How much does camping cost at Scout Lake?

Camping fees at Scout Lake range from $27-$83/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Scout Lake first-come first-served or reservation?

Scout Lake 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 Scout Lake before I book?

Yes! Scout Lake has 6 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 Scout Lake?

Scout Lake is open May 08 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 Scout Lake?

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

Can I have a campfire at Scout Lake?

Fire policies at Scout Lake: 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.

How many campsites does Scout Lake have?

Scout Lake has 10 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Scout Lake?

Yes, pets are allowed at Scout Lake. 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 Scout Lake?

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

What activities can I do at Scout Lake?

Popular activities at Scout Lake include Fishing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Scout Lake

4.48

20 reviews

SwimmingSummer Destination

Featured in:Group Camping Oregon

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

3,600 ft

Price

$27 - $83/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

10 campsites

Season

Season opens May 23,...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Book on Forest Service Inquiry Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

3,600 ft

Price

$27 - $83/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

10 campsites

Season

Season opens May 23,...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Book on Forest Service Inquiry Official Website

Get Directions

Scout Lake

$27.00 - $83.00 / night

Campsite Fees

STANDARD NONELECTRIC DOUBLE: $54.00 (+$2.00 holiday); STANDARD NONELECTRIC TRIPLE : $81.00 (+$2.00 holiday); TENT ONLY NONELECTRIC: $27.00 (+$2.00...

Group Site Fee$81.00

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

541-323-1746

I manage this campground

Plan a trip to Scout Lake

Compare with similar sites, watch availability, and build a packing list — Camp Sage handles all of it.

Campground Map

Scout Lake

44.4109, -121.7473

Weather at Scout Lake

Current alerts(12)

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.
Click here for more information about Deschutes National Forest.
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 Scout Lake

Best season: summer. Summer is the clear highlight — warm, dry days (typically 75–95°F) and cool nights (40s–50s) make Scout Lake ideal for swimming, boating, fishing, and large-group camping. The lake is at its most inviting and water-access amenities are fully usable, while trails through the mixed-conifer forest and volcanic terrain are easy to enjoy. Expect the busiest weekends in July–August, so reserve early; be prepared for strong sun, low humidity, and elevated wildfire risk later in the season. Peak months: July, August, June, September Avoid: October, November, December, January

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Summer is peak season (May 23–Sep 27); warm days, lake activities and many positive summer reviews.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 08 to September 25. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Season opens May 23, closes September 27. Out-of-season policies apply September 27 through May 8.

About Scout Lake

Scout Lake is a Forest Service campground in Deschutes National Forest's volcanic foothills, offering a handful of wooded sites beside a fishing lake. The small scale and group camping option make it popular with families seeking a quiet base for summer lake access. Mixed-conifer forest surrounds the shoreline, and warm July–August days draw anglers and swimmers to the water.

Scout Lake Campground primarily offers group camping with sites ranging from single-family to triple size, as well as tent camping. "Great location, nice roomy sites" was a sentiment shared by users (Review by JANINE R).

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer is the clear highlight — warm, dry days (typically 75–95°F) and cool nights (40s–50s) make Scout Lake ideal for swimming, boating, fishing, and large-group camping. The lake is at its most inviting and water-access amenities are fully usable, while trails through the mixed-conifer forest and volcanic terrain are easy to enjoy. Expect the busiest weekends in July–August, so reserve early; be prepared for strong sun, low humidity, and elevated wildfire risk later in the season. Peak months: July, August, June, September Avoid: October, November, December, January

Elevation3600 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryTowering pines and firs provide shade across most of the campground, with Scout Lake accessible for swimming and water activities. Beyond the treeline, the landscape shifts to high desert terrain marked by ancient lava flows and dormant volcanic peaks. The volcanic geology defines the area, with trails leading through forests into what one visitor called "nature's volcanic sculpture garden." At 3,600 feet, the elevation keeps nights cool even when summer days heat up.

