Elk Lake Campgound

Elk Lake Campground offers a convenient two-lane asphalt boat ramp for accessing this scenic, non-motorized lake located 12.1 miles north of Detroit in Marion County. The ramp is adjacent to a picnic area and includes a designated parking area with handicap-accessible facilities, including accessible vault toilets. The campground itself is a 17-site tent-only facility situated between the Bull of the Woods and Opal Creek Wildernesses, making it an excellent basecamp for paddling and hiking.

Elk Lake's quiet waters are ideal for kayakers and canoeists seeking a peaceful paddling experience with stunning views of South Sister and the surrounding Cascade peaks. As a non-motorized lake, it maintains a calm paddling environment. The campground provides drinking water, picnic tables, and campfire rings at each site, though camping reservations are not available through Recreation.gov. For trip planning, note that access is via FSR 46 (Breitenbush Road) from Highway 22—a scenic drive that may require high-clearance vehicles during winter months.

This 17 site tent-only campground, located adjacent to the Bull of the Woods and Opal Creek Wildernesses, is full of beauty in the summer. Wildflowers are a beautiful sight in the campground's meadows around July.  Swim or paddle in the quiet waters of the non-motorized lake, go for a great hike with views of multiple Cascade peaks, or just kick back and relax in the campground.