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Hard to BookNational Forest

Elk Lake Campground

Deschutes National Forest, Oregon

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As of October 2026, Elk Lake Campground is a campground in Deschutes National Forest, Oregon with 16 campsites. Elk Lake Campground is booked through Recreation.gov.

PermitSnag checks Elk Lake Campground for availability and tells alert holders when a site opens up.
Elk Lake Campground is located at 43.9806° N, 121.8071° W.

people allowed on each site: 6

Elk Lake Campground reservations and next available dates

October 2026

November 2026

open, tap to book on Recreation.govsold outin your alert

Stay and booking rules

Taxes apply
Maximum consecutive stay: 14 consecutive nights
Maximum stay: 28 nights
Minimum stay: 1 consecutive nights

Published by Recreation.gov for Elk Lake Campground, read on October 1, 2026.

Campsites at Elk Lake Campground

124891011141516171819202122

Standard 16

What an RV fits

22 ft1 site
24 ft8 sites
30 ft5 sites
36 ft2 sites

Amenities

restrooms
potable water

At a glance: Setting: Mountain.

Things to do: fishing, boating, swimming, hiking, wildlife, climbing, photography, stargazing, horse riding.

All sites at Elk Lake Campground, as listed by Recreation.gov

Site	Loop	Type	Sleeps	Max RV
001	Loop 1	Standard	6	36 ft
002	Loop 1	Standard	6	24 ft
004	Loop 1	Standard	6	36 ft
008	Loop 1	Standard	6	24 ft
009	Loop 1	Standard	6	24 ft
010	Loop 1	Standard	6	24 ft
011	Loop 1	Standard	6	22 ft
014	Loop 2	Standard	6	30 ft
015	Loop 2	Standard	6	30 ft
016	Loop 2	Standard	6	30 ft
017	Loop 2	Standard	6	24 ft
018	Loop 2	Standard	6	24 ft
019	Loop 2	Standard	6	24 ft
020	Loop 2	Standard	6	24 ft
021	Loop 2	Standard	6	30 ft
022	Loop 2	Standard	6	30 ft

About Elk Lake Campground

Overview

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

Recreation

Both motorized and non-motorized boating are allowed on Elk Lake providing the opportunity for swimming, fishing, windsurfing and water skiing. Hiking and horseback riding are popular activities on the Elk-Devils Trail, which follows an historic route from Elk Lake to the Wickiup Plains Trail, just west of Devils Lake.

Facilities

Elk Lake Campground can accommodate RV, trailer or tent-campers, however, electric hookups are not available. All sites are equipped with a picnic table and campfire ring with grill. The campground has drinking water and vault toilets available. This campground also features a boat ramp to provide access to Elk Lake.

Natural Features

Elk Lake offers magnificent views of South Sister, Mt. Bachelor and numerous other mountainous features. Wetlands, diverse forests and rocky slopes near the campground provide habitat for shorebirds, porcupine, deer, bats and the occasional black bear.

Nearby Attractions

Visitors enjoy traveling the Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway which climbs from Central Oregon's high desert floor into the Cascade Range on a 66-mile drive winding through snow-capped peaks and alpine lakes.

Charges & Cancellations

Once your reservation start date has begun, neither the Recreation.gov Contact Center nor the campground manager will be able to modify your reservation.

Rules and notices at Elk Lake Campground

Recreation.gov does not date these notices. We last read them on October 1, 2026. Check Elk Lake Campground on Recreation.gov

Notices from Recreation.gov

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 check out time (NOON) 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 between 10:00PM and 7:00AM (36 CFR 261.10). Silent power banks or battery powered devices are allowed.

Recreation.gov permit and campground cancellations →

Elk Lake Campground FAQ

How hard is it to get a campsite at Elk Lake Campground?

Elk Lake Campground is rated "Hard to Book" based on historical demand. This campground is popular and often books out weeks in advance. Your best strategy is to monitor cancellations.

How do I find last-minute availability at Elk Lake Campground?

Cancellations happen frequently at Elk Lake Campground, especially 1-2 weeks before check-in dates. PermitSnag monitors availability 24/7 and sends instant alerts when sites open up due to cancellations. This is often the best way to snag popular campsites.

How many campsites does Elk Lake Campground have?

Elk Lake Campground has 16 campsites.