Lost Prairie Group Site
02 reviews4431 HIGHWAY 20 SWEET HOME OR 97386
Quick Facts
3,600 ftPrice
$225/night
Booking
Reservable
Sites
10 campsites
Season
Open from May 22 to ...
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Not Allowed
RV Friendly
Get DirectionsQuick Facts
3,600 ftPrice
$225/night
Booking
Reservable
Sites
10 campsites
Season
Open from May 22 to ...
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Not Allowed
RV Friendly
Get DirectionsLost Prairie Group Site
$225.00 - $225.00 / night
Campsite Fees
The peak rate for the group site is $225 per night during the reservable season (May 22 - October 18). Out-of-season reservations are unavailable....
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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$225.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Total Campsite Fees$225.00
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Recreation Dot Gov
Provider541-967-3917jmeier02@fs.fed.us
What Campers Say
N/A
Limited Reviews
Based on 2 reviews
3 Google reviews
Most mentioned
locationhikingwater
"User reviews generally praise the natural beauty of the area and its proximity to outdoor activities. However, issues such as water quality and the availability of firewood are noted."
Fees & Passes at Lost Prairie Group Site
$225/night
Campsite fees
Group Site
For large groups
Stay Limit: You may stay up to 14 nights during a visit at this campground.
Cancellation: Cancellations can be made any time before arrival. Fees include $10 cancellation fee and may deduct ...
Prices verified November 27, 2025
Prices may vary by season and site type. Always confirm current rates on the official Linn County Parks website.
Best Time to Camp at Lost Prairie Group Site
Experience the gentle rhythm of mountain seasons at Lost Prairie, where spring arrives with refreshing rains and mild temperatures that awaken the forest floor. The prime camping window stretches from late spring through early fall, offering warm days and cool, starlit nights perfect for campfire gatherings. As autumn fades, winter transforms the landscape into a snow-draped wonderland, though heavy snowfall and mixed precipitation make the site a summer-only destination, closing for reservations during the colder months.
Spring (Mar-May)
Wildflowers bloom, mild temperatures, fewer crowds. Great for hiking and photography.
Best
Summer (Jun-Aug)
Peak season with warm weather, perfect for water activities. Book early.
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: May 22 - October 18. Book 2-3 months ahead.
- Operating Season: Open from May 22 to October 18. Out-of-season reservations are not available.
About Lost Prairie Group Site
Discover Lost Prairie Group Site, where ten intimate campsites are tucked beneath a canopy of towering Cascade forest trees. This thoughtfully converted group campground offers the perfect blend of community and solitude, with each site featuring its own picnic table and fire pit for memorable evenings under the stars. The melodic sounds of Hackleman Creek weave through the campground, creating a natural soundtrack for your wilderness escape. Summer visitors are treated to spectacular wildflower displays, while the surrounding landscape opens up to pristine alpine lakes, scenic trails, and breathtaking byways waiting to be explored.
Lost Prairie Group Site offers options for group camping, tent camping, and RV camping.
Historical SignificanceStep into a landscape steeped in pioneer history, where Lost Prairie earned its evocative name from a fateful moment on the historic Santiam Wagon Road. Here, a scouting party lost their way among the dense forest and meadows, forever marking this place in local lore. Nearby Sand Mountain served as a crucial landmark for early travelers, its distinctive peak helping guide countless journeys through these rugged mountains and continuing to orient modern adventurers exploring the Cascades.
Weather and SeasonsExperience the gentle rhythm of mountain seasons at Lost Prairie, where spring arrives with refreshing rains and mild temperatures that awaken the forest floor. The prime camping window stretches from late spring through early fall, offering warm days and cool, starlit nights perfect for campfire gatherings. As autumn fades, winter transforms the landscape into a snow-draped wonderland, though heavy snowfall and mixed precipitation make the site a summer-only destination, closing for reservations during the colder months.
ElevationPerched at 3,600 feet in the heart of the Cascades, Lost Prairie offers a refreshing mountain retreat where crisp, clean air and naturally cooler temperatures provide welcome relief from summer heat. This elevation creates an ideal microclimate for diverse forest ecosystems, where visitors can experience the authentic mountain environment complete with towering evergreens, alpine meadows, and the invigorating atmosphere that only high-country camping can provide.
Natural Features and SceneryImmerse yourself in a landscape where ancient forests create cathedral-like groves around your campsite, and Hackleman Creek dances over smooth stones with crystalline mountain water. Summer transforms the namesake prairie into a painter's palette of wildflowers - lupines, paintbrush, and beargrass creating waves of color against the evergreen backdrop. Just a short journey away lies the legendary Clear Lake, renowned for water so pure you can peer down to see ghostly trees preserved beneath its surface, a haunting reminder of the volcanic forces that shaped this remarkable region.
Geological RegionLost Prairie sits within the dramatic volcanic landscape of the Cascade Range, where ancient lava flows and explosive eruptions have sculpted a terrain of remarkable diversity. The nearby Sand Mountain stands as a testament to this fiery past, its cinder cone shape telling the story of volcanic activity that created the region's unique topography. This geological heritage has blessed the area with rich soils that support dense forests, vibrant wildflower meadows, and the clear mountain streams that make this corner of the Cascades such a compelling destination for nature enthusiasts.
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Campsite details
AccessibilityAn accessible vault toilet is available near the parking area. Other accessibility features are not mentioned.
Sites SizeSite sizes vary: Site 1 has a back-in, paved surface and is 42 feet long; Site 2 is 30 feet long with a slight grade; Site 3 is 17 feet long; Site 4 is 15 feet long. Sites 5-10 were originally walk-in sites and are less than 60 feet from the main area.
