How much does camping cost at Big Lake?

Camping fees at Big Lake are $28/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

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

Big 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 Big Lake before I book?

Yes! Big Lake has 4 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 Big Lake?

Big Lake is open May 15 to November 01. 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 Big Lake?

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

How many campsites does Big Lake have?

Big Lake has 49 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Big Lake?

Pets are not allowed at Big Lake. This policy helps protect local wildlife and other campers. Consider nearby pet-friendly campgrounds if traveling with animals.

What amenities are available at Big Lake?

Big Lake offers: Restrooms, Potable Water, Camp Store. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Big Lake?

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

Big Lake

Q: Can I have a campfire at Big Lake?

Fire policies at Big 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.

4.15

144 reviews

P.O. Box 8516, Coburg, OR, 97408, USA

Top 8% in ORFall

CReport Card

Scenic ViewsSwimmingSummer Destination

Featured in:Beach Camping Oregon

Quick Facts

4,600 ft

Price

$28/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

49 campsites

Season

Open from June 5 to ...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Book on Linn County Parks and Recreation Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

4,600 ft

Price

$28/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

49 campsites

Season

Open from June 5 to ...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Book on Linn County Parks and Recreation Official Website

Get Directions

Big Lake

$28.00 / night

Campsite Fees

MANAGEMENT: $28.00; STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $28.00; TENT ONLY NONELECTRIC: $28.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9...

No campsite fee categories listed.

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Provider

801-226-3564

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Campground Map

P.O. Box 8516, Coburg, OR, 97408, USA

Big Lake

P.O. Box 8516, Coburg, OR, 97408, USA

Nearby places

Coburg (distance unavailable), Sisters (35 minutes)

Driving directionsFrom Eugene, Oregon, take I-105 east to McKenzie Highway 126. Travel east on 126 for 90 miles to Santiam Pass. At the top of the Pass, turn right onto the access road (sign says Hoodoo Ski Area, Big Lake Road, & Benson Sno-Park). Travel one mile to the fork in the road and stay left on Forest Service Road 2690. Continue for 2 miles to the entrance to Big Lake Campground on the left.

Weather at Big Lake

Current alerts(12)

Fire bans are common during summer months. | Campfires allowed until and unless otherwise posted.
A day use fee, of $9, will be collected on site.
A fee, of $9, will be charged for additional vehicles at your campsite.
Be bear aware; keep all food out of sight in approved containers or locked inside your vehicle and remove all food from area after eating

Best Time to Camp at Big Lake

Best season: fall. Fall offers the best combination of mild daytime weather, thinner crowds, and excellent fishing and hiking conditions — daytime highs typically range from the mid-40s to mid-60s°F (7–18°C) with crisp nights often dipping near freezing. Boat traffic and campers drop after Labor Day, so you get calm, reflective lake mornings for photography of Mt. Washington and better chances for quiet shoreline trout fishing. Autumn also brings golden tones in the understory grasses and shrubs and clear, stable. Peak months: September, October, August, July Avoid: November, December, January, February

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.5 / 5

Top 8% in OR

Overview cites fall as best season: mild days, thinner crowds, great hiking and fishing.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 15 to November 01. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open from June 5 to November 2 with reservable sites available starting June 25. Closed season from November 2 to May 15.

About Big Lake

Big Lake sits in mid-elevation forest within Willamette National Forest, operated by Linn County Parks and Recreation near Coburg. This moderately priced campground offers direct lake access with views of Mount Washington and Three Fingered Jack. Campers come for paddling, fishing, swimming, and hiking, with both tent and RV sites available alongside vault toilets, potable water, and a camp store.

Big Lake Campground offers a range of accommodations, including sites for tent camping and RV use. A mix of reservable and first-come, first-served sites are available.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: fall. Fall offers the best combination of mild daytime weather, thinner crowds, and excellent fishing and hiking conditions — daytime highs typically range from the mid-40s to mid-60s°F (7–18°C) with crisp nights often dipping near freezing. Boat traffic and campers drop after Labor Day, so you get calm, reflective lake mornings for photography of Mt. Washington and better chances for quiet shoreline trout fishing. Autumn also brings golden tones in the understory grasses and shrubs and clear, stable. Peak months: September, October, August, July Avoid: November, December, January, February

Elevation4600 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryMount Washington dominates the skyline, with Three Fingered Jack visible in the distance. Big Lake itself sits in volcanic terrain surrounded by alpine fir, mountain hemlock, and lodgepole pine. Recent wildfires opened the canopy in places, reducing shade but expanding the views. The volcanic soil kicks up dust on dry days. Direct lake access puts you at the water's edge for paddling or fishing, and the morning light on the lake draws photographers when boat traffic is low.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo hotel-style lodging is mentioned within the campground, but sites accommodate tents and RVs.

Programs & ActivitiesThere are no mentions of educational or cultural programming.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

2:00 PM

Check-out

12:00 PM

Stay Limit

14 nights maximum stay during a visit
maximum 14 nights within a rolling 60-day period.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Variable based on site dimensions and regulations.

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 on Recreation.gov or by calling 877-444-6777. Scan and Pay available on-site for first-come, first-served sites.

AccessibilityThe campground includes accessible vault toilets and some campsites with easier access paths. However, steep slopes at many campsites may make accessibility challenging for some campers.

Site SizeCampsites are spacious, with some sites capable of accommodating trailers up to 35 feet in length. Sites in the expanded area often feature stairs leading down to the camping pad.

PrivacyPrivacy varies; some sites offer secluded views and trails to the lake, while others are clustered or located along busy sections of the campground.

