Magone Lake

Star4.58
25 reviews
FOREST SERVICE ROAD 3618
Scenic ViewsSwimmingSummer Destination

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

Opens US Forest Service site

Official Website
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Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026
Magone Lake
$25.00 - $60.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Group Shelter (Nonelectric) costs $25 per night, and Group Standard Area (Nonelectric) costs $60 per night during peak season from May 6th to October...
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Standard Site Fee$0.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$60.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Provider
541-820-3800
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What Campers Say

4.58

Top-Rated

Based on 25 reviews

63 Google reviews

Most mentioned

privacycleanhikingsites

Some mention

mosquitoesreservation

"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."

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Campground Map

FOREST SERVICE ROAD 3618

Magone Lake

FOREST SERVICE ROAD 3618

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.
The campground is accessible via paved roads up to Prairie City, followed by a drive on Forest Roads, which are likely unpaved but well-maintained. The path includes several turns and requires careful navigation. Mobile phone coverage is limited.
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).
Nearby supplies
Groceries, camping supplies, and fuel are available in John Day, Oregon, approximately 9 miles away.

Best Time to Camp at Magone Lake

Experience the dramatic seasonal transformations of the Blue Mountains throughout the year. Summer brings warm, sun-drenched days perfect for lakeside adventures and starlit evenings around the campfire. As autumn arrives, the forest explodes in golden hues while crisp mornings give way to comfortable afternoons. Winter transforms the landscape into a snow-dusted wonderland, with temperatures dropping and precipitation increasing. Spring emerges with wildflower blooms and renewed life, though morning dew points averaging 21°F remind visitors to pack layers. Moderate winds year-round create gentle ripples across the lake's surface, while seasonal precipitation keeps the forest lush and vibrant.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
5.0 / 5
Top 1% in OR

Peak season; reviewers praise summer for fishing, swimming, hiking and warm days.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Open through Oct 31; likely pleasant with fall colors and fewer crowds per seasonal notes.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.5 / 5

Opens May 6; early-season access exists but fewer reviews and limited spring detail.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Campground closed outside May 6–Oct 31; no winter operations.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: May 6th to October 31st.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open May 6th to October 31st each year. Closed outside these dates.
  • Current Alerts: Remote forest location with limited mobile coverage. Water shut off during colder months to prevent freezing.

About Magone Lake

Discover your perfect mountain escape at Magone Lake Campground, where pristine waters meet ancient forests in Oregon's Blue Mountains. This hidden gem offers both intimate individual sites and spacious group areas, each equipped with picnic tables and campfire rings for those memorable evening gatherings. Modern vault toilets and fresh drinking water ensure comfort without sacrificing the wilderness experience. Days here unfold with endless possibilities: cast a line into the crystal-clear lake, paddle across its glassy surface, explore winding mountain bike trails, or simply float in the refreshing mountain waters under towering pines.
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.
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Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit
Maximum of 14 nights allowed during a visit.

Amenities available

Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Group Sites

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.
HikingHiking trails circumnavigate the lake, offering a 2.74-mile loop with scenic views and informative plaques. User reviews highlight the accessibility of these trails and their suitability for casual hikers.
FishingThe lake contains eastern brook and rainbow trout. Fishing limits are reported to be five per person per day, and user reviews frequently praise the quality of fishing. "The fishing was great! Limit (5) caught every day, and they were very tasty!"
SwimmingSwimming is available in designated areas, including a sandy beach. Adventurous swimmers can climb and jump off a log positioned in the middle of the lake.
BikingMountain biking opportunities are available in the surrounding forested areas, though specific trail details are not provided.
BoatingBoating is supported with a boat ramp available on-site. The lake has a 10 mph speed limit, making it ideal for paddle-powered or trolling motor boats.
Wildlife viewingWildlife sightings include deer, elk, beavers, chipmunks, squirrels, birds, and frogs. "Numerous blocked roads adjacent to the group camp make for good hiking and wildlife viewing."
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential hazards include bears, ticks, and various insects like mosquitoes and wasps. Another hazard mentioned in reviews: chiselers may chew through car engine wires.
Active AlertsRemote forest location with limited mobile coverage. Water shut off during colder months to prevent freezing.
No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

Weather at Magone Lake

Reviews

4.6
25 reviews
Top-Rated
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 25 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 25 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...
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Based on 25 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...
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Based on 25 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 25 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 25 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Group campsite reviews highlight the privacy provided by gated areas. "The Group Campsite at Magone Lake was incredible!"
Based on 25 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 25 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 25 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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