Lost Prairie Group Site is located along the Over the Rivers and Through the Woods Scenic Byway and is nestled among the forest in the Cascades at an elevation of 3600 feet. There are many wildflowers blooming in the prairie during the summer. Lost Prairie has 4 traditional campsites, two suitable for small RV's. One Hand pump provides water and there is a newer double CXT toilet on site and an older outhouse near site 1. The creek can be accessed from the campground easily.
Lost Prairie Group Site is close to numerous hiking and boating opportunities. The McKenzie River trail, Echo Basin, Crescent Mountain and Browder Ridge trails are all within fifteen minutes drive. Clear Lake, Smith Reservoir and Suttle Lake are all close by and offer boating and fishing opportunities.
Clear Lake Resort is just down the road from Lost Prairie Group Site on Hwy 126 with restaurant, boat rental and excellent hiking around the Clear Lake. Clear Lake is unique and well known for its clarity and standing dead trees created by the eruption of Sand Mountain. The West Cascades Scenic Byway and Santiam Pass-McKenzie Pass Scenic Byway are in close proximity to the site. Numerous short hikes to lakes, waterfalls and scenic vistas are along both routes.
Part of the historic Santiam Wagon Road, Lost Prairie is a natural meadow near Hackleman creek where a scouting party looking for a new wagon route across the Cascades became lost. After several days of frustration, one member of the party climbed a tall tree and spotted Sand Mountain to the east, regaining his bearings.
At a Glance
Current Conditions: | Open for 2024 Season. |
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Reservations: | Reservable as group site only. Individual sites are not reservable. Reserve online at www.recreation.gov or phone 1.877.444.6777. |
Area Amenities: | Picnic tables, Toilets, Drinking water |
Fees: |
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Open Season: | 05/17/2024 - 10/15/2024 |
Usage: | Medium |
Closest Towns: | Sweet Home, OR |
Water: | Yes, hand pumps |
Restroom: | Vault toilets |
Operated By: | Linn County Parks & Recreation |
Information Center: | Sweet Home Ranger District 4431 Highway 20 Sweet Home, OR 97386 541-367-5168 |
General Information
Directions:GPS Info. (Latitude, Longitude):
44.40278, -122.07556
44°24'10"N, 122°4'32"W
From Sweet Home, OR, follow Highway 20 east for 38 miles and look for signs for the Lost Prairie Group Site.
General Notes:
Close to:
Read about camping rules, regulations and camping tips on our Camping Rules & Things to Know page.
Activities
Group Camping
The Lost Prairie Group Area was originally a campground that has been converted to a group site. Below are the details on the individual sites within the group site; every site has a picnic table and fire pit/grill. There is a parking area originally designed for the walk in sites that can be used for RV parking; this area is suitable for 3 large or 5 small RV's, maximum 6 RV's.
Site 1 Back-in, paved surface, 42 feet long, flat grade, suitable for tent or small camper
Site 2 Back-in, paved surface, 30 feet long, slight grade, suitable for tent or small camper
Site 3 Back-in, paved surface, 17 feet long, slight grade, suitable for tent or small camper
Site 4 Back-in, paved surface, 15 feet long, slight grade, suitable for tent or small camper
Site 5 -10 were originally walk-in sites. Walk is less than 60 feet. Tents may be set up in area where original sites were located. Parking area can be used for autos using walk-in area and RV's.
River and Stream Fishing
Day Hiking
Picnicking
Amenities
Toilets: | Vault |
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Drinking water: | Handpump |