Best Campgrounds near Crescent, OR

Crescent, Oregon serves as a gateway to several established campgrounds in the Deschutes National Forest, including Big Pines RV Park, Crescent RV Park, and Crescent Creek Campground. The camping landscape includes tent sites, RV parks with full hookups, and cabins. Surrounding Crescent Lake and Davis Lake, the area contains numerous camping options within 20 miles of town. Most campgrounds operate seasonally, with facilities typically open from April through October. The region offers a mix of developed sites with amenities like showers and electric hookups alongside more primitive options in the forest.

Camping seasons vary significantly across elevations near Crescent, with many campgrounds closing during winter months. Reservations are recommended for established campgrounds, especially during summer weekends when lakeside sites fill quickly. Forest roads throughout the area provide access to dispersed camping options, though some require high-clearance vehicles. Water access points at Crescent Lake and Odell Lake attract fishing enthusiasts, with several campgrounds positioned for boat launch convenience. One visitor noted, "With all the major lakes flooded with people now, this is a nice little campground tucked away but not too far to drive to lakes and play for the day."

The pine forest setting characterizes most camping experiences in the area, with lodgepole pines creating natural shade and separation between sites. Campers frequently mention the quality of facilities at Big Pines RV Park, with one reviewer describing it as having "roomy sites with grass and trees." Overnight temperatures can drop significantly even in summer, making campfire access an important consideration when selecting sites. Highway noise affects some campgrounds situated close to main roads, particularly Crescent Creek Campground. The area attracts both overnight travelers passing through and destination campers exploring Crater Lake National Park approximately 60 miles south. Fishing opportunities represent a significant draw, particularly at Davis Lake which supports populations of trout and bass.

Best Camping Sites Near Crescent, Oregon (278)

    1. Big Pines RV Park

    12 Reviews
    Crescent, OR
    2 miles
    Website

    $46 / night

    "Owner was friendly & very accommodating, all around nice guy. Park was in process of expanding, adding a more RV hookups, a couple more tent sites, & hopefully another shower house."

    "Crescent Lake is just a short drive away with great scenery and fishing. I highly recommend this place."

    2. Sunset Cove Campground

    13 Reviews
    Crescent, OR
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (541) 323-1746

    $25 - $52 / night

    "Great areas for kids to play, lots of access to water via boat ramps or jetty or shoreline spots to sit."

    "A tent from a neighboring site was fairly close to our space so we built a quick fire, pitched our tents on semi-level areas, and turned in early."

    3. LaPine State Park Campground

    35 Reviews
    La Pine, OR
    23 miles
    Website
    +1 (541) 536-2428

    $22 - $111 / night

    "Beautiful, lots of big pine trees (including the largest known documented Ponderosa Pine in Oregon!), really close to the Deschutes River just north of La Pine, about 35 mins south of Bend, Oregon."

    "Unfortunately it was during the horrible fires of the west coast and Oregon was not spared.  The smoke was thick although not as bad as previous camping locations the day before. "

    4. Crescent RV Park

    4 Reviews
    Crescent, OR
    0 miles
    Website
    +1 (541) 433-2950

    5. Diamond Lake

    62 Reviews
    Diamond Lake, OR
    30 miles
    Website
    +1 (541) 498-2531

    $16 - $27 / night

    "This campground was in a great location to go see crater lake (15 min drive or less) as well as nearby Hot Springs (30ish min drive) and waterfalls. The campground itself was wooded and very close to"

    "Access to the campground was right off hwy 138, which is a few miles from the north entrance to Crater Lake. Our 28 ft travel trailer easily fit with room to spare in our site."

    6. Crescent Lake Campground

    7 Reviews
    Crescent, OR
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (541) 323-1746

    $27 - $31 / night

    "This is by far the Most beautiful camping on Crescent Lake. In the fir trees on the temperate side of the lake. It cools off fast as it lies up against a hill."

    "Not all sites are lakeside, but all have access to the beautiful view. Getting here is a little off the beaten path, so if you feel lost, you’re going the right way."

    7. Walt Haring Sno-Park & Campground

    10 Reviews
    Chemult, OR
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (541) 365-7001

    "nearly had the entire place to myself minus a couple travel trailers, but there’s enough room to spread out to where no one even notices each other."

