Scott Lake Campground

A primitive, high-elevation lakeside campground near McKenzie Pass — tent-only, first-come first-served, with paddling and fishing right on Scott Lake and a genuinely short season tied to when the pass opens each year.

•Primitive lakeside campground — first-come, first-served only, no RVs or trailers, no potable water.

Camping here

confirm site count locally

SitesA small number of tent sites (exact count not published by the Forest Service)

Site typeTent camping only — no RVs or trailers permitted

WaterNo potable water — bring your own

RestroomsVault toilets

Fees$5/vehicle/day, or a $30 annual pass; Northwest Forest Pass and interagency passes also accepted

More detail

Getting there & parking+

From McKenzie Bridge, take Highway 126 east 3 miles to Highway 242, then follow Hwy 242 east 14 miles to Forest Road 260, then turn left. This is a genuinely high-elevation site near McKenzie Pass.

Facilities & accessibility+

Vault toilets
Picnic tables
No potable water

Not RV/trailer-friendly — the access road and site layout suit tents and small vehicles only.

Reservations & fees+

First-come, first-served only — no advance booking. Pay via the Recreation.gov Scan-and-Pay app or the fee station.

Season is short and weather-dependent: mid-July through late October, opening timed to when Highway 242 (McKenzie Pass) becomes passable each year. Quiet hours are 10 p.m. to 6 a.m., max stay is 14 days in a 60-day window, and dogs must be leashed at all times. Chainsaws are prohibited.

Nearby attractions+

Right along the McKenzie Pass corridor — a strong pairing with the Dee Wright Observatory, the lava fields on Hwy 242, and Three Sisters Wilderness trailheads.

Fishing & boating access+

Fishing and non-motorized boating (canoe, kayak, paddleboard) are both allowed on Scott Lake itself — a real water-access opportunity, unusual for a campground this small and this high up.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions +

Can I bring my RV to Scott Lake Campground?
No — RVs and trailers are not permitted; this is a tent-camping site.

Is there drinking water?
No — bring your own; there’s no potable water source at the campground.

Can I reserve a site in advance?
No — Scott Lake is first-come, first-served only, with no advance booking option.

Can I paddle or fish on Scott Lake?
Yes — non-motorized boating (kayak, canoe, paddleboard) and fishing are both allowed on the lake.

When is the campground open?
Mid-July through late October, and the opening date shifts year to year depending on when Highway 242 (McKenzie Pass) becomes passable after winter snow.