Is Lakes End Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Lakes End Campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis. All sites are first-come, first-served; no reservation system exists.

Can I see photos of campsites at Lakes End Campground before I book?

Yes! Lakes End Campground 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 Lakes End Campground?

Lakes End Campground is open Open year-round; accessibility depends on road and weather conditions.. 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 Lakes End Campground?

Lakes End Campground does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

Can I have a campfire at Lakes End Campground?

Fire policies at Lakes End Campground: Fire pits are provided; follow local guidelines and restrictions.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

How many campsites does Lakes End Campground have?

Lakes End Campground has 17 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Arrive early for the best site selection.

Are dogs allowed at Lakes End Campground?

Yes, pets are allowed at Lakes End Campground. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Lakes End Campground?

Lakes End Campground offers: Restrooms, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Lakes End Campground?

Popular activities at Lakes End Campground include Fishing, Swimming, Boating. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Lakes End Campground

5 reviews

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

Peace & QuietSummer Destination

Featured in:Primitive Camping Oregon

Quick Facts

2,759 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

First-Come

Sites

17 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Check Availability Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

2,759 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

First-Come

Sites

17 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Check Availability Official Website

Get Directions

Lakes End Campground

No fees available

Campsite Fees

No fees are required to camp at Lakes End Campground.

No paid fee categories listed.

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USFS

Provider

541-822-3381sm.fs.mf@usda.gov

I manage this campground

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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

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.

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.

Weather at Lakes End Campground

Current alert: The campground is temporarily closed until Spring 2026 for maintenance related to the Carmen-Smith hydroelectric facilities.

Best Time to Camp at Lakes End Campground

Summer brings the best conditions. Daytime highs run 65–85°F with nights in the 40s–50s. The reservoir warms enough for swimming and the full range of water activities becomes available. Expect fire restrictions during dry periods. Winter temperatures can drop to 24°F with snow, and the campground closes seasonally.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Summer best: 65–85°F, reservoir warms for swimming and full water activities.

Planning Tips

Operating Season: Open year-round; accessibility depends on road and weather conditions.

About Lakes End Campground

Lakes End Campground sits on the north shore of Smith Reservoir in Willamette National Forest, accessible only by boat. The campground has 17 primitive sites with vault toilets, fire rings, and picnic tables. No potable water or trash service. Boat-only access keeps crowds low.

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.

Weather and SeasonsSummer brings the best conditions. Daytime highs run 65–85°F with nights in the 40s–50s. The reservoir warms enough for swimming and the full range of water activities becomes available. Expect fire restrictions during dry periods. Winter temperatures can drop to 24°F with snow, and the campground closes seasonally.

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 SceneryDense coniferous forest surrounds the reservoir at 2,759 feet elevation. The campground occupies a corner of the Cascade Range where ancient volcanic formations meet water. Nearby trails include the Upper McKenzie Trail Area, Tombstone Pass Trail, and the route to Carpenter Mountain Lookout. Sites are tucked in from the shore around the far end of the lake, offering water views through the trees.

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.

Scenic ViewsOffers serene views of Smith Reservoir and surrounding forest.

Lodging & AccommodationsThere are no hotel-style lodging accommodations at this primitive campground.

Programs & ActivitiesNo cultural or educational programs are mentioned.

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.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Site layoutPrimitive sites spread around the reservoir's far end, set back from the shore among the conifers.

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.

AccessibilityThere is no information in the source materials about accessibility features for campers with disabilities.

Site SizeNo specific size categories for campsites are provided.

PrivacyNo specific information about the level of privacy offered at individual campsites is available.

Total Campsites17 campsites

Recommended SitesRecommendations include carrying potable water and packing out garbage.

Best CampsitesSites are located around the far end of the lake, tucked back from the immediate shoreline. Reviews note campers often have the place to themselves due to boat-only access.

Amenities available

Lakes End Campground is described as a primitive campsite accessed by boat only, suitable for campers seeking remote experiences. It offers basic facilities such as tables, vault toilets, and fire pits. However, potable water is not available, and visitors are required to follow Leave No Trace principles, as no trash services are provided. Official sources emphasize the site's primitive nature and note its proximity to attractions like the Upper McKenzie Trail Area and Carpenter Mountain Lookout.

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

Things to do at Lakes End Campground

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.

Boating4.0/5

Water Sports4.0/5

Canoe/kayak access is emphasized; boat-only lake access suits paddlecraft well.

Fishing3.0/5

Fishing allowed in Smith Reservoir but no species, stocking, or condition details provided.

Swimming3.0/5

Swimming permitted in the reservoir; no designated swim areas or safety info.

Winter Activities1.0/5

Open year-round but access depends on weather; no grooming or winter sport services noted.

Signature experiences

Photography4.0/5Reservoir vistas, forest, volcanic formations and lookout routes offer photo opportunities.

Not sure what to pack?Our complete camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential hazards include cold weather conditions, limited emergency access, and lack of potable water or garbage service.

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

No Flush ToiletsFlush toilets are not available; only vault toilets are provided.

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.

Fire PolicyFire pits are provided; follow local guidelines and restrictions.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are 10:00 PM to 6:00 AM.

Emergency ServicesNearest emergency services are located at McKenzie River Ranger Station (Address: 57600 McKenzie Highway, McKenzie Bridge, OR 97413; Phone: (541) 822-3381).

Trash & RecyclingNo trash and recycling facilities are available. Campers are required to pack out all garbage, adhering to Leave No Trace principles.

Water FeaturesLocated directly on the north shore of Smith Reservoir.

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

Rate Lakes End Campground

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From Booking Sources

0.0

5 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

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

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...

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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Lakes End Campground

No fees available

Campsite Fees

No fees are required to camp at Lakes End Campground.

No paid 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

USFS

Provider

541-822-3381sm.fs.mf@usda.gov

Go if

Canoe-campers and kayakers who want 17 free primitive sites with vault toilets, fire rings, and almost no company. Summer is the sweet spot: warm days, reservoir swimming, and a 10 mph boat speed limit that keeps the water calm.

Skip if

The campground is shut down until Spring 2026, so nobody should be booking this right now. When it reopens, anyone without a boat, anyone needing potable water, or anyone towing a trailer will need to find somewhere else entirely.

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