How much does camping cost at East Lake Campground?

Camping fees at East Lake Campground range from $27-$33.97/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

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

East 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 East Lake Campground before I book?

Yes! East 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 East Lake Campground?

East Lake Campground is open June 12 to October 16. 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 East Lake Campground?

Yes, East Lake Campground has shower facilities available for campers. Check the amenities section for details on hours and any fees.

Are dogs allowed at East Lake Campground?

Yes, pets are allowed at East 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 East Lake Campground?

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

East Lake Campground

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

Fire policies at East 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.

4.10

146 reviews

Scenic ViewsSummer Destination

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

6,300 ft

Price

$27 - $33.97/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

Varies

Season

Open Season: June 13...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyShowers

Book on US Forest Service Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

6,300 ft

Price

$27 - $33.97/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

Varies

Season

Open Season: June 13...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyShowers

Book on US Forest Service Official Website

Get Directions

East Lake Campground

$27.00 - $33.97 / night

Campsite Fees

MANAGEMENT: $33.97; STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $27.00 (+$2.00 holiday). Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in...

No paid fee categories listed.

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

541-383-5300

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Plan a trip to East Lake Campground

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Campground Map

East Lake Campground

43.7177, -121.2113

Nearby places

Bend is approximately 23.5 miles south on Hwy 97, LaPine is 6.8 miles north on Hwy 97.

Weather at East Lake Campground

Current alerts(8)

Boat launch parking is for day use only and requires a recreation fee separate from camping fees. Park your boat trailers and vehicles at your campsite please.
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

Best Time to Camp at East Lake Campground

Best season: summer. Summer offers the best combination of access, warm daytime weather, and full campground services (flush toilets, potable water). Expect daytime highs roughly 60–80°F and nighttime lows in the mid-30s to low-40s; afternoons frequently bring brief thunderstorms so plan hikes for mornings. Water activities (trout fishing, boating, cold-water swimming) and volcanic- feature hikes are at their peak, with moderate-to-heavy crowds on July–August weekends—reserve early. Peak months: July, August, June, September Avoid: November, December, January, February

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Best access and warmest temps; peak season supports most activities despite crowds.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: June 12 to October 16. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open Season: June 13, 2025 - September 27, 2025 (Peak). Closed Season: October 19, 2025 - June 12, 2026.

About East Lake Campground

East Lake Campground sits in the Deschutes National Forest at mid-elevation, operated by the US Forest Service with a 14-day stay limit. The campground offers tent and RV sites with flush toilets, showers, potable water, and fire rings. Reviewers praise clean sites, helpful hosts, and scenic lake views, though infrastructure issues and generator noise can detract from the experience.

East Lake Campground accommodates a variety of camping styles including tent camping, RV camping, and group camping.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer offers the best combination of access, warm daytime weather, and full campground services (flush toilets, potable water). Expect daytime highs roughly 60–80°F and nighttime lows in the mid-30s to low-40s; afternoons frequently bring brief thunderstorms so plan hikes for mornings. Water activities (trout fishing, boating, cold-water swimming) and volcanic- feature hikes are at their peak, with moderate-to-heavy crowds on July–August weekends—reserve early. Peak months: July, August, June, September Avoid: November, December, January, February

Elevation6300 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground occupies the shore of East Lake, one of two lakes filling this massive volcanic caldera. Lava flows, obsidian formations, and steaming fumaroles surround the water. Towering pines provide shade at many sites. Wildlife includes black bears, ospreys diving for trout, and migratory birds. The landscape tells a 500,000-year volcanic story. You can touch volcanic glass from prehistoric eruptions and access naturally heated springs nearby. Views stretch across the lake to volcanic peaks.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo hotel-style accommodations on-site; resort nearby offers dining opportunities.

Programs & ActivitiesNearby attractions include educational sites like Lava Lands Visitor Center, Lava River Cave, and Big Obsidian Flow. User reviews highlight the area's historical and geological significance.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Maximum Consecutive Stay: 14 nights. Maximum Stay: 28 nights total per year.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Most sites can accommodate 1 extra vehicle beyond the reservation fee, which is charged on-site.

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 online at Recreation.gov, via mobile apps, and through the contact center for additional fees.

AccessibilityAccessibility features not explicitly detailed in authoritative content or user reviews.

Site SizeUser reviews suggest a mix of small sites near the entrance and spacious campsites elsewhere: "Site spaciousness, such as site 24, offers good views and sufficient space" (Gayle S).

PrivacyPrivacy levels vary; some sites are inches from parking areas: "multiple other sites are literally inches from a large parking lot" (BD H). Sites near the lake offer calmer atmospheres.

