Scout Lake
4.5011 reviewsScout Lake
$27.00 - $81.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$27.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$81.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$81.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Peak season rates vary from $27 (tent only nonelectric) to $81 for group sites and standard nonelectric sites. A $2 holiday surcharge is applied in peak seasons.
About this campground
Nestled along the pristine shores of Scout Lake, this group campground offers the perfect basecamp for your next outdoor adventure. Whether you're planning a family reunion, scout retreat, or gathering of friends, you'll find everything you need here—from picnic tables and grills for memorable meals under the stars to direct water access for endless lakeside fun. The spacious sites welcome large groups with open arms, creating an ideal setting where memories are made and stories are shared around the campfire.
Scout Lake Campground primarily offers group camping with sites ranging from single-family to triple size, as well as tent camping. "Great location, nice roomy sites" was a sentiment shared by users (Review by JANINE R).
Historical SignificanceStep into a landscape shaped by millennia of volcanic forces and centuries of human exploration. The surrounding Deschutes National Forest serves as your gateway to discovery, with trails that wind through ancient forests and reveal the stories written in stone by volcanic eruptions of ages past. This is more than just a campground—it's your launching point into a region where geological wonders and outdoor heritage converge, inviting you to become part of the ongoing narrative of adventure in Central Oregon.
Weather and SeasonsSummer transforms this high desert oasis into a sun-drenched paradise, with peak season bringing warm, dry days that can climb to a toasty 95 degrees—perfect for swimming and water activities. As the sun sets behind the pines, temperatures drop to comfortable levels, creating those perfect camping nights where you'll want to linger by the fire. The moderate temperature swings between day and night remind you that you're camping in true mountain country, where layers are your friend and every sunrise brings a fresh, crisp start to your day.
ElevationPerched in the dramatic transition zone where desert meets mountain in the heart of the Deschutes Region, this unique landscape offers the best of both worlds. Here, the high desert's wide-open vistas blend seamlessly with mountain forests, creating a diverse ecosystem that surprises and delights at every turn. The varied terrain provides endless opportunities for exploration, from sun-baked ridges to cool, shaded valleys.
Natural Features and ScenerySituated in towering mixed conifer forest, high desert region, enabling explorations of extinct volcanoes, lava flows.
Geological RegionAt 3,600 feet elevation in Central Oregon's captivating high desert, the campground sits amid a majestic mixed conifer forest that tells the dramatic story of our planet's fiery past. Towering pines and firs provide welcome shade, while just beyond the treeline, the landscape opens to reveal nature's volcanic sculpture garden. Ancient lava flows frozen in time, dormant volcanic peaks standing sentinel on the horizon, and mysterious calderas dot the surrounding terrain, offering glimpses into the powerful forces that shaped this extraordinary region. Every hike becomes a journey through geological time, where you can literally walk on the cooled remnants of Earth's molten interior.
Campsite details
AccessibilityNo specific accessibility features are mentioned in the authoritative content or reviews.
Sites SizeSites range from single-family to triple-size, accommodating groups of various sizes. "Large sites in a nicely wooded campground," according to one reviewer (Review by JANE F).
Sites PrivacyPrivacy varies by site. Site 5 was described as "pretty private" despite visibility of neighbors 100+ ft away (Review by SUSAN N).
Total Campsites10 campsites
Recommended CampsitesAvoid Site 2 or 4A based heat day odor risk near bathrooms elevation flat accessibility higher neighboring site preference.
Best CampsitesSite 5 among few sloped unique hillside scenic view coverage canopy slight shading well advantage for privacy.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Reserved sites held till Noon following arrival.
Check-out
Sites to vacate fully Noon required thereafter day
Stay Limit
Guests may stay up to 14 nights consecutively, with a maximum of 28 nights total per year.
Guests Allowed Per Site
- Varies by site type: standard single site includes 1 vehicle and 1 legally towed vehicle
- double site fees include 2 vehicles and triple site fees include 3 vehicles.
Groups
Group sites can accommodate up to 100 guests when rented together, with parking provisions for 50 vehicles.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutLakeside 10 structured diverse standalone shaded family-oriented mixed-level visitor.
Open and Closed SeasonSeason opens May 23, closes September 27. Out-of-season policies apply September 27 through May 8.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be booked on Recreation.gov with varying fees.
Walk-in AvailabilityFirst-come, first-serve applies off-season May 8 - May 21 of the following year, non-reservable dates September 27 onward.
