Lakes End Campground

For Oregonians who dream of escaping the hustle and bustle and truly immersing themselves in untouched nature, Lakes End Campground offers a unique and authentic wilderness experience. Nestled deep within the vast landscapes of Oregon, this particular campground stands out not just for its serene beauty but also for its distinctive accessibility, making it a true hidden gem for adventurous locals. It’s a place where the journey is as much a part of the adventure as the destination itself, promising unparalleled solitude and a profound connection with the wild.

However, it's essential for any prospective visitor to be aware of a critical piece of information: Lakes End Campground has been impacted by the Carmen-Smith Hydroelectric Facility Maintenance project. Public information indicates that this campground has been closed for maintenance related to this project, with closures extending at least through Spring 2026. While this might mean a delay in your visit, understanding its unique characteristics and the reason for its closure will help Oregonians plan for future adventures to this exceptional spot once it reopens. This article will delve into what makes Lakes End Campground so special, highlighting its location, the services it offers (when open), and why it's a highly anticipated destination for true outdoor enthusiasts in our state.

Lakes End Campground is located at NF-655, Canyon City, OR 97820, USA. This places it within the breathtaking Willamette National Forest, renowned for its pristine lakes, dense forests, and abundant recreational opportunities. While the address might suggest a straightforward drive, Lakes End Campground is distinctly unique in its accessibility. As explicitly stated by customer reviews and official sources, this is a "Boat in only campground." This critical detail immediately sets it apart from most drive-up camping locations and contributes significantly to its secluded charm.

To reach Lakes End Campground, you typically access it via Smith Reservoir. Travelers will need to launch a watercraft – whether a canoe, kayak, or small motorboat – and navigate across the lake to reach the campsites, which are "tucked in from the shore around the far end of the lake." This boat-in requirement is the primary reason for its "private and not crowded" nature, ensuring that only those truly seeking a remote experience will venture there. For Oregonians who own a canoe, kayak, or have access to a small boat, this offers an incredible opportunity for a truly off-the-beaten-path adventure. The journey across Smith Reservoir is part of the experience, offering scenic views and a sense of detachment from the everyday world even before you set up camp. When open, this unique accessibility guarantees a level of peace and quiet rarely found at other campgrounds.

A crucial update regarding accessibility is that the campground, along with Smith Reservoir, has been closed through at least Spring 2026 due to work on the Carmen-Smith Hydroelectric Facilities. This closure also impacts Forest Service Roads 690, 730, and 689, which provide access to the area around Smith Reservoir. Therefore, while planning, locals should verify the current operational status directly with the managing authorities, typically the Willamette National Forest, as re-opening timelines can shift.

When Lakes End Campground is open and operational, it offers basic, primitive camping services designed for a self-sufficient outdoor experience. This aligns with its remote, boat-in nature, catering to campers who appreciate simplicity and rugged beauty.

• Designated campsites: The campground reportedly has about 17 sites, "tucked in from the shore," providing clear areas for tent setup. Each site is typically equipped with a picnic table and a fire pit.
• Vault toilets: Basic, non-flush restrooms are provided for sanitation, maintaining the primitive character of the campground.
• No potable water: It is crucial for campers to note that there is no drinking water available at Lakes End Campground. Visitors must pack in all their water needs for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.
• No garbage service: Adhering to Leave No Trace principles, campers are required to pack out all their trash, ensuring the pristine environment remains unspoiled.
• Boat launch access (external): While the campground itself is boat-in, there are boat launches available on Smith Reservoir from which campers can depart to access the campground.

These services reflect a commitment to preserving the natural environment and providing a true wilderness camping experience, rather than a developed facility. Campers should be prepared with all necessary supplies, including water purification methods, for their stay.

Lakes End Campground, despite its primitive nature and current closure, holds several compelling features and highlights that make it a highly desirable destination for Oregon's outdoor enthusiasts once it reopens.

