suza
06-08-2013, 06:11 PM
We just returned from an excursion to the BLM Loon Lake Campground, east of Reedsport, Oregon. Beautiful spot, located in forest of maples and large Douglas Fir (possibly old growth, but definately second growth) overlooking scenic Loon Lake.
The lake (about 2 mi x 1/2 mi) has a man-made, sandy swimming beach in a day use area that is accessible to campers as well. If you want to park in the day use area, you will have to purchase a day use permit, in addition to your camping permit, at $5.00 per day, although the beach/dock area is in easy walking distance from all campsites. There is a boat ramp and a fishing dock. Lake has bass, trout, bluegill and crappie. Skiing/tubing, etc are allowed. Kayaking was good, but there weren't many ski boats or jet skis roaring around when we were there. It is still early in the summer and we camped Thurs evening through Sat noon.
There is one short hike to a falls and a lot of paths and paved areas if you are into walking. Even with the crowds that came in Friday night, it was relatively quiet after the 10 pm noise curfew. The park is well patrolled and the facilities excellent - clean, heated bathrooms and showers; no cell phone service. Some campsites are more suited to tents and small RVs, but there are several sized for larger units. We had no trouble finding a spot to accommodate our 27' 5th wheel and pickup; there are several spaces over 50'. All sites have fire pits, picnic tables, and some have grills. All are back-ins (some could be tricky getting into).
There are no hook-ups :( but water is available close to most sites. If you want seclusion, choose a site away from the lakefront. There is an online reservation website http://www.recreation.gov/camping/Loon_Lake_Recreation_Site/r/campgroundDetails.do?contractCode=NRSO&parkId=74083that gives information regarding size of sites and availability. Reservations can be made up to 6 mos in advance until 2 days before desired arrival. The campground is pretty booked for the remainder of the summer, but there are some unreserved, "first come, first served" sites. We plan a return trip after Labor Day, when the campground empties out. The weather is generally good in early September (can be hot - 80's-90's). They close for the season on Sept 30.
Do not confuse this campground with Loon Lake Resort. We looked at it and it is not very well kept.
I recommend this campground to all willing to "rough it" without hook-ups and looking for a serene place to kick back and enjoy Oregon in a beautiful, natural setting.
The lake (about 2 mi x 1/2 mi) has a man-made, sandy swimming beach in a day use area that is accessible to campers as well. If you want to park in the day use area, you will have to purchase a day use permit, in addition to your camping permit, at $5.00 per day, although the beach/dock area is in easy walking distance from all campsites. There is a boat ramp and a fishing dock. Lake has bass, trout, bluegill and crappie. Skiing/tubing, etc are allowed. Kayaking was good, but there weren't many ski boats or jet skis roaring around when we were there. It is still early in the summer and we camped Thurs evening through Sat noon.
There is one short hike to a falls and a lot of paths and paved areas if you are into walking. Even with the crowds that came in Friday night, it was relatively quiet after the 10 pm noise curfew. The park is well patrolled and the facilities excellent - clean, heated bathrooms and showers; no cell phone service. Some campsites are more suited to tents and small RVs, but there are several sized for larger units. We had no trouble finding a spot to accommodate our 27' 5th wheel and pickup; there are several spaces over 50'. All sites have fire pits, picnic tables, and some have grills. All are back-ins (some could be tricky getting into).
There are no hook-ups :( but water is available close to most sites. If you want seclusion, choose a site away from the lakefront. There is an online reservation website http://www.recreation.gov/camping/Loon_Lake_Recreation_Site/r/campgroundDetails.do?contractCode=NRSO&parkId=74083that gives information regarding size of sites and availability. Reservations can be made up to 6 mos in advance until 2 days before desired arrival. The campground is pretty booked for the remainder of the summer, but there are some unreserved, "first come, first served" sites. We plan a return trip after Labor Day, when the campground empties out. The weather is generally good in early September (can be hot - 80's-90's). They close for the season on Sept 30.
Do not confuse this campground with Loon Lake Resort. We looked at it and it is not very well kept.
I recommend this campground to all willing to "rough it" without hook-ups and looking for a serene place to kick back and enjoy Oregon in a beautiful, natural setting.