Elk Lake Campground
4.0948 reviews, , Bend, OR 97701, USA
Quick Facts
Price
$25/night
Booking
Reservable
Sites
24 campsites
Season
Campground opens May...
Cell
Has Service
Pets
Allowed
RV Friendly
Get DirectionsQuick Facts
Price
$25/night
Booking
Reservable
Sites
24 campsites
Season
Campground opens May...
Cell
Has Service
Pets
Allowed
RV Friendly
Get DirectionsElk Lake Campground
$25.00 - $25.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard nightly rate is $25, with an additional $2 holiday surcharge during peak season. Rates do not include reservation service fees or additional...
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Standard Site Fee$25.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Total Campsite Fees$25.00
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Recreation Dot Gov
Provider541-323-1746Jen@Hoodoo.com
What Campers Say
4.09
Satisfactory
Based on 48 reviews
7 Google reviews
Most mentioned
cleanrestroomsspacioushiking
Some mention
reservation
"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."
Fees & Passes at Elk Lake Campground
$25/night
Campsite fees
Standard Site
Basic tent/RV spot
Stay Limit: Maximum consecutive stay limit is 14 nights; visitors may stay up to 28 nights total per year.
Cancellation: Reservations may be canceled before the scheduled arrival date with a $10 cancellation fee. Late can...
Prices verified November 27, 2025
Prices may vary by season and site type. Always confirm current rates on the official Hoodoo Recreation Services website.
Best Time to Camp at Elk Lake Campground
Summer transforms Elk Lake into an outdoor paradise, with warm days perfect for swimming and star-filled nights ideal for campfire stories. Peak season brings reliably clear skies and comfortable temperatures that make every outdoor activity a joy. As autumn arrives, crisp mornings give way to golden afternoons, while winter blankets the landscape in deep snow, turning the area into a frozen wonderland accessible only to the most adventurous souls.
Spring (Mar-May)
Wildflowers bloom, mild temperatures, fewer crowds. Great for hiking and photography.
Best
Summer (Jun-Aug)
Peak season with warm weather, perfect for water activities. Book early.
Fall (Sep-Nov)
Beautiful fall colors, cooler temps, quieter campgrounds. Ideal for peaceful trips.
Winter (Dec-Feb)
Snow activities available. Some facilities may close. Check conditions.
Planning Tips
- Peak Season: May 23, 2025 - September 27, 2025; holiday surcharge applies.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
- Operating Season: Campground opens May 23, 2025. Reservations are available from June 24 to September 27, 2025.
- Current Alerts: Issues such as broken water lines and fire hazards have been reported. Cedar Creek Fire smoke affected campers in 2022.
About Elk Lake Campground
Nestled on the pristine northern shores of Elk Lake, this beloved family campground serves as your gateway to endless mountain adventures. Wake up to the gentle lapping of crystal-clear waters and spend your days exploring from your basecamp of standard nonelectric sites, where vault toilets and fresh drinking water provide just enough comfort while keeping you connected to nature. Launch your kayak from the convenient boat ramp at sunrise, cast a line for trophy trout, or simply float the afternoon away in the refreshing alpine waters. When you're ready to explore beyond the shoreline, miles of trails beckon hikers and horseback riders into the surrounding wilderness.
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.
Historical SignificanceStep back in time on the historic Elk-Devils Trail, where generations of travelers have journeyed between Elk Lake and Devils Lake. This storied route, beginning right from your campsite, connects to the Wickiup Plains Trail and tells the tale of early explorers, Native peoples, and mountain pioneers who first discovered these spectacular highlands. Today, you'll follow in their footsteps through corridors of ancient forests and across meadows that have witnessed centuries of human passage.
Weather and SeasonsSummer transforms Elk Lake into an outdoor paradise, with warm days perfect for swimming and star-filled nights ideal for campfire stories. Peak season brings reliably clear skies and comfortable temperatures that make every outdoor activity a joy. As autumn arrives, crisp mornings give way to golden afternoons, while winter blankets the landscape in deep snow, turning the area into a frozen wonderland accessible only to the most adventurous souls.
ElevationPerched high in the Cascade Mountains, the campground sits at an elevation where the air is crisp, the stars shine brighter, and every breath feels refreshingly pure.
Natural Features and SceneryImagine waking up to mirror-like reflections of South Sister and Mt. Bachelor painted across Elk Lake's glassy surface. The campground sits at the intersection of diverse ecosystems where emerald wetlands meet towering evergreen forests and dramatic rocky slopes. Keep your camera ready for the parade of wildlife that calls this place home – from graceful shorebirds skimming the water's edge to porcupines ambling through camp at dusk. Lucky visitors might spot deer grazing in meadow clearings or catch glimpses of bats swooping through the twilight sky. While black bears occasionally wander through, they serve as a reminder that you're camping in true wilderness.
Geological RegionWelcome to the heart of the Deschutes National Forest, where ancient volcanic forces sculpted a landscape of stunning contrasts. Here, the high desert meets alpine paradise, creating a unique environment where pristine mountain lakes sparkle like jewels among towering volcanic peaks. The dramatic skyline dominated by South Sister and Mt. Bachelor tells the geological story of fire and ice that shaped this remarkable corner of Oregon, offering campers a front-row seat to millions of years of Earth's creative power.
