Scott Lake

Star0
3 reviews
57600 McKenzie Highway, Blue River, OR, 97413
Scenic ViewsSummer Destination

Quick Facts

4,813 ft

Price

$5/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

Varies

Season

Open season applicab...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026
Scott Lake
$5.00 - $5.00 / night
Campsite Fees
$5/vehicle/day or valid recreation pass.
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

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

Free with account · Checks every 2 minutes

150,000+ sites monitored · Email, SMS, or in-app notifications

Share this campground
Recreation Dot Gov
Provider
nullnull
Help improve this page
See something outdated or incorrect? Let us know!

What Campers Say

N/A

Limited Reviews

Based on 3 reviews

10 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewslocationlake

"User experiences at Scott Lake Campground are mixed. Some appreciate the natural beauty and serene environment, while others criticize the poor road conditions and campsite management practices."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

57600 McKenzie Highway, Blue River, OR, 97413

Scott Lake

57600 McKenzie Highway, Blue River, OR, 97413

Driving directionsAccess is dependent on McKenzie Highway (OR Hwy 242), which is closed in the winter. Check tripcheck.com for conditions.
McKenzie Highway is closed during winter months, impacting access.
Nearby places
McKenzie Bridge, OR (west), Sisters, OR (east)
Nearby supplies
null

Best Time to Camp at Scott Lake

Experience the raw beauty of changing seasons at Scott Lake, where each month paints a different portrait of wilderness life. Summer brings warm days perfect for hiking and photography, though July and August visitors should come prepared with insect repellent to ward off the enthusiastic mosquito population that thrives in the lush mountain environment. As autumn approaches, the McKenzie Highway transforms into a corridor of gold before winter's arrival closes the mountain pass, leaving Scott Lake in peaceful solitude until spring's return.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
3.0 / 5

Summer good for hiking/photography but July/August mosquitoes can be heavy.

Best
Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Fall offers strong views and likely fewer bugs; access depends on highway conditions.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.0 / 5

Spring may have lingering snow and variable access; some reviews noted snow on ground.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Winter access typically not possible due to McKenzie Highway closures.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: null. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open season applicable only when McKenzie Highway is not closed due to winter conditions.
  • Current Alerts: McKenzie Highway closures during winter months.

About Scott Lake

Escape to the untouched wilderness of Scott Lake, where adventure begins the moment you arrive at this pristine first-come, first-served primitive campground. Nestled in Oregon's rugged backcountry, this hidden gem rewards early birds and spontaneous travelers alike. Before embarking on your journey, download the Recreation.gov mobile app for seamless Scan and Pay transactions, as cellular signals fade into the whisper of wind through ancient trees once you reach this remote paradise.
Scott Lake Campground offers only primitive camping, emphasizing a back-to-basics experience with no advanced facilities. It caters to tent campers and does not accommodate RVs or trailers.
Advertisement

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers
Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in
Null
Check-out
Null
Stay Limit
Camping is not allowed more than 14 days in a 60 day period.

Amenities available

Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Scott Lake Campground is a hub for outdoor enthusiasts, offering access to scenic photography, nearby trails, and opportunities for nature appreciation. Visitors can enjoy the stunning views of the Three Sisters volcanic peaks and engage in various wilderness activities.
HikingThe campground is located next to the Benson/Tenas Trailhead and provides access to the Mt. Washington Wilderness, known for its scenic views and diverse trails.
Wildlife viewingThe area offers a 'photographer's paradise' with opportunities to observe the pristine lake and surrounding forest of subalpine fir, mountain hemlock, and bear grass. However, specific wildlife species are not described.
Winter Activities
Water Sports
Advertisement

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsHeavy mosquitoes during July and August.
Active AlertsMcKenzie Highway closures during winter months.

Weather at Scott Lake

Reviews

0.0
3 reviews
Limited Reviews
Limited Reviews
Scott Lake has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
User experiences at Scott Lake Campground are mixed. Some appreciate the natural beauty and serene environment, while others criticize the poor road conditions and campsite management practices.
Review Summaries
Based on 3 reviews

What Campers Love

Many users praise the campground's stunning location, describing it as 'a photographer's paradise' with 'serene lake views' and 'pristine surroundings.' The proximity to trails and wilderness areas...
Show more
Based on 3 reviews

Common Concerns

Common issues include the 'poor condition' of the access road, which one user described as 'one of the worst I have driven,' and campsite management, with reports of sites being 'saved' by empty...
Show more
Based on 3 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Users recommend being prepared for heavy mosquito activity in July and August and advise downloading the Recreation.gov app in advance due to limited cell service. Visitors should also be aware of...
Show more
Based on 3 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Visitors note that July and August are particularly challenging due to heavy mosquito presence. Winter access is not possible as the McKenzie Highway is closed.
Based on 3 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'This hidden treasure is a photographer's paradise.' 2. 'Approach road one of worst condition I have driven.' 3. 'Excellent first come, first served campground but way too many spots are being...
Show more
Based on 3 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Spot 7 is identified as a 'prime site' in user reviews but was reportedly 'saved' by an empty tent for three nights.
Based on 3 reviews

Accessibility Features

No specific reviews address accessibility features.
Based on 3 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed, but they must be kept on a leash at all times. No additional reviews focus on pet-related experiences.
Based on 3 reviews

0
0 review
1
2
3
4
5

Add your voice to the Outdoorithm community

Been to Scott Lake? Your review helps fellow campers discover what makes this place special—and what to expect.


Last updated January 5, 2026
Advertisement

Nearby Campgrounds

Campgrounds you may also like

Popular campgrounds in Oregon

Campgrounds
Willamette National Forest
Scott Lake