The Dyrt – find campgrounds for tents, RVs, cabins, glamping and more.
Open in App

Best Tent Camping near Crescent, OR

1,012 Reviews

Tent campsites in the forest areas surrounding Crescent, Oregon offer a mix of established and primitive options within Deschutes National Forest. Boundary Springs Campground provides free tent camping with approximately seven sites in a lodgepole pine setting, while Lava Flow Campground features tent-friendly sites popular with fly fishermen. Summit Lake Campground, open from July to September, offers more remote tent camping opportunities with walk-in access and pristine lakeside views.

Road access to tent areas varies significantly, with many sites requiring high clearance vehicles on unpaved forest roads. Most tent campgrounds feature basic amenities like pit toilets, though maintenance can be inconsistent. Dispersed wikiup camping areas provide free tent sites with drive-in access but no facilities. Fire regulations change seasonally, with some areas prohibiting fires entirely while others allow them in designated fire rings only. Campers should verify current restrictions before arrival, especially during summer months when fire danger increases. Most tent sites lack drinking water, requiring visitors to bring their own supplies or filter from nearby lakes and streams.

Tent camping areas near Crescent offer notable seclusion compared to developed RV campgrounds. The primitive sites at Summit Lake provide walk-in tent areas with direct lake access, ideal for paddlers and anglers seeking solitude. Tent campers often appreciate the flat, sheltered spots available at many sites, though ground conditions can be rocky in some locations. Forest cover provides good shade at most tent campgrounds, an important consideration during summer heat. According to one visitor, "It is one step above dispersed camping as there is a clean pit toilet. Lodge pole pine all around." Another camper noted that Summit Lake offers "breathtaking views of the lake and surrounding buttes" with "great kayaking and SUP" opportunities directly from tent sites.

Map showing campgrounds near Crescent, OregonExplore the Map

Best Tent Sites Near Crescent, Oregon (65)

Show More
Showing results 1-10 of 65 campgrounds

2025 Detourist Giveaway

Presented byToyota Trucks

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win

Crescent Contest

Enter to Win

Recent Tent Camping Photos near Crescent, OR

13 Photos of 65 Crescent Campgrounds

Tent Camping Reviews near Crescent, OR

1012 Reviews of 65 Crescent Campgrounds

  • Robert D.
    Sep. 30, 2023

    East Lake Campground

    A great camping spot by the lake.

    Our first time here at East Lake Campground in the last week of September 2023 just 1 day before the park closed for the season. Because East Lake Campground is 6500 feet in elevation the nights were very cold, from 44 to 31 degrees but normally the days were in the morning windy and about 62*. The camp has 29 sites and NO hookups.

    There is flush toilets, NO showers, but had drinking water. East Lake also had 1 boat launch but the water was very low, some 40' down from the edge of the bank to the water. Great fishing and a great place for kayaks. Each site has a picnic table and fireplace. Most Sites on the lake side has pull-thru that were about 50' long. Some back-in sites were only 35'. Very quite campground and not too close to each others camp site. We camped at East Lake Campground in a Travel Trailer.

    Restrooms Flush toilets, faucet water. No hookups, No electric, No water hookup, No sewer hookup. You can fill your water tank FREE at the ($10) Dump Station so you don't have the weight in your rig. Dog-friendliness Lots of space to run and play.

  • Rick L.
    Feb. 13, 2018

    Odell Lake Lodge & Resort Campground

    Cold Spring and a Great Hike

    I've been to Odell twice but always seem to pick a weekend with weather that makes you want to stay in your sleeping bag!

    The campsites at Odell are a little on the smaller side and may not have the trees your looking for to hang a hammock. Not that you should if you're camping any time earlier than July!

    The southeast side of Odell can be subject to cold winds coming off the lake, so be sure to keep that rain fly up on your tent and a fleece handy. If you're feeling a little too chilly, the resort keeps a fire burning in the den.

    There are plenty of snowshoe trails around Odell as well as some hiking trails in the Diamond Peak wilderness that also connect to the PCT. The trail we took did give us a bit of elevation gain and later some nice views of the smaller peaks in the area.

    If you're planning to camp here, bring warm clothing and rain gear! It may be a bit chilly, but the nice hikes in the area make it all the more worth it to get up and get moving.

  • Karma S.
    Aug. 19, 2018

    Crane Prairie Campground

    beautiful views! dispersed camping

    beautiful views of the cascade mountains, gorgeous reservoir. free camping. dispersed, first come first serve. no amenities. LEAVE NO TRACE!!!!

    road is a bit rough but I made it in with a Honda Accord though I wouldn’t recommend for low clearance vehicles.

    fire rings available during burn seasons. plenty of fire wood. please do not burn during no burn/dry seasons. the forest is very dry!

    bring plenty of water during the summer it’s very hot and dry. you can probably drink the reservoir water if you bring a good filter.

  • Brandie W.
    May. 13, 2019

    North Davis Creek Campground

    Nice lake to kayak on

    Campground is a more rustic/primitive camping experience. It does accommodate small to mid -size rv but there is no hookups. Drinking water faucets, vault toilets, picnic tables, and firepits are the only available services. Quiet and flat lake for kayak,canoe, and fishing. Nice beach area for kids to play. Close to Crane Prairie Resort if you need supplies or showers.

