How much does camping cost at Magone Lake?

Camping fees at Magone Lake range from $25-$60/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

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

Magone 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 Magone Lake before I book?

Yes! Magone Lake has 2 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 Magone Lake?

Magone Lake is open May 08 to October 31. 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 Magone Lake?

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

How many campsites does Magone Lake have?

Magone Lake has 7 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Magone Lake?

Yes, pets are allowed at Magone 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 Magone Lake?

Magone 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 Magone Lake?

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

Magone Lake

Q: Can I have a campfire at Magone Lake?

Fire policies at Magone Lake: 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. You can make a difference by obtaining and burning your firewood near your camping destination. Visit Dontmovefirewood.org for further information.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

4.59

27 reviews

FOREST SERVICE ROAD 3618

Top 2% in ORSummer

Scenic ViewsSwimmingSummer Destination

Featured in:Swimming Camping Oregon Boating Camping Oregon Hidden Gem Campgrounds Oregon

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

5,043 ft

Price

$25 - $60/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

7 campsites

Season

Open May 6th to Octo...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on US Forest Service Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

5,043 ft

Price

$25 - $60/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

7 campsites

Season

Open May 6th to Octo...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on US Forest Service Official Website

Get Directions

Magone Lake

$25.00 - $60.00 / night

Campsite Fees

GROUP SHELTER NONELECTRIC: $25.00; GROUP STANDARD AREA NONELECTRIC: $60.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone /...

Group Site Fee$60.00

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

541-820-3800SM.FS.malpubinfo@usda.gov

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

FOREST SERVICE ROAD 3618

Magone Lake

FOREST SERVICE ROAD 3618

Nearby places

John Day (9 miles, approximately 15-20 minutes), Prairie City (3 miles west, approximately 5 minutes), County Road 18 Junction (10 miles north, approximately 20 minutes).

Driving directionsFrom John Day, Oregon, take U.S. Highway 26 east for approximately 9 miles. At the junction of County Road 18, travel north approximately 10 miles. At Forest Road 3620, turn left and drive approximately 1 mile to Forest Road 3618. The campground is 1 mile from the turnoff. The reservable group site is on the right, the shelter is in the day use area on the left. From Prairie City, Oregon, take U.S. Highway 26 approximately 3 miles west. At the junction of County Road 18, travel north approximately 10 miles. Turn right on Forest Road 3620 and travel approximately 1 mile to Forest Road 3618. The campground is about 1 mile from the turnoff. The reservable group site is on the right, the shelter is in the day use area on the left.

Weather at Magone Lake

Current alerts(9)

A $5.00 fee will be charged at the campground for each additional vehicle.
Campers and day users must bring garbage bags. This is a pack it in pack it out facility.
Check out the forest's campground description for specific information to Fish Your National Forest .
Click here for more information on the Malheur National Forest.

Best Time to Camp at Magone Lake

Best season: summer. Summer delivers warm, dry days and full access to Magone Lake’s water-based activities — think swimming, boating, and top trout fishing — with daytime highs typically in the mid-60s to mid-80s°F and cool nights in the 35–50°F range. Trails, boat ramps, and facilities are fully operational and wildflowers and green forests make the setting spectacular; expect busiest weekends and higher demand for group sites (reservations recommended for July–August). Late-summer is ideal for long lake days, st‑ Peak months: July, August, June, September Avoid: November, December, January, February

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

5.0 / 5

Top 2% in OR

Summer is prime: swimming, fishing, boating and trails fully accessible; reviews praise summer visits.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 08 to October 31. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open May 6th to October 31st each year. Closed outside these dates.

About Magone Lake

Magone Lake sits in the Malheur National Forest near Prairie City, Oregon, at mid-elevation where the US Forest Service manages a handful of lakeside sites for tent and RV camping. The small campground offers direct access to fishing, boating, and hiking trails around the lake, with vault toilets and potable water on-site. Group sites are gated separately for added privacy.

Magone Lake Campground caters to a range of camping preferences, offering individual family sites and group sites. "Individual family sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis." Group sites, which can accommodate up to 75 people, are reservable and gated for privacy.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer delivers warm, dry days and full access to Magone Lake’s water-based activities — think swimming, boating, and top trout fishing — with daytime highs typically in the mid-60s to mid-80s°F and cool nights in the 35–50°F range. Trails, boat ramps, and facilities are fully operational and wildflowers and green forests make the setting spectacular; expect busiest weekends and higher demand for group sites (reservations recommended for July–August). Late-summer is ideal for long lake days, st‑ Peak months: July, August, June, September Avoid: November, December, January, February

Elevation5043 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe lake sits in a basin carved by an 1800s landslide, with depths reaching 100 feet in some holes and shallow northern shoals that warm quickly for swimming. Engelmann spruce and ponderosa pine forests ring the shoreline. Summer brings wildflowers including yarrow, daisies, and wild orchids across the forest floor. The setting feels remote. Cell service is nearly nonexistent. And the surrounding Blue Mountains stretch in every direction.

