How much does camping cost at Contorta Flat Campground?

Camping fees at Contorta Flat Campground range from $21-$48/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Contorta Flat Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Contorta Flat Campground accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Contorta Flat Campground before I book?

Yes! Contorta Flat Campground has 8 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Contorta Flat Campground?

Contorta Flat Campground is open May 22 to October 16. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Contorta Flat Campground?

Contorta Flat Campground does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

Can I have a campfire at Contorta Flat Campground?

Fire policies at Contorta Flat Campground: Fire Restrictions: Fire restrictions may be imposed at any time due to hot, dry weather conditions, at which time campfires and charcoal fires may not be allowed.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

How many campsites does Contorta Flat Campground have?

Contorta Flat Campground has 19 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Contorta Flat Campground?

Yes, pets are allowed at Contorta Flat Campground. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Contorta Flat Campground?

Contorta Flat Campground offers: Restrooms, Pets Allowed, Camp Store. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

Contorta Flat Campground

3.47

62 reviews

PO BOX 208, CRESCENT, OR, 97733, USA

Top 9% in ORFall

Scenic ViewsSwimmingSummer Destination

Featured in:Beach Camping Oregon

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

4,856 ft

Price

$21 - $48/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

19 campsites

Season

Open May 23 - Septem...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on Deschutes National Forest Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

4,856 ft

Price

$21 - $48/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

19 campsites

Season

Open May 23 - Septem...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on Deschutes National Forest Official Website

Get Directions

Contorta Flat Campground

$21.00 - $48.00 / night

Campsite Fees

PREMIUM DOUBLE SITE: $46.00 (+$2.00 holiday); PREMIUM SITE: $23.00 (+$2.00 holiday); STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $21.00 (+$2.00 holiday); TENT ONLY...

No paid fee categories listed.

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

541-323-1746

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

PO BOX 208, CRESCENT, OR, 97733, USA

Contorta Flat Campground

PO BOX 208, CRESCENT, OR, 97733, USA

Nearby places

Crescent (approximately 25.6 miles, including multiple highway and forest road segments).

Weather at Contorta Flat Campground

Current alerts(7)

Camping or otherwise occupying a single location (including leaving camping equipment and/or related supplies) for a period longer than 14 consecutive calendar days is prohibited.
Don't Move Firewood: Please protect Pacific Northwest forests by preventing the spread of invasive species. Firewood can carry insects and diseases that can threaten the health of our western forests.
During your time in Central Oregon, you can find wildfire, prescribed fire and smoke information at centraloregonfire.org
NO generator use is allowed in campgrounds between 10:00PM and 7:00AM (36 CFR 261.10). Silent power banks or battery powered devices are allowed.

Best Time to Camp at Contorta Flat Campground

Best season: fall. Fall offers the best combination of calm, clear weather and low crowds — late September in particular delivers mirror-flat mornings on Crescent Lake, crisp daytime highs (typically 50–65°F / 10–18°C) and chilly nights (25–40°F / -4–4°C). Water clarity and steady winds make for excellent fishing, paddling, and wildlife viewing, while trails and beaches are far less busy than mid-summer. Be aware that sites move to first-come/first-served after Sept 28 and the campground closes Oct 19, so early-to Peak months: September, October, August, July Avoid: November, December, January, February

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.5 / 5

Top 9% in OR

Late September called best: calm mornings, mirror‑flat water, cooler temps and fewer crowds.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 22 to October 16. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open May 23 - September 27 (peak season). First-come, First-served season: September 28 - October 18. Closed October 19 - May 22.

About Contorta Flat Campground

Contorta Flat Campground sits in mid-elevation forest within Deschutes National Forest near Crescent, Oregon, with views of Crescent Lake and Diamond Peak. Operated by Deschutes National Forest, this small campground offers spacious sites suitable for both tents and large RVs, with vault toilets, fire rings, and picnic tables. Visitors come for fishing, paddling, and wildlife viewing on the lake, with fall bringing mirror-flat mornings and excellent water clarity.

Contorta Flat Campground accommodates a range of camping preferences, offering options for tent camping, RVs, and trailers. Several sites are located directly on the waterfront.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: fall. Fall offers the best combination of calm, clear weather and low crowds — late September in particular delivers mirror-flat mornings on Crescent Lake, crisp daytime highs (typically 50–65°F / 10–18°C) and chilly nights (25–40°F / -4–4°C). Water clarity and steady winds make for excellent fishing, paddling, and wildlife viewing, while trails and beaches are far less busy than mid-summer. Be aware that sites move to first-come/first-served after Sept 28 and the campground closes Oct 19, so early-to Peak months: September, October, August, July Avoid: November, December, January, February

Elevation4856 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryCrescent Lake fills a glacier-carved basin at 4,856 feet elevation in the eastern Cascades. The water runs blue-green, and sandy beaches line portions of the shore. Lodgepole pine, mountain hemlock, fir, and spruce grow in the surrounding forest, rooted in soil shaped by ancient volcanic activity and glacial movement. Diamond Peak is visible from some vantage points. Deer move through camp, and the lake holds native fish. The tradeoff for lakeside access is minimal shade and tight spacing between sites.