  • Pat S.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 28, 2019

    Little Crater Campground

    Right on Paulina Lake

    This CG is right on Paulina lake in the middle of Newberry Crater. There are 50 sites along the shoreline. They all have the standard picnic table and fire ring. We had the first site on the left as you enter the CG. It had a great view of the lake and surrounding ridgeline and Paulina Peak. It also allows for a wonderful sunset.

    The campground is generally crowded. The sites are decent but you will have other campers relatively close, The CG is easily accessed by foot, car or boat. It does have a boat ramp. RV's / Campers can get into most sites. There are 5 Vault toilets, drinking water, no showers, no hook ups. each site is in close walking distance to the lake. The CG is accessible to various trails in the area including the Big Obsidian Flow trail. A bonus hike should be taken to the Paulina Lake hot springs on the north side of the lake. You can also get to the hot springs by boat.

  • Lee D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 8, 2023

    Umpqua's Last Resort & Oregon Mountain Guides

    An adventure and accommodation for everyone!

    General: Located just across the street from the North Umpqua River, there is a mix of:•

    * petite RV sites (RVs up to 20’ with FHU 20-30 amp- 3)

    * deluxe RV sites (RVs up to 29’ with FHU 30-50 amp- 5)

    * Super RV sites (RVs up to 60’ with FHU 50 amp- 7)

    * glamping tents (7)

    * cabins with heat and A/C(4)

    * a cottage

    * a tiny home

    * camper

    * retro bunkhouse

    * retro RV 

    Site Quality: We were in a deluxe RV site that had a level gravel camper pad, electric hookup, fire ring, and picnic table. Unlike most RV parks, there was a decent amount of foliage between most sites to provide a measure of privacy. 

    Bath/Shower House: Two toilets, two sinks, and two showers. Clean but limited privacy for the toilets with just a curtain. Bench and hooks are outside of showers with no other separation so there is a lack of privacy there as well (did not use the shower so I cannot comment on how well it worked, although they looked nice). 

    Activities/Amenities:

    * Guided and Self-guided hiking tours

    * Guided and self-guided mountain bike tours

    * a full-day waterfall tour ($75 pp, with 24-hour advance notice)

    * whitewater rafting tours

    * Stream and river fishing holes

    * Fly fishing and hunting

    * Kayak rentals on Toketee Lake (We had hoped to do this, but the weather had other plans)

    * Wi-Fi is available for $2.99 per 24-hour period per device but it was flaky at best

    * There is a store with ice, firewood, food, beer, and wine, apparel, propane, diesel, and gasoline, rafts, and sleds. 

    We arrived later than planned (just before dark) and it was cold and rainy the next day so we were not able to take advantage of the many nearby recreation activities but the staff recommended a nearby waterfall hike that we could do in inclement weather. We would definitely consider returning during better weather.

  • Amy S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 6, 2020

    Mazama Village Campground — Crater Lake National Park

    Great Location

    This campground is in the Park near Crater Lake.  It's forested which offers good shade and privacy.  There are picnic tables, bear boxes and trash cans.  Good access to hiking and to Crater Lake viewing and activities.

  • A
    Mar. 22, 2021

    Dispersed Rock Quary

    Nice Site

    One of the few places near Bend that was actually open for disperse camping in the winter. We stayed in a nice sight just across from the quarry, right by the turn around area. It was great for tent camping. Just beware that this is higher elevation and colder than Bend. We were unexpectedly snowed on in March! Also beware that some people use the quarry as a shooting range in the mornings, about 8am (safe distance away), but it's a good alarm if you're not already awake!

  • Michael L.
    May. 30, 2018

    Diamond Lake

    Outstanding Campground

    We stayed at this campground over Memorial Day weekend in a C loop single site, and there was no disappointment! The mosquitos were fairly tame, the water was pure and clean, other campers kept quiet and to themselves, and the facilities were above our expectations for a state-run campground. No shortage of large, flat spaces of soft ground in campsites all ready for tents. Only a two minute drive from the resort and store!

Guide to Crescent

Crescent, Oregon, offers a variety of tent camping options surrounded by stunning natural beauty, perfect for outdoor enthusiasts looking to escape into the wilderness.

Tips for tent camping near Crescent

  • For a quiet experience, consider staying at Boundary Springs Campground, which features a clean pit toilet and a serene atmosphere among lodgepole pines.
  • If you're looking for a more primitive experience, Summit Lake Campground offers breathtaking views and secluded spots, though be prepared for pesky mosquitoes during the summer months.
  • Corral Springs Campground is a small, well-maintained site that provides a peaceful environment, making it ideal for families or small groups.

Local attractions for outdoor adventures

Tent campers appreciate these amenities

  • Salt Creek Sno-Park provides clean vaulted toilets and a circular parking area, making it a convenient stop for tent campers.
  • At Lava Flow Campground, you'll find picnic tables and fire pits, perfect for evening gatherings under the stars.
  • Gold Lake Sno-Park is a great spot for snow activities in winter, with access to trails leading to beautiful lakes for summer adventures.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Crescent, OR?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Crescent, OR is Boundary Springs Campground with a 3-star rating from 1 review.

What is the best site to find tent camping near Crescent, OR?

TheDyrt.com has all 65 tent camping locations near Crescent, OR, with real photos and reviews from campers.

Keep Exploring