Big Lake West Campground

Campground · Oregon · 11 bookable sites ·

Managed by the USDA Forest Service

Willamette National Forest (NF) · Open Access

11
Bookable sites
40 ft
Max rig length
up to 12
People per site
4,719 ft
Elevation
BIG LAKE WEST CAMPGROUND

Overview

Big Lake West Campground offers sites located on the shores of Big Lake, situated at the top of the Santiam Pass. Opportunities to enjoy the outdoors are numerous and range from off-highway vehicle exploring, boating, swimming and hiking. 

There are 11 tent only double campsites.  There is one single and one double vault toilet.  Drinking water is available through the system shared with Big Lake Campground.  There are no parking spurs; vehicles must park along the road's edge.  Each campsite is equipped with a picnic table and campfire ring.  All sites are by reservation. 

Campfires allowed until and unless otherwise posted. Fire bans are common during summer months. Please plan accordingly.

Reservations may be made up to 6 months in advance of arrival date by reserving online at RECREATION.GOV or by calling 877-444-6777.

Recreation

Facilities

This tent only campground has vault toilets, drinking water, a boat ramp and swimming area. Ice and firewood are also available. Each campsite is equipped with a picnic table and campfire ring.

Natural Features

Contact Info

For facility specific information, please call (541) 967-3917.

Nearby Attractions

The major activities in the Big Lake area revolve around motorized use.  Boats frequent the lake and off highway vehicles (OHVs) us the adjacent Santiam Pass Motorized Recreation Area.  Other attractions include Mt. Washington Wilderness and associated access trails, historic Santiam Wagon Road, McKenzie Pass-Santiam Pass National Scenic Byway, Pacific Crest Trail, and Sand Mountain Lookout.

The facts

  • Season: May – September — USDA Forest Service, Aug 24, 2026
  • 11 bookable sites
  • 12 sites in total, including non-bookable
  • Vehicles up to 40 ft
  • Up to 12 people per site
  • Loops: BIG LAKE WEST CAMPGROUND, S&P

Site types

  • 11 Tent Only Nonelectric
  • 1 Management

Amenities

  • Campfires allowed
  • Picnic tables
  • Grills
  • Shade
  • Pets allowed

Not recorded upstream: electric hookups, water hookups, sewer hookups, fire pits.

Book on Recreation.gov

12 campsites at Big Lake West Campground

Check-in 2:00 PM · Check-out 12:00 PM

SiteLoopTypeEntrySurfaceAccessWaterMax rigPeople
001BIG LAKE WEST CAMPGROUNDTent Only NonelectricParallelPavedHike InLakefront40 ft12 🐾
002BIG LAKE WEST CAMPGROUNDTent Only NonelectricParallelPavedHike InLakefront—12 🐾
003BIG LAKE WEST CAMPGROUNDTent Only NonelectricParallelPavedHike InLakefront—12 🐾
004BIG LAKE WEST CAMPGROUNDTent Only NonelectricParallelPavedHike InLakefront—12 🐾
005BIG LAKE WEST CAMPGROUNDTent Only NonelectricParallelPavedDrive InLakefront—12 🐾
006BIG LAKE WEST CAMPGROUNDTent Only NonelectricParallelPavedHike InLakefront—12 🐾
007BIG LAKE WEST CAMPGROUNDTent Only NonelectricParallelPavedHike InLakefront—12 🐾
008BIG LAKE WEST CAMPGROUNDTent Only NonelectricParallelPavedDrive InLakefront—12 🐾
009BIG LAKE WEST CAMPGROUNDTent Only NonelectricParallelPavedHike InLakefront—12 🐾
010BIG LAKE WEST CAMPGROUNDTent Only NonelectricParallelPavedDrive InLakefront—12 🐾
011BIG LAKE WEST CAMPGROUNDTent Only NonelectricParallelPavedDrive InLakefront—12 🐾
Standard S&PS&PManagementParallelPavedDrive InLakefront—12 🐾

Getting there

From Eugene, Oregon, take I-105 east to McKenzie Highway 126. Travel east on Hwy 126 for 90 miles to Santiam Pass. At the top of the Pass, turn right onto the access road (sign says Hoodoo Ski Area, Big Lake Road & Benson Sno-Park). Travel one mile to the fork in the road and stay left on Forest Service Road 2690. Continue for 4 miles to the entrance to Big Lake West Campground.

44.37216, -121.88274 · 44°22'19.8"N 121°52'57.9"W

Directions (Google Maps) · Directions (Apple Maps)

Typical weather

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F————————————
Low °F————————————
Precip in12.08.08.96.64.62.80.70.62.66.411.312.7

1991–2020 averages from the nearest NOAA station, 3.5 mi away — not measured at the facility itself, and elevation can make a real difference over that distance.

Map

More photos

Member photos

Common questions about Big Lake West Campground

Can you reserve a site at Big Lake West Campground?
Yes, Big Lake West Campground is reservable through Recreation.gov.
How many campsites does Big Lake West Campground have?
12 sites in total, of which 11 can be booked.
What is the maximum RV length at Big Lake West Campground?
40 ft. That is the longest vehicle the sites here are recorded as taking; individual sites may be shorter.
Are pets allowed at Big Lake West Campground?
Yes, pets are allowed at Big Lake West Campground.
Are campfires allowed at Big Lake West Campground?
Campfires are allowed at Big Lake West Campground. Check for a current fire restriction before you go.

Also listed by

Big Lake West Campground also appears in other federal recreation data. Facts below are matched by name and location, not confirmed by Big Lake West Campground's operator.

USDA Forest Service — data as of Aug 24, 2026

  • Single Campsites - $28 per night
  • Multiple Campsite - $55 per night
  • Extra Vehicles - $9 per vehicle, per night
  • Day Use - $9 per vehicle, per day

Restrictions:

  • Regulations for the Santiam Pass Summer Motorized Recreation Area . 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.
  • 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

USDA Forest Service's own page

Camping near Big Lake West Campground

Comments

Contact

Recreation.gov last updated this record on 2026-07-21.

Facility information and photographs from Recreation.gov (RIDB). SpotOpened is not affiliated with Recreation.gov or any federal agency.