Contorta Point Group Camp
3.806 reviewsP.O BOX 208, Crescent, OR 97733, USA
Contorta Point Group Camp
$164.00 - $164.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$0.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$164.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Group campsite fees are $164.00 per night during peak season, with an additional $2 surcharge during holidays. Rates do not reflect discounts, taxes, or incremental charges.
About this campground
Escape to the pristine shores of Crescent Lake at Contorta Point Group Campground, where untouched wilderness meets crystal-clear waters in the heart of Deschutes National Forest. This hidden gem on the lake's southern shore offers a back-to-basics camping experience, where the absence of modern distractions allows you to fully immerse yourself in nature's grandeur. Wake up to panoramic views of the majestic Cascade Mountain Range reflected in the lake's mirror-like surface, and spend your days exploring endless trails, casting lines into abundant fishing spots, or gliding across the water by boat. When winter transforms the landscape into a snowy wonderland, the adventure continues with world-class snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing right from your campsite door.
The campground provides group camping sites with amenities tailored for large groups.
Historical Significancenull
Weather and SeasonsExperience the magic of four distinct seasons at Contorta Point, where each brings its own unique charm and adventure opportunities. Summer transforms the campground into an outdoor playground, with warm days perfect for swimming in the refreshing lake waters, hiking mountain trails bursting with wildflowers, and enjoying long evenings around the campfire. As autumn arrives, the surrounding forests explode in golden hues, creating a photographer's paradise. Winter blankets the landscape in pristine snow, turning the area into a winter sports enthusiast's dream destination, where snowmobilers carve fresh tracks, cross-country skiers glide through silent forests, and snowshoers explore the transformed wilderness under crisp, star-filled skies.
ElevationElevation-specific details are not provided.
Natural Features and SceneryDiscover a landscape sculpted by ancient glaciers, where the brilliant blue-green waters of Crescent Lake sparkle like a jewel against sandy beaches and towering evergreens. This stunning glacier basin cradles the campground in nature's embrace, with dense forests of lodgepole pine creating natural cathedral-like canopies overhead. Mountain hemlock, noble fir, and Engelmann spruce add layers of texture and fragrance to the forest tapestry, while the ever-changing light filters through the branches, creating an enchanting atmosphere that shifts from dawn's golden glow to dusk's purple shadows. The lake's crystal-clear waters reveal sandy bottoms near shore, inviting barefoot walks and refreshing swims on warm summer days.
Geological RegionSet within an ancient glacier basin that tells the story of ice age giants, Contorta Point showcases the raw beauty of the Cascade Mountain Range's eastern slopes. Millennia ago, massive glaciers carved this spectacular bowl, leaving behind the stunning Crescent Lake with its characteristic brilliant blue-green waters that seem to glow from within. The surrounding landscape bears witness to this geological heritage, with sandy beaches that contrast beautifully against dense forests of lodgepole pine standing sentinel along the shoreline. Interspersed throughout these pine groves, mountain hemlock, fir, and spruce create a diverse ecosystem that changes character with elevation and exposure, offering visitors a front-row seat to the ongoing drama of mountain ecology and the enduring legacy of glacial sculpting.
Campsite details
AccessibilityAccessibility information is not explicitly stated in the source materials.
Sites SizeThe campground accommodates two group sites, each capable of hosting up to 40 campers or one group of 80. Approximately 10 vehicles fit at each site.
Sites PrivacyMixed reviews suggest the campground is secluded yet campsites within the facility are very close to one another, offering limited privacy.
Total Campsites2 campsites
Recommended CampsitesBring sufficient water for your stay and prepare for dust due to dirt roads and parking areas. Choosing sites closer to the shore ensures proximity to scenic views.
Best CampsitesUser reviews consistently praise proximity to Crescent Lake and privacy features at the group sites.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Reserved sites must be occupied by noon the day following scheduled arrival.
Check-out
Check-out time is noon.
Stay Limit
Maximum consecutive stay of 14 nights and annual limit of 28 nights.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Each group site accommodates up to 40 individuals or one combined group of up to 80 people.
Groups
Two group sites can accommodate either two groups of 40 each or one group of 80, with parking capacity of about 10 vehicles per site.
Tents
Tents are not allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutTwo group sites within walking distance of Crescent Lake's south shore. Sites include tables, vault toilets, and dirt roads/parking spurs.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen May 23 to October 17 for reservations. Closed for booking from October 18 to May 22.
Reservation PlatformsReservations available at Recreation.gov including the website and contact center.
Walk-in AvailabilityReserved sites will be held until noon the day following the scheduled arrival. Sites must be occupied by the checkout time following that day, or the reservation is forfeited.
Cancellation PolicyGuests may cancel reservations before arrival with a $10 cancellation fee. Late cancellations (within 14 days of arrival for group sites) incur an additional penalty: forfeiture of the first night's recreation use fee. Reservation changes may also incur a $10 processing fee.
