Elk Lake Campground
Currently closed. Opens July 1, 2026 and operates through October 16, 2026. All 17 sites are first-come, first-served only with no advance reservations. The campground was closed for the entire 2025 season.
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
Elk Lake Campground sits at the west end of Elk Lake in the Willamette National Forest, surrounded by the Bull of the Woods and Opal Creek Wildernesses. This remote 17-site tent-only campground provides a true backcountry feel with vault toilets and picnic tables, though no potable water is available. The non-motorized lake is ideal for swimming and paddling in quiet waters. The campground serves as a basecamp for exploring numerous trails including Elk Lake Creek Trail #559, Bagby Hot Springs Trail #544, Battle Ax Creek Trail #3339, and Beachie Trail #3341. Hikers are rewarded with views of multiple Cascade peaks. Wildflowers carpet the meadows around July, making it an exceptional time to visit. Access requires navigating Forest Service Road 4697, which is unmaintained for the last 4 miles. The rough, rocky road makes this campground unsuitable for low-clearance vehicles, motorcycles, or trailers. All sites are first-come, first-served with payment via QR code through the Recreation.gov mobile app.
Directions
From Highway 22 at Detroit, Oregon, turn onto Breitenbush Road (FSR 46). Proceed 4.4 miles, turn left onto FS Road 4696. Proceed 0.8 miles, turn left on FS Road 4697. Follow FS Road 4697 for 4.5 miles and turn left at an unmarked junction (still FS Road 4697), continue 2.1 miles to a small spur road at the west end of Elk Lake (FS Road 390). The camping area is about 0.3 miles ahead. The last 4 miles of FS Road 4697 are unmaintained; low-clearance vehicles and trailers are not recommended.
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | — |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | — |
| Price | $12 - $22 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (503) 854-3366 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
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