Cabins near Crescent, Oregon provide year-round access to the area's natural attractions. Situated at approximately 4,500 feet elevation in the Deschutes National Forest, the Crescent area experiences warm summer days and cool nights with winter temperatures regularly dropping below freezing. The volcanic landscape offers diverse terrain for outdoor recreation with several lakes within a 30-minute drive.
What to do
Lake activities at Odell Lake: The rocky lake bottom and summer water temperatures make for good swimming conditions. "We got a camping spot right on the lake. I mean RIGHT ON the lake. One day was really nice and sunny and we went kayaking, the other day was VERY windy," shares Carson C. from Odell Lake.
Trail exploration near Twin Lakes: Hiking trails connect many recreation areas, including a one-mile loop around South Twin Lake. "There is about a 1 mile trail that goes around the lake," notes Ryan A. from Twin Lakes Resort. The trail system provides multiple difficulty levels suitable for day hikes.
OHV riding from Big Pines: Direct access to forest trails makes this area popular with off-highway vehicle enthusiasts. "If you ride ohv's there is a trailhead connected to the Gilchrist Forest with tons of great riding and a lot of non technical smoother dirt roads for little ones in training," explains Chris S. The trails connect to Crescent Lake just a short drive away.
What campers like
Lakefront sites at Crescent Lake: Campsites with direct water access rank highest among visitors. "Great little campground for a weekend escape. Not all sites are lakeside, but all have access to the beautiful view," writes Anna R. about Crescent Lake Campground. Sites 37-38 work well for groups when reserved together.
Clean facilities at LaPine State Park: Well-maintained restrooms and shower facilities receive consistent praise. "Campground, bathrooms, and showers are kept very clean. Campsites have plenty of room and some have shade depending on location," notes Brandie W. about LaPine State Park Campground. The campground features both standard sites and cabin accommodations.
Spacious sites at Big Pines: The campground layout provides more privacy than typical RV parks. "I love this campground because it is wooded and yet not crowded by trees. The layout is not like a parking lot but rather circular in design. The sites are quite roomy," says Jim Y. from Big Pines RV Park. The property continues expanding with additional tent sites being developed.
What you should know
Weather variations: Despite summer heat, nights remain cool at this elevation. "It gets cold here at night even in the summer. Waking up by the lake is magical," explains Kayla C. about Crescent Lake. Pack appropriate clothing for temperature swings.
Reservation requirements: Sites fill quickly during peak season (June-September). "We knew campsites were FCFS so we arrived by noon and formed a line. At 2pm park staff opened up and we were lucky to get a spot," reports Laura H. about Mazama Village Campground.
Insect activity: Mosquitoes can be problematic, especially near lakes in early summer. "This campground has beautiful lake views, access to bathrooms and showers, and ice cream and firewood just a walk or bike ride away! The only complaint I have is there's a lot of mosquitoes. So just remember your bug spray and long clothes!" advises Macy G. about Diamond Lake.
Tips for camping with families
Easy access cabin options: Family-friendly rental units provide convenience for those with small children. "We stayed in one of the cabins, it was clean and made a nice getaway for a couple days. Bathrooms are a long walk in the middle of the night so I should have chosen a cabin with a bathroom, my mistake," shares Patricia N. about her experience at LaPine State Park.
Recreation amenities: Look for campgrounds with built-in activities. "We had a lot of fun here. Hiking. Fishing. Exploring. There's a few cool attractions we didn't know about. HUGE tree! Campsites are spread out. Pet friendly," recommends Wendy M. about LaPine State Park.
Water safety considerations: Lakes in the area can be windy and cold, requiring extra supervision. "Be aware that the wind picks up around noon and goes super strong until after you go to bed. It's great for not getting any mosquito bites but it is not a mild breeze!" warns Stephanie B. about Odell Lake.
Tips from RVers
Hookup availability at Big Pines: Full-service sites accommodate larger rigs. "Mostly pull through sites. Nice bathrooms. Super nice and helpful staff. Better than avg wifi with an option for unlimited. I don't feel packed in. Dog park. No wood fires. Adequate tree cover but not completely enveloped. Level sites. Cable tv. Very clean and well kept park," reports Sean E. from Big Pines RV Park.
Water and dump stations: Many campgrounds offer partial hookups only. "We loved that we could access the Annie Creek trail from within the campground!" shares Denise D. about Mazama Village, which lacks full hookups but provides natural attractions.
Seasonal considerations: Most facilities operate seasonally with limited winter options. "We stayed here in the winter in our camper van and enjoyed the electrical hook up for heating and cooking inside our van. Only one loop of the campground is open in the winter and water is turned off at the sites except for one central location," notes Emma A. about camping at LaPine State Park, one of the few year-round options.