Recommended SitesAvoid sites near dumpsters or entrances for quieter experiences. Select flat sites for easier camping setup. Site 16 is noted as particularly challenging due to uneven ground and exposed roots.

Best CampsitesSite 24 offers good views and space according to reviews. Sites 12 and 024 are also recommended for lakefront access. Avoid sites near the entrance if you want distance from the parking lot. Some are literally inches away.

Need help booking East Lake Campground?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

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Cancellation Alerts

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Amenities available

East Lake Campground provides ample amenities suitable for tent, RV, and trailer camping. As outlined in the authoritative content, facilities include a boat ramp, tables, campfire rings with grills, flush toilets, and potable drinking water. The campground also offers garbage service and parking facilities. From user reviews, amenities like flush toilets were praised but also critiqued during operational issues. For instance, "Nice bathroom with running water" (John C) contrasts with "Toilets were closed, and we had to use porta pots" (Harold P). Garbage services are generally well-maintained, although Peace near dumpster areas was interrupted by noise (Peggi J). Wi-Fi and electrical hookups are not mentioned as available.

Showers

Potable water

Flush toilets

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Firewood available

I manage this campground

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

East Lake Campground provides a variety of activities including boating, kayaking, fishing, hiking, and wildlife viewing. Reviewers frequently appreciate these offerings, particularly fishing and the lakefront access. However, swimming was noted to be less appealing due to cold water and mosquito presence.

Cultural and Educational Programs

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

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 services are available but recycling bins are not consistently provided, as noted by: "Second year with no bins for recycle cans and bottles. Why not?" (Barbara M).

Cell CoverageMixed user reviews on cellphone service; some campers highlight no signal availability as a feature: "Don't complain about NO CELL service: it's what makes the area heaven" (Colleen B).

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

Researching this campground? Ask anything — other campers and our team will weigh in. No visit required.

Tips from campers

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.

Reviews

From Booking Sources

4.1

146 reviews

Satisfactory

East Lake Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews

Overall, East Lake Campground is appreciated for its scenic beauty, access to the lake, and various recreational activities. However, operational issues such as flush toilet failures, water shutoffs, and overcrowding are recurring themes in user reviews.

Review Summaries

Based on 146 reviews

Best sites at a glance

Pulled from per-site mentions in 146 reviews.

Site 24Loved
Site 24 is spacious with good views.
Site 4Mentioned
Site 4 offers proximity to the lake but nearby dumpsters can be disruptive.
Site 1Issues noted
Site-specific reviews mention: Site 1 and 2 are too close to boat launch; site 16 is dangerous due to uneven ground and tree roots.

What Campers Love

Positive highlights include clean campsites, flush toilets, and helpful camp hosts. Scenic lake views and proximity to wildlife also add to its appeal.

Based on 146 reviews

Common Concerns

Complaints include operational issues with toilets and water systems, overcrowding, noise from generators and motorboats, low water levels affecting boat ramps, and mosquito presence.

Based on 146 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Tips include bringing firewood, a fishing pole, bug spray, and possibly a floatie. Wheels for coolers and kayaks are recommended for easier transport. Planning ahead for water storage is advised due...

Based on 146 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Peak season reviews note overcrowding and noise, while off-season reviews highlight tranquility and reduced crowds. Cold and windy conditions are often reported in fall and winter.

Based on 146 reviews

Camper Quotes

"The camp sites on the lake have astonishingly lovely views." (BD H); "Lovely spot and not crowded but lots of mosquitos." (Erica H); "The water level is down pretty far, but boating is still...

Based on 146 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessibility considerations are limited; some sites are noted for uneven terrain, which could pose challenges for those with mobility issues.

Based on 146 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Mixed experiences with pets; leash laws are not enforced consistently, leading to complaints about loose dogs disturbing campsites.

Based on 146 reviews

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Go if

You want a moderately priced lakeside base camp with flush toilets and summer trout fishing access.

Skip if

You need guaranteed quiet or can't tolerate occasional infrastructure outages and day-use crowds.

Nearby Campgrounds

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3.7

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Cinder Hill Campground

Deschutes National Forest

Cinder Hill Campground sits on the shore of East Lake in Deschutes National Forest at 6,430 feet elevation. Managed by the Forest Service, this large campground offers tent and RV sites with flush toilets, showers, and potable water during the summer season. Visitors fish for trout and kokanee, boat and kayak the lake, and hike the Rim Trail to explore volcanic features in the surrounding Newberry National Volcanic Monument.