- Tent camping, Group camping, Restrooms, Drinking Water
USFS: Lost Prairie Campground
US Forest Service campground managed by Linn County Parks & Recreation
Park Location – From Sweet Home, OR, follow Highway 20 east for 38 miles and look for signs for the Lost Prairie Group Site.
Park Usage – May 21, 2021 through October
Lost Prairie Group Site is nestled among the forest in the Cascades along the Over the Rivers and Through the Woods Scenic Byway.
Lost Prairie will open on May 26, 2023, and close on October 22, 2023.
Amenities
Camping Information
Lost Prairie has 4 traditional campsites, two suitable for small RV’s. One Hand pump provides water and there is a newer double CXT toilet on-site and an older outhouse near site 1. The creek can be accessed from the campground easily.
If this area is not reserved as a group site, sites 1-4 are available on a first come, first serve basis.
Camping Fees:
- Group Fee: $200 per night to reserve the whole park for your family reunion or group get-together.
- Individual campsite fee: $21/night (First-come, first-serve only)( Only available if no group in site)
- Extra Vehicle $7/night
- 10 Campsites, 8 of which are tent only
- One ADA accessible campsite
- Maximum trailer length 24 feet.
Reservations can only be made through recreation.gov or by calling their number: 877-444-6777
Reservations may be made 12 months prior to your arrival date.
Nearby Attractions
Lost Prairie Group Site is close to numerous hiking and boating opportunities. The McKenzie River trail, Echo Basin, Crescent Mountain, and Browder Ridge trails are all within fifteen minutes drive. Clear Lake, Smith Reservoir and Suttle Lake are all close by and offer boating and fishing opportunities.
Clear Lake Resort is just down the road from Lost Prairie Group Site on Hwy 126 with a restaurant, boat rentals and excellent hiking. It is unique and well known for its clarity and standing dead trees created by the eruption of Sand Mountain. The West Cascades Scenic Byway and Santiam Pass-McKenzie Pass Scenic Byway are in close proximity to the site. Numerous short hikes to lakes, waterfalls and scenic vistas are along both routes.
Part of the historic Santiam Wagon Road, Lost Prairie is a natural meadow near Hackleman creek where a scouting party looking for a new wagon route across the Cascades became lost. After several days of frustration, one member of the party climbed a tall tree and spotted Sand Mountain to the east, regaining his bearings.