How much does camping cost at Crescent Lake Campground?

Camping fees at Crescent Lake Campground range from $27-$31/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Crescent Lake Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Crescent Lake 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 Crescent Lake Campground before I book?

Yes! Crescent Lake Campground has 4 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 Crescent Lake Campground?

Crescent Lake 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 Crescent Lake Campground?

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

Is there cell service at Crescent Lake Campground?

Cell phone service at Crescent Lake Campground is generally available. Cell service is available. Coverage may vary by carrier and exact location within the campground.

How many campsites does Crescent Lake Campground have?

Crescent Lake Campground has 82 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Crescent Lake Campground?

Yes, pets are allowed at Crescent Lake 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 Crescent Lake Campground?

Crescent Lake Campground offers: Restrooms, Potable Water, Pets Allowed, Camp Store. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

Crescent Lake Campground

Q: Can I have a campfire at Crescent Lake Campground?

Fire policies at Crescent Lake 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.

4.03

241 reviews

SwimmingSummer Destination

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

4,869 ft

Price

$27 - $31/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

82 campsites

Season

Open May 23 to Octob...

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on null Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

4,869 ft

Price

$27 - $31/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

82 campsites

Season

Open May 23 to Octob...

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on null Official Website

Get Directions

Crescent Lake Campground

$27.00 - $31.00 / night

Campsite Fees

PREMIUM SITE: $29.00 (+$2.00 holiday); STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $27.00 (+$2.00 holiday). Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9...

No paid fee categories listed.

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

541-323-1746null

I manage this campground

Plan a trip to Crescent Lake Campground

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Campground Map

Crescent Lake Campground

43.5019, -121.9744

Nearby places

Crescent (approximately 12.2 miles away)

Weather at Crescent Lake Campground

Current alerts(9)

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.
Click here for more information about Deschutes National Forest.
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

Best Time to Camp at Crescent Lake Campground

Best season: summer. Summer offers the warmest, sunniest conditions at 4,869 ft with long daylight for swimming, paddling and lakeside hiking. Daytime highs typically range from the mid-60s to upper-70s °F (about 65–80°F) with cool nights in the mid-30s to low-50s (35–50°F), and lake water temps often reach the mid‑50s to mid‑60s°F. This is peak boating, fishing and family-friendly beach time—expect busy weekends and limited availability, so reserve sites or yurts early. Peak months: July, August, June, September Avoid: November, December, January, February

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Open May–Oct; summer is prime for swimming, boating and most reviews praise summer stays.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 22 to October 16. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open May 23 to October 18.

About Crescent Lake Campground

Crescent Lake Campground sits at 4,869 feet in the Deschutes National Forest, offering direct access to one of central Oregon's clearest alpine lakes. This large campground provides tent sites, RV spots, and rental cabins spread across a forested shoreline near the town of Crescent. Visitors spend their days kayaking, paddleboarding, fishing, and swimming in the lake, with hiking and biking trails radiating into the surrounding forest.

Crescent Lake Campground accommodates a variety of camping styles, including yurts, tents, RV sites, and group camping.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer offers the warmest, sunniest conditions at 4,869 ft with long daylight for swimming, paddling and lakeside hiking. Daytime highs typically range from the mid-60s to upper-70s °F (about 65–80°F) with cool nights in the mid-30s to low-50s (35–50°F), and lake water temps often reach the mid‑50s to mid‑60s°F. This is peak boating, fishing and family-friendly beach time—expect busy weekends and limited availability, so reserve sites or yurts early. Peak months: July, August, June, September Avoid: November, December, January, February

Elevation4869 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe lake fills a basin carved by ice-age glaciers, its clear water meeting sandy shorelines ringed by lodgepole pine. Deer move through the forest and fish break the surface near shore. Some campsites look directly onto the water. The terrain is uneven and dusty in spots, with steep drop-offs near certain sites. Shade coverage varies depending on where you pitch.

Lodging & AccommodationsThe campground offers yurts and is near a lodge with a general store, restaurant, and various boat rental options. Yurts cost $40/night and can accommodate up to 6 people, featuring a table and wood stove. User reviews describe them as spacious and comfortable. 'Holy smokes! What a great campground! We stayed in the yurts for $40/night; it slept 6 and had a table and wood stove for cold nights.'

