Big Lake West Campground

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.

Camp site features

Across 11 camp sites:

  • Picnic table: all 11 sites
  • Pets allowed: all 11 sites
  • Longest RV: 40 ft
  • Largest party: 12 people

Directions

From Eugene, Oregon, take I-105 east to McKenzie Highway 126. Travel east on Hwy 126 for 90 miles to Santiam Pass. At the top of the Pass, turn right onto the access road (sign says Hoodoo Ski Area, Big Lake Road & Benson Sno-Park). Travel one mile to the fork in the road and stay left on Forest Service Road 2690. Continue for 4 miles to the entrance to Big Lake West Campground.

Stay Limit

Check in from 2 PM, check out by 12 PM.

Reviews

30 reviews
5 stars
14
4 stars
9
3 stars
3
2 stars
2
1 stars
2
Hillary M
Loop:Big Lake West Campground
Site:
Reviewed 3 months ago
One of our favorite lakes to camp at - our first time being at the West campground. There were some groups that were rowdy after hours, it wasn’t as peaceful as preferred. Beautiful scenery and tent sites offered privacy and were quite large.
Kaylin C
Loop:Big Lake West Campground
Site:
Reviewed 4 months ago
My boyfriend and I spent 4 days here for our anniversary. We had an amazing time! We stayed at Site 4, and for just the 2 of us it was perfect amount of room. There’s quite a bit of brush, and it’s not entirely flat but we were still able to set up the tent and camp functionally and enjoyably. The trail from the road to camp is very steep, so I wouldn’t recommend this site to anyone who is physically challenged. On the other hand we were pleasantly close to the bathroom, and water spigot. From the beach you will have a killer view of Mt. Washington. While back at the site, the trees cover it a bit. The lakeside access at the site is wonderful, and was perfect for launching our kayak or just lounging. We stayed at the beginning of July after the holiday weekend so the weather was nice, hot, and sunny. Brings lots of sunscreen, and bug spray can’t hurt. I heard this place has a reputation for gnarly mosquitoes, but we didn’t have too much trouble with them. Overall, I would highly recommend this campground to anyone. I believe you’d be happy at pretty much any site you book. Happy Camping!
Amanda L
Loop:Big Lake West Campground
Site:
Reviewed 4 months ago
We had space three. It was amazing! Beautiful private beach. At least 4 nice flat spaces for tents. Great for a big group with lots of parking. Each space has a dedicated area and you can double park the cars. Minimal mosquitos this time of year and also the campground was quiet for quite hours on the fourth of July, which was really nice. There is a minimal hike down from the cars down to the space but it's worth it.
Cliff Z
Loop:Big Lake West Campground
Site:
Reviewed 4 months ago
Big Lake West is an awesome place to camp. The sites are wonderful, the view of Mt. Washington is amazing, and the water is refreshing to swim in. My favorite place to camp in Central Oregon.
Mary Jo G
Loop:Big Lake West Campground
Site:
Reviewed 4 months ago
Had a great night at site #1. The most private spot, almost made the 1/4 mile walk in with it.
Millyellen S
Loop:Big Lake West Campground
Site:
Reviewed a year ago
Kayaking at all times of day on the lake is super relaxing. The views are breathtaking especially with the changing light. Even though the campsites are spread out from one another, sound carries well from the ATV/motocross bikes or late night conversations (even if normal volume) perhaps because of lack of lush sound absorbing trees or the spacious lake.
Availability

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

Reserve

Season dates

Walk In season

May 14, 2027 – Jun 3, 2027

First come, first served

Peak season

Jun 4, 2027 – Oct 30, 2027

Reservable online

Walk In season

May 15, 2028 – Jun 4, 2028

First come, first served

Peak season

Jun 5, 2028 – Nov 1, 2028

Reservable online

Camp Sites

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