    "Walt Haring Sno-Park is close to 97 but it was not crowded when I was there. Pit toilets are available I did not see any other hookups tho. Plenty of picnic tables and spots for tents."

    8. Odell Lake Lodge & Resort Campground

    6 Reviews
    Crescent, OR
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (541) 433-2540

    $16 - $21 / night

    "Well maintained, primitive camping next to a lodge. Most campsites are right on the lake, which can cause cold nights later in the season but great views."

    "Nice place for a couple of nights, although be forewarned... the campsite is on the east end of the lake and a very cold breeze blows across the water right at you, especially this time of year."

    9. Gull Point Campground

    8 Reviews
    La Pine, OR
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (541) 323-1746

    $25 - $128 / night

    "Pros: The campground is nice, many vault toilets, fresh water spigot and sink drain sites, camp hosts are friendly, 1 mile drive to South twin lake, fair camping rates."

    "Spots are on the smaller side and not very private, and being near the boat ramp adds a little extra traffic. The beautiful reservoir with sandy beaches is the real draw for this campground."

    10. Trapper Creek Campground

    10 Reviews
    Crescent, OR
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (541) 323-1746

    $27 - $56 / night

    "But because it is close to the Shelter Cove Resort, you have the ability to use some of their amenities."

    "Easy creek access using a trail from our site, and lake access only a short walk away. This campground has so much potential, but the proximity to the hwy and railroad were a bit of a bummer."

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Recent Reviews near Crescent, OR

1194 Reviews of 278 Crescent Campgrounds


  • J
    Oct. 14, 2025

    Shelter Cove Resort & Marina

    My Favorite Campground

    Really like the customer service. I highly recommend this campground beautiful and a ton of amenities

  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 13, 2025

    Contorta Flat Campground

    Surprisingly nice

    Just passing through and found this campground. Didn’t expect much, but was pleasantly surprised. Clean pit toilets. Right on Crescent Lake. Had the whole area to ourselves. Very quiet and beautiful.

  • S
    Oct. 12, 2025

    Swampy Lakes Sno-Park/Trailhead

    This is a dispersed camping site at a trailhead with a pit toilet

    Swampy Lakes Sno-Park is a winter trailhead for cross-country skiing and is used as a mountain bike trailhead in the summer. It is a paved parking area with a pit toilet. There is no water and it is fairly close to the highway. In winter it’s not advisable to camp here since campers interfere with plowing. Nearby are two Sno-Parks ( Wanoga and Kapka) which are used by snowmobilers and are better set up for winter use since the parking is in the middle of the lot and snowplows can get around overnighters.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 9, 2025

    Duncan Reservoir Campground

    Hidden gem

    Campground has about 9 sites, 3 are pull thru, @ 1 group site is by the creek. Pull thrus are on the water side; the view is gorgeous. No potable water or power, but there’s a vault toilet. The road in wasn’t bad at all.

  • Lucas D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 8, 2025

    Timpanogas Lake Campground

    Be respectful

    There are homes being built nearby, a few trucks with campers come through, but nobody puts up tents. I didnt realize this was an actual campground until I checked this app after I was here. Very beautiful if you don't mind bird poop

  • J
    Oct. 5, 2025

    Deschutes Forest NFD 4600-120 Dispersed Camping

    Quiet, peaceful, easy to find!

    Highly recommend! We came here in early Oct and it was quiet, roads were easy to access for a 25ft camper and just a quick drive from Bend. No amenities and a range of options for parking if you want to be near other people

  • Jeff B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 29, 2025

    Forest Road 960 Campsite

    Nice area, lots of spots to camp.

    Great spots with easy access to Crater Lake! We had a blast at this spot. It had ample space for the kids to play. It was pretty quiet, even with lots of other campers in the area. It was a little dusty driving through. There were some porta-potties in the area. Highly recommend for a stay, especially if you're visiting Crater Lake. Forgot to take pictures of the site, unfortunately, but the other pictures are pretty accurate.

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 29, 2025

    Pine Mountain Campground

    Nice and quiet!!

    This time of the year, we were the only ones here. Campground was clean and well maintained! The vault toilet was clean. I would stay here again!!

  • AThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 28, 2025

    Thousand Trails Bend-Sunriver

    Nice Folks

    Pulled in last minute I’ve never been to a thousand trails campground. Great so far. Lot’s of fly fishing near by. Very inexpensive compared to other campgrounds nearby.


Guide to Crescent

Camping near Crescent, Oregon, offers a mix of stunning natural beauty and a variety of campgrounds to choose from. Whether you're looking for a peaceful lakeside retreat or a family-friendly spot, there's something for everyone.

What to do:

  • Boating and Fishing: Many campers enjoy the water activities available at Diamond Lake. One reviewer mentioned, "In season, there is boating (there is a boat ramp in each end of the campground), and there is a fishing dock too." This makes it a great spot for those who love to fish or just relax by the water.
  • Hiking: The area is surrounded by beautiful trails. A visitor at LaPine State Park Campground noted, "Easy access to various trails within the park." This makes it perfect for families looking to explore the outdoors.
  • Wildlife Watching: Campers at Little Crater Campground have enjoyed observing local wildlife. One camper shared, "We so enjoyed watching the otters, the birds and the chipmunks."

What campers like:

  • Scenic Views: Campers rave about the beautiful surroundings. A review for Paulina Lake Campground states, "The lake is great for fishing, hiking, and has amazing hot springs on one side." This makes it a popular choice for nature lovers.
  • Spacious Campsites: Many campgrounds offer plenty of space between sites. A visitor at Broken Arrow Campground mentioned, "The sites were well spaced out and had plenty of parking." This is a big plus for those who value privacy.
  • Clean Facilities: Clean bathrooms and showers are a common highlight. One camper at Thousand Trails Bend-Sunriver said, "The bath houses are all clean, and at least one we surveyed appears to be freshly updated."

What you should know:

  • Mosquitoes: Be prepared for bugs, especially in the summer. A camper at Thielsen View Campground warned, "I was overwhelmed by the mosquitoes." Bringing bug spray is a must.
  • Limited Cell Service: Many campgrounds have spotty cell service. A visitor at Mount Thielsen Wilderness noted, "I could get a text through, but rarely a photo." This is something to consider if you need to stay connected.
  • Reservations: Some campgrounds fill up quickly, especially during peak season. A camper at Lava Lake Campground mentioned, "The campground is small, which was nice." It’s a good idea to plan ahead.

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for spots with amenities like clean bathrooms and activities for kids. One parent at LaPine State Park Campground said, "People were quiet for the most part," making it a peaceful environment for families.
  • Pack Outdoor Games: Bring along games for the kids to play outside. A camper at Little Crater Campground mentioned, "Paved pathway for the kids to safely bike on while you're setting up or cleaning up."
  • Plan for Activities: Make sure to have a list of activities to keep everyone entertained. A visitor at Paulina Lake Campground highlighted, "The whole thing is on the Newberry Volcanic monument which is super interesting geologically and historically."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Hookup Availability: Not all campgrounds have electric or water hookups. A reviewer at Thousand Trails Bend-Sunriver noted, "The only reason I did not give this park 5 stars is the lack of sewer." Make sure to check before you go.
  • Look for Big Rig Friendly Sites: If you have a larger RV, choose campgrounds that accommodate big rigs. A camper at Diamond Lake mentioned, "Big rig friendly," which is a plus for those traveling in larger vehicles.
  • Bring Extra Supplies: Since some campgrounds are remote, it’s wise to stock up on essentials before arriving. A visitor at Lava Lake Campground said, "The lake was so beautiful, with nice views of sisters and bachelor," but also noted the importance of being prepared.

Camping near Crescent, Oregon, offers a variety of experiences, from serene lakeside spots to family-friendly campgrounds. Whether you're in an RV or tent, there's something for everyone to enjoy!

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Crescent, OR?

According to TheDyrt.com, Crescent, OR offers a wide range of camping options, with 278 campgrounds and RV parks near Crescent, OR and 47 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Crescent, OR?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Crescent, OR is Big Pines RV Park with a 4.5-star rating from 12 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Crescent, OR?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 47 free dispersed camping spots near Crescent, OR.

What parks are near Crescent, OR?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 18 parks near Crescent, OR that allow camping, notably Deschutes & Ochoco National Forests & Crooked River National Grassland and Umpqua National Forest.