How much does camping cost at Simax Group Camp?

Camping fees at Simax Group Camp range from $64-$166/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Simax Group Camp first-come first-served or reservation?

Simax Group Camp 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 Simax Group Camp before I book?

Yes! Simax Group Camp has 6 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 Simax Group Camp?

Simax Group Camp is open May 22 to September 25. 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 Simax Group Camp?

Simax Group Camp does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

Can I have a campfire at Simax Group Camp?

Fire policies at Simax Group Camp: 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 Simax Group Camp have?

Simax Group Camp has 4 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Simax Group Camp?

Pets are not allowed at Simax Group Camp. This policy helps protect local wildlife and other campers. Consider nearby pet-friendly campgrounds if traveling with animals.

What amenities are available at Simax Group Camp?

Simax Group Camp offers: Restrooms, Potable Water, Electrical Hookups. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

Simax Group Camp

3.76

25 reviews

PO BOX 208, CRESCENT, OR 97733, USA

Scenic ViewsSummer Destination

Featured in:Beach Camping Oregon

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

4,931 ft

Price

$64 - $166/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

4 campsites

Season

Open from May 23 to ...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Electric

Book on Deschutes National Forest Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

4,931 ft

Price

$64 - $166/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

4 campsites

Season

Open from May 23 to ...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Electric

Book on Deschutes National Forest Official Website

Get Directions

Simax Group Camp

$64.00 - $166.00 / night

Campsite Fees

GROUP PICNIC AREA: $64.00 (+$2.00 holiday); GROUP SITE A: $164.00 (+$2.00 holiday); GROUP STANDARD ELECTRIC: $74.00 (+$2.00 holiday); Group Site B:...

Group Site Fee$164.00

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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

Simax Group Camp

PO BOX 208, CRESCENT, OR 97733, USA

Nearby places

Crescent (null miles), Bend (~66 miles, est. 1.5 hours travel time)

Weather at Simax Group Camp

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.
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 Simax Group Camp

Best season: summer. Summer offers full access to Simax Group Camp with warm, sun-filled days ideal for swimming, boating, fishing and long hikes around Crescent Lake. Expect daytime highs typically in the mid-60s to low-80s F (around 65–80°F) and cool nights in the 30s–50s°F, so layers are essential for evenings. All group sites and the pavilion are open and serviced, but weekends in July–August are the busiest, so reserve early to secure a site. Peak months: July, August, June, September Avoid: October, November, December, January

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Peak season for fishing, boating and beach use; full facilities but mosquitoes and some maintenance complaints.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 22 to September 25. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open from May 23 to September 26 each year, with reservations available on a rolling 12-month basis.

About Simax Group Camp

Simax Group Camp sits in mid-elevation forest within Deschutes National Forest, minutes from Crescent Lake near the town of Crescent. Managed by the Forest Service, this small group-only facility offers electric hookups, flush toilets, and potable water for organized gatherings. Visitors use the camp as a base for swimming, boating, and fishing on the lake, with a pavilion available for group activities.

Simax Group Campground primarily caters to group camping, with four designated group sites offering both lakeside and forest options. The campground is designed to accommodate larger gatherings and provides accessibility for all visitors.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer offers full access to Simax Group Camp with warm, sun-filled days ideal for swimming, boating, fishing and long hikes around Crescent Lake. Expect daytime highs typically in the mid-60s to low-80s F (around 65–80°F) and cool nights in the 30s–50s°F, so layers are essential for evenings. All group sites and the pavilion are open and serviced, but weekends in July–August are the busiest, so reserve early to secure a site. Peak months: July, August, June, September Avoid: October, November, December, January

Elevation4931 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryCrescent Lake's blue-green water dominates the landscape here, ringed by lodgepole pine, mountain hemlock, and fir. The beaches are pumice, not sand, so water shoes help. The lake sits in a glacially carved basin held by an ancient moraine dam, surrounded by the volcanic features common to this part of the Cascades: cinder cones, old lava flows, and forested slopes. The forest canopy provides decent shade across the group sites.

Lodging & AccommodationsWhile there are no hotel-style lodges directly at Simax Group Campground, visitors can find similar options at a nearby resort on Crescent Lake, which offers lodging and equipment rentals.

Programs & ActivitiesNo cultural or educational programs are mentioned as being offered at this campground.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

You may stay up to 14 nights during a visit and up to 28 nights total within a year.

