Scott Lake
02 reviews57600 McKenzie Highway, Blue River, OR, 97413
Quick Facts
Price
$5/night
Booking
Reservable
Sites
Varies
Season
Open season applicab...
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Allowed
Quick Facts
Price
$5/night
Booking
Reservable
Sites
Varies
Season
Open season applicab...
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Allowed
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
Total Campsite Fees$0.00
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What Campers Say
N/A
Limited Reviews
Based on 2 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."
Fees & Passes at Scott Lake
$5/night
Campsite fees
Stay Limit: Camping is not allowed more than 14 days in a 60 day period.
Cancellation: There are no refunds, modifications, cancellations, or other fee changes allowed with Scan and Pay p...
Prices verified December 7, 2025
Prices may vary by season and site type. Always confirm current rates on the official null website.
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.
Spring (Mar-May)
Wildflowers bloom, mild temperatures, fewer crowds. Great for hiking and photography.
Best
Summer (Jun-Aug)
Peak season with warm days. Most facilities open. Reserve ahead.
Fall (Sep-Nov)
Beautiful fall colors, cooler temps, quieter campgrounds. Ideal for peaceful trips.
Winter (Dec-Feb)
Snow activities available. Some facilities may close. Check conditions.
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.
Historical Significancenull
Weather and SeasonsExperience 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.
ElevationPerched high in the Cascade Mountains, this elevated sanctuary offers camping at its most authentic, where the thin mountain air carries the scent of pine and adventure, and every breath connects you to the raw power of the alpine wilderness.
Natural Features and SceneryStep into an enchanted realm where towering subalpine firs and mountain hemlocks create nature's own cathedral, their branches sheltering carpets of delicate bear grass that sway in the mountain breeze. This high-altitude wonderland serves as your personal viewing platform for one of Oregon's most spectacular sights—the majestic Three Sisters volcanic peaks, which pierce the sky like ancient sentinels when the weather clears, offering photographers and nature lovers an ever-changing canvas of light, shadow, and volcanic grandeur.
Geological RegionImmerse yourself in the dramatic volcanic landscape surrounding Scott Lake, where millions of years of geological artistry have sculpted a subalpine paradise. Here, dense forests of fir and mountain hemlock thrive in volcanic soils, while meadows of bear grass bloom beneath the watchful gaze of the Three Sisters—three magnificent volcanic peaks that dominate the horizon and tell the story of the Cascades' fiery birth.
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Campsite details
AccessibilityThere is no specific information on accessibility features for campers with disabilities.
Sites SizeStandard-sized campsites are available, but exact measurements are not provided.
Sites PrivacyThe campground offers a natural and serene environment, but specific details about site privacy are not mentioned. Some user reviews note that sites are being 'saved' by tents, which might affect privacy.
Total Campsites0 campsites
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Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Null
Check-out
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Stay Limit
Camping is not allowed more than 14 days in a 60 day period.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Null
Groups
No information is available regarding group camping options.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutnull
Open and Closed SeasonOpen season applicable only when McKenzie Highway is not closed due to winter conditions.
Reservation PlatformsScan and Pay option available via the Recreation.gov mobile app. Pre-download required due to limited cellular service.
Walk-in AvailabilityFirst-come, first-served basis. Visitors must physically arrive to purchase and claim a site.
Cancellation PolicyThere are no refunds, modifications, cancellations, or other fee changes allowed with Scan and Pay payments.
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.
Hiking
The 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 viewing
The 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
The source does not mention winter-specific activities, but access to the campground is dependent on McKenzie Highway, which is closed in winter.Water Sports
No water sports activities like kayaking or paddleboarding are mentioned in the source material.Advertisement
Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- null
- Quiet hours are null
Hazards
General hazardsHeavy mosquitoes during July and August.
Active alertsMcKenzie Highway closures during winter months.
Weather at Scott Lake
38
°F
Dec 7
Sunday
Slight rain
Precipitation: 2.4%
Very strong wind, outdoor activities may be affected
Humidity: 100%
High humidity, may feel muggy
Wind: 14.4 mph
Very strong wind, outdoor activities may be affected
Very Light Rain - (2.40% chance)
Slight drizzle possible
Slight rain
Weather History
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
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Reveal forecast
Emergency Services
null
Good to know
Peak season datesnull
Trash and recyclingNo details are provided about trash and recycling facilities; however, the campground emphasizes maintaining the pristine environment.
Proximity to water featuresLocated on picturesque Scott Lake.
Common complaintsApproach road in poor condition as noted by multiple users.
Hostnull
Campground Map
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
Reviews from booking and map sources
0.0
2 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 2 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...
Based on 2 reviewsShow more
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...
Based on 2 reviewsShow more
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...
Based on 2 reviewsShow more
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 2 reviewsCamper 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...
Based on 2 reviewsShow more
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 2 reviewsAccessibility Features
No specific reviews address accessibility features.
Based on 2 reviewsPet-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 2 reviewsCamper Reviews by Outdoorithm campers
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0 review
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Last updated December 7, 2025
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