Elk Lake w/ view of South Sister
Elk Lake w/ view of South Sister
ELK LAKE CAMPGROUND
ELK LAKE CAMPGROUND
ELK LAKE CAMPGROUND

Featured amenities

Parking Parking
Restrooms Restrooms

About Elk Lake Campground

Elk Lake Campground is located on the north end of Elk Lake along the Cascade Lakes National Scenic Byway.

Available sites

16 total sites

Activities & Attractions

Nearby

Boating

Boating

Spring Summer Fall
Fishing

Fishing

Year-round
Hiking

Hiking

Year-round
Swimming

Swimming

Summer

Seasonal information

2026 (Current year)

2026 Season availability

Current season
Upcoming seasons
Past seasons
Closed periods
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Currently closed

Campground Amenities

Most popular amenities

Parking Parking
Restrooms Restrooms
Water and Hygiene

Water and Hygiene

  • Restrooms
Parking and Transport

Parking and Transport

  • Parking
Water Access

Water Access

  • Lake Access
Missing information?

Rates, Sites & Availability

Select check-in and check-out dates to see availability.

16 Sites Available

Site
Price
🚐 001, Loop: Loop 1 RV
Pet Friendly · Gravel · Driveway entry: Back-In
🚐 002, Loop: Loop 1 RV
Pet Friendly · Gravel · Driveway entry: Back-In
🚐 004, Loop: Loop 1 RV
Pet Friendly · Gravel · Driveway entry: Back-In
🚐 008, Loop: Loop 1 RV
Pet Friendly · Gravel · Driveway entry: Back-In
🚐 009, Loop: Loop 1 RV
Pet Friendly · Gravel · Driveway entry: Back-In
🚐 010, Loop: Loop 1 RV
Pet Friendly · Gravel · Driveway entry: Back-In
🚐 011, Loop: Loop 1 RV
Pet Friendly · Gravel · Driveway entry: Back-In
🚐 014, Loop: Loop 2 RV
Pet Friendly · Gravel · Driveway entry: Back-In
🚐 015, Loop: Loop 2 RV
Pet Friendly · Gravel · Driveway entry: Back-In
🚐 016, Loop: Loop 2 RV
Pet Friendly · Gravel · Driveway entry: Back-In
🚐 017, Loop: Loop 2 RV
Pet Friendly · Gravel · Driveway entry: Back-In
🚐 018, Loop: Loop 2 RV
Pet Friendly · Gravel · Driveway entry: Back-In
🚐 019, Loop: Loop 2 RV
Pet Friendly · Gravel · Driveway entry: Back-In
🚐 020, Loop: Loop 2 RV
Pet Friendly · Gravel · Driveway entry: Back-In
🚐 021, Loop: Loop 2 RV
Pet Friendly · Gravel · Driveway entry: Back-In
🚐 022, Loop: Loop 2 RV
Pet Friendly · Gravel · Driveway entry: Back-In

Reviews

144 reviews

Summary

AI generated

Elk Lake Campground offers a beautiful and relaxing setting with great access to the lake, and visitors appreciate the close proximity to a nearby resort with food and activities. While many campers enjoyed their stays, highlighting the cleanliness of the campground and the helpfulness of the camp host, there were some concerns about site conditions, restroom cleanliness, and a lack of water supply. Overall, the campground is seen as a nice spot for camping and outdoor activities, with some areas for improvement.

Based on guest feedback

4.0

Overall rating

Based on 144 reviews

Write a review
5 stars 51.4% (74)
4 stars 20.8% (30)
3 stars 10.4% (15)
2 stars 11.1% (16)
1 star 6.3% (9)

Showing 128 reviews

Emmaleigh L

Verified

August 7, 2022 Stayed at: 022, Loop: Loop 2

The reservation system used for this campground is ridiculous. We were there for a week and there were multiple open sites each night that were “reserved” but nobody showed up. It was disappointing to see campsites not being utilized when they could have been. The beach was great and we had a ton of fun! It would be nice if the reservation system actually worked.

Helpful

Emmaleigh L

Verified

August 7, 2022 Stayed at: 022, Loop: Loop 2

The reservation system used for this campground is ridiculous. We were there for a week and there were multiple open sites each night that were “reserved” but nobody showed up. It was disappointing to see campsites not being utilized when they could have been. The beach was great and we had a ton of fun! It would be nice if the reservation system actually worked.

Helpful

Ellen C

Verified

July 25, 2022 Stayed at: 020, Loop: Loop 2

This is the first year without a campground host. This campground gets many many people and there is definitely the need!
The reservation system just does not work! 25% of the campsites reserved were empty! Without a camp ground host they can at least make adjustments if no one shows so the camp site is open. People who make reservations and no show need to be fined! With the demand for camping having grown exponentially adjustments have to be made. We have been to this campground every year for the last 42 years! Unfortunately the system regulating the camp ground now is not camper friendly.
In addition there was a broken water line right in the middle of our campsite. We were there one week and no came to repair it. It was a huge tripping hazard!

