Known as a very popular recreation area, Lookout Point Lake is an excellent place for RV lovers of all ages to enjoy some quality time in the great outdoors. Located in Lane County, around 20 miles south of Eugene, Lookout Point Lake was originally constructed in the 1950s on the Middle Fork Willamette River. During this time, another reservoir was created directly downriver, which is known as Dexter Lake. Lookout Point Lake is quite large, covering around 10 miles and over 4,600 acres. Along with being a great recreation destination, it also serves as flood control for the surrounding area and generates around 120,000 kilowatts of power from three powerhouses.
Visitors to Lookout Point Lake who love the water will be happy to know that you can go swimming, boating, and fishing on the lake, so you will have plenty of choices in what to do during your visit. Off the lake, you can also go hiking, biking, hunting, and birdwatching. Below Lookout Point Lake, you can make sure of the Lowell State Recreation Site, Dexter State Recreation Site, and Elijah Bristow State Park.
Just above Lookout Point Lake, you will find Black Canyon Campground, which is the best campground for visitors who want to do some RV camping near the lake. Administered by the Willamette National Forest, there are 75 sites for you to choose from at Black Canyon Campground, including 19 that are reservable. Lookout Point Lake is open all year round.
Lookout Point Lake is located in western Oregon and is super easy to find thanks to it being directly off Willamette Highway. Since the lake is so large, multiple access points will allow you to enjoy all that is has to offer. Most of these are located on the north side of the lake, or down the bottom where the U.S Corps of Engineers office is located.
Most travelers will be coming from the west, but if you need to get any supplies before your trip, there are opportunities to do so at Lowell (around seven miles away), Jasper (around 16 miles away), and Oakridge (around 20 miles away). The city of Eugene would have the most options, which is found 27 miles to the northwest.
You should have no trouble driving your RV on the main Willamette Highway and entrances near the bottom of Lookout Point Lake. However, if you head further up into the Willamette State Forest and Black Canyon Campground, you may have a problem navigating some of the tight roads if you have a larger RV over 40 feet.
There are plenty of parking areas for you to choose from that can accommodate your RV on all sides of the lake.
Located just to the top of Lookout Point Lake is Black Canyon Campground. Here you will be able to stay within close proximity to all the lake has to offer while also being able to relax in your RV without having to travel very far. The campground is known to be very well maintained and has many campsites right on the river that are quite stunning.
There are a total of 75 sites, each of which has a picnic table and a fire ring. None of the sites at the Black Canyon Campground have electrical or water hookups, so you will be doing some primitive camping if you choose to stay here. Other amenities within the campground include vault toilets, dumpsters, a boat ramp, and water collection points.
Reservations at Black Canyon Campground are available for 19 sites, and they can be made up to 11 months in advance. Large RVs are not recommended as the campground roads are quite tight. The campground is open from May until the end of September.
For RV lovers looking for some more privacy, check out Hampton Campground. Located around a mile and a half north of the Black Canyon Campground, Hampton Campground is a much smaller area that only has four sites available on a first-come, first-served basis. Suitable for RVs up to 36 feet, since the campground is so small, there are limited amenities available, but you will still be able to use vault toilets and a boat ramp. You will have to bring in your own water as there are no water collection points available. Pets are also allowed within the Hampton Campground, but they must be leashed at all times.
Hampton Campground is open from May through to September.
During the warmer months at Lookout Point Lake. swimming is a very popular activity for those looking to escape the summer heat. While there is no sandy beach area at the lake, the water will be a cool temperature and will provide you with the refreshment you need to explore the rest of what the lake has to offer. Please note that there are no lifeguards on duty at the lake, so stay close to the shoreline so that you will not be in the path of any boats that are out on the lake.
Lookout Point Lake is a great place to go boating as there is so much room available for you to enjoy. All watercraft are welcome on the lake, and during the summer months, you will often see visitors waterskiing, fishing, kayaking, or on paddleboards. There are multiple boat launches that are free for you to use, but please note there is no marina or docking area that you can keep your boat moored at. Remember to bring your own watercraft too as there are no rentals available directly at the lake.
Thanks to the multiple park and recreational areas around Lookout Point Lake you have plenty of options if you want to have a relaxing picnic. There are three main park areas that are right on the banks of the lake (Meridian Park, Landex Park, and Ivan Oakes Park) that are perfect for a good old fashioned picnic, but if you are wanting an area with grills and more amenities you should consider heading below the lake to the Dexter Dam facilities.
Unfortunately there are no public transport options that will take you to Lookout Point Lake.
If you prefer first come, first served camping you can also try your luck at landing a site within Black Canyon Campground. Out of 75 sites, only 11 are available for reservations, so there are many sites that are only for first come, first
Known as a "hidden spot" among many anglers, you should definitely pack your rod and reel if you plan on visiting Lookout Point Lake. There are many great fishing spots that can be accessed via watercraft or from the shoreline, and thanks to the lake being fed from the Middle Fork Willamette River there are several fish species that call the lake home. These include walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, crappie, and bullhead catfish. There are no fishing rentals available at the lake and you will need a fishing license.
If you are interested in doing some exploring off the water during your visit to Lookout Point Lake you need to remember to pack your hiking boots. There are several gorgeous trails that can be reached from the Hardesty Trailhead that begins near the banks of the lake. If you are really up for an adventure, you could even use the trail system to go and check out the Willamette National Forest. However, this would be a long hike and recommended only for seasoned veterans.
Consider visiting the Willamette National Forest if you want to make the most of the winter recreation available in the area surrounding Lookout Point Lake. There are several recreational areas that are perfect for skiing, snowmobiling, and sledding, but if the high octane activities aren't your thing there are also plenty of places to go snowshoeing or just have fun in the snow. If you get a little cold there are several winter shelters that you can make use of to warm up.
