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Ivan Oakes Park (Campground) West Boundary Road, Lowell, OR 97452 43.8751° N, 122.6720° W. https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/10132176 It is important to note first off that these campsites are not water-access friendly by early August. Lookout Point Lake begins being drawn down in June, and by our visit during the second week of August, the water level had dropped approximately 60 feet. See my photos--the difference is dramatic. Between the campground and the water was a large expanse of exposed rocky reservoir bottom and old tree stumps. There is no vehicle access from the campground to the water's edge, which means anything you take to the lake has to be carried down and, more importantly, back up. We are kayaking people, and this was our biggest disappointment. We arrived with two kayaks on the truck, but after seeing the distance and terrain involved, that's exactly where they stayed. Instead, we went to Lowell State Recreation Site, about 8.4 miles away, for easier water access. Something to seriously consider if kayaking, paddleboarding, or swimming is part of your reason for camping here during late summer. As a campground, though, we really enjoyed Ivan Oakes. This is primitive camping. Our site provided a picnic table, fire ring, level tent area, and enough parking for two vehicles. Potable water is available, along with vault-style restrooms without running water. The campsites are spaced far enough apart to give you some personal space while still being able to see or hear neighboring campers. During our stay, the campground had everyone from families with toddlers to older adults, and everyone around us was respectful. For me, the best part of Ivan Oakes was the setting. The trees are impressive. Some appeared well over 80 feet tall, creating a heavily wooded and shaded campground. Several campers even had hammocks stretched between them. Sitting around the fire surrounded by those trees really gives you the feeling that you are camping in the forest. There is one trade-off to that beautiful canopy. At night, the trees are so numerous that they block much of the sky from the campsites. If you want your night-sky fix, walk toward the lake where the view opens up considerably. At $20 a night, this is a very good value for a primitive campground. We would stay here again for the peaceful wooded setting and inexpensive camping--we would simply know ahead of time that during August, our kayaking would probably be done somewhere else. Beautiful campground, beautiful surroundings, and a good value. Just know what late-summer water levels mean before arriving with the kayaks. read more
