Camp Overnight On The Banks Of Oregon's Odell Lake, Surrounded By Natural Beauty
By Catherine Armstrong|Published August 14, 2020
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Catherine Armstrong
Author
Writer, editor and researcher with a passion for exploring new places. Catherine loves local bookstores, independent films, and spending time with her family, including Gus the golden retriever, who is a very good boy.
Odell Lake is one of the gems of the Deschutes National Forest. It’s a playground for anglers, boaters, campers, and hikers, and it’s just waiting for you to visit this summer. Take a look:
Odell Lake is a huge lake tucked away in the Deschutes National Forest. You'll find it along OR-58, just west of Crescent. The lake is six miles long and 1.5 miles wide.
The lake is home to trophy lake trout who beckon anglers to try their luck, and fish as large as 40 pounds have been pulled from the depths here. The lake's depth averages 132 feet, and reaches up to 282 feet.
The state Mackinaw record is 40 lb., 8 oz, caught here at Odell Lake by Kenneth Erickson in 1984.
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To enjoy all this area has to offer, camp overnight on the banks of the lake. You'll find several campgrounds here, including Princess Creek. Managed by the National Forest Service, it offers 32 rustic campsites.
The shady campsites are surrounded by Douglas fir, hemlock, and spruce, and include a picnic table and fire ring. The sites are set up for RVs or tents, but don't have hookups. Vault toilets are available, but you'll need to bring your own water with you.
Odell Lake is a popular spot for boating. Bring along your canoe or kayak to paddle and explore. Motorized boats for fishing and waterskiing are also allowed on this lake.
Your best odds of pulling a trophy trout from these waters is by getting out on the lake in a boat, but be wary of late afternoon wind, which can cause dangerous conditions.
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Campsites at Princess Creek Campground may be reserved in advance, and cost just $14 per night.
Learn more about Odell Lake and the Princess Creek Campground on the Deschutes National Forest website, and make your campsite reservation on Recreation.gov.
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