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Getting There: From Eugene, take I-5 south to exit 162, then west on Hwy 99 for 6 miles, west on Hwy 38 to County Rd 3 (MP 13.5), south approximately 8 miles (Windy road). From Reedsport, East 13.5 miles on Highway 38, turn right on County Rd 3, south approximately 8 miles. Loon Lake Campground is the first camping area, and Loon Lake Lodge is at the top end of the lake.
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Highlights:
- Natural lake and water level is good for boating
- Kayak/canoe rental from Loon Lake Lodge - trip up the creek that feeds the lake – calm water, Blue Heron, ducks, otters
- Flapjacks at the Loon Lake Lodge
- Sandy beaches at the BLM Loon Lake Campground
- Wifi & Cable TV at Loon Lake Lodge
Loon Lake is a 275 acre natural lake created by a landslide about 2 miles long and fed by Lake Creek. The lake level was very good for August in a dry year and supposedly fluctuates only a little. The 2 camping areas provide plenty of variety with the more rustic (but very well kept) BLM Loon Lake Campground with sandy beaches to the Loon Lake Lodge and RV Resort with tent camping, full hookups, motel, cabins, cable TV, Wifi, docks and boat rentals at Loon Lake Water Sports & Marina.
The lake boasts milder temperatures than the coast and protection from most of the fog and the wind. There are many private houses on the back side of the lake. There is no cell phone coverage anywhere near the lake. There is a pay phone at the BLM campground, but none at the Loon Lake Lodge. |
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Loon Lake Lodge and RV Resort (private - 866-360-3116)
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The BoatEscape crew stayed at the Loon Lake RV Park and had what we would describe as a great time. The main lodge, tent camping and motel are located about .3 miles from the RV park boat launch. The lodge and resort has been under new owners and management since 2004 and there has been steady improvements to the resort. We took advantage of the first come, first serve boat mooring. The access to the docks was upgraded in spring of 2008. The ramp is unimproved but is slated for upgrade in Fall of 2008. There are new restrooms/showers and laundry in the RV area.
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The RV park area straddles County Rd 3, with about 20 spaces (7 pull through’s), the launch, boat docks (with gas), a swimming area, the Snack Shack and rentals on the water side and the remaining 18 pull through’s, 8 cabins and the restrooms/laundry building on the other side. Logging traffic can be a little noisy at times, but again it seemed like everyone was still taking it in stride. RV sites are gravel with a grass and sand mix for your living space. Be prepared for a little sand to creep into your RV, but this is camping, right? |
The main lodge has a small store, a restaurant and a veranda with seating overlooking the lake. The tent sites are also between the lodge and the lake and there is two yurts for rent. The meals were generous and very good. We were treated just like family with lots of smiles and good natured ribbing. The managers, Jeff and Robin Schwieterman were wonderful hosts and made our stay pleasant.
So, where do the flapjacks come in, you say? Well, the cook whips up what have to be the largest flapjacks I have ever seen. And they are yummy, but I couldn’t make a large dent in them. If you can eat the whole Loon Lake Flapjack Stack (3 flapjacks!), you get a free bumper stick, but that hasn’t been done. Only a few have come close, but had to be wheeled out for their own safety. Give ‘em a try. You’ll be glad you did. They offer up full breakfast, lunch and dinner meals.
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We rented two 2 person kayak/canoes and took a lazy, relaxing trip up the Lake Creek across from the boat launch. This was really a highlight of the trip. We saw Heron’s, otter slides (but no otters showed up), ducks and tons of blackberries you could pick right from your kayak. We had a blast.
There is a popular group site with its own dock near the marina, but it is booked far in advance. It looks like the premier boating & camping spot on the lake, although there are no hookups.
UPDATE: June/2008 The marina is now under new management (Loon Lake Water Sports Marina). The now rent much more than just kayaks. They now rent kayaks, canoes, paddle boats, fishing boats, jet skies, ski boats, and pontoon boats. The dock was upgraded in Spring/2008 and the boat ramp is still slated for Fall/2008.
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Loon Lake Recreation Area (BLM - 877-444-6777)
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This BLM campground is located at the North end of the lake nestled into an old Douglas fir forest. The access is through some cliffs so you need to enter carefully if you have a bigger rig. The sites are located in tall trees so it provides plenty of shade for those hot days. There is no water, sewer or electricity available, but there are flush toilets and hot showers. Not all sites are capable of taking a large tent or RV, so be sure to read the site information at recreation.gov carefully to get a site that fits.
The recreation area is also day use for a fee of $5. It includes a great sandy beach with a “boat beaching area”, volley ball court, picnic areas and a swim area. Some camp sites are quite a ways from the beach, but not too far to walk comfortably. The closer sites are sites are 35-53 – some reservable and some unreserved. |
There is an improved boat ramp. There is plenty of boat trailer parking available for day use and several areas in the campground. There are more than 35 picnic tables with charcoal grills located near the beach, some accessible and an accessible fishing dock.
You will surely enjoy the beauty of this campground and the recreational opportunities that abound here.
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