East Lemolo Forest Camp

Hello, Oregon outdoor enthusiasts! Are you dreaming of a serene lakeside escape nestled deep within our state's breathtaking national forests? If so, then East Lemolo Forest Camp, located on the picturesque shores of Lemolo Lake in Douglas County, is a destination well worth your attention. This charming campground offers a peaceful retreat for families, anglers, and water sports enthusiasts alike, providing direct access to the beautiful Lemolo Lake and the vast wilderness of the Umpqua National Forest. For locals who cherish the tranquility of Oregon's high Cascades and the joy of lake activities, East Lemolo Forest Camp promises an unforgettable experience.

East Lemolo Forest Camp is a delightful campground featuring 15 standard campsites, all of which are available by reservation only. Situated at an elevation of 4,150 feet, the camp is nestled along the southeast banks of Lemolo Lake, the highest reservoir on the North Umpqua River. This informal camp is a favorite among fishermen and those who simply enjoy the tranquil sounds of the lake. The campsites are thoughtfully laid out in clearings within a thick lodgepole pine forest, offering a classic forest camping ambiance. Each site is equipped with essential amenities such as picnic tables and campfire rings with grills, ensuring a comfortable base for your outdoor adventures.

The campground provides unobstructed access to Lemolo Lake's shoreline, with several campsites located just feet from the water's edge, making it incredibly convenient for immediate access to fishing, boating, and other water sports. While it offers vault toilets, it's important for visitors to note that there is no drinking water available at the campground, so campers must bring their own supply. Despite this, the combination of a beautiful lakeside setting, essential facilities, and a focus on natural recreation makes East Lemolo Forest Camp a highly appealing choice for those seeking a laid-back and immersive experience in the Umpqua National Forest. It's a place where you can truly relax and enjoy the "laid back vibes" that make Oregon's natural spaces so special.

East Lemolo Forest Camp is located in Douglas County, OR 97447, USA, deep within the Umpqua National Forest. Its specific address places it on the shores of Lemolo Lake, a high-elevation reservoir south of Diamond Lake and north of Crater Lake National Park.

Accessing East Lemolo Forest Camp typically involves driving on paved and unpaved forest roads. From Roseburg, Oregon, you would travel east on OR-138 / NE Diamond Lake Boulevard for approximately 72 miles. From there, you'll turn left onto Forest Road 2610 (Bird's Point Road), continue for about 3 miles, then turn right onto Forest Road 2614. Proceed 2 miles and finally turn left onto Forest Road 430. The campground is located at the end of this road. While much of the main highway is well-maintained, the final miles on forest roads may be unpaved. These roads are generally suitable for most vehicles, including trailers and RVs up to approximately 25 feet in length, as the campsites can accommodate them. However, checking current road conditions with the Umpqua National Forest is always advised, especially outside of peak summer months, as weather can affect accessibility. The journey itself is scenic, winding through dense forests and offering glimpses of the stunning Cascade landscape, building anticipation for the beautiful lake destination. This relatively straightforward access makes East Lemolo Forest Camp a manageable drive for many Oregonians looking for a true mountain lake experience without excessive off-road challenges.

Services Offered:

• Standard Campsites: East Lemolo Forest Camp offers 15 standard campsites, each designed to accommodate tents, trailers, and RVs.

• Reservation System: All 15 sites are available by reservation only, ensuring a confirmed spot upon arrival (reservations typically made via Recreation.gov).

• Picnic Tables: Every campsite is equipped with a picnic table for convenient outdoor dining.

• Campfire Rings with Grills: Each site includes a fire ring with a grate, perfect for campfires (when conditions allow) and cooking over an open flame.

• Vault Toilets: The campground provides clean vault toilets for essential sanitation needs.

• Boat Launch/Ramp: A day-use boat launch and 3-car parking lot are available at the end of the campground, providing direct access for launching boats onto Lemolo Lake.