Sites PrivacyThe group site is nestled among trees, providing some privacy, although individual site privacy levels are not explicitly detailed.
Total Campsites10 campsites
Recommended CampsitesSite 1 is recommended for campers seeking flat terrain. Sites 5-10 are closer to the creek for those who prefer proximity to water.
Best Campsites
Curated by campers, for campers
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Reserving a campsite
Check-in
2:00 PM
Check-out
12:00 PM
Stay Limit
You may stay up to 14 nights during a visit at this campground.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Maximum capacity for the group site is 75 people.
Groups
The group site accommodates up to 75 people, with parking for up to 6 RVs.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutSites 1-4 are back-in paved sites for tents/small campers. Sites 5-10 were originally walk-in, less than 60 feet from the main area, and can accommodate tents.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen from May 22 to October 18. Out-of-season reservations are not available.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made online at Recreation.gov or by calling 877-444-6777.
Walk-in AvailabilitySites 1-4 are available on a first-come, first-serve basis only if the group site is not reserved.
Cancellation PolicyCancellations can be made any time before arrival. Fees include $10 cancellation fee and may deduct first night's recreation use fee for late cancellations. Late cancellation is defined as within 14 days of the arrival date.
Accomodation available
GroupGroup campsites are offered for larger parties such as families, schools, or organizations. These sites provide space and facilities to accommodate multiple people camping together.
Amenities available
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Lost Prairie Group Site offers a variety of outdoor recreational activities, particularly hiking and boating. The site is close to several trails and lakes.
Hiking
Numerous hiking trails are accessible within a 15-minute drive, including the McKenzie River Trail, Iron Mountain, Echo Basin, Crescent Mountain, and Browder Ridge trails.Fishing
Fishing opportunities are available at nearby Clear Lake, Smith Reservoir, and Suttle Lake.Boating
Nearby Clear Lake, Smith Reservoir, and Suttle Lake provide boating opportunities.Winter Activities
Winter activities are not detailed in the authoritative or user-provided content.Water Sports
Non-motorized water sports are not explicitly detailed.Advertisement
Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Campfires are allowed in designated fire pits/grills. Firewood availability is limited, and campers are advised to bring their own.
Hazards
General hazardsWater from the hand pump may be rusty and unsuitable for drinking. Campers should filter creek water or bring their own potable water.
Weather at Lost Prairie Group Site
44
°F
Dec 7
Sunday
Slight rain
Precipitation: 2%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 93%
High humidity, may feel muggy
Wind: 11.1 mph
Strong wind, exercise caution
Very Light Rain - (2.00% chance)
Slight drizzle possible
Slight rain
Weather History
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Detailed 7-Day Forecast
Powered by AI weather analysis
Reveal forecast
Emergency Services
Emergency services, including hospitals and police stations, are likely located in Sweet Home, OR, the closest city 38 miles away.
Good to know
Peak season datesMay 22 - October 18
Trash and recyclingTrash and recycling facilities are not mentioned in the authoritative content or user reviews.
Proximity to water featuresHackleman Creek runs through the campground, and Clear Lake, Smith Reservoir, and Suttle Lake are nearby for boating and fishing.
Common complaintsSome user reviews note the water from the hand pump is rusty and non-potable, requiring filtration or alternative sources.
HostNo specific host information is provided, but Linn County Parks manages the site.
Campground Map
4431 HIGHWAY 20 SWEET HOME OR 97386
Driving directionsFrom Sweet Home, OR, follow Highway 20 east for 38 miles and look for signs for the Lost Prairie Group Site.
The site is accessible via Highway 20, which is paved. No specific seasonal closures or challenging terrain are noted.Nearby places
Sweet Home, OR (38 miles
approximately 45 minutes drive)
Nearby supplies
Sweet Home, OR (38 miles away) appears to be the nearest location for groceries, camping supplies, and fuel.
Reviews from booking and map sources
0.0
2 reviews
Lost Prairie Group Site has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews generally praise the natural beauty of the area and its proximity to outdoor activities. However, issues such as water quality and the availability of firewood are noted.
Review Summaries
Based on 2 reviews
What Campers Love
Users appreciate the scenic location and proximity to hiking trails: 'Lots of areas to explore. If you're a hiker, just up the road a bit are some wonderful trails.' Another user noted the 'great...
Based on 2 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Common complaints include the poor quality of water from the hand pump: 'The water at the pump comes out rusty and with chunks of metal.' Firewood availability is also a concern: 'Campfire wood is...
Based on 2 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Campers should bring potable water and firewood due to limited availability on-site. Filtering creek water is recommended as an alternative to using the hand pump.
Based on 2 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Reviews highlight that spring can be rainy, which affects camping conditions: 'Of course it was Oregon in the Spring so we did have some rain.'
Based on 2 reviewsCamper Quotes
1. 'Lots of areas to explore. If you're a hiker, just up the road a bit are some wonderful trails.' - Gloria B.
2. 'The water at the pump comes out rusty and with chunks of metal. We filtered the...
Based on 2 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Site-specific reviews mention Site 1 positively, noting its convenience and access to nearby trails.
Based on 2 reviewsAccessibility Features
Accessibility features like the accessible vault toilet are noted, but other experiences for users with disabilities are not specifically reviewed.
Based on 2 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pet policies and experiences are not discussed in the authoritative or user-provided content.
Based on 2 reviewsCamper Reviews by Outdoorithm campers
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0 review
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Last updated November 27, 2025
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