Elk Lake Campground
Currently closed for the winter season. Tentative opening is May 29, 2026. The campground closes at noon on September 27, 2026, with the last reservable night being September 26. Water system activation depends on weather conditions in May.
Air Quality Alert issued August 10 at 9:49AM PDT by NWS Pendleton OR
Oregon Department of Environmental Quality has issued an Air Quality Advisory until noon PDT Wednesday. Check with your local health or air agency for current restrictions on woodstove use. There are often exceptions for those who use wood exclusively to heat their homes and those with limited income. People can take the following precautions to protect their health: * Follow local burn restrictions to prevent deteriorating air quality. * Avoid strenuous outdoor activity in smoky conditions. * People with heart or lung problems and young children are especially vulnerable. These people should stay indoors while smoke levels are high. * Use certified High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filters in indoor heating ventilation, cooling, and air purification systems. * Avoid using wood-burning stoves and other sources of indoor smoke if possible. For additional information...please visit the Web site at http://www.oregon.gov/DEQ
Air Quality Alert issued August 5 at 2:33PM PDT by NWS Pendleton OR
Oregon Department of Environmental Quality has issued an Air Quality Advisory until further notice. For the Smoke Air Quality Advisory, wildfires burning in the region combined with forecasted conditions will cause air quality to reach unhealthy levels. Pollutants in smoke can cause burning eyes, runny nose, aggravate heart and lung diseases, and aggravate other serious health problems. Limit outdoor activities and keep children indoors if it is smoky. Please follow medical advice if you have a heart or lung condition. An Air Quality Advisory for elevated levels of ozone pollution, or smog, is in effect for Hermiston in Umatilla County. Ozone pollution is expected to reach levels that could be unhealthy for sensitive groups, including children, pregnant people, older adults and people with heart or respiratory conditions. DEQ expected the Air Quality Advisory to last until 10 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 6, 2026. For additional information...please visit the Web site at http://www.oregon.gov/DEQ
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.
About
Elk Lake Campground is situated on the north end of Elk Lake, approximately 33 miles southwest of Bend along the Cascade Lakes National Scenic Byway. This older-style hillside campground features 22 standard nonelectric sites spread across two loops, each with a picnic table and fire ring with grill. Vault toilets and drinking water from a hand pump are available. The campground offers direct access to Elk Lake, where both motorized and non-motorized boating are permitted. Popular activities include swimming, fishing, windsurfing, and water skiing. A boat launch is located within the campground, though parking is extremely limited. Swimming areas are closed to animals. Hiking and horseback riding are popular on the Elk-Devils Trail, which follows a historic route from Elk Lake to the Wickiup Plains Trail near Devils Lake. The area provides magnificent views of South Sister, Mt. Bachelor, and surrounding Cascade peaks. Wetlands, diverse forests, and rocky slopes near the campground support shorebirds, porcupine, deer, bats, and occasional black bears.
Directions
From Bend, travel 33.1 miles southwest on Cascade Lakes Highway (Highway 46) to the north end of Elk 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 | $25 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | 36ft |
| Max Trailer Length | 36ft |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (541) 383-5300 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | Yes |
| Verizon | Yes |
| T-Mobile | Yes |
Availability
Photos
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