Lakes End Campground
02 reviewsMcKenzie River Ranger Station, 57600 McKenzie Highway, McKenzie Bridge, OR 97413
Quick Facts
Price
Free
Booking
First-Come
Sites
17 campsites
Season
Year-round
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Allowed
Quick Facts
Price
Free
Booking
First-Come
Sites
17 campsites
Season
Year-round
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Allowed
Lakes End Campground
$0.00 - $0.00 / night
Campsite Fees
No fees are required to camp at Lakes End Campground.
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$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Total Campsite Fees$0.00
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USFS
Provider541-822-3381sm.fs.mf@usda.gov
What Campers Say
N/A
Limited Reviews
Based on 2 reviews
3 Google reviews
Most mentioned
location
"User reviews emphasize the remote and tranquil nature of the campground, ideal for those looking for solitude. One user noted that the campground is 'tucked in from the shore around the far end of the lake,' and another highlighted the peaceful experience of having 'the place to ourselves.'"
Fees & Passes at Lakes End Campground
Free
Campsite fees
Standard Site
Basic tent/RV spot
Stay Limit: 14-day limit
Cancellation: Not applicable due to lack of reservation system.
Prices verified November 17, 2025
Prices may vary by season and site type. Always confirm current rates on the official Willamette National Forest website.
Best Time to Camp at Lakes End Campground
Experience the dramatic seasonal transformations of the Pacific Northwest at Lakes End. Winter brings a hushed wonderland where temperatures can dip to a crisp 24°F, with snow dusting the evergreens and creating a magical atmosphere for the hardy few who venture here. As spring awakens the forest, ideal camping conditions emerge, leading into glorious summer days where temperatures climb to a perfect 82°F. These warm, dry months from late spring through summer offer the most comfortable camping experience, with long days perfect for exploration and star-filled nights around the campfire.
Spring (Mar-May)
Wildflowers bloom, mild temperatures, fewer crowds. Great for hiking and photography.
Best
Summer (Jun-Aug)
Peak season with warm weather, perfect for water activities. Book early.
Fall (Sep-Nov)
Beautiful fall colors, cooler temps, quieter campgrounds. Ideal for peaceful trips.
Winter (Dec-Feb)
Snow activities available. Some facilities may close. Check conditions.
Planning Tips
- Operating Season: Open year-round; accessibility depends on road and weather conditions.
- Current Alerts: The campground is temporarily closed until Spring 2026 for maintenance related to the Carmen-Smith hydroelectric facilities.
About Lakes End Campground
Hidden away from the crowds and accessible only by boat, Lakes End Campground offers adventurous souls a true wilderness escape. This primitive gem invites you to disconnect from the modern world and embrace the simplicity of outdoor living. While you won't find running water or garbage services here, you will discover the reward of camping as nature intended—with just the essentials: a sturdy picnic table for evening meals, a fire pit for stargazing conversations, and clean vault toilets. Pack in what you need and pack out what you bring, following Leave No Trace principles to preserve this pristine retreat for future explorers.
Lakes End Campground caters to tent and primitive campers, offering a remote and off-grid experience. It does not accommodate RVs or trailers due to its boat-only access.
Historical SignificanceNestled along the storied McKenzie River, Lakes End Campground sits within a landscape that has long served dual purposes—providing both pristine natural beauty and vital hydroelectric power to the region. The surrounding forested wilderness has witnessed centuries of change, from ancient growth to modern conservation, creating a living testament to the delicate balance between human needs and environmental preservation.
Weather and SeasonsExperience the dramatic seasonal transformations of the Pacific Northwest at Lakes End. Winter brings a hushed wonderland where temperatures can dip to a crisp 24°F, with snow dusting the evergreens and creating a magical atmosphere for the hardy few who venture here. As spring awakens the forest, ideal camping conditions emerge, leading into glorious summer days where temperatures climb to a perfect 82°F. These warm, dry months from late spring through summer offer the most comfortable camping experience, with long days perfect for exploration and star-filled nights around the campfire.
ElevationWhile specific elevation details await discovery by intrepid campers, the campground's position within the mountainous Willamette National Forest promises that refreshing mountain air and cooler temperatures that make summer camping a delight.
Natural Features and SceneryPerched on the tranquil north shore of Smith Reservoir, Lakes End Campground is embraced by the towering conifers of Willamette National Forest. This waterfront sanctuary serves as your gateway to endless adventure—launch your explorations along the renowned Upper McKenzie Trail Area, challenge yourself on the Tombstone Pass Trail, or make the journey to the historic Carpenter Mountain Lookout for panoramic views that will take your breath away. The interplay of water and forest creates a photographer's paradise and a naturalist's dream.
Geological RegionSet within the magnificent Willamette National Forest along Smith Reservoir's north shore, Lakes End occupies a spectacular corner of Oregon's Cascade Range. This geological wonderland showcases dense coniferous forests that blanket ancient volcanic formations, creating a dramatic landscape carved by time and water. The nearby trail systems—including the Upper McKenzie Trail Area, Tombstone Pass Trail Area, and routes to Carpenter Mountain Lookout—offer windows into the region's fascinating geological story while providing access to some of the most stunning vistas in the Pacific Northwest.
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Campsite details
AccessibilityThere is no information in the source materials about accessibility features for campers with disabilities.
Sites SizeNo specific size categories for campsites are provided.
