Big Lake West Campground
Open for the 2026 season from May 15 through November 1. Over half the sites are reservable in advance via Recreation.gov; remaining sites are first-come, first-served. Campfires are allowed until and unless otherwise posted. Fire bans are common during summer months.
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 West Campground occupies the western shore of Big Lake, a scenic alpine lake at the top of Santiam Pass in the Willamette National Forest. The 11 tent-only double sites are nestled among alpine fir, hemlock, and lodgepole pine, offering views of the lake with Mt. Washington as a backdrop. Each site includes a picnic table and campfire ring, though there are no parking spurs so vehicles park along the road edge. The campground shares a water system with nearby Big Lake Campground and has vault toilets on site. Ice and firewood are available for purchase. The lake is popular for both motorized and non-motorized boating, with a boat ramp and swimming area accessible from the campground. Nearby attractions include the Mt. Washington Wilderness accessed via Patjens Lakes Trail, the historic Santiam Wagon Road, McKenzie Pass-Santiam Pass National Scenic Byway, Pacific Crest Trail, and Sand Mountain Lookout. The adjacent Santiam Pass Motorized Recreation Area draws OHV enthusiasts, though OHV use within the campground is prohibited except for entering and exiting.
Directions
From McKenzie Bridge, OR, travel east on Highway 126 for 29.5 miles to Santiam Pass. Turn south onto Big Lake Road (Forest Road 2690) and continue for 3 miles to the campground on the north side of Big Lake. Alternatively from Eugene, take I-105 east to McKenzie Highway 126, travel 90 miles east to Santiam Pass, turn right onto the Hoodoo Ski Area/Big Lake Road access road, go one mile to the fork and stay left on FR 2690, then continue 4 miles to the campground.
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 | $55 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| 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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