Cancellation PolicyUp to 14 days before and incurs $10 modification fee. Late cancellations lose the first night's fee.
Accomodation available
GroupGroup campsites are offered for larger parties such as families, schools, or organizations. These sites provide space and facilities to accommodate multiple people camping together.
Amenities available
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Scout Lake offers a variety of outdoor recreational activities. Popular choices include swimming, hiking, fishing, birding, and other water sports. The picturesque shoreline and nearby trails provide opportunities for exploration. "Scout lake is a perfect place to take the family and kids," according to one user (Review by KATELIN G).
Hiking
Trails near the lake offer opportunities for hiking and birding. No specific trail details such as length or difficulty are provided.Fishing
Fishing is available at Suttle Lake, less than a mile away. Scout Lake allows only non-motorized watercraft.Swimming
Swimming and wading are popular activities at Scout Lake. "Scout Lake was lovely for swimming," according to a user review (Review by KATE B).Boating
Scout Lake permits only non-motorized watercraft, while Suttle Lake nearby supports motorized boating activities.Wildlife viewing
The area supports diverse wildlife including deer, squirrels, trout, salmon, and migratory birds. "Lots of chipmunks looking for attention and snacks," noted one reviewer (Review by Albin Edelman).Beach activities
Scout Lake features a large beach area that is ideal for relaxing and swimming. "Beach-like resting areas" were highlighted in a review (Review by Albin Edelman).Winter Activities
The campground is not described as supporting winter recreation.Water Sports
Scout Lake supports non-motorized water sports such as kayaking and paddleboarding. "The whole group loved swimming and hanging out in the lake," noted one reviewer (Review by MARISOL H).Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Due to wildfire risks seasonal ban imposed silent battery packs instead couple usage allowed.
- Quiet hours are Generator banned period Night 10 PM Morning 7 AM gap noise-free span uninterrupted.
Hazards
General hazardsHigh Wind heat record insight occasional fire ban imposed due to dryness campfire restrictions observed!
Weather forecast
78
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Humidity: 40%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 0.6 mph
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Overcast
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Good to know
Peak season datesMay 23 - September 27.
Trash and recyclingNo details about trash or recycling facilities are mentioned in the authoritative or user reviews.
Proximity to water featuresBy side Scout named Lake .
Common complaintsWind exposure detract; Toilet remote access rather filled complaints water-locking otherwise scenic.
Campground Map
Driving directionsFrom Sisters, Oregon, take Highway 20/126 NW for 12 miles. Turn left onto Forest Service Road 2070. Travel just less than a mile and turn left again onto Forest Service Road 2066 and continue to the campground entrance on the right.
The campground seems accessible from major roads through paved highways leading to Forest Service roads. Forest Service roads might require careful navigation.Camper Reviews
4.5
11 reviews
Scout Lake is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
Scout Lake has mixed reviews. Many users praised its natural beauty, spacious sites, and proximity to the lake, while some noted issues with site conditions and facilities.
Review Summaries
Based on 11 reviews
What Campers Love
"Scout lake is a perfect place to take the family and kids," praised one review (Review by KATELIN G). Other users highlighted the "large sites in a nicely wooded campground" (Review by JANE F) and...
Based on 11 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
"The pit toilet near us was filled with water and locked," noted one user (Review by REBECCA P). Additionally, logging activity was mentioned as disrupting campsite aesthetics (Review by REBECCA P).
Based on 11 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Bring canopies for shade at less tree-covered sites like 001 Triple (Review by DANY R). Avoid sites 2 and 4A due to potential odor issues from nearby vault toilets in warmer weather (Review by SUSAN...
Based on 11 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
Summer is a popular season for Scout Lake, with activities like swimming and paddleboarding often highlighted. Heat and wind can be challenging, as noted in multiple reviews.
Based on 11 reviewsCamper Quotes
"Beautiful, large site with a great view. Pretty windy though" (Review by TIFFANY D). "Lake itself was absolutely perfect for our kids to swim and play in" (Review by KATELIN G). "Nice roomy sites!"...
Based on 11 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Site 5: "Pretty private even though we could see the people at site 6 at their fire pit..." (Review by SUSAN N). Site 001 Triple: "Among the least tree-covered sites in this loop" (Review by DANY R)....
Based on 11 reviewsShow more
Accessibility Features
No specific reviews addressing accessibility features are available.
Based on 11 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are allowed if kept on a leash and cleaned up after. "The campsites are pet-friendly" as mentioned in the authoritative content.
Based on 11 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025