Fishing and paddling opportunities draw campers to Olive Lake Campground, where a boat ramp and dock provide direct access to the alpine lake. The US Forest Service facility sits 27 miles from Highway 395 via Forest Service Road 10, with reviewers noting the first three-quarters of a mile presents rough driving conditions before the road improves.
Most campsites sit close to the lake, though Nicole A. notes "it is a fairly steep hike to the water" from some locations. The campground combines reservable sites with first-come, first-serve options, creating a mixed atmosphere that can fill quickly during peak summer weekends. Sites feature standard amenities including picnic tables and fire rings, with water hookups available for RVs at select locations.
A 2-3 mile trail circles the lake, offering hikers views of the surrounding forest. Recent pine beetle management has left stacked firewood throughout the campground, though cleanup efforts continue. Swimming proves popular during warmer months, with campers reporting the lake maintains comfortable temperatures for water activities. Cell service remains limited or nonexistent, making advance planning essential for reserved sites.
The 27-mile access road requires patience but rewards visitors with relatively uncrowded conditions compared to campsites near Sumpter. Most sites work better for tent camping, with only a few suitable for backing larger RVs off the main road. Food storage becomes critical, as some first-come sites show evidence of poor cleanup by previous visitors.
Plan to arrive early for lakeside sites and bring insect repellent during mosquito season.
Description
Overview
Nestled on the edge of a lake, high in the Blue Mountains of Eastern Oregon, this popular campground is only 8 miles west of the historic Fremont Powerhouse and 12 miles west of the old mining town of Granite. The campground features 28 campsites and 7 accessible toilet facilities. Other features include a 2-mile hiking trail around the lake with nearby access to wilderness and scenic area trails, a boat ramp and 2 docks. Besides beautiful scenery, the lake offers many opportunities for wildlife viewing--particularly a nesting pair of osprey that return annually. Activities in this area include fishing, boating, swimming, hiking, hunting, and photography. Within 20 miles are several historic sites.
Recreation
A 2-mile hiking trail encircles the lake, providing access to more secluded spots where solitude can be enjoyed. Bicyclists can also enjoy the trail although there are a couple of spots bikes might need to be walked, depending on skill level. Anglers can fish for rainbow trout, cutthroat trout, brook trout, and kokanee and crawfish boils are a popular dinner option. There are 2 boat docks adjacent to the campground, as well as a boat ramp and trailer parking. Motorized boats are allowed on the lake, but wakes and jet skis are not allowed. There are opportunities for viewing wildlife such as deer, elk, bear, river otters, and osprey. Mushroom and berry picking are available in season. Other nearby trails access the North John Day Wilderness Area and Vinegar Hill Scenic Area. An interpretive sign about the beetle infestation is located in a few spots within the campground.
Facilities
The campground features 20 tent/RV campsites, 2 group sites, 6 tent only sites and 7 accessible toilet facilities. Other features include a 2-mile hiking trail around the lake with nearby access to wilderness and scenic area trails, a boat ramp and 2 docks, and an interpretive sign. There is no potable water. Potable water can be obtained from Fremont Powerhouse, 7 miles east of the campground from May 15-Sept 30.
Nearby Attractions
The area around Olive Lake is rich in history. The dam and gates on the north side of the lake were constructed as part of a hydroelectric system to support gold mining activities within the northern Blue Mountain Region. Historically, water from the lake flowed through a wooden pipeline to the Fremont Powerhouse, where it was used to produce electricity for mines and towns in the area. Fremont Powerhouse is located approximately 7 miles east and the historic moning town of Granite is 12 miles east of Olive Lake along Forest Road 73.
RV Road Trip Guides
Location
Public CampgroundOlive Lake Campground (Or) — Umatilla National Forest is located in Oregon
Directions
From Ukiah, OR travel south to County Road 1475 (turns into Forest Service Road 52 after 5 miles). Go about 48.5 mile to the town of Granite. Instead of entering the town, turn right onto County Road 24/Forest Service Road (FSR) 10 and travel about 3.5 miles to the end of the pavement. Follow the gravel road up to the right (FSR 10). Travel about 9 miles on FSR 10. Turn right on FSR 1000480 and travel about 1/4 miles into the campground.
Coordinates
44.78344788 N
118.5951752 W
Connectivity
T-MobileNo Coverage- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TNo Coverage
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TNo Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Group
Features
For Campers
- Reservable
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Water Hookups
Drive Time
- 3 hrs from Walla Walla, WA
- 3 hrs 14 min from Boise, ID
- 3 hrs 21 min from Kennewick, WA
- 4 hrs 49 min from Lewiston, ID
