Walton Lake

We left after one night as we were unable to sleep due to the noises. The lake full of frogs started up at 1 AM under the nearly full moon and croaked themselves out by 3am. Then, right on cue, the owls came alive in their nighttime quest for food around the campsites. At daylight (5 am) a massive flock of geese circled several times and then landed on the lake for about an hour. Oh, and then there were the ducks and geese with their fledglings who never stopped for the 24 hours we were there. We met with our neighboring campers and they to said they were also headed home to get some sleep!
We are returning to the lake in July because it is such a wonderful place nestled in our beautiful Oregon pine forest. We will not be staying (sleeping) at the lake however as it still belongs to nature and thank goodness they are still in total control at Walton Lake!

Loved this campground and can’t wait to come back! Friendly camp hosts kept the toilets nice and clean. The small group campsite had great privacy, all sites have easy access to the lake. Lots of people catching fish. Thundering chorus of frogs at night. Large variety of birds to listen to. Only negative: the only water pump for the camp was in a somewhat inconvenient location and the water tasted of chlorine.

Amazing view...had to hike down to spot but worth it!

Even though we had the reservation, someone was in our spot when we arrived, but the camp host took care of the issue quickly and to everyone's satisfaction.

First of all, this place is impossible to find. All of the roads are numbered on the maps, but THERE ARE NO NUMBERS on any signs! You have to be a local to know the right twisty mountain roads to lead you to this lake.
Second of all, it was impossible to find anyone to talk to. I called numerous state park authorities to get a hold of someone who could give me more information about changing reservations and the only people who could tell me anything were the "camp hosts". I waited on a tree stump for two and a half hours (this was after waiting another hour at our registered spot) for them to return. They never showed up and I was unable to speak to them.
In addition to all this, this location, despite being advertised as a place to stay if you want to enjoy the John Day Fossil Beds is an hour through twisty mountain roads away from the main highway. Very inconvenient if you want to have any time enjoying the Parks.
In short my friend and I decided this was the campsite from hell, forewent our deposit, and drove someplace else to camp. I feel lucky I am still not lost driving through the Ochoco National Forrest to this day.
God help the tourist who chooses this site.

We LOVE Walton Lake! Super quiet. Really beautiful. The camp host was amazing. We like that there are no motorized boats allowed, so we feel safe taking our kids out on the kayak.

Our family had a great time. I camped there as a kid in the 1950's and a lot has changed. Then with my kids in the 70's and 80's. Now with grandkids. Some changes good and some not so good.

Great site! Excellent camp host!

Really nice campground to go to if you like fishing, swimming, or playing in the lake. If you like quiet, the weekends can be very active and rambunctious.

So beautiful. Very kind & helpful site host & manager, who called me from Newport, OR, to address my concerns.