Helpful

Ellen C

Verified

July 25, 2022 Stayed at: 020, Loop: Loop 2

This is the first year without a campground host. This campground gets many many people and there is definitely the need!
The reservation system just does not work! 25% of the campsites reserved were empty! Without a camp ground host they can at least make adjustments if no one shows so the camp site is open. People who make reservations and no show need to be fined! With the demand for camping having grown exponentially adjustments have to be made. We have been to this campground every year for the last 42 years! Unfortunately the system regulating the camp ground now is not camper friendly.
In addition there was a broken water line right in the middle of our campsite. We were there one week and no came to repair it. It was a huge tripping hazard!

Helpful

Amy E

Verified

September 12, 2021 Stayed at: 021, Loop: Loop 2

The hike around the lake is amazing and just about 5 mi, the restaurant and showers are a nice option at the resort when needed right next door to the camp ground.

Helpful

Amy E

Verified

September 12, 2021 Stayed at: 021, Loop: Loop 2

The hike around the lake is amazing and just about 5 mi, the restaurant and showers are a nice option at the resort when needed right next door to the camp ground.

Helpful

chloe l

Verified

September 10, 2021 Stayed at: 004, Loop: Loop 1

George the camp host was very accommodating and kind. The campground is beautiful and shared utilities i.e. bathrooms and water faucets were kept very clean. We ended up staying an additional night and we'll definitely be back again!

Helpful

chloe l

Verified

September 10, 2021 Stayed at: 004, Loop: Loop 1

George the camp host was very accommodating and kind. The campground is beautiful and shared utilities i.e. bathrooms and water faucets were kept very clean. We ended up staying an additional night and we'll definitely be back again!

Helpful

Ashley H

Verified

August 27, 2021 Stayed at: 014, Loop: Loop 2

So beautiful. One of the coolest campgrounds we have been too. Clean bathrooms and campsites. Nice camp hosts and friendly campers. Recommend tent camping, renting kayaks at the resort and getting dinner at the resort restaurant. We will be back next year!

Helpful

Ashley H

Verified

August 27, 2021 Stayed at: 014, Loop: Loop 2

So beautiful. One of the coolest campgrounds we have been too. Clean bathrooms and campsites. Nice camp hosts and friendly campers. Recommend tent camping, renting kayaks at the resort and getting dinner at the resort restaurant. We will be back next year!

Helpful

Location & Directions for Elk Lake Campground

P.O. Box 8516, Bend, OR 97701 United States

Elevation: 1,501 ft

Getting There

From Bend, travel 33.1 mi southwest on Cascade Lakes Hwy (46) to north end of Elk Lake.

Nearest town

Bend, OR - 32 mi

About 42 min to downtown

Highway access

Elk Lake Campground is accessed via Cascade Lakes Highway (46), which connects to major roads in the Bend area.

Policies & Rules

Arrival & departure

Check out time

12PM

General

  • Prevent the spread of invasive species by inspecting and cleaning packs, equipment and tires before using rivers, lakes or trails.
  • Please Note: One RV with tow vehicle per single site or one vehicle per tent site. Most sites can accommodate 1 extra vehicle that is not included with the reservation fee. Extra vehicle will be charged a per night fee and collected at the campground. 
  • Fire Restrictions: Fire restrictions may be imposed at any time due to hot, dry weather conditions, at which time campfires and charcoal fires may not be allowed. 
  • During your time in Central Oregon, you can find wildfire, prescribed fire and smoke information at centraloregonfire.org 
  • Reserved Sites will be held until the day following your arrival date. Sites must be occupied by the checkout time of that following day to hold a reservation or the site will be forfeited and released to other guests. Once your reservation start date has begun, neither the Recreation.gov Contact Center nor the campground manager will be able to modify your reservation.
  • Refunds: Refund requests made through www.recreation.gov will be charged a $10 processing fee. This fee is retained by the reservation service contractor along with the non-refundable reservation fee. All requests for the return of the non-refundable reservation fee and the cancellation fee will be declined by the campground concessionaire as they did not receive these fees (these are the fees retained by the reservation contractor, a different entity).
  • Don't Move Firewood: Please protect Pacific Northwest forests by preventing the spread of invasive species. Firewood can carry insects and diseases that can threaten the health of our western forests. You can make a difference by obtaining and burning your firewood near your camping destination. Visit Dontmovefirewood.org for further information.
  • Camping or otherwise occupying a single location (including leaving camping equipment and/or related supplies) for a period longer than 14 consecutive calendar days is prohibited. ‘Location’ means the occupied area, the occupied campsite, and the National Forest System lands in the immediate vicinity thereof. Camping or occupying any location on all National Forest lands for more than 28 calendar days total during a calendar year is prohibited.
  • NO generator use is allowed in campgrounds. Silent power banks or battery powered devices are allowed.

Nearby Campgrounds

Nearby destinations


Last updated: November 3, 2026

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Population: 103,390

Elevation: 3,625 ft

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