Big Lake Campground
On the western shore of Big Lake at the top of Santiam Pass, surrounded by alpine fir, hemlock and lodgepole pine, campers enjoy views of the lake with the beautiful Mt. Washington as a backdrop. Big Lake Campground offers 49 sites for tent or RV camping. Drinking water, vault toilets and a boat ramp are provided. This campground is a hub of activity during the summer months. Big Lake is very popular for both motorized and non-motorized boating.
The campground is located adjacent to the Santiam Pass OHV Motorized Recreation Area and is a popular campground for OHV enthusiasts.
Nearby Patjens Lakes Trail offers easy access to the Mt. Washington Wilderness.
Reservations
Make Reservations HereSome campsites are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
General Information
Big Lake Campground is close to:
May - October
Quiet hours are 10:00 p.m. until 6:00 a.m.
- OHV use in the campground is strictly prohibited for any purpose other than entering or leaving the campground.
- Camping is not allowed more than 14 days in a 60 day period.
- Use of chainsaws in the campground is prohibited.
Interagency Senior and Access Passes (and the Golden Age and Access Passes) may receive a 50% discount on the use fee for individual campsites. This discount does not apply to extra vehicle fee or multiple campsites.
Overnight Use:
Single Site: $28 per night
Additional Vehicle Fee: $10 per vehicle per night
Day Use:
$10 per vehicle per day
Within developed recreation sites, dogs must be on a leash no longer than 6 feet, or otherwise under physical restrictive control. 36 CFR 261.16(j)
Address: 57600 McKenzie Highway McKenzie Bridge, OR 97413
Phone: (541) 822-3381
Hours: Monday-Friday, 10:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. (Closed on federal holidays)
Office Email: sm.fs.mf@usda.gov
Getting There
Latitude / Longitude
Latitude: 44.37807
Longitude: -121.87047
Directions
From McKenzie Bridge, OR, travel east on Highway 126 for 29.5 miles to Santiam Pass. Turn, heading south on Big Lake Road (Forest Service Road 2690).
Follow Big Lake Road for 3 miles to Big Lake Campground on the north side of Big Lake.
Parking
Parking is limited to site length. Refer to Recreation.gov for individual site lengths.
Facility and Amenity Information
Restrooms
Vault toilet(s)Water
Potable water is available at this site.
Picnic Tables
Picnic tables are available at this site.
Horse/Pack Animal Information
Horse/Pack animals are not allowed at this site.
Recreation Opportunities
Fishing - Lake & Pond
Recreation Groups
Big Lake is 225 acres in size and is situated on the historic Santiam Wagon Road. It was the first resting place for early travelers heading west.