Total Campsites49 campsites

Recommended SitesSites #22-26 feature steep driveways. Site #9 offers privacy and a trail to a small lake beach. Sites near the boat ramp and Big Lake West are better for beach access.

Best CampsitesSites 19, 20, and 32 get mentioned for size, lake proximity, and access. The lower loop (sites 1-20) puts you closer to the water. The upper stretch (sites 21-49) toward Big Lake West can feel more clustered or set along noisier sections near the OHV trails. Scout your site if you can. Some spots are steep or far from the lake.

Need help booking Big 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

The Big Lake Campground is equipped with a variety of amenities to cater to campers, including 49 spacious campsites for tents and RVs. Key features include drinking water, fire rings, and picnic tables at sites. The campground also offers accessible vault toilets, a boat ramp, and a designated picnic area. Campfires are allowed unless otherwise posted, but fire bans are common in summer. Trash collection points are provided, although some campers note that the bins can be far from certain sites.

Potable water

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Firewood available

Vault toilets

Camp Store

I manage this campground

RV details

Things to do at Big Lake

Big Lake Campground offers diverse recreational opportunities. Popular activities include hiking, swimming, water skiing, non-motorized boating (kayaking, paddleboarding), canoeing, and fishing. The campground is also a hub for off-highway vehicle (OHV) enthusiasts, with nearby trails accessible.

Hiking4.0/5

Patjens Lakes Trail loops past Big Lake into the Mt. Washington Wilderness—good hiking access.

Swimming4.0/5Top 20% in Oregon

Lake has shallow, warm waters and many campsites offer easy beach access for swimming.

Boating4.0/5

Boat ramp present; water skiing, sailing and paddling are popular activities here.

Water Sports4.0/5

Non-motorized boating (kayaks, paddleboards, canoeing) is commonly mentioned and easy from shore.

Biking3.0/5

Biking is supported in the area, though specific trails aren't highlighted in sources.

Not sure what to pack?Our complete camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

No Flush ToiletsThere are no flush toilets; only vault toilets are available.

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.

No Dump StationThere is no dump station at this campground. Plan to use a dump station along your route or at a nearby facility before or after your stay.

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 & RecyclingTrash collection is available, but bins are located far from some campsites. No specific recycling facilities are mentioned.

Cell CoverageLimited or no cellular service is expected, as campers are advised to download offline resources or apps before arrival.

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

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From Booking Sources

4.2

144 reviews

Satisfactory

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

User reviews highlight the campground's stunning views of Mount Washington and Big Lake, the spacious campsites, and the diverse activities available. However, mosquito infestations, noise from OHV trails, and some maintenance issues are common complaints.

Review Summaries

Based on 144 reviews

What Campers Love

Campers widely praise the picturesque setting, including views of Mount Washington and Three Fingered Jack. Many enjoy direct lake access, spacious sites, and well-maintained vault toilets. "Great...

Based on 144 reviews

Common Concerns

Mosquitoes are a recurring issue, particularly in early summer. Some campers noted steep or narrow sites, problems with water availability, and noise from OHVs. "The lake is swarming with...

Based on 144 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Sites 9, 19, and 32 receive glowing reviews for lake access and scenic beauty. Sites 22, 23, and 24 are criticized for steep slopes.

Based on 144 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Visit later in the season to avoid mosquito issues. Bring ample bug spray, firewood, and water (just in case). Plan your site selection carefully; some sites are steep or distant from the lake.

Based on 144 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Mosquito problems peak in early summer, while late summer offers quieter conditions. Early summer and late fall might see reduced activities due to weather.

Based on 144 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. "The mosquitoes were non-stop...even the repellent didn’t work." - Crystal C. 2. "Great views, quite and beautiful lake." - Stacey B. 3. "The Patjens Lakes Trail offers excellent hiking...

Based on 144 reviews

Accessibility Features

No accessibility-specific reviews; however, steep slopes at many sites may pose challenges.

Based on 144 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are not explicitly mentioned, so no specific reviews on pet policies.

Based on 144 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

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Big Lake

$28.00 / night

Campsite Fees

MANAGEMENT: $28.00; STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $28.00; TENT ONLY NONELECTRIC: $28.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9...

No campsite fee categories listed.

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

Free to start · paid plans add 2-min scans

263,000+ sites monitored · Email alerts to start; SMS and in-app with an account

Learn more about alerts →

Share this campground

Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

801-226-3564

Go if

You want scenic lake camping with paddling and fishing access plus mountain views in a moderately priced forest setting.

Skip if

You're sensitive to mosquitoes, need level sites, or want distance from ATV trail noise.

Nearby Campgrounds

Frequently Visited

4.2

(43)

Big Lake West Campground

Willamette National Forest

Big Lake West Campground sits at 4,708 feet in Willamette National Forest, operated by Linn County Parks and Recreation with views of Mt. Washington. The small campground offers lakefront access for swimming and paddling, plus trailheads for hiking and biking. Spacious, private sites appeal to families despite seasonal mosquitoes and occasional noise from neighboring campers.

Big Lake

Quick Facts

Quick Facts

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Ask Camp Sage about Big Lake

Campground Map

Weather at Big Lake

Current alerts(12)

Best Time to Camp at Big Lake

Planning Tips

About Big Lake

Best Campsites

Reserving a campsite

Need help booking Big Lake?

Amenities available

RV details

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Policies & Safety

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What Campers Love

Common Concerns

Site-Specific Reviews

Get Notified When Available

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Current alerts(12)

Best Time to Camp at Big Lake

Planning Tips

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Need help booking Big Lake?

Amenities available

Things to do at Big Lake

Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

Reviews

What Campers Love

Common Concerns

Site-Specific Reviews