Big Lake Campground
The numbers that decide it
- Longest rig
- 78 ft
- Sites
- 56
- Electric hookups
- Not published
- Pull-through sites
- Yes
- Paved access
- No
- Accessible sites
- Not published
- Driveway grade
- Slight
- Bear boxes
- Not published
- Campfires
- Yes
- Shade
- Yes
- Group sites
- Not published
Site-level detail from Recreation.gov, checked 2026-08-05. Where a field says “not published”, the agency has not published it — it does not mean zero. See it on Recreation.gov
Big Lake Campground
On the western shore of Big Lake at the top of Santiam Pass, surrounded by alpine fir, hemlock and lodgepole pine, campers enjoy views of the lake with the beautiful Mt. Washington as a backdrop. Big Lake Campground offers 49 sites for tent or RV camping. Drinking water, vault toilets and a boat ramp are provided. This campground is a hub of activity during the summer months. Big Lake is very popular for both motorized and non-motorized boating. The campground is located adjacent to the Santiam Pass Motorized Recreation Area and is a popular campground for OHV enthusiasts. Nearby Patjens Lakes Trail offers easy access to the Mt. Washington Wilderness .
Before you go
Season
May – September
Reservations
First-come, first-served
Fees
Single Campsites - $28 per night Extra Vehicles - $9 per vehicle, per night Day Use - $9 per vehicle, per day
Restrictions
OHV use in the campground is strictly prohibited for any purpose other than entering or leaving the campground. Regulations for the Santiam Pass Summer Motorized Recreation Area . • Camping is not allowed more than 14 days in a 60 day period. • Check-in time: 2:00 pm or later. Check-out time: 1:00 pm • Use of chainsaws in the campground is prohibited • Dogs MUST be on leash at all times within the campground
Scenic drives that pass close
Make it a night on a better road
Byway plans the drive in — real stops, real weather, nothing invented.