Contorta Point Group Camp

3.66

15 reviews

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

SwimmingSummer Destination

Quick Facts

4,859 ft

Price

$164/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

2 campsites

Season

Open May 23 to Octob...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Opens Deschutes National Forest site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Quick Facts

4,859 ft

Price

$164/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

2 campsites

Season

Open May 23 to Octob...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Opens Deschutes National Forest site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Contorta Point Group Camp

$164.00 - $164.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Group campsite fees are $164.00 per night during peak season, with an additional $2 surcharge during holidays. Rates do not reflect discounts, taxes,...

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

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

541-323-1746

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What Campers Say

3.66

Mixed Reviews

Based on 15 reviews

10 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewscleanlake

Some mention

dusty

"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."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

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

Contorta Point Group Camp

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.

Best Time to Camp at Contorta Point Group Camp

Experience 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.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Open May 23–Oct 17; summer reviews highlight swimming, boating and beach activities.

Fall(Sep-Nov)

3.5 / 5

Open into mid-October; fall offers quieter scenery and four-season character before closure.

Spring(Mar-May)

Not recommended

Closed until May 23 for reservations; spring access limited/closed.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

Not recommended

Campground closed for booking Oct 18–May 22; winter camping not available onsite.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 23 to October 17.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open May 23 to October 17 for reservations. Closed for booking from October 18 to May 22.
Current Alerts: Fire restrictions may be imposed during hot, dry weather. Campers are advised not to move firewood to prevent spreading invasive species.

About Contorta Point Group Camp

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.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

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 camping is 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.

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.

AccessibilityAccessibility information is not explicitly stated in the source materials.

Site 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.

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 SitesBring 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.

Amenities available

Picnic tables

Lodging and accommodations

Vault toilets

Camp Store

Group Sites

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.

HikingThe 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.

FishingCrescent Lake offers fishing opportunities, though no specific details about fish types or fishing quality are available.

SwimmingSwimming is available at Crescent Lake; users have characterized the beach as nice and family-friendly, with unique pumice-like sand.

BikingMountain biking is available on the Summit Lake Trail, which connects to hiking trails for scenic rides.

BoatingBoating is permitted at Crescent Lake; however, there is no boat ramp at the campground, requiring visitors to launch boats at other locations.

Wildlife viewingWildlife in the area includes deer, native fish, and migratory birds, as described in official sources.

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential 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.

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

Fire PolicyFires may be restricted during hot, dry weather to reduce wildfire risks. Charcoal fires are also regulated under fire restrictions.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are Generators are prohibited between 10:00 PM and 7:00 AM.

Emergency ServicesEmergency services are not explicitly mentioned in the provided data; nearest services likely available in Crescent, OR.

Trash & RecyclingUser reviews mention trashcans are emptied regularly, but detailed information about recycling facilities or schedules is not provided.

Water FeaturesCrescent Lake is adjacent to the campground, offering swimming, fishing, and boating opportunities.

Camp HostReviews suggest inconsistency with campground host etiquette. Some campers reported discomfort caused by interactions with hosts.

Weather at Contorta Point Group Camp

Reviews

3.7

15 reviews

Mixed 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 15 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 15 reviews

Common 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 15 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers are advised to bring sufficient water as drinking water is unavailable. Boaters should plan to launch at nearby locations.

Based on 15 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer reviews highlight the campground's suitability for water and beach activities, while winter reviews focus on snowmobiling and skiing opportunities.

Based on 15 reviews

Camper 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 15 reviews