Elk Lake Campground

Star4.09
85 reviews
, , Bend, OR 97701, USA
Scenic ViewsStargazingSwimmingSummer Destination

Quick Facts

4,941 ft

Price

$25/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

24 campsites

Season

Campground opens May...

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens Hoodoo Recreation Services site

Official Website
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Real-Time Availability

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January 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026
Elk 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

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Provider
541-323-1746Jen@Hoodoo.com
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What Campers Say

4.09

Satisfactory

Based on 85 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."

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Campground Map

, , Bend, OR 97701, USA

Elk Lake Campground

, , 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.

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.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Peak season: warm days, prime swimming/boating/hiking; praised but crowded and maintenance issues occur.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
3.5 / 5

Fall offers quieter visits and scenic foliage; fewer summer activities but more solitude.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.0 / 5

Opens late May; late-spring offers cooler temps and fewer visitors but limited full-season access early spring.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Campground seasonal opening May 23; closed for winter camping/operations.

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.
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Best Campsites

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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.

Amenities available

Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
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.
HikingThe 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.
FishingFishing is permitted at Elk Lake, though details about specific fish species or conditions for fishing are not provided in the source materials.
SwimmingSwimming 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.
BoatingBoth 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 viewingThe area supports diverse wildlife, including shorebirds, porcupines, deer, bats, and the occasional black bear. Campers have noted the presence of chipmunks near campsites.
Beach activitiesThe beach area is family-friendly and a hub of activity, though one reviewer mentioned inconsiderate behavior by other guests at the crowded swimming beach.
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsOccasional 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

Reviews

4.1
85 reviews
Satisfactory
Satisfactory
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 85 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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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,...
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Based on 85 reviews

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...
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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

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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