Lodging & AccommodationsCrescent Lake Resort, located nearby, offers lodging options for visitors as well as a general store for supplies and equipment rentals.

Programs & ActivitiesNo information about cultural or educational programs is provided in the source materials.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Maximum 14 nights per visit
total of 28 nights per year.

Guests Allowed Per Site

One RV with tow vehicle or one vehicle per single tent site. Double sites allow two RVs or two vehicles.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations available on Recreation.gov.

Site SizeMost sites are described as 'large,' making them suitable for tents, trailers, and RVs.

PrivacyThe campsites are close to one another and lack significant tree cover, reducing privacy. One reviewer described the setup as resembling 'urban camping.

Total Campsites19 campsites

Recommended SitesSite 13 for privacy and water access; Site 15 for quieter ambiance away from the lake.

Best CampsitesSite 13 on the northern edge gets praise for privacy and water access. Site 15 on the southern edge is noted for being quieter. Both benefit from end-of-loop positions that reduce through traffic.

Need help booking Contorta Flat Campground?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

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Amenities available

Contorta Flat Campground offers a variety of essential amenities suited for a range of campers, including tent, trailer, and RV users. The campground's proximity to Crescent Lake allows many campsites to be situated directly on the waterfront, providing easy access to the lake. Amenities include picnic tables, fire rings, and a fire pit at each site. Restroom facilities are present, but their cleanliness and maintenance vary according to user reviews. A nearby Crescent Lake Resort offers additional facilities such as lodging, a general store, and equipment rentals.

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Lodging and accommodations

Vault toilets

Camp Store

I manage this campground

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

Contorta Flat Campground offers a variety of recreational activities centered around Crescent Lake and its surrounding natural beauty. Boating, fishing, and swimming are popular summer pastimes, while the winter months bring opportunities for skiing, snowshoeing, and snowmobiling. Hiking and mountain biking are also highly encouraged along the Summit Lake Trail.

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

No Flush ToiletsThe campground does not provide flush toilets. Vault toilets are available instead.

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

Researching this campground? Ask anything — other campers and our team will weigh in. No visit required.

Tips from campers

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.

Reviews

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From Booking Sources

3.5

62 reviews

Mixed Reviews

Contorta Flat Campground has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews of Contorta Flat Campground present a mixed picture. While some campers praise its scenic beauty, lakeside access, and peaceful atmosphere, others highlight issues with maintenance, overcrowding, and lack of enforcement of rules.

Review Summaries

Based on 62 reviews

Best sites at a glance

Pulled from per-site mentions in 62 reviews.

Campsite 13Loved
Campsite 13 on the Northern Edge loop is frequently praised for its privacy and excellent access to the water.
Campsite 15Loved
Campsite 15 on the Southern Edge loop is noted for being quiet and further from the lake but still close.

What Campers Love

Positive reviews frequently mention the beautiful views of Crescent Lake and Diamond Peak, the spacious campsites, and the peaceful, isolated atmosphere. Reviewers also appreciate the clean vault...

Based on 62 reviews

Common Concerns

Common complaints include poor road conditions leading to the campground, lack of potable water, overflowing trash bins, and noise from rowdy groups due to the absence of a camp host. Several...

Based on 62 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring sufficient drinking water as there is no potable water on-site. Prepare for mosquitoes, especially in the summer months. The gravel road leading to the campground is rough and dusty, so drive...

Based on 62 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Fall is highlighted as an ideal time to visit due to fewer crowds. Summer reviews mention high mosquito activity, while winter brings opportunities for snow-related activities but also extreme cold.

Based on 62 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'This campground really is a hidden gem. Just be sure to bring extra drinking water.' (Jeremy S.) 2. 'Great hidden campground. Got lucky with the weather and had spectacular views in the morning.'...

Based on 62 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

The campground allows pets, but issues with off-leash dogs are frequently mentioned. One reviewer noted that an off-leash dog jumped on their husband, creating a negative experience.

Based on 62 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

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Go if

You want large-RV-friendly sites with lake access and don't mind seasonal operation.

Skip if

You need a quiet guarantee or prefer campgrounds with active host management.

Nearby Campgrounds

Less Visited

3.2

(15)

Contorta Point Group Camp

P.O BOX 208, Crescent, OR 97733, USA

Contorta Point Group Camp sits on the shore of Crescent Lake in Deschutes National Forest, a mid-elevation campground managed by the Forest Service. The site is known for its unusual pumice-like sand beach and secluded lakefront setting. Groups come here for fishing, boating, hiking, and biking access in a forested environment with vault toilets and picnic tables.