Simax Group Camp
Deschutes National Forest
Simax Group Campground is located on the northeast end of Crescent Lake in Deschutes National Forest, offering visitors some of the
most beautiful scenery in central Oregon and easy access to an abundance of recreational activities.
Designed as a fully accessible campground, the four group sites and large picnic pavilion provide all visitors with ample
opportunities to explore the area's diverse lush forest and spectacular surroundings.
Four separate group sites offer visitors opportunities for both lakeside and forest camping.
Picnic areas, sandy beaches and stunning views of the lake, along with the conveniences of drinking water and flush toilets, give
visitors the opportunity to enjoy the outdoors while still having many of the conveniences of home.
The roads and spurs throughout the campground are paved.
This site was designed to be fully accessible for those with disabilities and is the first of its kind in the Northwest. A trail
system designed for accessibility links the group site to the day-use areas and beaches.
Need to Know
Fire Restrictions: Fire restrictions may be imposed at any time due to hot, dry weather conditions, at which time campfires and charcoal fires may not be allowed.
During your time in Central Oregon, you can find wildfire, prescribed fire and smoke information at centraloregonfire.org
Reserved Sites will be held until check out time (NOON) the day following your arrival date. Sites must be occupied by the checkout time of that following day to hold a reservation or the site will be forfeited and released to other guests.
Once your reservation start date has begun, neither the Recreation.gov Contact Center nor the campground manager will be able to modify your reservation.
Refunds: Refund requests made through www.recreation.gov will be charged a $10 processing fee. This fee is retained by the reservation service contractor along with the non-refundable reservation fee. All requests for the return of the non-refundable reservation fee and the cancellation fee will be declined by the campground concessionaire as they did not receive these fees (these are the fees retained by the reservation contractor, a different entity).
Don't Move Firewood: Please protect Pacific Northwest forests by preventing the spread of invasive species. Firewood can carry insects and diseases that can threaten the health of our western forests. You can make a difference by obtaining and burning your firewood near your camping destination. Visit Dontmovefirewood.org for further information.
Click here for more information about Deschutes National Forest
Camping or otherwise occupying a single location (including leaving camping equipment and/or related supplies) for a period longer than 14 consecutive calendar days is prohibited. ‘Location’ means the occupied area, the occupied campsite, and the National Forest System lands in the immediate vicinity thereof. Camping or occupying any location on all National Forest lands for more than 28 calendar days total during a calendar year is prohibited.
NO generator use is allowed in campgrounds between 10:00PM and 7:00AM (36 CFR 261.10). Silent power banks or battery powered devices are allowed.
Natural Features
Crescent Lake, nestled in a naturally glaciated basin behind a moraine dam, lies east of the towering Cascade Mountain Range. Its
brilliant blue-green water, sandy beaches and water temperature are exceptional for a high-elevation lake.
Towering lodgepole pine trees provide the backdrop for this area, with mountain hemlock, fir, and spruce also in the mix.
Volcanic activity throughout the surrounding area of Deschutes National Forest is evident in its landscape, showcasing cinder
cones, calderas and lava flows.
Nearby Attractions
The trailhead to Fawn Lake starts at the northeast end Crescent Lake and is open to hikers and horseback riding. The trail, 4.7
miles one-way, begins in a forest of white fir, Douglas fir and mountain hemlock before making a transition into lodgepole pine,
ending at the Crater Butte Trail near Fawn Lake. There are views of Redtop and Lakeview Mountains at Fawn Lake.
Lava Lands Visitor Center in Bend, Oregon, offers visitors the opportunity to learn about the diverse landscape and history of the
area through interpretive programs and exhibits.
Visitors will also enjoy traveling the Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway, known as Oregon's Highway in the Sky, which climbs into the
clouds on a 66-mile drive through the Cascade Mountain range, weaving through snow-capped peaks and alpine lakes.
A nearby resort on Crescent Lake offers lodging and a general store. Supplies and equipment rentals are available to visitors.
Recreation
At Simax Group Campground, water skiing, sailing, windsurfing, sunning, hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, off-roading and
fishing are popular with visitors.
Hiking on one or more of the trails in the area offers a wide variety of scenic terrain, ranging from lakeside trails to routes
weaving through towering pine, fir, and spruce trees, typical for the area.
For anglers, Crescent Lake provides the perfect setting to fish from boat or the shoreline. Fish species found in the lake
include kokanee salmon, mackinaw, rainbow trout, brown trout and mountain whitefish. Summer months offer the best fishing.
Changes & Cancellations
Once your reservation start date has begun, neither the Recreation.gov Contact Center nor the campground manager will be able to modify your reservation.
Contact Information
Default
PO BOX 208 CRESCENT OR 97733
Phone Number
For campground inquiries, please call: 541-323-1746
Rental Options
Learn more about gear rental options for your trip
Driving Directions
From Highway 58, turn south at Crescent Lake Junction on Forest Service Road 60. Travel 2.2 miles to the junction with Forest
Service Road 6005. Continue a mile south, following signs.
Available Campsites
- Site Group B, Loop AREA SIMAX GROUP CAMP, Type Group Standard Nonelectric
- Site Group D, Loop AREA SIMAX GROUP CAMP, Type Group Standard Nonelectric
- Site Group C, Loop AREA SIMAX GROUP CAMP, Type Group Standard Nonelectric
- Site Group A, Loop AREA SIMAX GROUP CAMP, Type Group Standard Nonelectric
- Site PAV1, Loop AREA SIMAX GROUP CAMP, Type Group Picnic Area
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