State: Oregon
Address 1: Sparks Lake
Open: Seasonal
Number of Sites: 10
Elevation: 5456
County: Deschutes
Free: No
This campground is next to Soda Creek near Sparks Lake, and provides fishing and hiking opportunities. There is a day use area with a boat ramp at the south end of the lake.
Soda Creek is the fist campground that you come to when coming to the Cascade Lake area by going past Mt. Bachelor. It is certainly not the nicest campground, but is popular for those who want to hike into the Sisters Wilderness from the east side or for those going around Broken Top to the Three Creeks area. There is also an interesting wetlands area (Soda Creek) around the campground. The area is mostly sunny and a great spot for those camping with little kids since there are few dangers about. The creek is shallow, the area is wide open, yet there are fun places to play. It is doubtful that you will have many campers around you.
Sparks Lake was created when lava flows blocked the creek. Interesting formations surround the lake, and the water makes strange noises as it drains out through the lava. A short hiking trail crosses the lava and connects the two sections of the lake.
Fees: Per night, per site fee:$10/first vehicle; $5/each additional vehicle. (2011)
Usage: Light
Water: None
Restrooms: Vault Toilet
Restrictions Maximum site spur length is 30 feet. No motorboats on Sparks Lake.
RV Camping: RVs should be careful, the roads are badly rutted, but it is a short trip off the main highway.
Directions: From Bend, travel 26.2 miles west on Cascade Lakes Hwy (46).
