Lookout Campground

Star4.28
63 reviews
57600 McKenzie Highway McKenzie Bridge, OR 97413
SwimmingSummer Destination

Quick Facts

1,276 ft

Price

$10 - $20/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

20 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens Willamette National Forest site

Official Website
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Lookout Campground
$10.00 - $20.00 / night
Campsite Fees
$20 per night for a single site, with a $10 extra vehicle fee per night and $10 per vehicle for day use. Payment is required in cash or check....
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Standard Site Fee$19.00
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

4.28

Satisfactory

Based on 63 reviews

57 Google reviews

Most mentioned

cleanfriendly

"User reviews for Lookout Campground are generally positive, highlighting the beautiful lake view, clean facilities, and helpful hosts. However, some concerns are raised about scorpions, varying water levels, and lack of shade."

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Campground Map

57600 McKenzie Highway McKenzie Bridge, OR 97413

Lookout Campground

57600 McKenzie Highway McKenzie Bridge, OR 97413

Driving directionsFrom Blue River, OR, travel 3 miles east on Highway 126 to Forest Road 15. Proceed 3 miles on Forest Road 15 to the north side of Blue River Reservoir. Lookout Campground is on the left.
Access involves paved roads for day-use parking and the boat launch area; however, the campground area is gravel. Forest Road 15 may require careful navigation.
Nearby places
Blue River (3 miles, ~10 minutes), McKenzie Bridge (unknown distance), Eugene (58 miles, ~1 hour 15 minutes).
Nearby supplies
Closest supplies are likely available in Blue River (~3 miles away), which may have groceries, fuel, and other essentials
specific shops not listed.

Best Time to Camp at Lookout Campground

Experience Lookout Campground's beauty throughout the changing seasons, as this year-round destination transforms with nature's rhythms. Winter brings a crystalline wonderland of snow and frost, creating a serene atmosphere for hardy cold-weather campers. As spring awakens the meadow with wildflowers and warming temperatures, the campground truly comes alive. Summer unveils the area at its finest, with long, warm days perfect for water activities on the reservoir and star-filled nights around the campfire. The shoulder seasons offer their own magic - fewer crowds and spectacular displays of changing foliage make late spring through early fall the sweet spot for most visitors.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Late summer popular for water activities; heat and limited shade are occasional complaints.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Year-round site; fall likely offers good weather, scenery and fewer crowds.

Best
Spring(Mar-May)
4.0 / 5

Reviews note reservoir 'filling up fast this Spring' and favorable spring camping conditions.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
3.0 / 5

Open year-round; winter brings snow/frost but no winter-sport amenities mentioned.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: Peak season dates not specified.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Year-round, weather-dependent.
  • Current Alerts: No active alerts mentioned except weather dependency.

About Lookout Campground

Nestled in a sun-drenched meadow beside the sparkling Blue River Reservoir, Lookout Campground offers a peaceful retreat in the heart of Oregon's wilderness. This intimate campground welcomes adventurers with approximately 20 single campsites ranging from fully equipped spots with tables and fire rings to more primitive sites for those seeking a back-to-basics experience. Just four dedicated picnic areas provide perfect spots for day visitors to enjoy the scenery. Essential amenities include fresh drinking water and vault toilets, while the on-site campground host ensures a welcoming stay and offers firewood for those memorable evenings around the campfire. A well-maintained gravel road leads you to this hidden gem, making it accessible for most vehicles while still preserving that off-the-beaten-path charm.
Lookout Campground provides options for tent and RV camping in a semi-primitive setting. It also supports group camping and day-use picnicking.
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Best Campsites

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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
2:00 PM
Check-out
1:00 PM
Stay Limit
Maximum stay is 14 days within a 60-day period.

Amenities available

Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Firewood available
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Visitors to Lookout Campground can enjoy a variety of activities such as fishing, boating, and swimming. The reservoir is a significant draw for recreational activities.
FishingFishing is available in the Blue River Reservoir, which is stocked with trout. One user mentioned, 'They usually stock the Lake with trout, fun for kids and adults.'
SwimmingSwimming is popular in the Blue River Reservoir. One user noted, 'The river was warm and perfect to take a dip in or swim.'
BoatingThe campground provides a boat launch and floating dock. However, water levels in the reservoir may vary, so it is recommended to check ahead. One user stated, 'Just make sure you call the Corp of Engineers before you bring a boat up. The water level is way down due to work on another dam.'
Winter Activities
Water Sports
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsWatch out for scorpions (review by Mz Momma). Some sites lack shade, making tents hot in sunny conditions (review by Mz Momma).
Active AlertsNo active alerts mentioned except weather dependency.

Weather at Lookout Campground

Reviews

4.3
63 reviews
Satisfactory
Satisfactory
Lookout Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews for Lookout Campground are generally positive, highlighting the beautiful lake view, clean facilities, and helpful hosts. However, some concerns are raised about scorpions, varying water levels, and lack of shade.
Review Summaries
Based on 63 reviews

What Campers Love

Users praise the campground's proximity to Blue River Reservoir, beautiful natural setting, clean facilities, and friendly campground hosts. 'Richard the camp host was absolutely amazing and very...
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Based on 63 reviews

Common Concerns

Common concerns include the lack of shade in some areas, varying water levels in the reservoir, and occasional issues with vault toilet servicing during busy weekends. One user mentioned seeing...
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Based on 63 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Visitors recommend bringing cash or checks for fees, checking reservoir water levels before planning boating activities, and being prepared for sunny and hot conditions at less shaded sites. 'Watch...
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Based on 63 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Reviews highlight that spring and late summer are popular times for camping, with some complaints about the heat in less shaded areas during summer. Water levels in the reservoir can fluctuate...
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Based on 63 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'Great place to camp and bring a boat.' 2. 'The river was warm and perfect to take a dip in or swim.' 3. 'Watch out for scorpions.' 4. 'Vault toilets. Potable water. Nice host.' 5. 'Herbicide...
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Based on 63 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Reviews suggest that sites near the water are more desirable, while those further back lack shade and can become very hot. 'About half of the sites were right off the water, while the other half were...
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Based on 63 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessibility features are not explicitly reviewed in the provided materials.
Based on 63 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed, with users noting that dogs must be kept on leashes. 'Dogs MUST be on leash at all times within the campground.'
Based on 63 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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