Can you reserve a site at Elk Lake (OR)?

Yes, Elk Lake (OR) is reservable through Recreation.gov.

How many campsites does Elk Lake (OR) have?

4 sites in total, of which 1 can be booked.

Elk Lake (OR) — 1 site, fees and cancellation alerts

Overview

This location is available on a first-come, first-served basis only. Visitors are required to physically arrive at the campground to purchase and claim a site. Once on-site, you may be able to pay for your campsite(s) by scanning a QR code using the Recreation.gov mobile app, and the Scan and Pay feature.

If this option is available, you will need to first download the free Recreation.gov mobile app https://www.recreation.gov/mobile-app prior to your arrival as some remote areas have limited or no cellular service.

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.

Natural Features

Contact Info

For facility specific information, please call (503) 854-3366.

The facts

1 bookable site
4 sites in total, including non-bookable
Loops: Scan and Pay

Site types

3 Management
1 Standard Nonelectric

Book on Recreation.gov

4 campsites at Elk Lake (OR)

Site	Loop	Type	Entry	Surface	Max rig	People
ScanPay 2	Scan and Pay	Management	—	—	—	—
ScanPay 3	Scan and Pay	Management	—	—	—	—
ScanPay 4	Scan and Pay	Management	—	—	—	—
Standard	Scan and Pay	Standard Nonelectric	—	—	—	—

Getting there

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.

44.82211, -122.12744 · 44°49'19.6"N 122°7'38.8"W

Directions (Google Maps) · Directions (Apple Maps)

Typical weather

Typically 81°F in Aug, down to 43°F in Dec.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
High °F	43	47	52	57	65	71	80	81	74	61	49	43
Low °F	36	37	38	41	46	51	56	56	53	47	40	37
Precip in	13.1	10.0	10.7	8.6	6.0	3.8	0.7	0.9	2.8	8.0	13.5	15.4

1991–2020 averages from the nearest NOAA station, 9.2 mi away — not measured at the facility itself, and elevation can make a real difference over that distance.

Map

Common questions about Elk Lake (OR)

Can you reserve a site at Elk Lake (OR)?: Yes, Elk Lake (OR) is reservable through Recreation.gov.
How many campsites does Elk Lake (OR) have?: 4 sites in total, of which 1 can be booked.

Camping near Elk Lake (OR)

Gold Butte Lookout 2.4 mi · Campground · we watch it
Humbug Campground 4.3 mi · Campground · we watch it
Fox Creek Group Camp 4.7 mi · Campground · we watch it
Cleator Bend 7 mi · Campground · we watch it
Piety Island 7.1 mi · Campground · we watch it
Breitenbush Campground 7.2 mi · Campground · we watch it
Hoover Campground 7.5 mi · Campground · we watch it
Santiam Flats Campground 7.6 mi · Campground · we watch it
Elk Lake Campground less than 0.1 mi · Campground
Upper Arm Day Use Area 5.2 mi · Facility
Opal Creek Trailhead (Gate) 7.2 mi · Facility
Opal Creek Wilderness 7.2 mi · Facility

Contact

Phone N/A
Book Recreation.gov

Recreation.gov last updated this record on 2026-02-25.

Elk Lake (OR)