Groups

Group sites are spacious and designed to accommodate multiple families or larger groups. User reviews highlight Group Site C as a preferred choice for its size and proximity to the lake.

Tents

Tents are not allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov.

AccessibilityThe campground is fully accessible, being the first of its kind in the Northwest. Paved roads and spurs, as well as a trail system linking group sites to day-use areas and beaches, ensure accessibility for individuals with disabilities.

Site SizeGroup sites are described as spacious, accommodating multiple families comfortably. Individual site dimensions are not detailed.

PrivacyPrivacy levels vary depending on the site. User reviews suggest that Group Site C is particularly spacious and preferred for larger groups.

Total Campsites4 campsites

Recommended SitesGroup Site B is ideal for tents, providing excellent lake views; Group Site C offers substantial space for larger groups.

Best CampsitesGroup Site C gets consistent praise for its size and lake access, making it the top pick for larger gatherings. Group Site B offers strong lake views. All four sites accommodate multiple families comfortably.

Need help booking Simax Group Camp?

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Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

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Amenities available

Simax Group Campground offers a variety of amenities designed to provide both convenience and comfort to campers. The campground features drinking water and flush toilets, along with fully accessible paved roads and spurs. Facilities are specifically designed to accommodate individuals with disabilities, including a trail system linking the group site to day-use areas and beaches. Several group sites provide options for lakeside and forest camping. Picnic areas, sandy beaches, and stunning lake views are prominent highlights.

Potable water

Electricity hookups

Flush toilets

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Group Sites

I manage this campground

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

Simax Group Campground offers a wide array of recreational activities. Popular options include water skiing, sailing, windsurfing, sunbathing, hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, off-roading, and fishing. The pristine Crescent Lake provides ample opportunities for aquatic activities, while hiking trails showcase the natural beauty of the Deschutes National Forest.

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

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

3.8

25 reviews

Mixed Reviews

Simax Group Camp has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews for Simax Group Campground are mixed. Positive sentiments celebrate the natural beauty of Crescent Lake, the spacious group sites, and the helpfulness of the camp hosts. However, negative comments highlight issues such as the closure of showers, poorly maintained restrooms, and unemptied trash bins. Maintenance concerns were notably prominent in reviews from 2021.

Review Summaries

Based on 25 reviews

What Campers Love

Many users praised the campground's scenic location, spacious group sites, and proximity to Crescent Lake. One reviewer noted, 'The most beautiful lake in Oregon,' while another appreciated the...

Based on 25 reviews

Common Concerns

The most frequent complaints involved the cleanliness and maintenance of restroom facilities, closed showers, and general site upkeep. Reviewers described bathrooms as 'filthy' and noted that garbage...

Based on 25 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Group Site C is frequently mentioned as the best option for its spaciousness and lake views. In contrast, Group Site B is noted for being better suited to tent setups. Specific praise was given to...

Based on 25 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers recommend wearing water shoes due to the pumice beaches and preparing for potential mosquitoes. Group Site C is favored for its size and lake access, while visitors suggest verifying facility...

Based on 25 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer is the most popular season, with users highlighting fishing, boating, and beach activities. However, mosquitoes and maintenance issues were more frequently mentioned during summer months....

Based on 25 reviews

Camper Quotes

- 'The most beautiful lake in Oregon. Water is clear but a little cold. Beach is pumice so wear water shoes.' (Kelsy Nordholm, July 2024) - 'Group site B was perfect for our group as we had more...

Based on 25 reviews

Accessibility Features

The campground's fully accessible design received positive feedback. Paved roads, accessible trails, and proximity to beachfront and day-use areas make it suitable for individuals with disabilities.

Based on 25 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

No specific reviews regarding pet policies or pet-friendly features are included in the provided information.

Based on 25 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

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Go if

You're organizing a group outing and want lakeside access with electric hookups and a pavilion.

Skip if

You need individual sites, shower facilities, or consistently maintained restrooms during peak season.

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4.1

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Crescent Lake Guard Station

PO Box 208, Crescent, OR 97733, USA

Crescent Lake Guard Station sits in mid-elevation forest within Deschutes National Forest, operated by the Crescent Ranger District near the town of Crescent. This small, cabin-focused property offers lake access for swimming, boating, and fishing during the summer season. Guests appreciate the peaceful setting and outdoor activities, though some note wildlife noise inside cabin walls and dusty summer conditions.