• Boat-in only access: This is the defining feature of Lakes End Campground. It creates an immediate barrier to casual visitors, ensuring a more secluded and genuinely private camping experience. The journey by canoe, kayak, or small boat across Smith Reservoir becomes an integral part of the adventure.
• Private and not crowded: As a direct result of its boat-in accessibility, Lakes End Campground consistently offers a sense of privacy and isolation that is rare in more accessible areas. Customer reviews confirm that campers often "had the place to ourselves," making it ideal for those truly seeking solitude and quiet reflection in nature.
• Secluded campsites: The sites are described as "tucked in from the shore around the far end of the lake," suggesting well-integrated, hidden spots that offer maximum privacy and a feeling of being truly immersed in the wilderness.
• Smith Reservoir: The campground's location on Smith Reservoir provides opportunities for non-motorized boating, fishing, and simply enjoying the tranquil lake environment. While swimming may be possible, it's typically an unmonitored activity in such primitive settings.
• Authentic wilderness experience: Without extensive amenities or crowds, Lakes End Campground offers a raw, unfiltered wilderness experience. This appeals to campers who prefer to be self-reliant and connect deeply with the natural surroundings.
• Potential for incredible stargazing: Remote locations with minimal light pollution, like Lakes End, often offer spectacular views of the night sky, perfect for stargazing.
• Rich natural environment: Situated within the Willamette National Forest, the area surrounding the campground is rich in diverse flora and fauna, offering opportunities for birdwatching, nature photography, and peaceful exploration.

Given that Lakes End Campground is situated within the Willamette National Forest and its current closure is due to a large infrastructure project, direct contact should primarily be with the managing authority for the most accurate and up-to-date information.

Address: NF-655, Canyon City, OR 97820, USA

Phone: (541) 225-6300

Mobile Phone: +1 541-225-6300

These phone numbers likely connect to the McKenzie River Ranger Station, which is part of the Willamette National Forest and directly oversees this area. It is highly recommended that anyone planning a future visit, especially after the anticipated reopening in Spring 2026, contact them directly. They can provide the most current information regarding the campground's status, specific reopening dates, accessibility updates post-maintenance, any new regulations, and current fire restrictions. Relying on this official source will ensure a safe and informed trip to this unique wilderness destination.

Lakes End Campground, despite its current temporary closure for essential Carmen-Smith Hydroelectric Facility maintenance, embodies the very essence of a coveted Oregonian outdoor experience. For locals, especially those who cherish solitude and a true wilderness adventure, this boat-in only campground is a truly special destination. It’s not for everyone, and that's precisely its appeal; the effort required to reach it ensures that it remains "private and not crowded," allowing for an intimate connection with nature rarely found elsewhere.

The fact that it’s a "boat in only campground" is a defining characteristic that filters out casual visitors, leaving it open to those who truly seek an immersive escape. This means that when it reopens, Oregonians with a canoe, kayak, or small boat can look forward to having a significant portion of the lake and its surrounding wilderness to themselves. This level of peace and quiet, coupled with the opportunity to explore a pristine lake and its hidden coves, is a deeply appealing prospect for those yearning to unplug from urban life.

The primitive nature of the campground, with basic facilities and a "pack-in pack-out" ethos, aligns perfectly with the Leave No Trace principles many Oregon outdoor enthusiasts hold dear. It encourages self-reliance and a deeper appreciation for the natural environment. While the current closure "until 2021 for Carmen-Smith Hydroelectric Facility Maintenance" (with updated information suggesting Spring 2026) is a necessary pause, it highlights the ongoing commitment to maintaining the integrity of these vital natural resources. This period of maintenance, though inconvenient, ensures that when Lakes End Campground does welcome visitors again, it will be in the best possible condition, safeguarding its unique features for future generations of Oregonians.

For the adventurous, the patient, and those who believe the best experiences are often earned, Lakes End Campground remains a highly anticipated destination. It offers a promise of bright stars, refreshing lake waters, and the profound silence of the forest – an ultimate escape for any Oregonian seeking true wilderness and an unforgettable, secluded camping adventure. Keep an eye on its reopening, as this will undoubtedly be a sought-after gem for those who know and love Oregon's wild places.

Lakes End Campground

NF-655, Canyon City, OR 97820, USA