Sites PrivacyNo specific information about the level of privacy offered at individual campsites is available.
Total Campsites17 campsites
Recommended CampsitesRecommendations include carrying potable water and packing out garbage.
Best Campsites
Curated by campers, for campers
Reveal picks
Reserving a campsite
Check-out
Quiet hours end at 6:00 AM.
Stay Limit
14-day limit
Guests Allowed Per Site
- Not explicitly stated
- one user review mentions up to 17 sites available.
Groups
No information is provided about group camping options.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutPrimitive layout; sites are tucked in from the shore around the far end of the lake.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen year-round; accessibility depends on road and weather conditions.
Reservation PlatformsNot applicable as reservations are not required.
Walk-in AvailabilityAll sites are first-come, first-served; no reservation system exists.
Cancellation PolicyNot applicable due to lack of reservation system.
Amenities available
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Lakes End Campground offers basic outdoor activities that align with its primitive and remote nature. Fishing, boating, and swimming are highlighted, with an emphasis on non-motorized water activities, though motorized boating is allowed under a 10 mph speed limit.
Fishing
Fishing is allowed in the Smith Reservoir, but no specific details about fish species or fishing conditions are provided.Swimming
Swimming is permitted in the reservoir, but no specific safety measures or designated swimming areas are mentioned.Boating
The campground is accessible by boat, and boating activities are highlighted. A 10 mph speed limit is enforced for motorized boats, and non-motorized boating is also mentioned.Winter Activities
No specific winter recreational activities are described, though the campground is technically open year-round.Water Sports
Boating and swimming are specifically highlighted, with an emphasis on non-motorized water activities.Advertisement
Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Fire pits are provided; follow local guidelines and restrictions.
- Quiet hours are 10:00 PM to 6:00 AM.
Hazards
General hazardsPotential hazards include cold weather conditions, limited emergency access, and lack of potable water or garbage service.
Active alertsThe campground is temporarily closed until Spring 2026 for maintenance related to the Carmen-Smith hydroelectric facilities.
Weather at Lakes End Campground
45
°F
Dec 7
Sunday
Moderate drizzle
Precipitation: 0.8%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 95%
High humidity, may feel muggy
Wind: 12.1 mph
Strong wind, exercise caution
Very Light Rain - (0.80% chance)
Slight drizzle possible
Moderate drizzle
Weather History
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Detailed 7-Day Forecast
Powered by AI weather analysis
Reveal forecast
Emergency Services
Nearest emergency services are located at McKenzie River Ranger Station (Address: 57600 McKenzie Highway, McKenzie Bridge, OR 97413; Phone: (541) 822-3381).
Good to know
Trash and recyclingNo trash and recycling facilities are available. Campers are required to pack out all garbage, adhering to Leave No Trace principles.
Proximity to water featuresLocated directly on the north shore of Smith Reservoir.
Common complaintsReviewed issues include seasonal closure and limited accessibility due to boat-only access.
Campground Map
McKenzie River Ranger Station, 57600 McKenzie Highway, McKenzie Bridge, OR 97413
Driving directionsBOAT ACCESS ONLY. From McKenzie Bridge, OR, travel east on Highway 126 to Forest Road 732. Follow Forest Road 732 around Trailbridge Reservoir to Forest Road 730. Continue up Forest Road 730 for 2 miles to Smith Reservoir and locate the boat launch on the eastern shore. Travel by boat 1.8 miles north across the lake to Lakes End Campground.
Accessible by boat only via Smith Reservoir. The access roads (Forest Roads 690, 730, and 689) are currently closed due to hydroelectric facility maintenance until Spring 2026.Nearby places
McKenzie Bridge: Approximately 7 miles drive and further boat access.
Nearby supplies
Supplies available at McKenzie Bridge, OR, approximately 7 miles away by road.
Reviews from booking and map sources
0.0
2 reviews
Lakes End Campground has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews emphasize the remote and tranquil nature of the campground, ideal for those looking for solitude. One user noted that the campground is 'tucked in from the shore around the far end of the lake,' and another highlighted the peaceful experience of having 'the place to ourselves.'
Review Summaries
Based on 2 reviews
What Campers Love
Campers appreciate the remote location and the opportunity to canoe or boat into the campground. The lack of crowds and the serene environment are commonly praised.
Based on 2 reviewsCommon Concerns
No significant complaints are noted in the reviews, though one user mentioned the campground closure due to hydroelectric facility maintenance.
Based on 2 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Campers recommend bringing all necessary supplies, including drinking water, as the campground does not provide potable water or trash services.
Based on 2 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Reviews do not provide detailed information about seasonal variations, but the campground's year-round accessibility is noted as being dependent on weather and road conditions.
Based on 2 reviewsCamper Quotes
1. 'Boat in only campground. We canoed in. Supposedly there are 17 sites, but they are tucked in from the shore around the far end of the lake. We had the place to ourselves.' - Janet B.
2. 'This...
Based on 2 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
One user mentions that there are 17 campsites, although this number is not officially verified. These sites are described as being spread out and located away from the shore.
Based on 2 reviewsAccessibility Features
No reviews specifically address accessibility features or experiences for users with disabilities.
Based on 2 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Dogs are allowed but must be leashed or under physical control, as per federal regulations. No additional user comments about pet experiences are provided.
Based on 2 reviewsCamper Reviews by Outdoorithm campers
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Last updated November 17, 2025
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