Lakes End Campground

Star0
5 reviews
McKenzie River Ranger Station, 57600 McKenzie Highway, McKenzie Bridge, OR 97413
Peace & QuietSummer Destination

Quick Facts

2,759 ft

Price

Free

Booking

First-Come

Sites

17 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Opens Willamette National Forest site

Official Website
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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

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USFS
Provider
541-822-3381sm.fs.mf@usda.gov
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What Campers Say

N/A

Limited Reviews

Based on 5 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.'"

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Campground Map

McKenzie River Ranger Station, 57600 McKenzie Highway, McKenzie Bridge, OR 97413

Lakes End Campground

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.

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.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Summer best for boating, swimming and easy water access; optimal season for this site.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
3.5 / 5

Seasonal transformations noted; likely pleasant fall colors though specific reviews are limited.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.0 / 5

Spring offers seasonal transitions and fewer crowds but access may be variable after winter.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
2.0 / 5

Open year-round but access/weather dependent; temps as low as 24°F and snow can limit visits.

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.
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Reserving a campsite

Check-out
Quiet hours end at 6:00 AM.
Stay Limit
14-day limit

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.
FishingFishing is allowed in the Smith Reservoir, but no specific details about fish species or fishing conditions are provided.
SwimmingSwimming is permitted in the reservoir, but no specific safety measures or designated swimming areas are mentioned.
BoatingThe 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
Water Sports
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential 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.
No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

Weather at Lakes End Campground

Reviews

0.0
5 reviews
Limited Reviews
Limited 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 5 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 5 reviews

Common Concerns

No significant complaints are noted in the reviews, though one user mentioned the campground closure due to hydroelectric facility maintenance.
Based on 5 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers recommend bringing all necessary supplies, including drinking water, as the campground does not provide potable water or trash services.
Based on 5 reviews

Seasonal 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 5 reviews

Camper 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...
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Based on 5 reviews

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 5 reviews

Accessibility Features

No reviews specifically address accessibility features or experiences for users with disabilities.
Based on 5 reviews

Pet-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 5 reviews

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Last updated January 5, 2026
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