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Maximum stay of 14 consecutive nights.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Null

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations are available through Recreation.gov.

AccessibilityAccessibility features are limited. Some sites are not handicap-friendly due to uneven terrain and steep inclines. One reviewer noted, 'It appears that most of the sites are not handicap friendly.

Site SizeCampsites are spacious, accommodating multiple tents and vehicles. One reviewer mentioned, 'The sites are huge with lots of privacy.

PrivacySites offer varying levels of privacy. While some are well-spaced and private, others lack sufficient brush between neighboring spots.

Total Campsites82 campsites

Recommended SitesAvoid sites with steep inclines if you have trailers or motorhomes. Water shoes are recommended for the rocky beaches.

Best CampsitesSites 29 and 30 offer lake views and close water access. Some campers note that site terrain varies significantly, so checking site-specific reviews helps avoid sloped or uneven pads.

Need help booking Crescent Lake 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

Crescent Lake Campground offers a scenic and well-equipped camping experience in Deschutes National Forest. Amenities include potable water, picnic tables, fire rings, and vault toilets. The campground also boasts a boat ramp and proximity to a lodge featuring a general store, restaurant, and boat rentals. Some campers have noted the absence of showers and the dusty nature of the terrain. Visitors appreciate clean vault toilets and water stations, although complaints about the smell in some restrooms have been raised.

Potable water

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Lodging and accommodations

Vault toilets

Camp Store

I manage this campground

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

Crescent Lake Campground offers diverse recreational opportunities, from hiking and biking on nearby trails to water activities like swimming, kayaking, and fishing. Winter sports such as snowshoeing and snowmobiling are also popular. Scenic views of Diamond Peak and Crescent Lake enhance the experience.

Hiking

Fishing

Swimming

Biking

Boating

Winter Activities

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Fire PolicyFire 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.

Trash & RecyclingTrash facilities include dumpsters, though some campers noted overflowing bins on busy weekends. Recycling facilities are not mentioned.

Cell CoverageCell phone service quality varies, but AT&T has been specifically mentioned as providing excellent coverage. One user noted, 'Excellent cell phone coverage with AT&T.'

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

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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

4.0

241 reviews

Satisfactory

Crescent Lake Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews for Crescent Lake Campground highlight its stunning lake views, spacious campsites, and clean vault toilets. Positive sentiments focus on the beauty of the lake and the variety of activities available, while negative feedback often mentions uneven terrain, dusty conditions, and occasional maintenance issues. The camp hosts receive mixed reviews, with some campers praising their helpfulness and others noting unprofessional behavior.

Review Summaries

Based on 241 reviews

Best sites at a glance

Pulled from per-site mentions in 241 reviews.

Site 29Loved
Site 29 was praised for its 'picture window' view of the lake.
Site 30Issues noted
Site 30 received mixed reviews for its view and proximity to water but was criticized for uneven terrain.

What Campers Love

Common praises include the beautiful lake views, spacious and private campsites, clean restrooms, and helpful camp hosts. Visitors also enjoy the availability of water activities like kayaking and...

Based on 241 reviews

Common Concerns

Complaints center on the uneven terrain, lack of showers, dusty conditions, and issues with maintenance, such as overflowing trash bins or unclean toilets.

Based on 241 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring mosquito repellant, water shoes, and sun protection for summer visits. Consider site-specific reviews, as terrain varies significantly. Reserve yurts early, as they are highly popular.

Based on 241 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer reviews often highlight water activities and the beauty of the lake, while winter reviews focus on snowmobiling and skiing opportunities. Dusty conditions and mosquitoes are common complaints...

Based on 241 reviews

Camper Quotes

'Peaceful, relaxing, beautiful, the water is so clear it's a nice campground and beautiful lake.' - Mrinal Tamrakar. 'Holy smokes! What a great campground! We stayed in the yurts for $40/night.' -...

Based on 241 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessibility is limited due to uneven terrain and steep inclines, making it challenging for individuals with disabilities. 'It appears that most of the sites are not handicap friendly,' remarked one...

Based on 241 reviews