Elk Lake Campground

This 17 site tent-only campground, located adjacent to the Bull of the Woods and Opal Creek Wildernesses, is full of beauty in the summer. Wildflowers are a beautiful sight in the campground's meadows around July. Swim or paddle in the quiet waters of the non-motorized lake, go for a great hike with views of multiple Cascade peaks, or just kick back and relax in the campground.

Current Conditions

For current conditions, please contact the local ranger station.

Active Alerts

Temporary Fire Public Use Restrictions Are in Effect

Detroit Dispersed Camping Restrictions

Reservations

General Information

NO drinking water, NO garbage service, NO firewood

Close to:

Read about camping rules, regulations and camping tips on our Camping Rules & Things to Know page.

Year Round, weather dependent

Open 24 hours/day

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.

Special regulations are in place to help protect this area and preserve the experience for you and for future visitors including:

No camping within 500 feet of Elk Lake.
No motorized boating
ATVs use is only allowed to enter and leave the campground
Camping is not allowed more than 14 days in a 60 day period.
Check-in time: 2:00 pm or later. Check-out time: 1:00 pm
Use of chainsaws in the campground is prohibited
Dogs MUST be on leash at all times within the campground

Overnight Use:
Single Site: $12 per night
Multiple Site: $22 per night
Additional Vehicle Fee: $6 per vehicle per night

Single Campsites - $12 per night
Multiple Campsites - $22 per night
Extra Vehicles - $6 per vehicle, per night

Campsite must be occupied every night paid.

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)

Getting There

Latitude / Longitude

Latitude: 44.822428

Longitude: -122.127817

Directions

12.1 miles north of Detroit

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 located at west end of Elk Lake (FS Road 390). The camping area is about 0.3 miles ahead.

CAUTION: FS Road 4697 is not maintained for the last 4 miles into Elk Lake. Access by low-clearance vehicles and trailers not recommended as the road is rough and rocky.