Big Lake
Open for the 2026 season, operating May through October. Both reservable and first-come, first-served sites are available. Fire bans are common during summer months. Maximum stay is 14 consecutive nights per 60-day period.
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. Some examples of these include hay bales, hay…
About
Big Lake Campground occupies the western shore of Big Lake at an elevation near Santiam Pass in Oregon's Willamette National Forest. The 49 single-unit campsites are spread across two original loops (sites 1-20, some with lake frontage) and an expansion section (sites 21-49) with larger parking spurs. The expansion sites feature stairs down to the table, fire ring, and tent pad below the parking area. Trailers up to 35 feet can be accommodated depending on site selection. The campground is a hub for both motorized and non-motorized recreation. Big Lake is popular for water skiing, sailing, and swimming. The adjacent Santiam Pass Motorized Recreation Area draws OHV users, though OHV operation within the campground itself is prohibited except for entering and exiting. Patjens Lakes Trail departs from the area and loops through Mt. Washington Wilderness, passing scenic alpine lakes. Amenities include filtered drinking water drawn from the lake, vault toilets, fire rings, and picnic tables at each site. A boat launch and day-use picnic area sit mid-campground. Sites are a mix of reservable and first-come, first-served. Cellular service is limited or nonexistent.
Directions
From McKenzie Bridge, OR, travel east on Highway 126 for 29.5 miles to Santiam Pass. Turn south on Big Lake Road (Forest Road 2690). Follow Big Lake Road for 3 miles to the campground on the north side of Big Lake.
Amenities
| Water | Yes |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| 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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