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Campsite details
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.
Sites 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.
Sites 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 CampsitesCampsites closer to the lake offer better views and access to water activities. Sites in Loop 2 like 014 and 017 are recommended for amenities.
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Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Check-in time begins at 2:00 PM.
Check-out
Check-out time is at 12:00 PM.
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.
Groups
No specific details about group camping sites are provided.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutCampground layout includes two loops with sites generally spaced for moderate privacy. Some areas have uneven terrain.
Open and Closed SeasonCampground opens May 23, 2025. Reservations are available from June 24 to September 27, 2025.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made on Recreation.gov online, app, contact center, or in-person.
Walk-in AvailabilitySome sites are available for first-come, first-served during non-peak season. Reservation system issues have led to inefficiencies, with reserved sites remaining vacant.
Cancellation PolicyReservations may be canceled before the scheduled arrival date with a $10 cancellation fee. Late cancellations (starting from midnight 1 day before scheduled check-in) will forfeit the first night's use fee. Changes to reservations carry a $10 fee. No changes can be made once the reservation start date has begun.
Amenities available
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Cell phone service
Vault toilets
Camp Store
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.
Hiking
The Elk-Devils Trail is accessible from the campground and is noted for its historical significance as it connects to the Wickiup Plains Trail. Reviewers praised the proximity to other hiking trails such as trails near South Sister and Broken Top.Fishing
Fishing is permitted at Elk Lake, though details about specific fish species or conditions for fishing are not provided in the source materials.Swimming
Swimming is allowed, and the lake is described as clear and cool. The day-use area includes a beach, which is a popular spot for swimmers.Boating
Both motorized and non-motorized boats are allowed on Elk Lake. Visitors noted that the lake's speed limit results in a high prevalence of non-motorized watercraft. A boat ramp is available on-site.Wildlife viewing
The area supports diverse wildlife, including shorebirds, porcupines, deer, bats, and the occasional black bear. Campers have noted the presence of chipmunks near campsites.Beach activities
The beach area is family-friendly and a hub of activity, though one reviewer mentioned inconsiderate behavior by other guests at the crowded swimming beach.Winter Activities
No specific winter activities are described in the source materials.Water Sports
Windsurfing and water skiing are supported at Elk Lake, complementing the boating and swimming opportunities.Advertisement
Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfires are allowed except during fire restrictions, which may be imposed due to hot and dry conditions.
- Quiet hours are enforced from 10:00 PM to 7:00 AM.
Hazards
General hazardsOccasional black bear sightings and a broken water line mentioned in reviews may pose localized hazards. Mosquitoes are common in June.
Active alertsIssues such as broken water lines and fire hazards have been reported. Cedar Creek Fire smoke affected campers in 2022.
Weather at Elk Lake Campground
34
°F
Dec 7
Sunday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 84%
High humidity, may feel muggy
Wind: 5.6 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Overcast
Weather History
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Emergency Services
Closest emergency services are in Bend, OR, approximately 33.1 miles away, which includes hospitals, police stations, and other support services.
Good to know
Peak season datesMay 23, 2025 - September 27, 2025; holiday surcharge applies.
Trash and recyclingTrash dumpsters are provided, and reviewers noted that they were generally not overfilled. Recycling options are not mentioned.
Proximity to water featuresDirect access to Elk Lake for swimming, fishing, and boating activities. Boat ramp available.
Common complaintsRecurring complaints include inefficiencies in the reservation system, lack of water and maintained vault toilets, and road access difficulties.
HostCampground hosts are generally praised for attentiveness and maintaining cleanliness, although some reviews noted absences and unprofessional behavior.
Campground Map
, , Bend, OR 97701, USA
Driving directionsFrom Bend, travel 33.1 miles southwest on Cascade Lakes Hwy (46) to north end of Elk Lake.
Road access is via Cascade Lakes Hwy, which is paved but can be narrow and prone to congestion near the nearby resort. Some reviewers noted the difficulty of navigating with trailers or larger RVs due to tight turns and obstacles near campgrounds.Nearby places
Bend (33.1 miles, approximately 50 minutes driving)
Nearby supplies
Closest supplies can be obtained at Elk Lake Resort next to the campground, which includes firewood, basic groceries, and meals. Additional amenities are in Bend, OR, 33.1 miles away.
Reviews from booking and map sources
4.1
48 reviews
Elk Lake Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% 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 48 reviews
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 48 reviewsShow more
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 48 reviewsShow more
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 48 reviewsShow more
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 48 reviewsShow more
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 48 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Site 007 was criticized for hosting an overcrowded group of noisy campers. Site 011 was noted as challenging for RVs but ideal for tents due to its trail access to the water. Site 018 was described...
Based on 48 reviewsShow more
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 48 reviewsPet-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 48 reviewsCamper Reviews by Outdoorithm campers
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Last updated November 27, 2025
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