Big Lake, Willamette National Forest - Recreation.gov (2025)

Willamette National Forest

This campground provides 49 single campsites. There are both reservable and FCFS sites. The original campsites within Big Lake are in two loops, (sites #1-14 and #15-20) which have eight or so sites with frontage on the lake shore. In 1992 additional campsites were opened (sites #21-49) on a long straight stretch from the boat launch towards Big Lake West. These sites have larger and wider parking spurs, and most sites use stairs to access the table, fire rings and tent pad below the parking spur. Sites can accommodate trailers up to 35 feet in length, depending on site. Drinking water is provided by a water system, built in 1993, which serves the entire Big Lake complex by filtering water drawn from the lake and distributing it to the campgrounds. There are three single vault toilets, and two double vault toilets in the campground. The extra vehicle parking area consists of a boat launch, picnic area, and parking for approximately 15 vehicles and boat trailers. All of these day use facilities are located in the middle of the campground, between the original loops and the "expansion" campsites.

Scan and Pay is offered at this campground; you may also pay by cash or check for FCFS campsites. There are no refunds, modifications, cancellations, or other fee changes allowed with Scan and Pay payments. This system is the same as putting cash into a fee tube and cannot be refunded. Please download the Rec.Gov app prior to arriving at the campground as there may be no cellular service or very limited service at the campground.

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.

Big Lake Campground offers 49 spacious campsites for tent or RV camping. Drinking water, vault toilets and a boat ramp are provided.

Notifications and Alerts

• This facility is now managed by Linn County Parks and Recreation.

Need to Know

• Be bear aware; keep all food out of sight in approved containers or locked inside your vehicle and remove all food from area after eating
• There are no electric site hook-ups at this facility
• First-come, first-served sites may be available

• A fee, of $8, will be charged for additional vehicles at your campsite.

  See Also

  Fishing - Oregon Willamette Region ReportFishing Report - Willamette ZoneWildlife Viewing - Willamette ZoneCamp and hike at the birthplace of the Willamette River, in the Middle Fork corridor

• A day use fee, of $9, will be collected on site.

• 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.
• No discharging firearms, possession of fireworks or use of chainsaws allowed

• Be sure to reserve a site that will accommodate your equipment. The site you reserve is your site. You may not move to another site.

• Be prepared for Mosquitoes; they tend to be most abundant in June.

• Scan and Pay is offered at this campground; you may also pay by cash or check for FCFS campsites. There are no refunds, modifications, cancellations, or other fee changes allowed with Scan and Pay payments. This system is the same as putting cash into a fee tube and cannot be refunded. Please download the Rec.Gov app prior to arriving at the campground as there may be no cellular service or very limited service at the campground.

Natural Features

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 SantiamWagon Road, McKenzie Pass-Santiam Pass National Scenic Byway, Pacific Crest Trail, and Sand Mountain Lookout.

Water skiing, sailing and swimming are among the favorite activities at the lake. The Patjens Lakes Trail offers excellent hiking opportunities. The trail follows the western side of Big Lake, heads south into the Mt. Washington Wilderness, passes alongside the scenic Patjens Lakes, and then loops back to the campground.

Recreation

Water skiing, sailing and swimming are among the favorite activities at the lake. The Patjens Lakes Trail offers excellent hiking opportunities. The trail follows the western side of Big Lake, heads south into the Mt. Washington Wilderness, passes alongside the scenic Patjens Lakes, and then loops back to the campground.

Contact Information

Mailing

McKenzie Ranger Station, 57600 McKenzie Hwy., Blue River, OR 97413 Managed by Linn County Parks and Recreation, 3010 Ferry St. SW, Albany, OR 97322 OR

Phone Number

For campground inquiries, please call: 801-226-3564

Rental Options

Learn more about gear rental options for your trip

Driving Directions

From Eugene, Oregon, take I-105 east to McKenzie Highway 126. Travel east on 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 2 miles to the entrance to Big Lake Campground on the left.

Available Campsites

• Site 049, Loop AREA BIG LAKE, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 044, Loop AREA BIG LAKE, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 018, Loop B LOOP, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 007, Loop A LOOP, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 005, Loop A LOOP, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 015, Loop B LOOP, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 037, Loop AREA BIG LAKE, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 001, Loop A LOOP, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 006, Loop A LOOP, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 038, Loop AREA BIG LAKE, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
• Site 014, Loop A LOOP, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 029, Loop AREA BIG LAKE, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 021, Loop B LOOP, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 017, Loop B LOOP, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 024, Loop AREA BIG LAKE, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 019, Loop B LOOP, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 026, Loop AREA BIG LAKE, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 032, Loop AREA BIG LAKE, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 012, Loop A LOOP, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 040, Loop AREA BIG LAKE, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 047, Loop AREA BIG LAKE, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 048, Loop AREA BIG LAKE, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 011, Loop A LOOP, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 039, Loop AREA BIG LAKE, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
• Site 008, Loop A LOOP, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 009, Loop A LOOP, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 046, Loop AREA BIG LAKE, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 010, Loop A LOOP, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 022, Loop AREA BIG LAKE, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 003, Loop A LOOP, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 041, Loop AREA BIG LAKE, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 004, Loop A LOOP, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 002, Loop A LOOP, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 028, Loop AREA BIG LAKE, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 045, Loop AREA BIG LAKE, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 027, Loop AREA BIG LAKE, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 043, Loop AREA BIG LAKE, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 013, Loop A LOOP, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 020, Loop B LOOP, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 016, Loop B LOOP, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 030, Loop AREA BIG LAKE, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 042, Loop AREA BIG LAKE, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 025, Loop AREA BIG LAKE, Type Standard Nonelectric

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