Olive Lake Campground

About

Nestled on the edge of Olive Lake in the Blue Mountains of Eastern Oregon, this popular campground provides access to excellent fishing for rainbow trout, cutthroat trout, brook trout, and kokanee. The lake allows motorized boats but prohibits wakes and personal watercraft. A 2-mile trail encircles the lake, suitable for hiking and mountain biking, with nearby access to the North Fork John Day Wilderness and Vinegar Hill Scenic Area. The campground features 28 sites including 20 tent/RV sites, 6 tent-only sites, and 2 group sites. Seven accessible vault toilets serve the campground. There is no potable water on-site, though water is available at Fremont Powerhouse (7 miles east) from May 15 through September 30. No garbage service is provided. Wildlife viewing opportunities include deer, elk, black bear, river otters, and a nesting pair of osprey that return annually. The surrounding area is rich in mining history. The dam on the north side of the lake was part of a hydroelectric system supporting gold mining operations, with water flowing through a wooden pipeline to Fremont Powerhouse. The historic town of Granite lies 12 miles east along Forest Road 73.

Directions

From Ukiah, OR, travel south on County Road 1475 (becomes Forest Service Road 52 after 5 miles) for about 48.5 miles to Granite. Before entering town, turn right onto County Road 24/FSR 10 and travel 3.5 miles to the end of pavement. Continue on gravel FSR 10 uphill for 9 miles, then turn left on FSR 1000480 and travel 0.25 miles to the campground.