Big Lake

Overview

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.  *Day Use Fee for day users/boat launch. Extra Vehicle Fee for campers with more than 1 vehicle. 

Campfires allowed until and unless otherwise posted. Fire bans are common during summer months. Please plan accordingly.  

If paying for FCFS sites with a Credit Card, a Remote Offline Kiosk (ROK) is offered at this campground. There are no refunds, modifications, cancellations, or other fee changes allowed with ROK payments. This system is the same as putting cash into a fee tube and cannot be refunded. This system does not show site availability and you must check that the site is available prior to making payment.   

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

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.

Facilities

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

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 Santiam Wagon 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.

Contact Info

For facility specific information, please call (541) 967-3917.