North Waldo Campground

North Waldo Campground offers the most popular and well-developed boat access to Waldo Lake, one of Oregon's largest natural lakes. Located in the Willamette National Forest about 36 miles east of Oakridge via Highway 58 and forest roads, this campground features a notably deep boat ramp that accommodates larger vessels, including sailboats. The facility includes 58 campsites (34 reservable), potable water, vault toilets, and is just a short walk from the shoreline. The campground can be reserved through Recreation.gov by calling 801-226-3564.

Waldo Lake is prized for its exceptional clarity—visibility extends to 120 feet—and offers an ideal non-motorized paddling experience, as only electric-motor boats are permitted. Kayakers and canoeists will appreciate the peaceful, remote shorelines surrounded by Douglas fir and mountain hemlock forests. The lake is circled by the 20-mile Jim Weaver Loop Trail, popular with mountain bikers and hikers. Note that mosquitoes can be present in season despite the relatively drier environment. Additional activities include swimming and access to nearby alpine lakes via the Waldo Lake Wilderness trail system.

Overview
Waldo Lake is one of the largest natural lakes in Oregon. It offers a uniquely peaceful setting on the water and along remote shorelines, surrounded by forests of Douglas fir and mountain hemlock. Recreation in the area is abundant with the lake an ideal location for water activities like sailing, canoeing and swimming.Recreation
Waldo Lake is circled by the Jim Weaver Loop, 20 miles of...

Overview
Waldo Lake is one of the largest natural lakes in Oregon. It offers a uniquely peaceful setting on the water and along remote shorelines, surrounded by forests of Douglas fir and mountain hemlock. Recreation in the area is abundant with the lake an ideal location for water activities like sailing, canoeing and swimming.Recreation
Waldo Lake is circled by the Jim Weaver Loop, 20 miles of trail for hiking and biking. Bikes are allowed on the trails, but not in the nearby Waldo Lake Wilderness. There is also easy access to the Pacific Crest Trail and North Waldo is also a popular starting point for many wilderness trails and lakes, most notably the Rigdon, Wahanna and Torrey Lakes. There is a 1-mile Shoreline Trail between North Waldo Campground and Islet Campground which provides a short and pleasant hike along the lakeshore.Facilities
North Waldo is the most popular of the Waldo Lake Campgrounds. There are 58 sites with fire rings and tables, 34 are reservable. The boat launch is somewhat deeper than the others on the lake, which is more accommodating for large sailboats. The drier environment supports fewer mosquitoes, but they are still plentiful in season.
This facility is operated by American Land & Leisure. We appreciate hearing from you. Comment cards are available from campground hosts or online at www.americanll.com.Natural Features
Situated high on the western slopes of the Oregon Cascades at 5,400 feet in elevation, Waldo Lake is one of the purest lakes in Oregon (9.8 square miles with a maximum depth of 427 feet). It has no permanent inlet to bring nutrients into the lake for plant growth. The lack of plant life contributes to its purity, allowing you to see to depths of 120 feet on a calm day.

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