Magone Lake

Show on map 541-820-3800 sm.fs.malpubinfo@usda.gov

431 Patterson Bridge Rd
John Day, OR 97845

Notice

The water at our facility has been shutoff for the winter season. Please bring all the water you’ll need for your visit, including drinking water.

Oct 8, 2026 – Dec 1, 2026

Overview

Magone Lake Campground is situated along its namesake lake in the northern reaches of Malheur National Forest in the Blue Mountains of eastern Oregon. Visitors enjoy fishing, canoeing, swimming and hiking.

Recreation

The Magone Lake area offers swimming, fishing, hiking and mountain biking opportunities. The lake contains eastern brook and rainbow trout. A boat ramp is available on-site. Visitors also enjoy viewing wildflowers and interesting geology throughout the region.

Facilities

The campground offers both a picnic shelter and overnight campsite for groups to reserve. These sites can accommodate up to 75 people each. Individual family sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Picnic tables and campfire rings with grills are provided, as are vault toilets and drinking water.

Natural Features

The campground is set in a forest of Engelmann spruce and ponderosa pine. Magone Lake covers about 50 acres and features both deep holes of up to 100 feet and shoals on the north side. Geologists believe Magone Lake was created by a landslide in the early 1800s. It is located in the southern reaches of the Malheur National Forest.

Contact Info

For facility specific information, please call (541) 575-3131.

Camp site features

Across 1 camp site:

Pets allowed: all 1 sites
ADA accessible: all 1 sites
Group sites: all 1 sites
Longest RV: 50 ft
Largest party: 75 people

Directions

From John Day, Oregon, take U.S. Highway 26 east for approximately 9 miles. At the junction of County Road 18, travel north approximately 10 miles. At Forest Road 3620, turn left and drive approximately 1 mile to Forest Road 3618. The campground is 1 mile from the turnoff. The reservable group site is on the right, the shelter is in the day use area on the left. From Prairie City, Oregon, take U.S. Highway 26 approximately 3 miles west. At the junction of County Road 18, travel north approximately 10 miles. Turn right on Forest Road 3620 and travel approximately 1 mile to Forest Road 3618. The campground is about 1 mile from the turnoff. The reservable group site is on the right, the shelter is in the day use area on the left.

Stay Limit

Check in from 4 PM, check out by 10 PM.

Reviews

13 reviews

5 stars

3 stars

2 stars

Debbie W

Loop:Gcg

Site:

Reviewed a month ago

The campground was adequate. Water had to be boiled. Tent sites could be bigger and more level. A covered shelter would have been nice. We got rained on dueing supper the first evening. Otherwise I loved that it was a sunny spot with trees sureounding it for a sept. Campout.

Alan S

Loop:Gcg

Site:

Reviewed 2 months ago

I very much appreciated the camp hosts. They were a pleasure to talk with; had good information and were very much on top of their routine. Our campers even commented on how the cleanliness of the campsite/toilets.

John Y

Loop:Gcg

Site:

Reviewed 5 months ago

Janice S

Loop:Gcg

Site:

Reviewed a year ago

I reserved the group area for me and family and friends. So clean and quiet. Even a gate that we could knock if we chose. The restrooms were spotless and there was firewood provided all throughout the campgrounds. It was an awesome experience thank you It was an awesome experience thank you

Jose G

Loop:Gcg

Site:

Reviewed a year ago

Our group of 15 people loved this group site. Very private and plenty of room for every one. The lake is a 2 minutes drive away. The vault toilets were very well maintained, which is very appreciated. Please do not hesitate to book this site.

Christian G

Loop:Gcg

Site:

Reviewed 4 years ago

The camp hosts couldn't be a nicer couple. I've never seen campground restrooms in such clean condition. They work around the property tirelessly and you can tell they take a lot of pride in the property. Always smiling and helpful.

Availability

See the Camp Sites section below to find detailed booking availability.

Reserve