Crane Prairie Campground

Star3.94
217 reviews
63095 DESCHUTES MARKET ROAD, BEND, OR, 97701, USA
Summer Destination

Quick Facts

4,472 ft

Price

$27 - $378/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

140 campsites

Season

Open May 23 to Octob...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens Deschutes National Forest site

Official Website
Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026
Crane Prairie Campground
$27.00 - $378.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Fees range from $27 to $378 depending on the site type (standard nonelectric or group standard nonelectric). Additional $2 per night applies during...
Show more
Standard Site Fee$29.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$378.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

Free with account · Checks every 2 minutes

150,000+ sites monitored · Email, SMS, or in-app notifications

Share this campground
Recreation Dot Gov
Provider
541-323-1746
Help improve this page
See something outdated or incorrect? Let us know!

What Campers Say

3.94

Mixed Reviews

Based on 217 reviews

105 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewsspacioussites

Some mention

mosquitoes

"Reviews of Crane Prairie Campground vary widely, with some praising the scenic beauty and recreational opportunities while others criticize management, cleanliness, and insect infestations."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

63095 DESCHUTES MARKET ROAD, BEND, OR, 97701, USA

Crane Prairie Campground

63095 DESCHUTES MARKET ROAD, BEND, OR, 97701, USA

Driving directionsFrom Highway 58, turn east onto Crescent Road at the sign for Davis Lake and Wickiup Reservoir, midway between mileposts 72 and 73. In 3.3 miles, turn left on Forest Road 46. Drive north for 18 miles and turn east on Forest Road 42 at the sign for Twin Lakes and Crane Prairie. Drive east on Forest Road 42 for 3.8 miles, then turn north on Forest Road 4270. From Bend, go west on the Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway, which becomes Forest Road 46. Follow this road to its intersection with Forest Road 42, about 52 miles from Bend. Turn onto Forest Road 42 at the sign for Twin Lakes and Crane Prairie. Drive east on Forest Road 42 for 3.8 miles, then turn north on Forest Road 4270. From Highway 97 between Bend and Klamath Falls, turn west to the Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway, 12 miles north of La Pine. After one mile, turn south on South Century Drive, which becomes Forest Road 42. Follow it for just over 17 miles to Forest Road 4270 and turn north at the sign for Crane Prairie.
The campground is accessible via mostly paved roads, including the Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway and several forest roads. Seasonal closures may apply due to weather conditions.
Nearby places
Bend (52 miles, approximately 1 hour drive), La Pine (approximately 17 miles, 30-minute drive).
Nearby supplies
A small grocery store and showers are available at a nearby resort. Additional supplies can be obtained in Bend, which is 52 miles away.

Best Time to Camp at Crane Prairie Campground

Summer arrives with sun-drenched days perfect for fishing and hiking, though afternoon thundershowers occasionally roll through to refresh the forest. As autumn paints the landscape in golden hues, crisp mornings give way to brilliantly clear afternoons ideal for photography and wildlife watching. Winter transforms the area into a snow-covered wonderland, creating a peaceful retreat for those prepared for cold-weather camping. Be prepared for nature's smaller residents during summer months—mosquitoes and ants are particularly active, so pack accordingly.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
3.0 / 5

Peak season offers fishing/boating but high insect activity, crowds and occasional noisy groups.

Best
Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Autumn brings golden colors, fewer insects and quieter camping according to seasonal notes.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.0 / 5

Late-spring opening (May 23) gives a short spring season; weather variable and insects may persist.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Campground is closed mid-Oct to late May; winter camping and winter-sport ratings not applicable.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: May 23, 2025 - October 18, 2025.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open May 23 to October 18, reservable starting June 24.

About Crane Prairie Campground

Nestled along the pristine eastern shoreline of Crane Prairie Reservoir, this beloved Deschutes National Forest campground beckons outdoor enthusiasts with its perfect blend of mountain majesty and waterfront serenity. Wake up to panoramic views of South Sister and Mt. Bachelor reflecting in the morning waters, while enjoying modern amenities that accommodate both tent campers and RV travelers. The campground's prime fishing access and spectacular volcanic peak vistas have made it a cherished destination for generations of Pacific Northwest adventurers.
Crane Prairie Campground accommodates various camping types, including tent camping and RV sites. Waterfront sites are available but do not include electrical hookups.
Advertisement

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers
Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in
Reserved sites held until noon the day after scheduled check-in.
Check-out
Campers must vacate by noon.
Stay Limit
You may stay up to 14 nights during a visit.

Amenities available

Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Camp Store
Group Sites

Activities you can enjoy

Crane Prairie Campground offers various recreational opportunities, including fishing, boating, hiking, and wildlife viewing. Proximity to Crane Prairie Reservoir adds water-related activities like swimming and paddleboarding.
HikingThere are hiking opportunities in the nearby areas, although specific trail details are not provided.
FishingFishing at Crane Prairie Reservoir is popular due to rainbow trout, largemouth bass, and other species managed by the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife. Reviews highlight the reservoir as a great location for fishing.
SwimmingCrane Prairie Reservoir allows for swimming, but user reviews warn of parasites like swimmers' itch and algae blooms.
BoatingBoating is supported with fish cleaning stations and a boat ramp within the campground. However, submerged logs in the reservoir require caution.
Wildlife viewingThe surrounding areas are rich in wildlife, including Sandhill cranes, Canada geese, bald eagles, and osprey.
Water Sports
Advertisement

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsNumerous user reviews highlight issues with biting ants, mosquitoes, waterborne parasites (swimmer's itch), and occasional algae blooms.

Weather at Crane Prairie Campground

Reviews

3.9
217 reviews
Mixed Reviews
Mixed Reviews
Crane Prairie Campground has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews
Reviews of Crane Prairie Campground vary widely, with some praising the scenic beauty and recreational opportunities while others criticize management, cleanliness, and insect infestations.
Review Summaries
Based on 217 reviews

What Campers Love

Positive aspects include stunning views, spacious campsites, and proximity to Crane Prairie Reservoir, which offers excellent fishing opportunities.
Based on 217 reviews

Common Concerns

Complaints focus on issues such as ant infestations, loud groups, overflowing dumpsters, and poorly maintained vault toilets. Many users are dissatisfied with the campground hosts.
Based on 217 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Visitors suggest bringing insect repellent due to high mosquito and ant presence, locking valuables to prevent theft, and avoiding swimming in the reservoir due to parasite infestations.
Based on 217 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer reviews frequently mention high insect activity, including mosquitoes and ants. Fall seems to offer reduced insect activity and quieter camping experiences.
Based on 217 reviews

Camper Quotes

"The place is beautiful and if they get someone better to manage the place I would come back." "Vault toilets were unbearably smelly." "LOTS of fire ants literally everywhere." "Camp hosts were...
Show more
Based on 217 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Campsites near ants and mosquitoes (e.g., sites 104, 115, and 116 in Blue Loop) are often criticized. Waterfront sites are praised for their views but criticized for lack of privacy.
Based on 217 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessibility reviews highlight a shortage of disabled spots. One user noted their disappointment in not being able to use their disability discount due to full occupancy of accessible sites.
Based on 217 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed at the campground, but reviews mention some campers allowing pets to roam freely, leading to conflicts with other visitors.
Based on 217 reviews

0
0 review
1
2
3
4
5

Add your voice to the Outdoorithm community

Been to Crane Prairie Campground? Your review helps fellow campers discover what makes this place special—and what to expect.


Last updated January 13, 2026
Advertisement

Nearby Campgrounds

Campgrounds you may also like

Popular campgrounds in Oregon

Campgrounds
Deschutes National Forest
Crane Prairie Campground