How much does camping cost at Scott Lake?

Camping fees at Scott Lake are $5/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Scott Lake first-come first-served or reservation?

Scott Lake accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Scott Lake before I book?

Yes! Scott Lake has 3 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 Scott Lake?

Scott Lake is open July 02 to October 10. 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 Scott Lake?

Scott Lake does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

Are dogs allowed at Scott Lake?

Yes, pets are allowed at Scott Lake. 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 Scott Lake?

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

Scott Lake

3 reviews

57600 McKenzie Highway, Blue River, OR, 97413

Summer Destination

Quick Facts

4,813 ft

Price

$5/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

Varies

Season

Open season applicab...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Book on null Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

4,813 ft

Price

$5/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

Varies

Season

Open season applicab...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Book on null Official Website

Get Directions

Scott Lake

$5.00 / night

Campsite Fees

ScanPay 1: $5.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in person).

No campsite fee categories listed.

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

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I manage this campground

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Campground Map

57600 McKenzie Highway, Blue River, OR, 97413

Scott Lake

57600 McKenzie Highway, Blue River, OR, 97413

Nearby places

McKenzie Bridge, OR (west), Sisters, OR (east)

Weather at Scott Lake

Current alerts(7)

Access is dependent on McKenzie Highway (OR Hwy 242), which is closed in the winter. Check tripcheck.com for conditions.
Camping is not allowed more than 14 days in a 60 day period.
Dogs MUST be on leash at all times within the campground.
First come, first serve sites only. Fees: $5/vehicle/day or valid recreation pass

Best Time to Camp at Scott Lake

Best season: fall. Fall offers the best combination of crisp, clear weather and solitude at Scott Lake — daytime highs usually range from the mid-40s to low-60s°F with frosty nights often dropping near or below freezing. Trails are firm, mosquitoes are largely gone, and the subalpine meadows and mountain hemlock stands take on late-season color, making hiking, wildlife viewing and photography particularly rewarding. Crowds thin after Labor Day, but be mindful that access depends on McKenzie Highway remaining open; Peak months: September, October, July, June Avoid: December, January, February

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Fall highlighted as best season: crisp clear weather, firm trails, and solitude.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: July 02 to October 10. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open season applicable only when McKenzie Highway is not closed due to winter conditions.

About Scott Lake

Scott Lake sits in mid-elevation forest within Willamette National Forest near Blue River, offering free or very low-cost primitive camping during peak season. The campground provides vault toilets, fire rings, and picnic tables for tent campers seeking a no-frills base camp. Visitors use the site to access nearby trails and wilderness areas, with fall bringing crisp weather, firm trails, and late-season color in the subalpine meadows.

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.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: fall. Fall offers the best combination of crisp, clear weather and solitude at Scott Lake — daytime highs usually range from the mid-40s to low-60s°F with frosty nights often dropping near or below freezing. Trails are firm, mosquitoes are largely gone, and the subalpine meadows and mountain hemlock stands take on late-season color, making hiking, wildlife viewing and photography particularly rewarding. Crowds thin after Labor Day, but be mindful that access depends on McKenzie Highway remaining open; Peak months: September, October, July, June Avoid: December, January, February

Elevation4813 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryDense stands of subalpine fir and mountain hemlock grow in volcanic soils around the lake, with meadows of bear grass beneath. When the weather cooperates, the Three Sisters dominate the skyline. Campers call it a photographer's paradise for the lake views and pristine surroundings. The subalpine meadows and hemlock forests shift color in late fall, adding another layer to the scenery.

Lodging & AccommodationsThere are no hotel-style lodges available at this campground.

Programs & ActivitiesThere is no information about cultural or educational programs at Scott Lake Campground.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

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

Guests Allowed Per Site

Null

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsScan and Pay option available via the Recreation.gov mobile app. Pre-download required due to limited cellular service.

Site SizeStandard-sized campsites are available, but exact measurements are not provided.

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.

Recommended Sitesnull

Need help booking Scott Lake?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

Free alerts for this campground

Amenities available

Scott Lake Campground offers a primitive camping experience with a focus on natural beauty. The campground features basic amenities like vault toilets, campfire rings, and picnic tables. However, there are no facilities for RV hookups, trailers, or advanced utilities like electricity and water connections. Pets are allowed as long as they are leashed. There is an emphasis on maintaining the pristine environment of the area, with rules such as the prohibition of chainsaws and the requirement for dogs to be on leashes.

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

Things to do at Scott Lake

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.

Hiking4.0/5

Adjacent to Benson/Tenas Trailhead with access to Mt. Washington Wilderness.

Wildlife viewing4.0/5

Subalpine meadows, bear grass, dense fir/hemlock; noted as a nature/photography spot.

Water Sports4.0/5

Winter Activities

Signature experiences

Stargazing4.0/5High elevation, remote forest lake with low light; good for night photography.

Photography5.0/5Explicitly described as a 'photographer's paradise' for lake and peak vistas.

Not sure what to pack?Our complete camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

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; the campground only provides vault toilets.

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.

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

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From Booking Sources

0.0

3 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...

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...

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

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 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...

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

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Scott Lake

$5.00 / night

Campsite Fees

ScanPay 1: $5.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in person).

No campsite 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

Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

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Go if

You want a budget-friendly forest base camp for hiking and photography with basic amenities and seasonal access.

Skip if

You need a maintained access road, hookups, or amenities beyond vault toilets and picnic tables.

Nearby Campgrounds

57600 McKenzie Highway, Blue River, OR, 97413

Alder Springs is a U.S. Forest Service campground in Willamette National Forest near Blue River, offering primitive tent sites in the foothills. The very small layout attracts campers seeking quiet and proximity to McKenzie Highway recreation, including hiking and McKenzie Pass day trips. Sites include vault toilets, fire rings, and picnic tables, but no potable water.