Diamond Lake

2020 TOKETEE RANGER STATION ROAD
IDLEYLD PARK, OR 97447

Blue-Green Algae Precaution for Diamond and Lemolo Lakes

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Oregon Health Association has issued a precaution for Diamond and Lemolo Lakes, which will remain in effect until the visible bloom dissipates or is otherwise determined to be innoxious. At this time, weekly monitoring of Umpqua National Forest lakes this summer have not detected harmful algae blooms producing toxins at levels harmful to humans and pets. Conditions can change rapidly so lake users should continue to use caution when algae blooms are present. If cyanotoxins are detected in future monitoring an advisory will be posted on the Forest Facebook page and this webpage. For more information, please visit OHA website.

What are algae blooms?

Blue-green algae (also called cyanobacteria) are found in water bodies throughout the world. An algal bloom is a rapid and massive buildup of algae cells that impart a green, milky white, or blue color to water. Under some conditions, particularly when winds are calm, some species produce a surface scum on the water. Conditions that favor development of blooms include warm sunny days and nutrient-rich water. Only certain species of blue-green algae produce toxins, and many of those species do not always produce toxins. The only way to know if a bloom is toxic is with specialized laboratory tests. Testing this summer has not detected toxins above public health advisory levels, but conditions can change rapidly so lake users should continue to use caution when algae blooms are present.

The most important way to protect yourself and your family from the health risks associated with toxic blue-green algae during a bloom is to avoid contact with the water. Activities near the water, such as camping, picnicking, hiking, bicycling, etc., are safe.

If you see an algal bloom, don’t drink the water. Filtering or boiling does not make the water safe to drink. Don’t get it on your skin and keep your children and animals away from the water.

Overview

Meandering along most of the east shore of the mile-high Diamond Lake, this large campground boasts spectacular views of both Mount Bailey and Mount Thielsen, and offers visitors abundant recreational opportunities.

Recreation

At an elevation of 5,183 feet, Diamond Lake provides outdoor enthusiasts with a multitude of recreational opportunities year-round. The area offers a scenic backdrop for swimmers braving its cold, refreshing waters, and anglers casting a lines from boat or shoreline. Rainbow trout thrive in the lake, as it is stocked annually with 300,000 fingerlings. Bicyclists will enjoy riding on the 11-miles of paved trail around the lake, while hikers can head out for the day on one of many trails leaving from the area. Interpretive programs are offered on Saturday evenings at the campground amphitheater.

Facilities

This large campground has 238 sites, including double and standard sites, able to accommodate tents, RVs and trailers; All sites are available by reservation only.

Sites are equipped with picnic tables, campfire rings, grills, drinking water and flush toilets.

Access to Diamond Lake is within walking distance, and boat ramps and fish cleaning stations are accessible to visitors. The gatehouse is staffed daily from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., and campground hosts are on-site to answer questions.

Natural Features

Explosive geologic events have shaped the distinctive landscape on the 984,602-acre Umpqua National Forest, and the area provides spectacular scenery as well as an abundance of natural and cultural resources. The translation of the word, "Umpqua," meaning "thundering waters," defines the area. High mountain lakes, heart-stopping rapids, peaceful ponds and thundering waterfalls, including the 272-foot Watson Falls on the North Umpqua Highway, are available to visitors.

Nearby Attractions

Access to Diamond Lake is within walking distance, and boat ramps and fish cleaning stations are accessible to visitors. A nearby resort offers bicycle, boat and horse rentals as well as lodging, restaurants, a grocery store, laundry facilities and fuel. Trails for hiking and mountain biking are within 10 miles of the campground. Visitors may want to take some time to visit nearby Crater Lake National Park, the only national park in Oregon! The amazing Crater Lake area offers a glimpse into the volcanic history of the area. The Pacific Crest Trail (PCT), one of the world's premier National Scenic Trails, showcases some of North America's most fantastic scenery, winding its way its way from Mexico to Canada through California, Oregon and Washington, and is accessible near the campground.

Camp site features

Across 230 camp sites:

Fire pit: 90 of 230 sites
Picnic table: 138 of 230 sites
Pets allowed: all 230 sites
ADA accessible: 2 of 230 sites
Longest RV: 75 ft
Largest party: 12 people
Equipment: Boat, PICKUP CAMPER, RV, SMALL TENT, Tent, Trailer

Fees

Extra vehicle fee $5 per vehicle per night **MUST BE PAID AT THE CAMPGROUND ENTRANCE STATION UPON ARRIVAL

Directions

From Roseburg, OR, turn onto OR-138 east / NE Diamond Lake Boulevard, drive 80 miles east on Highway 138. Turn right onto Forest Road 4795/ Diamond Lake Loop at the north entrance to Diamond Lake Recreation Area. Proceed 2.5 miles to the campground entrance on the right. From Klamath Falls, OR, or Bend, OR, follow US-97 to OR-138. Follow OR-138 west approximately 22 ½ miles to Forest Road 4795/Diamond Lake Loop. Turn left onto FR 4795 and proceed 2.5 miles to the campground entrance on the right. From Medford, OR, follow OR-62 and OR-230 to OR-138. Turn left on OR-138 and follow it north approximately 4 miles to Forest Road 4795/Diamond Lake Loop. Turn left onto FR 4795 and proceed 2.5 miles to the campground entrance on the right.

Stay Limit

Check in from 1 PM, check out by 11 AM.

Reviews

925 reviews

5 stars

448

4 stars

261

3 stars

117

2 stars

1 stars

Adam S

Loop:Diamond Lake

Site:

Reviewed 21 days ago

The campsite was very clean and well maintained, the camp host was helpful and friendly, the view was gorgeous, and the cell reception was surprisingly good. The only issues were that the water in the campsite itself was not running, and there was no clear garbage or dumpster to put things in besides the one in the restroom. Would go back!

Rich W

Loop:Diamond Lake

Site:

Reviewed a month ago

The facility is beautiful and very well kept up by Jim and Tammy the camp hosts. The campsites are clean and well kept. The nicest part for me is there is a campsite for anyone whether you wanna be on the water or you wanna be up on the hillside. I just love it there.

Alicia H

Loop:Diamond Lake

Site:

Reviewed a month ago

Great campsite, hot showers and I loved the bike path!

Michael A

Loop:Diamond Lake

Site:

Reviewed a month ago

The hosts were very helpful, the bathroom clean, and our site was nice.

James A

Loop:Diamond Lake

Site:

Reviewed a month ago

Since we came in the campground after season ended, all sites were open . we tried to follow the check in rules about paying for our stay and could not get the program to work on my phone. Because there was not enough cell coverage to get the internet. The camp host was a great help and walked us through the set up. A very time consuming and confusing operation. We had a different registration setup in Washington in the Olympic National Forest, There was a kiosk with a satellite connection. Simple set up with a credit card, how many days to stay, it spit out a tag with dates , hung the tag on the campsite post, done. Less than a minute.

Jeff A

Loop:Diamond Lake

Site:

Reviewed a month ago

My new favorite location! Diamond Lake is a great base camp for exploring nearby natural wonders – like Crater Lake. Except, the East shore of Diamond Lake is so picturesque, sometimes I want to spend more time there! I love having the bike path, resort and even a really good pizza joint close by.

Availability

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

Reserve