Dispersed camping areas surround Crescent, Oregon within the Deschutes National Forest, typically accessible from May through October depending on snow conditions and elevation. The Crescent area sits at approximately 4,500 feet elevation near the eastern slopes of the Cascade Mountains, with numerous camping options on forest service roads branching from Highway 58 and Highway 97. Primitive campsites range from lakeside spots to pine forest settings with varied ground conditions.
What to do
Paddling at Summit Lake: Explore the numerous small islands at Summit Lake Campground, where campers can launch kayaks and paddleboards directly from shoreline campsites. According to a visitor, the location offers "breathtaking views of the lake and surrounding buttes. Very peaceful location, breathtaking views, and great kayaking and SUP." The lake is accessible July through September.
Fly fishing at Davis Lake: Davis Lake near Lava Flow provides excellent fly fishing opportunities throughout the camping season. "Lava Flow is a small six site campground that is very popular with Fly fishermen year round. The area will often see early morning fishermen showing up for the morning bite filling the parking area," reports one camper.
Creek exploration with children: The Dispersed Wikiup camping area offers family-friendly creek access with natural features that appeal to younger campers. A visitor notes, "Big enough space for multiple families, very easy to find. Small trail down to a creek, somebody had built a little bike track around the perimeter of the campsite, great for kids."
What campers like
Secluded island camping: Adventurous campers appreciate the unique opportunity to camp on islands at Summit Lake Campground. One reviewer mentioned, "The lake was so pretty and it had lots of little islands you could paddle out to and explore. There was even a lady camping on one of the islands as she left her truck at the campground."
Affordable primitive sites: Many free and low-cost camping options exist near Crescent. One camper at Boundary Springs Campground shared, "This is a free campground. It has about 7 sites, not paved. I loved it! It is one step above dispersed camping as there is a clean pit toilet. Lodge pole pine all around."
Quiet forest settings: The smaller campgrounds provide peaceful environments away from crowded recreation areas. A visitor to Corral Springs described it as "easy to get to and well maintained. Corral Springs campground is pretty small with only a handful of camping spaces. The campground was nice, clean, and peaceful."
What you should know
Seasonal mosquito pressure: Summit Lake and other water-adjacent sites experience significant mosquito activity during summer months. One camper warned, "We stayed there in mid-July so the mosquitoes were horrible!! They were waiting outside our tent by 6 am. So I am not holding them against the location, but when you visit be aware of timing."
Variable facility maintenance: While some campgrounds have pit toilets, their condition isn't always reliable. At Corral Springs Forest Camp, a camper reported, "There were pit toilets that were not being maintained and a sign that cautioned against using, but one of us did use and we saw others that were going in as well, it was just almost overflowing."
Dust and ground conditions: Several tent sites feature very fine dust that impacts camping comfort. At Dispersed Wikiup camping, one visitor noted, "Super fine dust, everything will be dirty." Another mentioned at Summit Lake that "the ground was pretty hard and there were a fair amount of rocks."
Tips for camping with families
Pack plenty of bug protection: When tent camping in Crescent, Oregon with children, insect repellent is essential during summer months. A Summit Lake camper shared, "We used an entire bottle of bug spray and I still walked away with dozens of welts. We built a fire that seemed to push the mosquitos out but drew in the noseeums."
Choose sites with built-in activities: The Dispersed Wikiup area includes features that naturally entertain children without additional equipment. According to one visitor, the site had "somebody had built a little bike track around the perimeter of the campsite, great for kids. Very close to boat launches and water access."
Consider proximity to facilities: Some primitive sites require significant travel for bathroom access. At Corral Springs, a camper mentioned the site was "just a little loop with a few spots, about 2ish miles in on a dirt road," which can be challenging for families needing frequent bathroom trips.
Tips from RVers
Solar and satellite considerations: RV campers utilizing solar power or satellite internet should note tree coverage. At Dispersed Wikiup camping, one RVer noted, "Tall trees so no good vantage point for starlink or solar."
Road access challenges: Many forest service roads require high-clearance vehicles. One camper at Corral Springs shared, "The drive was pretty easy on a 2wd van," but others reported more challenging conditions at Summit Lake, where one visitor recommended "using a higher clearance vehicle to get there."
Look for perimeter sites at Lava Flow: RVers seeking better satellite and solar access should target specific sites at Lava Flow North Campground. A camper advised, "If you get the right spot at edge of campground, there is ample sky exposure for solar and starlink."
