Big Lake West Campground sits on the north shore of Big Lake, several miles north of Mt. Washington in the Willamette National Forest. Spectacular views of Mt. Washington can be enjoyed from a number of the campsites.
Big Lake West, a walk-in, tents only campground, is just west of Big Lake Campground. Big Lake is a popular destination for boating, water skiing, swimming, and fishing. Excellent hiking trails are nearby, including the Patjens Lakes Trail and the Pacific Crest Trail. Also close by is the Santiam Pass OHV Motorized Recreation Area.
Big Lake West Campground has 11 tents-only, walk-in campsites along the shore of the lake. Beginning in 2021, all campsites at Big Lake West are now multi- or double sites which allow up to 12 people and 2 or 3 vehicles. A surrounding forest of alpine fir, hemlock and lodgepole pine provides shade for many of the sites. Campers soak in views of the lake with magnificent Mt. Washington and other prominent peaks as a backdrop.
| Big Lake West Campground Basics | |
|---|---|
| Big Lake West Campground Location: | From McKenzie Bridge, travel east on Highway 126 for 29.5 miles to Santiam Pass. Then turn south on Big Lake Road #2690 for 3 miles to the campground. |
| Elevation: | 4,650 feet |
| Nearby Gateway Cities: | Sisters - 21 miles
Eugene - 83 miles Salem - 92 miles |
| Number of Sites: | 11 |
| Open - Closed: | Open late May through early to mid-October |
| Max. People per single site: | 12 |
| Vehicles per site: | 2 vehicle at single sites (fee for additional vehicle) |
| Pets: | On leash, always attended |
| Operated by | American Land & Leisure for Willamette National Forest |
| McKenzie Ranger District: | (541) 822-3381 |
| Big Lake West Campground Reservations | |
|---|---|
| Reservations Coming Soon | Reservations will soon be available for campsites from 2 days to 6 months in advance of arrival date. |
| Wheelchair accessible sites: | None designated |
| Fees: | $55 per night
(plus $8 reservation fee) |
| Campground Map: | Big Lake West Campground Map |
| Campground Reservations: | Big Lake West Campground Reservations |
| Check-in, check-out: | Check-in: 2:00 PM, check-out: 1:00 PM |
| Big Lake West Campground Amenities | |
|---|---|
| Campsites: | Picnic table, campfire ring with grill; no hook-ups |
| Campground: | Vault toilets, piped water |
| Showers: | No |
| Dump station: | No |
| Attractions near Big Lake West Campground: |
Trout Fishing Best Sellers |
Big Lake West Campground
Opening and closing dates for some campgrounds are only estimates, usually dependent on weather conditions. Not all campsites can accommodate trailers or RVs of all lengths.
Designated Accessible sites are usually reserved for people with disabilities who have a vehicle displaying an accessible parking placard or license plate.
Big Lake West Campground, Site #5
Check for any park or campground updates: Willamette National Forest: Big Lake West Campground