Olive Lake Campground

For local users in the vicinity of Bates, Oregon, who are searching for "camping near me" and yearning for a picturesque lakeside setting with opportunities for hiking, Olive Lake Campground presents an appealing destination. Located near Bates, OR 97817, USA, this campground is accessible via a scenic drive that culminates in the breathtaking view of a beautiful lake surrounded by trees. While the natural environment and recreational activities receive high praise from visitors, it's important to be aware of certain aspects regarding the facilities and access routes to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable stay.

The journey to Olive Lake Campground is described as "a nice long drive down a dirt road," which immediately suggests a somewhat remote and potentially rustic experience. While the drive itself is appreciated for its scenic nature as the trees eventually give way to the stunning vista of the lake, visitors should be prepared for unpaved road conditions. This might involve slower travel speeds and the potential for dust, so ensuring your vehicle is suitable for such terrain is advisable. The payoff, however, is the reward of arriving at a beautiful lake, indicating a pristine and natural environment that is likely the main draw of this campground.

Once at the campground, visitors can expect "very clean pit toilets." While cleanliness is certainly a positive attribute for any restroom facility, the fact that they are pit toilets indicates a more basic level of amenity compared to flush toilets. Pit toilets are common in more remote or less developed campgrounds, and while they can be well-maintained, they might not offer the same level of convenience as modern restrooms. A significant point of feedback regarding the pit toilets is that, according to one reviewer who stayed for four days, they were never restocked with toilet paper. This is a crucial piece of information for prospective campers, strongly advising them to "make sure to bring some!" This lack of consistent stocking of a basic necessity is an important factor to consider when planning your trip to Olive Lake Campground.

One of the standout features of Olive Lake Campground is the opportunity for hiking. One visitor enthusiastically stated, "I LOVED the hike around the lake!!" This suggests that there is a trail that circumnavigates Olive Lake, offering scenic views and a chance to immerse oneself in the natural beauty of the area. Hiking around a lake often provides diverse perspectives of the water, surrounding forests, and possibly wildlife habitats. This feature would be particularly attractive to those who enjoy walking or trekking as part of their camping experience.

An essential piece of navigational advice is provided for those approaching Olive Lake Campground from the south (e.g., John Day). Google Maps is reported to potentially direct travelers down Greenhorn Road, which is described as "a bone rattling 30+ miles down an unpaved mountain road." This alternative route is strongly discouraged due to its challenging conditions. Instead, the recommended paved route is to go through Sumpter/Granite. This crucial tip can save visitors a significant amount of discomfort and potential vehicle wear and tear, ensuring a much smoother and more pleasant journey to the campground. It highlights the importance of cross-referencing directions, especially when venturing into more remote areas.

While the natural beauty and hiking opportunities are praised, one reviewer rated the campground "a little low because some of the RV capable sites are not level and are basically pull up parking." This is an important consideration for those planning to camp with RVs. Uneven sites can make it difficult to level an RV properly, which is essential for the functionality of appliances and overall comfort. The description of some sites as "basically pull up parking" suggests that they might lack the defined boundaries and leveling pads typically found at more developed RV parks. RVers should be prepared for potentially less than ideal site conditions and might need to bring leveling blocks and be adept at maneuvering in tighter spaces.

Based on the reviews, the environment of Olive Lake Campground is characterized by a beautiful lake surrounded by trees, accessible via a scenic but unpaved road. The natural setting appears to be the primary attraction, offering opportunities for lakeside enjoyment and hiking. However, the remoteness also implies basic facilities, such as pit toilets, which may not be consistently stocked with essentials like toilet paper.

In terms of services, the campground provides pit toilets, and presumably, designated camping sites, although the nature and levelness of these sites vary, particularly for RVs. There is no mention of other common campground amenities like potable water, electricity hookups, fire pits, or picnic tables in the provided reviews. Campers should likely be prepared for a more rustic experience and bring all necessary supplies. The lack of consistently stocked toilet paper in the restrooms suggests a need for self-sufficiency regarding this basic necessity.

The key features of Olive Lake Campground include its beautiful lakeside location, the availability of a hiking trail around the lake, and its relatively remote and natural setting. The scenic drive to the campground is also a notable aspect. However, potential drawbacks include the unpaved access road, the use of pit toilets, the inconsistency in restroom stocking, and the unevenness of some RV-capable sites.

There is no promotional information available in the provided reviews. Local users searching for "camping near me" will need to rely on descriptions from other visitors to gauge the suitability of Olive Lake Campground for their needs. The beauty of the lake and the hiking opportunities are strong selling points, but the potential inconveniences regarding facilities and site conditions should also be taken into account.

For local users in Oregon, Olive Lake Campground offers a chance to escape to a beautiful and relatively secluded natural environment centered around a picturesque lake. The opportunity to hike around the lake is a significant draw for outdoor enthusiasts. However, it is crucial to be prepared for the unpaved access road, the use of pit toilets (and the need to bring your own toilet paper), and the possibility of uneven camping sites, especially for RVs. By being aware of these aspects, visitors can better plan their trip and fully appreciate the scenic beauty and tranquility that Olive Lake Campground has to offer. Remember to follow the recommended route through Sumpter/Granite to avoid the challenging Greenhorn Road.

Olive Lake Campground

Bates, OR 97817, USA