Olive Lake Campground (Or)

Star4.06
54 reviews
P.O. Box 158, Ukiah, OR 97880, USA
SwimmingSummer Destination

Quick Facts

6,079 ft

Price

$12 - $25/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

28 campsites

Season

Open season begins M...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens Umatilla National Forest 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
Olive Lake Campground (Or)
$12.00 - $25.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Fees include $12 for standard non-electric and tent-only sites, and $25 for group standard sites during the peak season from May 15 to October 15.
Standard Site Fee$12.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$25.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Provider
(541) 427-3231r6_umatilla_public_inquiries@usda.gov
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What Campers Say

4.06

Satisfactory

Based on 54 reviews

10 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewscleanspaciouswater

"User reviews of Olive Lake Campground indicate a mixed experience. Many campers appreciate the scenic beauty of the lake and the variety of activities available, but others raise concerns about the lack of shade due to tree removal, the absence of potable water, and occasional issues with campsite management. Wildlife sightings and the friendly camp hosts are often positively highlighted."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

P.O. Box 158, Ukiah, OR 97880, USA

Olive Lake Campground (Or)

P.O. Box 158, Ukiah, OR 97880, USA

Driving directionsFrom Ukiah, OR travel south to County Road 1475 (turns into Forest Service Road 52 after 5 miles). Go about 48.5 miles to the town of Granite. Instead of entering the town, turn right onto County Road 24/Forest Service Road (FSR) 10 and travel about 3.5 miles to the end of the pavement. Follow the gravel road up to the right (FSR 10). Travel about 9 miles on FSR 10. Turn right on FSR 1000480 and travel about 1/4 mile into the campground.
Roads are partially paved with gravel stretches. Seasonal access may be affected by snow and gravel road conditions.
Nearby places
Granite, 12 miles east
Ukiah, approximately 50 miles.
Nearby supplies
Granite, OR, offers limited supplies approximately 12 miles east. Potable water is available at Fremont Powerhouse, 7 miles east of the campground, seasonally from May 15-Sept 30.

Best Time to Camp at Olive Lake Campground (Or)

Experience the dramatic seasonal transformations of the Blue Mountains at Olive Lake. Spring arrives with crisp, dry air perfect for hiking without summer crowds, though evenings call for warm layers around the campfire. As summer unfolds, the lake becomes an irresistible swimming hole where families splash away warm afternoons and anglers find their best catches in cool morning hours. Pack your insect repellent for peak season – the same pristine wilderness that attracts visitors also supports a healthy mosquito population, particularly near the water's edge at dusk.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Warm, sunny summers ideal for swimming and boating; insect activity is a common nuisance.

Best
Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Fall offers crisp air and good hiking with fewer crowds; scenic vistas remain strong.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.0 / 5

Spring (after May 15) offers crisp air and good hiking before summer crowds; campground opens May 15.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Campground closed outside May 15–Oct 15.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: May 15 - October 15. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open season begins May 15 and ends October 15.
  • Current Alerts: Bark beetle infestations have led to significant tree loss, affecting shade and overall aesthetics.

About Olive Lake Campground (Or)

Discover your perfect mountain escape at Olive Lake Campground, where crystal-clear waters meet the rugged beauty of Eastern Oregon's Blue Mountains. This tranquil retreat offers 28 thoughtfully positioned campsites along the lake's pristine shoreline, accommodating everyone from tent campers seeking solitude to RV adventurers and groups gathering under starlit skies. Cast a line for native trout at dawn, launch your kayak into mirror-smooth waters, or explore winding forest trails where wild berries ripen in summer sun. Wildlife enthusiasts will delight in spotting osprey diving for fish, while deer graze peacefully in nearby meadows. Each site comes equipped with sturdy picnic tables, fire rings for evening storytelling, and access to well-maintained vault toilets. Note that visitors should bring their own water supply, as the campground embraces a more rustic, back-to-nature experience.
Olive Lake Campground accommodates a mix of tent camping, RV camping, and group camping. There are no cabin or glamping options available.
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Best Campsites

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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
2:00 PM
Check-out
12:00 PM
Stay Limit
Camping or occupying a location longer than 14 consecutive calendar days is prohibited.

Amenities available

Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Group Sites

Activities you can enjoy

The campground offers a wide range of activities, including hiking, biking, fishing, swimming, boating, wildlife viewing, and photography. Mushroom and berry picking are also popular in season.
HikingA 2-mile hiking trail around Olive Lake provides both scenic views and access to secluded spots. Additional trails connect to the North John Day Wilderness and Vinegar Hill Scenic Area.
FishingThe lake is stocked with rainbow trout, cutthroat trout, brook trout, and kokanee. Crawfish boils are a popular activity. However, some user reviews note that fishing success can be low.
SwimmingSwimming is allowed, and reviewers describe the lake as warm and enjoyable for swimming.
BikingThe 2-mile trail around the lake is suitable for biking, though some areas may require walking bikes due to terrain challenges.
BoatingThe lake includes two boat docks, a boat ramp, and trailer parking. Motorized boats are allowed, but wakes and jet skis are prohibited.
Wildlife viewingWildlife sightings include deer, elk, bear, river otters, and osprey. A nesting pair of osprey returns annually.
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsFrequent insect activity including mosquitos, biting flies, and beetles. Limited shade due to tree removals. Wildlife precautions include food storage guidelines for bear safety.
Active AlertsBark beetle infestations have led to significant tree loss, affecting shade and overall aesthetics.
No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

Weather at Olive Lake Campground (Or)

Reviews

4.1
54 reviews
Satisfactory
Satisfactory
Olive Lake Campground (Or) is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews of Olive Lake Campground indicate a mixed experience. Many campers appreciate the scenic beauty of the lake and the variety of activities available, but others raise concerns about the lack of shade due to tree removal, the absence of potable water, and occasional issues with campsite management. Wildlife sightings and the friendly camp hosts are often positively highlighted.
Review Summaries
Based on 54 reviews

What Campers Love

Users frequently praise the scenic lake views, warm water for swimming, clean vault toilets, and the wide range of recreational activities. Camp hosts are described as friendly and helpful. The...
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Based on 54 reviews

Common Concerns

Common complaints include the lack of shade due to bark beetle-related tree removal, the absence of potable water and trash services, and insect issues (flies and yellowjackets). Some users report...
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Based on 54 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers recommend bringing ample water, insect repellent, and trash bags. Visitors are advised to check gas levels before arriving due to the campground's remoteness. Bringing portable shade...
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Based on 54 reviews

Seasonal Insights

During summer, the campground is described as sunny and warm, making it ideal for swimming and boating. However, insect activity (flies and yellowjackets) is a common nuisance in the warmer months....
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Based on 54 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'Gorgeous lake. What a view! The camp hosts are friendly and helpful.' - Rhonda Chamberlain 2. 'The bugs are just a bit too much here. You can put on spray for the mosquitos, but it does nothing...
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Based on 54 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site 17 is noted for being next to another site but offers the potential for privacy when the adjacent site is unoccupied. Site 7 is surrounded on three sides by stacked firewood. Site 11 lacks shade...
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Based on 54 reviews

Accessibility Features

No specific reviews from people with disabilities were found. However, seven accessible vault toilets are available at the site.
Based on 54 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed but must be kept on a leash. The campground's layout and trails are reportedly pet-friendly.
Based on 54 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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