Accomodation available
GroupGroup campsites are offered for larger parties such as families, schools, or organizations. These sites provide space and facilities to accommodate multiple people camping together.
Amenities available
Picnic tables
Lodging and accommodations
Vault toilets
Camp Store
Activities you can enjoy
The campground provides access to Crescent Lake, which is ideal for boating, fishing, and swimming, as well as hiking and biking trails. Winter activities such as skiing and snowmobiling are available in the surrounding area.
Hiking
The Summit Lake Trail is popular among hikers and mountain bikers, offering excellent views of Diamond Peak across Crescent Lake. User reviews did not add additional information about trail conditions or lengths.Fishing
Crescent Lake offers fishing opportunities, though no specific details about fish types or fishing quality are available.Swimming
Swimming is available at Crescent Lake; users have characterized the beach as nice and family-friendly, with unique pumice-like sand.Biking
Mountain biking is available on the Summit Lake Trail, which connects to hiking trails for scenic rides.Boating
Boating is permitted at Crescent Lake; however, there is no boat ramp at the campground, requiring visitors to launch boats at other locations.Wildlife viewing
Wildlife in the area includes deer, native fish, and migratory birds, as described in official sources.Beach activities
The beach features unusual pumice-like sand and is described as family-friendly by users.Winter Activities
Winter recreation activities include snowmobiling, skiing, and snowshoeing, with Crescent Lake Snowpark serving as a base.Water Sports
Water sports such as boating and swimming are available at Crescent Lake. Additional details are not noted in user reviews or authoritative sources.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Fires may be restricted during hot, dry weather to reduce wildfire risks. Charcoal fires are also regulated under fire restrictions.
- Quiet hours are Generators are prohibited between 10:00 PM and 7:00 AM.
Hazards
General hazardsPotential hazards include exposure to wildlife such as deer, native fish, and migratory birds. Dusty conditions and lack of running water may pose challenges.
Active alertsFire restrictions may be imposed during hot, dry weather. Campers are advised not to move firewood to prevent spreading invasive species.
Weather forecast
57
°F
Aug 26
Tuesday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Humidity: 62%
Moderately humid conditions
Wind: 1.1 mph
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Clear sky
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Emergency services are not explicitly mentioned in the provided data; nearest services likely available in Crescent, OR.
Good to know
Peak season datesMay 23 to October 17.
Trash and recyclingUser reviews mention trashcans are emptied regularly, but detailed information about recycling facilities or schedules is not provided.
Proximity to water featuresCrescent Lake is adjacent to the campground, offering swimming, fishing, and boating opportunities.
Common complaintsRecurring issues mentioned in reviews include lack of running water, dusty conditions, close proximity to neighbors, and occasional double bookings.
HostReviews suggest inconsistency with campground host etiquette. Some campers reported discomfort caused by interactions with hosts.
Campground Map
P.O BOX 208, Crescent, OR 97733, USA
Driving directionsFrom Highway 58 at Crescent Lake Junction, follow Forest Road 60 for 9.3 miles around Crescent Lake. Travel 1 mile west on Forest Road 280 to the campground entrance gate.
Road access primarily consists of dirt roads with no mention of seasonal closures. Roads may be dusty and unpaved, as noted in user reviews, so drivers should prepare for uneven terrain.Nearby places
Crescent, OR: Approximately 10 miles
Bend, OR: Approximately 66 miles via Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway.
Nearby supplies
A nearby resort on Crescent Lake offers lodging, general store access, and equipment rentals.
Camper Reviews
3.8
6 reviews
Contorta Point Group Camp has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews are mixed, highlighting the campground's scenic beauty and privacy, but noting issues like dustiness, lack of running water, and close proximity of campsites.
Review Summaries
Based on 6 reviews
What Campers Love
Positive reviews emphasize the campground's secluded environment, clean pit toilets, and proximity to a scenic lake with unusual pumice-like sand.
Based on 6 reviewsCommon Concerns
Users dislike the lack of running water, close proximity of campsites, and dusty conditions. Complaints also include site double-booking and negative interactions with campground staff.
Based on 6 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Campers are advised to bring sufficient water as drinking water is unavailable. Boaters should plan to launch at nearby locations.
Based on 6 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Summer reviews highlight the campground's suitability for water and beach activities, while winter reviews focus on snowmobiling and skiing opportunities.
Based on 6 reviewsCamper Quotes
"Very hidden, private campground! It was absolutely stunning camping right on a hidden lake with a small mountain view." - Anthony Warnecke. "The group campground was very well kept. Pit toilets were...
Based on 6 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Users note that sites are close to the shore but also close to one another, limiting privacy. Specific site details such as numbers are not provided.
Based on 6 reviewsAccessibility Features
No reviews specifically address accessibility features for campers with disabilities.
Based on 6 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
User reviews confirm that the campground allows pets as long as they are leashed and picked up after.
Based on 6 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025