Lost Lake - Willamette (Or)

4.11

14 reviews

57600 McKenzie Highway, Blue River, OR, 97413

Summer Destination

Quick Facts

4,006 ft

Price

$12 - $21/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

15 campsites

Season

Open from June 6th, ...

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Opens Linn County Parks and Recreation site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Quick Facts

4,006 ft

Price

$12 - $21/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

15 campsites

Season

Open from June 6th, ...

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Opens Linn County Parks and Recreation site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Lost Lake - Willamette (Or)

$12.00 - $21.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Single Campsites - $12 per night during the first-come, first-served season and $21 per night during peak season. Extra vehicles are charged $6 per...

Standard Site Fee$21.00

Hookup Site Fee$0.00

Premium Site Fee$0.00

Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00

Group Site Fee$105.00

Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

(541) 967-3917

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What Campers Say

4.11

Satisfactory

Based on 14 reviews

38 Google reviews

Most mentioned

sceneryspaciouslakesites

Some mention

bugsdusty

"User reviews highlight the campground's seclusion, natural beauty, and spacious sites. However, some concerns include the lack of water facilities, dusty conditions, and occasionally unclean vault toilets. The campground is described as quiet during weekdays but busier on weekends and during peak seasons."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

57600 McKenzie Highway, Blue River, OR, 97413

Lost Lake - Willamette (Or)

57600 McKenzie Highway, Blue River, OR, 97413

Driving directionsLost Lake Campground is located 28 miles northeast of McKenzie Bridge, Oregon, just off of Hwy. 20.

Road access is described as adjacent to Highway 20 near the summit of Santiam Pass. Trailers are not recommended, and users are advised to approach with caution, especially near areas where Lost Lake drains, as the ground may be unstable.

Nearby places

McKenzie Bridge (~28 miles northeast)

Albany (~88 miles southwest)

Eugene (~87 miles southwest)

Nearby supplies

Closest supplies are likely accessible in Blue River or McKenzie Bridge, approximately 28 miles away, which may offer groceries, fuel, and basic camping items.

Best Time to Camp at Lost Lake - Willamette (Or)

Lost Lake Campground transforms dramatically with each passing season, offering visitors a unique experience throughout the year. Spring arrives with rushing waters that fill the lake to its brim, creating perfect conditions for early-season anglers. As summer unfolds, the receding waters reveal a stunning marshy meadow that attracts wildlife and wildflowers alike. Autumn paints the surrounding forest in brilliant golds and oranges, while crisp air signals the arrival of hunting season. Winter blankets the area in deep snow, creating a pristine wonderland accessible only to the most intrepid cold-weather campers. Visitors should prepare for mountain weather's quick changes, with summer fire bans common during dry spells and winter bringing freezing temperatures and significant snowfall.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Open and popular in summer; positive summer reviews though lake can be low then.

Fall(Sep-Nov)

3.0 / 5

Open through Oct 12; limited specific fall feedback or foliage details.

Spring(Mar-May)

Not recommended

Campground opens in June; spring use not available.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

Not recommended

Campground closed outside June–Oct season.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: June 6th, 2025, to October 12th, 2025.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open from June 6th, 2025, to October 12th, 2025, with first-come, first-served access available June 20th-21st, 2025.

About Lost Lake - Willamette (Or)

Tucked away near the scenic Highway 20 in the heart of Willamette National Forest, Lost Lake Campground offers an authentic wilderness escape for those seeking solitude and natural beauty. This intimate rustic retreat features 15 single campsites perfectly positioned for adventurers drawn to the area's exceptional fishing waters and prime hunting grounds. Each site comes equipped with its own picnic table and fire ring, where crackling campfires create the perfect ambiance for starlit evenings (when fire restrictions permit). Three vault toilets serve the campground, maintaining its back-to-basics charm. While the rugged access road makes this destination unsuitable for trailers, it ensures that Lost Lake remains a peaceful haven for tent campers and small RVs seeking an authentic forest experience.

Lost Lake Campground primarily accommodates tent camping and offers group sites. RV camping is not recommended due to the site's layout and lack of hookups.

Historical SignificanceWhile Lost Lake Campground may not boast ancient ruins or historic landmarks, its story is written in the timeless rhythms of the Cascade wilderness. This tranquil spot has long served as a gathering place for outdoor enthusiasts, from generations of anglers who've cast their lines into its waters to hunters who've tracked game through the surrounding forests.

Weather and SeasonsLost Lake Campground transforms dramatically with each passing season, offering visitors a unique experience throughout the year. Spring arrives with rushing waters that fill the lake to its brim, creating perfect conditions for early-season anglers. As summer unfolds, the receding waters reveal a stunning marshy meadow that attracts wildlife and wildflowers alike. Autumn paints the surrounding forest in brilliant golds and oranges, while crisp air signals the arrival of hunting season. Winter blankets the area in deep snow, creating a pristine wonderland accessible only to the most intrepid cold-weather campers. Visitors should prepare for mountain weather's quick changes, with summer fire bans common during dry spells and winter bringing freezing temperatures and significant snowfall.

ElevationNestled high in the Cascade Mountains near Santiam Pass, Lost Lake Campground sits at an elevation where mountain air stays crisp and pine trees reach skyward. Though specific elevation markers aren't posted, visitors will notice the characteristic thin air and cooler temperatures typical of Oregon's high country.

