USDA Forest Service · Oregon
Big Lake West Campground
USDA Forest Service · Oregon, United States
- Sites
- 12
- Hookups
- 11 no hookups
- Season
- May 15 to October 31
- Drinking water
- Yes
- Restrooms
- Yes
- Pets
- Yes
- Elevation
- 4,708 ft
- Dark sky
- Bortle class 1
- Cell coverage
- AT&T weak · T-Mobile good · Verizon good (carriers' 4G LTE filings to the FCC, 2025-12; not measured here)
- Access road
- BIG LAKE (NFSR 2690000) · asphalt · high degree of user comfort
- Lake
- Willamette National Forest
- Nearest town
- Sisters
- Address
- McKenzie Ranger Station, 57600 McKenzie Hwy., Blue River, OR 97413, OR
- Phone
- 801-226-3564
- Activities
- Biking, Boating, Hiking, Non-Motorized Boating, Off Highway Vehicle, Swimming, Water Skiing
11 numbered sites are mapped one by one - the site map below shows each with its facts and pictures.
Site map
11 numbered sites are mapped one by one on the imagery, with the operator's own facts and pictures for each site where it publishes them. Tap a site to rate it, keep a note and add your own photos; press and hold the map for a pin of your own. Your ratings, notes, pins and photos are kept with the campground on your Saved list, the same list the camping map and the drive page keep.
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About
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.
Weather, month by month
| Month | Typical high | Typical low | Coldest night | Hottest day | Years with a night below 32°F |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 36° | 25° | 5° | 49° | 11 of 11 |
| February | 34° | 24° | 1° | 50° | 11 of 11 |
| March | 40° | 25° | 13° | 63° | 11 of 11 |
| April | 43° | 28° | 15° | 69° | 11 of 11 |
| May | 53° | 37° | 27° | 75° | 7 of 11 |
| June | 64° | 41° | 31° | 82° | 1 of 11 |
| July | 75° | 48° | 39° | 92° | 0 of 11 |
| August | 77° | 50° | 42° | 93° | 0 of 11 |
| September | 66° | 44° | 34° | 84° | 0 of 11 |
| October | 56° | 37° | 24° | 74° | 7 of 10 |
| November | 42° | 30° | 14° | 60° | 10 of 10 |
| December | 35° | 24° | 2° | 55° | 10 of 10 |
Mid-month figures from 2016–2026 of daily weather at this spot (ERA5 reanalysis via Open-Meteo, CC BY 4.0), in °F. Typical is the median; coldest and hottest are the extremes seen.
Trails nearby
- Patjens Lake Loop Trailhead · 0.4 mi as the crow flies
Patjens Lake Loop 6.4 mi Hike · Drive there - Pacific Crest Trailhead at Big Lake · 1.4 mi as the crow flies
Pacific Crest Trail - Wif4 50 mi Hike · Drive there - Pacific Crest Trailhead - Santiam Pass · 3.8 mi as the crow flies · Drive there
- McKenzie River Trailhead - Upper · 6.1 mi as the crow flies
McKenzie River NRT 24 mi Hike, Santiam Wagon Road East 2.9 mi Hike · Drive there - Robinson Lake Trailhead · 6.5 mi as the crow flies
Deer Butte 9.0 mi Hike, Robinson Lake 0.1 mi Hike · Drive there
All 410 trails in Willamette National Forest
Trailheads the Park Service and the Forest Service map, within 10 miles as the crow flies; each trail's page has its length, climbing and the Service's description.
Nearby campgrounds
- Big Lake · USDA Forest Service · 1 mi · 56 sites
- Lost Lake - Willamette (OR) · USDA Forest Service · 4 mi · 19 sites
- Cold Water Cove - Willamette NF (OR) · USDA Forest Service · 5 mi · 41 sites
- Clear Lake Resort · City, County & Regional Parks · 6 mi
- Ice Cap Campground · USDA Forest Service · 6 mi · 22 sites
All public campgrounds in Oregon · Every state and province · Facts read from the operator 2026-07-21. Confirm fees, rules and current status with the operator before you go.