Big Lake
Closed — Closed for the season. The campground typically operates from May through September.
Alcohol Prohibitions
This Order describes acts that are prohibited upon lands, roads and trails within the National Forest System administered by the Forest Service Pacific Northwest Region in regards to alcoholic beverages.
Aquatic Invasive Species
This Order prohibits 1) possessing, storing, or transporting any aquatic invasive animal species AND 2) prohibits possessing, storing, or transporting any aquatic or riparian invasive plant species - on National Forest System lands in the Pacific Northwest Region as specified in the Order.
Restrictions on Use of Forage and Mulch Products
This Order prohibits unloading, storing, or using any straw, hay, grain, seed, or other forage or mulch products that are not state-certified weed free on the National Forest System lands, roads or trails in any Closure Area as specific in the Order.
Forest Service Road (FSR) 2223 and FSR 2212 Emergency Road Closure
UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTUREFOREST SERVICEWILLAMETTE NATIONAL FORESTSPRINGFIELD, OREGONFOREST ORDER NO. 06-18-04-25-23FSR 2223 AND FSR 2212 EMERGENCY ROAD CLOSURE
Portion of Forest Service Road 1003 (Tom Creek Road) closed
A portion of Forest Service Road 1003, also known as Tom Creek Road, is closed. The road closure starts at the junction of FSR 10 and FSR 1003 and includes the first 4.1 miles of FSR 1003 to the junction with the 1003-416 and 1003-409 roads.
Sno-park Permits required Nov. 1 to Apr. 30
Sno-Park Permits are required to park in designated sno-parks from November 1 through April 30. Sno-Park Permits are managed by the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT).
Emigrant Fire Closure Order
Pursuant to 16 USC 551 and 36 CFR § 261.50 (a) and (b), and to provide for public safety, the following acts are prohibited in the areas described in this Order on National Forest System
Tamolitch Parking / Trail Construction Closure
Tamolitch Parking and Trail Construction Closure Forest Order.
Detroit Dispersed Camping Restrictions
Pursuant to 16 USC§ 551 and 36 CFR 261.50(a) and (b), and to provide for public safety, the following acts are prohibited in the Closure Areas, roads and their associated spur roads, trailheads, and recreation sites described in this order on National Forest System lands within the administrative
FIRE CLOSURES: Current wildfire closures on the Willamette National Forest
For updates on active fires, visit our fire Incident Information page. Fire Closures:
Beachie Creek and Lionshead Fires Closure
Pursuant to 16 USC § 551 and 36 CFR § 261.50(a) and (b), and to provide for public safety, the following acts are prohibited in the roads and their associated spur roads, trailheads, and recreation sites described in this order on National Forest System lands within the administrative boundaries
Carmen Reservoir Closure
To protect the health and safety of the public: due to heavy machinery and construction equipment traffic, the following area is closed: the footprint of Carmen Reservoir, from the center of the reservoir up to the high-water line and extends to the spillway area to the southwest and Forest Road
Cedar Creek Fire Closure
To provide for public safety, the following acts are prohibited on the National Forest System (NFS) lands, roads, and trails within the administrative boundaries of the Willamette National Forest.
14 Day Stay Camping Limit
Camping, occupying, or otherwise leaving camping equipment and/or related supplies at any locations on the Willamette National Forest described in this order, overnight, for a period longer than 14 calendar days, in a 30-day period.
Camping Restrictions in Cougar Recreation Area
The Cougar Recreation Area is a specially designated area around Cougar Reservoir.
Moose and Gordon Dispersed Camping Closure
The purpose of this closure is to prohibit dispersed overnight camping and make these areas available as day-use only.
Terwilliger Hot Springs Nudity, Alcohol, and Closed Times
To provide for public safety, the following acts are prohibited in the areas and on the roads described in this Order.
Occupation Use Restriction in Middle Fork Ranger District
The following acts are prohibited in the areas described in this order within the administrative boundaries of the Willamette National Forest.Prohibitions:1. Being in the area after sundown to before sunrise.2. Parking in violation of posted instructions.
About
Big Lake Campground sits on the western shore of Big Lake at the top of Santiam Pass in the Willamette National Forest, offering 49 campsites surrounded by alpine fir, hemlock and lodgepole pine with stunning views of Mt. Washington. The campground consists of the original two loops (sites 1-14 and 15-20) with several lakefront sites, plus an expansion area (sites 21-49) with larger parking spurs and stairs leading down to the camping areas. Most sites can accommodate trailers up to 35 feet depending on the specific site. The campground is a summer activity hub, extremely popular for both motorized and non-motorized boating including water skiing, sailing, and swimming. Its location adjacent to the Santiam Pass OHV Motorized Recreation Area makes it a favorite among OHV enthusiasts, though OHV use within the campground itself is strictly prohibited. The Patjens Lakes Trail begins at the campground, following the western shore of Big Lake before heading south into the Mt. Washington Wilderness, passing the scenic Patjens Lakes, and looping back. A filtered water system drawing from Big Lake serves the entire campground complex. The central day use area includes a boat launch, picnic facilities, and parking for approximately 15 vehicles with boat trailers. Both reservable and first-come, first-served sites are available. The campground offers convenient access to the McKenzie Pass-Santiam Pass National Scenic Byway, Pacific Crest Trail, and Sand Mountain Lookout.
Directions
From McKenzie Bridge, travel east on Highway 126 for 29.5 miles to Santiam Pass. Turn south on Big Lake Road (Forest Service Road 2690) and follow for 3 miles to Big Lake Campground on the north side of Big Lake.
Nearby Campgrounds
Amenities
| Water | Yes |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | No |
| Water Hookups | No |
| Sewer Hookups | No |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $28 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | 65ft |
| Max Trailer Length | 65ft |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (541) 822-3381 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | Yes |
| Verizon | Yes |
| T-Mobile | Yes |
Availability
Photos
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