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Lost Prairie Group Site is located along the Over the Rivers and Through the Woods Scenic Byway and is nestled among the forest in the Cascades at an elevation of 3600 feet. Lost Prairie is only 15 minutes from the McKenzie River National Scenic Trail and Clear Lake. Numerous other trails and lakes are close by as well. Recreation Lost Prairie Group Site is close to numerous hiking and boating opportunities. The McKenzie River trail, Iron Mountain, Echo Basin, Crescent Mountain and Browder Ridge trails are all within a fifteen minute drive. Clear Lake, Smith Reservoir and Suttle Lake are all close by and offer boating and fishing opportunities. Facilities 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. The Lost Prairie Group Area was originally a campground that has been converted to a group site. If this area is not reserved as a group site, sites 1-4 are available on a first come, first serve basis. Below are the details on the individual sites within the group site; every site has a picnic table and fire pit/grill. There is a parking area originally designed for the walk in sites that can be used for RV parking; this area is suitable for 3 large or 5 small RV's, maximum 6 RV's. Site 1 Back-in, paved surface, 42 feet long, flat grade, suitable for tent or small camper Site 2 Back-in, paved surface, 30 feet long, slight grade, suitable for tent or small camper Site 3 Back-in, paved surface, 17 feet long, slight grade, suitable for tent or small camper Site 4 Back-in, paved surface, 15 feet long, slight grade, suitable for tent or small camper Site 5 -10 were originally walk-in sites. Walk is less than 60 feet. Tents may be set up in area where original sites were located. Parking area can be used for autos using walk-in area and RV's. Natural Features The group site is nestled in the trees and Hackleman Creek flows through the back of the site. There are many wildflowers blooming in the prairie during the summer. Nearby Attractions Clear Lake Resort is just down the road from Lost Prairie Group Site on Hwy 126 with a restaurant open during the summer, boat rentals year-round, and excellent hiking. Clear Lake 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. ADA Access: N
From Sweet Home, OR, follow Highway 20 east for 38 miles and look for signs for the Lost Prairie Group Site.
It's a beautiful location and when we stayed, it was not busy so it was actually quite private. The major downside is the insect population. I am NOT exaggerating when I say, they were everywhere. In droves.
Large horse flies, smaller flies, tiny biting bugs, and then there were the stinging kind. We identified 7 different kinds of hornets/wasps. Including bald faced hornets (the white and black ones).
We got there around 5:30 pm, so we didn't realize the first night of being there, that the morning air would be thick with the droning of buzzing insects. There were so many, I'm guessing there had to be several hives nearby. My boyfriend and kids got stung multiple times, which had us packing up and leaving after breakfast.
We won't camp here again. Bummer.