Lodging & AccommodationsMagone Lake Campground does not offer hotel-style lodging. For group camping, there is a reservable shelter and group campsite that can accommodate up to 75 people.

Programs & ActivitiesNo cultural or educational programs are mentioned in the source materials.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Maximum of 14 nights allowed during a visit.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Group sites accommodate up to 75 people.

Groups

Group sites can accommodate up to 75 people. They are gated and locked for privacy. "The privacy behind the gate (locked, if we elected to do so) protected us from traffic driving by and theft."

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations are available via Recreation.gov online, app, contact center, or in person.

AccessibilityAccessible fishing dock, parking, picnic areas, shelters, and sites are available, making the campground suitable for those with disabilities.

Site SizeIndividual sites are described as accommodating family groups and are first-come, first-served. Group sites can hold up to 75 people.

PrivacyPrivacy varies by site type. Group sites are enclosed with a locked gate for additional privacy. Users noted this as beneficial for preventing theft and allowing pets to roam freely.

Total Campsites7 campsites

Recommended SitesGroup site is recommended for privacy due to its locked gate. "It also allowed our dogs to romp and play freely, not on a leash, tied to a stake.

Best CampsitesGroup site 01 gets consistent praise for layout and privacy. The locked gate keeps vehicles out and lets pets roam freely. One camper called it "perfect for friends with RVs and trailers next to our tent." Just make sure you get the gate combination before arrival. Some reservations don't include it in the confirmation email, and the sign with the code sits on the side of the road where it's easy to miss after dark.

Need help booking Magone 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

No hookups available. Drinking water is available only during warmer months; water will be shut off from early to mid-October until mid to late May (specific dates required to prevent freezing depend on area temperatures).

Potable water

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

Group Sites

I manage this campground

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

Magone Lake Campground offers multiple activities for outdoor enthusiasts, including fishing, swimming, hiking, mountain biking, and boating. Wildlife viewing is also popular, with reports of deer, elk, beavers, and various birds. "There is evidence of beavers. My kids loved seeing where the beavers had chewed on the trees." The lake provides a sandy beach area suitable for sunbathing and swimming. Informative plaques around the lake describe its geological history and local wildlife.

Hiking

Fishing

Boating

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

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 PolicyDon'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. You can make a difference by obtaining and burning your firewood near your camping destination. Visit Dontmovefirewood.org for further information.

Trash & RecyclingThis is a pack-it-in, pack-it-out facility. Campers must bring their own garbage bags and remove waste upon departure.

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

4.6

27 reviews

Top-Rated

Magone Lake is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews for Magone Lake Campground are overwhelmingly positive, highlighting its natural beauty, clean facilities, and range of activities. "Absolutely spectacular campground in a pristine setting." Common themes include excellent fishing, scenic hiking trails, and clean vault toilets.

Review Summaries

Based on 27 reviews

What Campers Love

Clean vault toilets, excellent fishing, gated privacy for group sites, and scenic hiking trails are frequently praised. "The bathrooms were the cleanest I have ever seen."

Based on 27 reviews

Common Concerns

Issues with communication regarding reservations and gate access were noted. "We made a reservation and never received an email with the combination to get through the gate." Some users mention the...

Based on 27 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Group campsite reviews highlight the privacy provided by gated areas. "The Group Campsite at Magone Lake was incredible!"

Based on 27 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring garbage bags for waste disposal and arrive prepared with the gate combination for group sites. "Friends of ours, who came up after work, arriving after it was dark, totally missed seeing the...

Based on 27 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer is the most popular season, with users praising fishing, swimming, and hiking. Winter activities are not reviewed or mentioned.

Based on 27 reviews

Camper Quotes

"The fishing was great! Limit (5) caught every day, and they were very tasty!" "Beautiful, awesome place for camping and day use." "Absolutely spectacular campground in a pristine setting."

Based on 27 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessible facilities such as fishing docks and picnic areas receive strong praise. "The fishing, boating, and picnic areas are all pretty good at ADA accessibility."

Based on 27 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed, and gated group sites provide secure spaces for dogs to roam freely. "It also allowed our dogs to romp and play freely, not on a leash, tied to a stake!"

Based on 27 reviews

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