About Fish Lake Campground
Fish Lake Campground is located on the flanks of Steens Mountain, within the Steens Mountain Cooperative Management and Protective Area (CMPA). This area encompasses an extraordinary landscape with deep glacier carved-gorges, stunning scenery, wilderness, wild rivers, a rich diversity of plant and animal species, and a way of life for all who live there. At 7400-foot elevation and set among aspen stands and shore willows, Fish Lake Campground offers great opportunities for swimming, picnicking, cross-country hiking, and fishing the lake for stocked keeper trout planted by Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife.Know Before You GoOpen season: Fish Lake Campground is open mid-June through October.High clearance vehicles recommended on some portions of the Steens Mountain Loop.23 Campsites with picnic tables and fire grates; first come, first serve.Universal access restroom available.Drinking water available.America the Beautiful Pass accepted.Pack out your trash.Mountain weather can be unpredictable and change suddenly.Ticks, mosquitos, and rattlesnakes may be present during summer months.The nearest services are in the communities of Fields, Frenchglen, Crane, or Narrows, Oregon.Point of InterestThe Steens Mountain Loop Road is a designated Oregon State Scenic Tour Route. Travel the entire loop to experience all this unique landscape’s scenic vistas and abundant mix of wildlife.
How to Get There
From Burns, Oregon, travel southeast for approximately 2 miles on State Highway 78. Turn right onto State Highway 205 and travel south for 60 miles to Frenchglen, Oregon. Continue a short distance past Frenchglen, then turn left onto the Steens Mountain Loop Road. Travel approximately 17 miles before turning right into Fish Lake Campground.
Driving directions (Google Maps) →Plan Your Visit to Fish Lake Campground
Heading to Fish Lake Campground? A few things to know before you go:
- Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
- Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
- Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
- Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
- Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a reservation for Fish Lake Campground?
No central reservation system listed for Fish Lake Campground. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/262776) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How do I get to Fish Lake Campground?
From Burns, Oregon, travel southeast for approximately 2 miles on State Highway 78. Turn right onto State Highway 205 and travel south for 60 miles to Frenchglen, Oregon. Continue a short distance past Frenchglen, then turn left onto the Steens Mountain Loop Road. Travel approximately 17 miles before turning right into Fish Lake Campground.
How do I contact Fish Lake Campground?
You can reach the park at phone: 541-573-4400 or email: BLM_OR_BU_Mail@blm.gov.
References & Official Resources
