Todd Lake Campground
00 reviewTodd Lake Campground, Deschutes National Forest, Oregon
Todd Lake Campground
$5.00 - $5.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$0.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Parking at this site requires a recreation pass ($5/vehicle/day). Acceptable passes include Northwest Forest Pass, Day ePass, National Forest Day Pass, and Interagency Passes. Passes can be purchased on-site or from Forest Service offices.
About this campground
Tucked away on the western shores of pristine Todd Lake, this intimate wilderness sanctuary offers just three secluded walk-in sites for those seeking true alpine solitude. Wake up to mirror-like reflections of jagged Broken Top mountain in the crystal-clear waters, and spend your days exploring hidden trails that wind through ancient forests or casting a line into the tranquil lake. This hidden gem rewards those willing to carry their gear a short distance with an authentic backcountry experience without venturing deep into the wilderness.
Todd Lake Campground offers three walk-in sites suitable for tent camping.
Historical SignificanceStep into a landscape steeped in history at Todd Lake, bearing one of the oldest place names in the entire Cascade Range. This timeless alpine jewel sits at the doorstep of the legendary Three Sisters Wilderness, where volcanic peaks have stood sentinel over Oregon's wild heart for millennia. Here, generations of adventurers have found inspiration in the same dramatic vistas that continue to captivate modern explorers, making Todd Lake a living link to Oregon's pioneering outdoor heritage.
Weather and SeasonsExperience the dramatic seasonal transformation of the high Cascades, where winter blankets the landscape in deep snow and summer unveils a wildflower-studded paradise. Smart campers plan their visits during the golden window of weeks 25-28, when azure skies dominate, afternoon thunderstorms are rare, and the alpine air carries just the right amount of warmth. These precious summer weeks offer the perfect balance of comfortable temperatures for hiking by day and cool nights ideal for campfire stories under a canopy of stars.
ElevationPerched high in the rarified air of Oregon's Cascade Range, this alpine campground offers a true mountain experience where the thin atmosphere sharpens every sensation. At this lofty elevation, morning mists dance across the lake's surface, afternoon sun feels more intense, and nighttime brings a spectacular celestial show unmarred by lowland haze.
Natural Features and SceneryImmerse yourself in a pristine alpine wonderland where emerald coniferous forests give way to vibrant wildflower meadows, all set against a backdrop of ancient volcanic peaks. The campground's crown jewel, Todd Lake, serves as a vital sanctuary for the rare Western Toad and elusive Cascade Frog, whose presence speaks to the untouched quality of this ecosystem. Towering firs and mountain hemlocks frame breathtaking vistas, while the surrounding volcanic landscape tells the explosive story of the Cascades' fiery birth.
Geological RegionDiscover a landscape sculpted by fire and ice in the heart of the Deschutes National Forest, where Todd Lake Campground serves as your basecamp for exploring the volcanic wonders of the Cascade Range. This remarkable corner of the Three Sisters Wilderness showcases nature's most dramatic artistry – from ancient lava flows now clothed in dense coniferous forests to pristine alpine lakes cradled in glacial basins. Here, the raw geological forces that shaped Oregon's backbone are on full display, creating an outdoor classroom where every rock formation and mountain vista tells a story millions of years in the making.
Campsite details
AccessibilityAccessibility details are not available for this campground.
Sites SizeThe campground offers three small walk-in campsites.
Sites PrivacyNo information about the level of privacy at campsites was provided.
Total Campsites3 campsites
Recommended CampsitesChoose sites based on proximity to water and scenic views. All sites require a 10-minute hike from the parking area.
Best CampsitesAll three sites are considered equally scenic, overlooking Todd Lake and Broken Top.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Unknown
Check-out
Unknown
Stay Limit
Unknown
Guests Allowed Per Site
Unknown
Groups
No group site information was provided.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutThree walk-in sites located close to Todd Lake. Sites are accessed via a 10-minute hike from the parking lot.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen as accessible; no specific dates provided for opening and closing.
Reservation PlatformsReservations are not applicable for the campground itself; permits for nearby Todd Lake Trail in the Three Sisters Wilderness can be obtained at Recreation.gov or via 1-877-444-6777.
Walk-in AvailabilityCamping is first-come, first-served with only 3 designated sites available.
Cancellation PolicyUnknown
Activities you can enjoy
Todd Lake Campground offers a range of activities such as fishing, picnicking, and horse/hiker access to the Three Sisters Wilderness.
Hiking
Hikers have access to the Todd Lake Trail, which leads into the Three Sisters Wilderness. Note that a Central Cascades Wilderness Permit is required during the peak season from Friday of Memorial Day weekend until the last Friday in September.Fishing
Fishing at Todd Lake is a noted activity, but specific details about fish species or fishing conditions were not provided.Winter Activities
No details about winter recreation activities were provided.Water Sports
No information about non-motorized water sports was included.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Specific fire policies are not mentioned; assume standard wilderness fire safety rules apply.
- Quiet hours are Unknown
Hazards
General hazardsWildlife hazards include bears and protected amphibian species. Seasonal snow and freezing conditions may impact accessibility.
Active alertsNone specified.
Weather forecast
68
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Partly cloudy
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 50%
Moderately humid conditions
Wind: 8.2 mph
Strong wind, exercise caution
Partly cloudy
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
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Temperature Trends
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Precipitation Trends
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Weather Summaries
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Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Closest hospital: St. Charles Medical Center in Bend (~24 miles). Closest ranger station: Deschutes National Forest Headquarters in Bend (~24 miles).
Good to know
Peak season datesPeak season is likely between Memorial Day weekend and the last Friday of September due to permit requirements.
Trash and recyclingTrash and recycling facilities were not mentioned.
Proximity to water featuresLocated directly adjacent to Todd Lake.
Common complaintsLimited campsite availability (only 3 sites) and lack of potable water or restrooms are common concerns.
HostNo on-site campground host information provided.
Campground Map
Todd Lake Campground, Deschutes National Forest, Oregon
Driving directionsFrom Bend, OR: Travel 24.0 miles west on Cascade Lakes Highway (46), then 0.5 miles north on Forest Road 4600 370 to Todd Lake Trailhead. It is a 1/4 mile hike to the lake.
The campground is accessible via paved Cascade Lakes Highway and a short gravel section. The road conditions are generally good but seasonal snow or ice may affect accessibility.Nearby places
Bend, Oregon: 24 miles (~40 minutes drive)
Nearby supplies
Closest supplies are available in Bend (~24 miles) including groceries, camping supplies, and fuel.
Camper Reviews
0.0
0 reviews
Todd Lake Campground has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
There are no user reviews provided, so no user sentiments or direct quotes could be analyzed.
Review Summaries
What Campers Love
No positive highlights were provided due to the absence of user reviews.
Common Concerns
No complaints were noted as user reviews were not available.
Pro Tips & Recommendations
No user tips or recommendations were provided.
Seasonal Insights
No seasonal review trends were mentioned.
Camper Quotes
No direct quotes from users were available.
Site-Specific Reviews
No reviews specific to individual campsites were provided.
Accessibility Features
No reviews addressing accessibility features were provided.
Pet-Friendly Features
No reviews related to pet policies or experiences were available.
Last updated August 10, 2025