Natural Features and SceneryLost Lake reveals nature's magic through its remarkable seasonal transformation. Perched on the lake's western shore, the campground offers front-row seats to one of Oregon's most fascinating natural phenomena—a disappearing lake that shapeshifts from a shimmering mountain pool to a verdant wildflower meadow. Dense forests of towering conifers frame this ever-changing canvas, while distant mountain peaks create a dramatic backdrop. In wetter months, the lake reflects the surrounding forest like a mirror, while summer transforms the basin into a lush wetland where willows dance in the breeze and wildlife thrives in the marshy shallows. This dynamic landscape ensures that no two visits to Lost Lake are ever quite the same.

Geological RegionPositioned near the dramatic summit of Santiam Pass, Lost Lake Campground occupies a fascinating geological niche within the Willamette National Forest. The campground's shallow lake represents a unique hydrological feature—a seasonal water body that fills and empties with nature's rhythms, creating an ever-evolving landscape. The surrounding terrain tells the story of ancient volcanic activity and glacial carving that shaped the Cascade Range. Marshy wetlands bordered by dense coniferous forests characterize this transition zone between Oregon's wet western slopes and drier eastern plateaus. During summer months, willows colonize the exposed lakebed, creating a riparian habitat that supports diverse wildlife in this mountain ecosystem.

Best Campsites

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Reserving a campsite

Check-in

2:00 PM

Check-out

12:00 PM

Stay Limit

Camping is not allowed more than 14 days in a 60-day period.

Guests Allowed Per Site

No explicit data provided but standard tent sites are likely to follow a typical limit for similar campgrounds.

Groups

Group sites are available at a rate of $105 per night during the peak season. Details about the maximum number of people or vehicles are not provided.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutSites are described as nicely spaced, with fire rings and picnic tables available.

Reservation PlatformsReservations are supported through the Recreation.gov mobile app. Some sites use Scan and Pay for first-come, first-served booking.

Walk-in AvailabilityWalk-up availability is limited during the first-come, first-served window in June. Most sites require on-site physical presence for Scan and Pay access.

Cancellation PolicyScan and Pay camping payments are non-refundable, and no modifications or cancellations are allowed.

AccessibilityAccessible picnic areas, parking spaces, and grills are available according to the official description.

Site SizeCampsites are described as large, flat, and nicely spaced in user reviews.

PrivacyCampsites offer good spacing for privacy. A reviewer mentioned, 'A few nicely spaced sites with picnic tables and fire rings.

Total Campsites15 campsites

Recommended SitesReviewers suggest avoiding weekends during summer for quieter experiences and highlight that AT&T phone coverage is available.

Amenities available

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

Group Sites

Activities you can enjoy

The campground's activities focus on enjoying the natural environment, including fishing and wildlife observation. The lake's water level fluctuates seasonally, which may affect fishing conditions.

FishingFishing is noted as a popular activity, particularly during fishing seasons. Details about the types of fish or fishing quality are not specified.

Wildlife viewingThe natural environment of the campground and its surroundings offers opportunities for wildlife observation. Specific wildlife species are not mentioned.

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsUsers are cautioned about the unstable ground near the lake's drainage area and fire hazards due to dead trees. Wildlife and bugs may also pose typical camping challenges.

Active AlertsFire bans are common during summer months. | Campfires allowed until and unless otherwise posted.

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

Fire PolicyCampfires are allowed unless otherwise posted. Users are cautioned to plan for fire bans during summer.

Emergency ServicesMcKenzie Ranger Station located at the campground mailing address: 57600 McKenzie Hwy., Blue River, OR 97413. Linn County Parks and Recreation administrative office: 3010 Ferry St. SW, Albany, OR 97322, Phone: (541) 967-3917.

Trash & RecyclingNo information about trash and recycling facilities is provided in the authoritative sources or user reviews.

Water FeaturesLost Lake is adjacent to the campground, offering views but limited recreational water access during summer months.

Camp HostManaged by Linn County Parks and Recreation, with administration at 3010 Ferry St. SW, Albany, OR 97322.

Weather at Lost Lake - Willamette (Or)

Reviews

4.1

14 reviews

Satisfactory

Lost Lake - Willamette (Or) is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews highlight the campground's seclusion, natural beauty, and spacious sites. However, some concerns include the lack of water facilities, dusty conditions, and occasionally unclean vault toilets. The campground is described as quiet during weekdays but busier on weekends and during peak seasons.

Review Summaries

Based on 14 reviews

What Campers Love

Campers appreciate the spacious and private sites, natural scenery, and seclusion. Positive comments include, 'Beautiful area. Very secluded,' and 'Nice little campground on the shore of Lost Lake.'

Based on 14 reviews

Common Concerns

Common issues include dusty conditions, bugs, and unclean vault toilets. One reviewer stated, 'The bathroom was beyond disgusting,' while another mentioned, 'Dusty bugs and idiots made campfires.'

Based on 14 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring your own drinking water as none is available on-site. Be prepared for dusty conditions in the summer. Consider visiting during weekdays for a quieter experience.

Based on 14 reviews

Seasonal Insights

The campground is busy during summer weekends and quieter in the off-season. Seasonal water level fluctuations in the lake may impact fishing and the overall lake experience.

Based on 14 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'Beautiful area. Very secluded. Does need the dead trees cleaned up.' - Tami Bunker 2. 'Nice little campground on the shore of Lost Lake, which mostly disappears down a lace tube during the...

Based on 14 reviews