Oregon · Camping

Elk Lake Campground

May–Oct
best months

Is Elk Lake Campground open right now?

Closure in the area

There's a closure order in Detroit Ranger District. It doesn't name Elk Lake Campground, so check the source for the area it covers (2 listed).

As of · Source: USFS · Detroit Ranger District. Agencies don't list every closure — check before you go.

  • At 3,730 ft
  • Detroit Ranger DistrictWillamette National Forest

Elk Lake Campground is a 17-site tent-only campground in the Detroit Ranger District of Oregon's Willamette National Forest, managed by the Forest Service. It sits right next to the Bull of the Woods and Opal Creek Wildernesses, and summer is the most comfortable time to visit. July brings wildflowers to the meadows around the campground, and the non-motorized lake offers a quiet spot for swimming or paddling. The most comfortable months are July and August, when typical averages from the nearby Santiam Junction weather station run to highs around 76°F and lows near 42°F. Winter is cold, with typical January highs around 38°F and lows near 24°F. The campground makes a good base for exploring the surrounding area. Battle Ax Mountain and the Battle Ax Mountain Trail #3340 are both within a mile, and Humbug Creek and Battle Ax Creek offer canoeing about 2 to 3 miles away.

Local outfitters

Not on Roamze yet. Their page has how to reach them.

  • Best time to go · May–Oct

    Best time to visit Elk Lake Campground

    Best months: May–October. Best months have typical highs of 55–85 °F, lows of 30 °F or warmer (32 °F where the station doesn't record snow), at most one snowy day and no more than 12 wet days.

    1. Jan

      38° / 24°

    2. Feb

      41° / 24°

    3. Mar

      44° / 26°

    4. Apr

      49° / 29°

    5. May

      58° / 35°

    6. Jun

      65° / 38°

    7. Jul

      76° / 42°

    8. Aug

      76° / 42°

    9. Sep

      69° / 39°

    10. Oct

      56° / 33°

    11. Nov

      42° / 28°

    12. Dec

      36° / 23°

    Typical high / low (°F) and days with rain or snow, 1991–2020. Measured at Santiam Junction, OR, 28.2 mi away at 3,750 ft. This station doesn't record snowfall. Source: NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020.

Elk Lake Campground

Book on Recreation.gov

Reserve