sites offer seclusion and lake views, while others are closer to neighbors. A reviewer mentioned that some sites allow for shared use by multiple campers.

Total Campsites24 campsites

Recommended SitesCampsites closer to the lake offer better views and access to water activities. Sites in Loop 2 like 014 and 017 are recommended for amenities.

Best CampsitesSites 009, 014, and 017 get consistent praise for lake views, proximity to facilities, and relative privacy. Some sites accommodate multiple tents or RVs. Others sit on slanted terrain or tight pullouts that challenge larger vehicles. Use a spotter if you're maneuvering a big rig.

Need help booking Elk Lake Campground?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

Free alerts for this campground

Amenities available

Elk Lake Campground is well-equipped to accommodate RVs, trailers, and tent campers. Each site is outfitted with a picnic table and a campfire ring with a grill. Vault toilets and drinking water are available for use. The campground also features a boat ramp for access to Elk Lake. Commenters noted that amenities such as the vault toilets were largely clean and functional, though there were occasional complaints about toilet paper shortages or maintenance issues. A few users mentioned that water spigots were not operational during their visit despite being listed as available.

Potable water

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

Camp Store

I manage this campground

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

Elk Lake Campground offers a wide array of activities. Boating, both motorized and non-motorized, is permitted and is a central draw for visitors. Swimming, fishing, and windsurfing are popular water-based activities. For land-based recreation, the Elk-Devils Trail attracts hikers and horseback riders, offering a historical route to the Wickiup Plains Trail. Wildlife viewing and stargazing are also highlights of the natural setting.

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

No Flush ToiletsFlush toilets are not available at Elk Lake Campground. The campground relies on vault toilets positioned throughout the area.

No Electric HookupsElectric hookups are not available at this campground. RV campers should arrive with a full battery and plan for off-grid power (generator hours/quiet rules permitting).

No Water HookupsSite-level water hookups are not available. RV campers should fill freshwater tanks before arrival; check the No Potable Water note above if applicable for drinking water.

Fire PolicyFire Restrictions: Fire restrictions may be imposed at any time due to hot, dry weather conditions, at which time campfires and charcoal fires may not be allowed.

Trash & RecyclingTrash dumpsters are provided, and reviewers noted that they were generally not overfilled. Recycling options are not mentioned.

Cell CoverageMultiple reviewers noted the availability of cell phone service, with Verizon providing strong coverage in the area. One user reported fluctuating T-Mobile signal ranging from 1-bar 5G to 5-bars LTE.

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

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Tips from campers

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Reviews

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From Booking Sources

4.0

85 reviews

Mixed Reviews

Elk Lake Campground has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews

Elk Lake Campground receives mixed reviews, with some praising the scenic beauty, clean facilities, and family-friendly atmosphere, while others criticize the reservation system, maintenance issues, and occasional disruptions from other campers.

Review Summaries

Based on 85 reviews

Best sites at a glance

Pulled from per-site mentions in 85 reviews.

Site 011Mentioned
Site 011 was noted as challenging for RVs but ideal for tents due to its trail access to the water.
Site 007Issues noted
Site 007 was criticized for hosting an overcrowded group of noisy campers.
Site 018Issues noted
Site 018 was described as uneven, making setup difficult for trailers.

What Campers Love

The campground is noted for its natural beauty, proximity to the lake, and spacious campsites. Many campers appreciated the clean restrooms and the helpfulness of some camp hosts. Activities like...

Based on 85 reviews

Common Concerns

Frequent issues include a problematic reservation system, maintenance lapses like water outages, and unsupervised noisy guests. Some reviewers also pointed out challenges with campsite layouts for...

Based on 85 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Users recommend bringing extra water in case the spigots are not functional and arriving prepared for mosquitoes, especially in June. Campers also suggest using a spotter for maneuvering large...

Based on 85 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer months are both the busiest and most praised for activities like swimming and hiking. However, maintenance issues and crowd-related complaints are also more common during this period. Fall...

Based on 85 reviews

Camper Quotes

"This lake is the quintessential high desert lake camping experience." - Harmony B. "The camp host was amazing—helpful and attentive." - Brian P. "No water at this campground during peak season,...

Based on 85 reviews

Accessibility Features

Some reviewers mentioned that uneven terrain and narrow campsite layouts posed difficulties for accessibility. A locked handicap vault toilet was also noted as a concern.

Based on 85 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed, and several reviewers appreciated the pet-friendly environment. One camper shared that their dog enjoyed playing with others at the campground.

Based on 85 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

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Go if

You want direct lake access for paddling and fishing in a mid-elevation forest setting near Bend.

Skip if

You need flush toilets, consistent water availability, or easy road access in all conditions.

Nearby Campgrounds

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3.6

(42)

Point Campground - Deschutes

63095 Deschutes Market Road, Bend, Oregon, 97701, USA

Point Campground sits in Deschutes National Forest near Bend, offering views of Mount Bachelor and Elk Lake from a mid-elevation forest setting. Managed by Vista Recreation with a 14-day stay limit, this very small campground accommodates tents, RVs, and primitive camping with vault toilets, fire rings, and picnic tables. Visitors come for the quiet lakeside location and wildlife sightings, though highway noise and day-use area crowds can intrude during busy periods.