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Elk Lake Campground Introduce

Elk Lake Campground is a hidden gem for outdoor enthusiasts seeking a serene and family-friendly camping experience in Oregon. Located between Mount Bachelor and the Three Sisters mountains, this campground offers a unique high desert lake camping atmosphere. The clear and cool waters of Elk Lake make it an ideal spot for swimming, boating, and enjoying various water activities. With a 10 mph speed limit on the lake, 90% of the watercraft are non-motorized, ensuring a peaceful and natural experience.

Managed by the US Forest Service, Elk Lake Campground is known for its well-maintained campsites with breathtaking lake views. Unlike the resort side, the campground provides a more authentic and secluded camping experience. The campsite is safe and family-friendly, with respectful campers and a strong sense of community. A camp host on-site can communicate with Deschutes County if needed, adding an extra layer of security and assistance for visitors.

Elk Lake Campground offers several amenities to enhance your stay. Vault toilets are attended, ensuring cleanliness and convenience. While the water spigots may not always be turned on as advertised (as noted in late June), campers can still enjoy the nearby resort facilities, including boat rentals, restaurants, and other services.

Customer feedback highlights the campground's positive attributes. One visitor described it as "the quintessential high desert lake camping experience," praising the beautiful setting and family-friendly atmosphere. Another highlighted the cleanliness of the campsites and vault toilets, attributing this to the hard work of camp hosts Eric and Dawn, who ensure everyone follows fire bans and maintain the facilities meticulously.

  • Perfect for families
  • Breathtaking lake views
  • Peaceful and respectful environment
  • Easy access to water activities
  • Family-friendly staff and camp hosts

Elk Lake Campground is more than just a place to stay; it's an experience that brings you closer to nature. With its stunning location, excellent amenities, and welcoming atmosphere, it's no wonder many visitors consider it their favorite camping spot in Oregon.

Location

OregonDeschutes County

Customer Reviews

4.0
7 reviews
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Harmony B
Jun 27, 2024

This lake is the quintessential high desert lake camping experience. Nestled in between Mount Bachelor & the Three Sisters mountains. Clear & cool & great for swimming! The speed limit is 10 mph which results in 90% non-motorized water craft. The USFS campground has the best camp spots with lake views (not the resort side). The campground is safe and VERY family friendly. Campers are respectful. The resort side has a camp host that can communicate with Deschutes County, if needed. Plus, there is strong Verizon cell coverage. The vault toilets are attended to, (with the exception being the handicap vault toilet in the day use area that was kept locked for the days we were there). As of late June, Deschutes County has still not turned on the water spigots—even though the website says they’re turned on in May. 🤔But utilizing the amenities at the resort (boat rental, restaurant, etc) is a bonus.

a
anne greene
Jul 25, 2024

Eric and dawn were amazing camp host super well kept made sure everyone was following fire bands the vault toilets and camp sites were clean and well kept definitely worth the visit my favorite lake to camp at by far amazing vacation

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Shawndi Stahl
Jul 06, 2024

We had an amazing stay at south campground (Hosmer lake) and the hosts were simply delightful! They were helpful and accommodating, friendly and hospitable. They went out of their way to ensure we all had what we needed. I didn’t want to leave!

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Mark McCulley
Jun 27, 2024

Quiet & family friendly with beautiful lake and mountain views.

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Jerry Leskiv
Aug 08, 2023

Beautiful campground with awesome views