• No Drinking Water: It's crucial for campers to note that potable (drinking) water is NOT available at the campground, so visitors must bring their own supply.

Features / Highlights:

• Lakeside Camping: Nestled directly on the southeast shore of Lemolo Lake, offering beautiful "unobstructed access to the shoreline" and many sites just feet from the beach.

• Excellent Fishing: Lemolo Lake is renowned for its fine fishing, home to Eastern brook trout, rainbow trout, Kokanee salmon, and German brown trout, thriving in depths up to 100 feet.

• Variety of Water Sports: Popular activities include boating (motorized and non-motorized), water skiing, jet skiing, windsurfing, swimming, canoeing, and kayaking.

• Peaceful Forest Setting: Campsites are set within clearings in a thick lodgepole pine forest, providing a "laid back" and quiet atmosphere, often with good privacy despite some exposure to sun.

• Scenic Mountain Views: Located at 4,150 feet elevation, offering views of Mt. Bailey and Mt. Thielsen, as well as Cinnamon Butte.

• Proximity to Hiking and Mountain Biking Trails: Access to various trails within ten miles of the campground, including the North Umpqua Trail and others. Nearby Lemolo Falls Trail also offers a steep traverse to view the 150-foot falls.

• Wildlife Viewing: The diverse ecosystem supports opportunities for bird watching (eagles, osprey, waterfowl) and other wildlife observation.

• Nearby Crater Lake National Park: Only about 30 miles north of Crater Lake National Park, making it a convenient base for a day trip to this iconic Oregon landmark.

Contact Information:

Address: Douglas County, OR 97447, USA (On Lemolo Lake, Umpqua National Forest)

For campground inquiries, please call the Toketee Ranger Station (managing Umpqua National Forest campgrounds in this area):

Phone: (541) 498-2531

For reservations, visit Recreation.gov (search for "East Lemolo Campground") or call toll-free: 1-877-444-6777.

It is highly recommended to check Recreation.gov or the Umpqua National Forest website (fs.usda.gov/umpqua) for the most current information on operating dates, alerts, road conditions, and reservation availability before planning your trip, as these can change seasonally.

For Oregon locals, East Lemolo Forest Camp offers an incredibly appealing and well-suited camping experience, perfectly capturing the essence of a tranquil Pacific Northwest getaway. Its primary draw lies in its stunning lakeside location on Lemolo Lake. For Oregonians who revel in water activities, having direct, unobstructed access to a beautiful lake for fishing, boating, kayaking, and even water skiing is a huge advantage. This means less time commuting to water access points and more time enjoying the refreshing waters of one of our state's scenic reservoirs. The lake is especially renowned for its diverse trout and salmon populations, making it a dream spot for local anglers.

The campground's setting within the Umpqua National Forest, surrounded by lodgepole pine, provides that quintessential Oregon forest feel. It offers a "laid back vibes" and a quiet atmosphere that many locals seek to escape the everyday hustle. The ability to make reservations for all 15 sites is also a significant benefit for Oregonians, allowing for planned trips and peace of mind, especially during popular summer months, without the uncertainty of first-come, first-served options. This contrasts nicely with some of the more primitive sites, making it accessible for a wider range of campers, including families with RVs up to 25 feet.

Furthermore, East Lemolo's proximity to world-class attractions like Crater Lake National Park (just 30 miles north) and the numerous waterfalls along the North Umpqua Highway adds immense value. For locals, this means East Lemolo can serve as an excellent base camp for multi-day explorations of some of Oregon's most iconic natural wonders, creating opportunities for unforgettable adventures right in our backyard. While the lack of potable water requires a bit of extra preparation, it's a minor consideration for the overall rewarding experience of lakeside camping in such a pristine forest environment. East Lemolo Forest Camp truly embodies the outdoor spirit of Oregon, providing a comfortable, accessible, and beautiful retreat for any local looking to embrace the best of our state's natural treasures.

East Lemolo Forest Camp

Douglas County, OR 97447, USA