Lodging & AccommodationsThe campground does not offer lodging such as cabins or hotel-style accommodations; it is centered around tent and group camping.

Programs & ActivitiesNo cultural or educational programs are mentioned.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Guests may stay up to 14 nights consecutively, with a maximum of 28 nights total per year.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Varies by site type: standard single site includes 1 vehicle and 1 legally towed vehicle
double site fees include 2 vehicles and triple site fees include 3 vehicles.

Groups

Group sites can accommodate up to 100 guests when rented together, with parking provisions for 50 vehicles.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be booked on Recreation.gov with varying fees.

Site SizeSites range from single-family to triple-size, accommodating groups of various sizes. "Large sites in a nicely wooded campground," according to one reviewer (Review by JANE F).

PrivacyPrivacy varies by site. Site 5 was described as "pretty private" despite visibility of neighbors 100+ ft away (Review by SUSAN N).

Total Campsites10 campsites

Recommended SitesAvoid Site 2 or 4A based heat day odor risk near bathrooms elevation flat accessibility higher neighboring site preference.

Best CampsitesSite 5 offers decent privacy despite neighbors visible 100+ feet away, positioned on a hillside with canopy cover. Site 001 Triple accommodates larger groups but has less tree cover, so bring shade structures. Avoid sites 2 and 4A in warm weather due to their proximity to vault toilets.

Need help booking Scout Lake?

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

Scout Lake Campground offers a range of amenities that cater to group and family campers, including picnic tables and fire rings equipped with grills at every site. The campground also has a gravity-fed water system and three vault toilets. User reviews have noted some issues with facilities, such as one vault toilet being locked and filled with water during a stay (Review by REBECCA P). "Bathrooms were very clean," according to a positive user experience (Review by SUSAN N).

Potable water

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

Group Sites

I manage this campground

Activities you can enjoy

Scout Lake offers a variety of outdoor recreational activities. Popular choices include swimming, hiking, fishing, birding, and other water sports. The picturesque shoreline and nearby trails provide opportunities for exploration. "Scout lake is a perfect place to take the family and kids," according to one user (Review by KATELIN G).

Fishing

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

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

Rate Scout Lake

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From Booking Sources

4.5

20 reviews

Recommended

Scout Lake is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews

Scout Lake has mixed reviews. Many users praised its natural beauty, spacious sites, and proximity to the lake, while some noted issues with site conditions and facilities.

Review Summaries

Based on 20 reviews

Best sites at a glance

Pulled from per-site mentions in 20 reviews.

Site 5Loved
Site 5: "Pretty private even though we could see the people at site 6 at their fire pit..." (Review by SUSAN N).
Site 001Mentioned
Site 001 Triple: "Among the least tree-covered sites in this loop" (Review by DANY R).
Site 009Issues noted
Site 009 Triple: Issues noted due to logging activity (Review by REBECCA P).

What Campers Love

"Scout lake is a perfect place to take the family and kids," praised one review (Review by KATELIN G). Other users highlighted the "large sites in a nicely wooded campground" (Review by JANE F) and...

Based on 20 reviews

Common Concerns

"The pit toilet near us was filled with water and locked," noted one user (Review by REBECCA P). Additionally, logging activity was mentioned as disrupting campsite aesthetics (Review by REBECCA P).

Based on 20 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring canopies for shade at less tree-covered sites like 001 Triple (Review by DANY R). Avoid sites 2 and 4A due to potential odor issues from nearby vault toilets in warmer weather (Review by SUSAN...

Based on 20 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer is a popular season for Scout Lake, with activities like swimming and paddleboarding often highlighted. Heat and wind can be challenging, as noted in multiple reviews.

Based on 20 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Beautiful, large site with a great view. Pretty windy though" (Review by TIFFANY D). "Lake itself was absolutely perfect for our kids to swim and play in" (Review by KATELIN G). "Nice roomy sites!"...

Based on 20 reviews