Crescent, Oregon sits in the Deschutes National Forest at an elevation of 4,452 feet, creating cool nights even during summer months. This high desert region features ponderosa pine forests surrounding several lakes, with temperatures that can drop below freezing in spring and fall camping seasons. Many camping areas operate seasonally from late April through mid-October due to winter conditions and snow accumulation.
What to do
Hiking nearby trails: LaPine State Park Campground offers several hiking paths accessible directly from campsites. "There are a few cool attractions we didn't know about. HUGE tree! Campsites are spread out," shares Wendy M. The park features paved roads good for longer walks and dedicated hiking trails.
River access for cooling off: Wyeth Campground provides direct river access with a cement boat ramp for easy entry to the Deschutes River. "The campground does provide great access to the river and even has a cement boat ramp for easy access," notes Marty J. The campground sits along the river and each campsite offers views of the water.
Mountain biking options: Thousand Trails Bend-Sunriver has family-friendly amenities including a pump track for bikes. "The kids found plenty to do with the pool, putt putt, pump track, etc.," writes Tiffany B. The location provides easy access to Sunriver (10 minutes away) and Bend (20 minutes away) for additional outdoor activities.
What campers like
Lake views with morning fog: Crescent Lake Campground offers sites right on the lake with stunning morning views. "Waking up by the lake is magical. It was foggy last time we were there and all you could see was one sail boat silhouetted on the lake," explains Kayla C. The campground stays cool due to its position against a hill.
Evening quiet for stargazing: Sunset Cove Campground provides peaceful evenings after daytime activity. "The campground was very quiet at night, lots of kids and dogs during the day. This is very much a family-oriented place to spend time," reports Justin S. The campground offers vault toilets, trash bins, and easy water access.
Hot showers after outdoor adventures: Diamond Lake campground has well-maintained shower facilities. "Hot shower water pressure was pretty amazing," notes Sony A. The campground features heated bathrooms and hot showers, making it comfortable for longer stays even when temperatures drop at night.
What you should know
Wind patterns affect lakeside camping: Odell Lake experiences significant afternoon winds. "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. Wind conditions make water activities better in morning hours.
Campsite selection matters: Tumalo State Park Campground has varying site privacy levels. "Sites are a little too close together for my tastes," mentions Brian V. Some campers recommend driving around to select potential sites before confirming online bookings.
Seasonal temperature swings: LaPine State Park can get quite cold at night even in summer. "Lovely June weather under aromatic Ponderosa Pines. Quiet. Large sites," reports Kim G. Campers should pack warm clothing for nights as temperatures drop significantly after sunset.
Tips for camping with families
Wildlife viewing opportunities: LaPine State Park offers wildlife encounters in a safe environment. "Lots of Pine trees and wildlife. Paved road and parking. Great place to bring the whole family," recommends Brandie W. The campground provides a good balance of amenities and nature.
Activities beyond swimming: Thousand Trails Bend-Sunriver offers multiple family activities. "They have a nice blend of family activities but also plenty of quiet time. All the amenities make it a great place to stay for a few days," explains Karissa J. Children particularly enjoy the mini-golf, swimming pool, and wildlife spotting.
Water safety considerations: Diamond Lake has family-friendly water access but prepare for cold water. "The views of the lake were stunning, minutes from crater lake NP. Be prepared to fend off mosquitoes if you're going in the summer," advises Candice B. The lake warms slightly by August but remains brisk for swimming.
Tips from RVers
Hookup locations vary by site: Thousand Trails Bend-Sunriver has some inconvenient hookup placements. "The hookup plugs were really far away though from the spot itself," notes Denis K. RVers should check hookup locations when selecting sites and bring extra-long cables and hoses.
Leveling challenges: Sunset Cove Campground has uneven parking at some sites. "Not all of the sites have flat parking spaces. I was able to make something work with my van in site 1, but site 2 would have been unpleasant for sleeping in a van. Sites 4 and 5 seemed to have the flattest parking," advises Marty J. Larger rigs should request specific sites with level parking.
Seasonal access limitations: Crescent Lake Campground has site restrictions for larger RVs. "It's hard to get bigger rigs in here," warns Justin C. The campground has more trees than some others in the area, which limits maneuverability but provides better shade and privacy.
