Rock Creek Campground (Deschutes National Forest, Or)
4.0357 reviews63095 DESCHUTES MARKET ROAD, Bend, Oregon, 97701, USA
Rock Creek Campground (Deschutes National Forest, Or)
$25.00 - $50.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$25.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Peak season nightly rates for standard non-electric sites range from $25 to $50, with an additional holiday surcharge of $2/night. During shoulder seasons, rates remain the same. Out-of-season bookings are unavailable.
About this campground
Nestled along the western shores of Crane Prairie Reservoir, Rock Creek Campground invites you to discover your own private slice of Oregon wilderness. Here, spacious campsites tucked beneath towering pines offer the perfect balance of seclusion and adventure. Whether you're casting a line into the renowned trophy waters, launching your boat for a sunset paddle, exploring forest trails on foot, or scanning the skies for magnificent birds of prey, this hidden gem delivers the authentic Cascade Lakes experience that outdoor enthusiasts dream about.
The campground caters to a variety of camping styles, including tent camping and RV camping. Group camping options are available.
Historical SignificanceYour basecamp at Rock Creek places you at the heart of one of Oregon's most scenic treasures—the legendary Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway winds nearby, offering access to a string of alpine jewels. Just minutes away, the Osprey Point interpretive area reveals the fascinating ecological story of this unique high-desert reservoir system, where ancient volcanic forces created a landscape that now supports one of the most diverse bird populations in the Pacific Northwest.
Weather and SeasonsWake to crisp mountain mornings where mist dances across the reservoir and wildlife emerges for their daily routines. Summer brings the perfect recipe for outdoor adventure—cool, refreshing mornings ideal for that first cast or early hike, followed by warm afternoons perfect for swimming and exploring. As evening approaches, temperatures drop to comfortable levels, creating magical conditions for campfire stories and stargazing. While occasional algal blooms may temporarily affect water activities during peak summer, the surrounding forest and trails remain pristine year-round.
ElevationPerched in the classic Cascade alpine environment, Rock Creek Campground offers that sweet spot where mountain meadows meet evergreen forests. The terrain here tells the story of volcanic forces and glacial carving, creating the gentle rolls and hidden hollows that make each campsite feel like its own private retreat in the high country.
Natural Features and SceneryImagine waking to the haunting call of sandhill cranes echoing across morning waters, or watching a bald eagle soar above ancient ponderosa pines. Crane Prairie Reservoir stretches before you like a natural amphitheater, its waters reflecting the surrounding tapestry of dense coniferous forests and wildflower meadows. This is where the Cascades reveal their gentler side—where volcanic peaks give way to serene waters, and where majestic Rocky Mountain elk might wander through your campsite at dusk. The interplay of forest, meadow, and water creates an ever-changing canvas of natural beauty.
Geological RegionRock Creek Campground sits within the magnificent Deschutes National Forest, a landscape sculpted by fire and ice over millennia. This is volcano country, where ancient lava flows created the foundation for today's pristine alpine lakes and verdant meadows. Dense stands of pine, fir, and hemlock forest blanket the rolling volcanic terrain, punctuated by crystal-clear waters and meadows that burst with wildflowers each summer. It's a geological wonderland where every vista tells the story of the powerful forces that shaped the Cascade Range.
Campsite details
AccessibilityAccessibility features are not specified in the provided materials.
Sites SizeSites are described as large and spacious, accommodating both trailer and tent camping setups.
Sites PrivacyMixed reviews. Some users highlighted the isolated and private nature of sites, while others reported that sites lacked seclusion, especially in specific loops like Loop 3.
Total Campsites32 campsites
Recommended CampsitesSites in Loop 4 provide the best water access. Families seeking quiet and clean facilities should consider Loop 2.
Best CampsitesUsers particularly praised Loop 4 sites for lake access and Loop 5 for serene camping experiences.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Reserved sites must be occupied by noon the following day to retain reservation.
Check-out
Check-out is by noon.
Stay Limit
- Maximum stay of 14 consecutive nights per visit
- 28 nights total per year.
Guests Allowed Per Site
- Up to two RVs per double site or one RV per single site
- one tow vehicle per single site.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutCampsites are organized into loops with varying amenities and proximity to lake access.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen from May 23 to September 27 (reservable period). Outside of these dates, bookings are unavailable.
Reservation PlatformsReservations available via Recreation.gov website and Contact Center.
Walk-in AvailabilityFirst-come, first-served availability during shoulder seasons (e.g., September 28 to October 18).
Cancellation PolicyCancellations incur a $10 fee. Late cancellations (after midnight 1 day before arrival) forfeit the first night's fee.
Amenities available
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Cell phone service
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Rock Creek Campground at Crane Prairie Reservoir offers fishing, boating, hiking, bird watching, and limited wildlife viewing opportunities due to its unique natural setting. Reviewers frequently mention the reservoir's reputation for fishing (rainbow trout, mountain whitefish, and bass).
Hiking
Short hiking trails are available within the campground. Reviewers describe them as scenic and easy to navigate.Fishing
Fishing is a primary attraction, with Crane Prairie Reservoir managed for species like rainbow trout, mountain whitefish, brook trout, and largemouth bass. Some users noted the fishing quality was affected by lake conditions during certain seasons.Swimming
Swimming opportunities may be limited depending on conditions. Several reviews reported blue-green algae blooms, making the water unsafe for swimming, especially during late summer.Boating
A boat ramp provides access to Crane Prairie Reservoir. Motorized boats were highlighted as popular for fishing purposes.Wildlife viewing
Wildlife viewing opportunities include sightings of sandhill cranes, bald eagles, osprey, deer, and beavers. Seasonal conditions impact the variety and frequency of wildlife sightings.Winter Activities
Winter-specific recreation activities are not mentioned.Water Sports
While the campground supports boating and fishing, no specific mention of water sports like kayaking or paddleboarding was found.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Fire restrictions may apply during dry weather conditions. Local wildfire updates available at centraloregonfire.org.
- Quiet hours from 10:00 PM to 7:00 AM.
Hazards
General hazardsPotential hazards include algal blooms, wildlife encounters (black bears, elk), and mosquito infestations.
Active alertsSeasonal algal blooms may render the lake unsafe for swimming. Always check local wildfire conditions.
Weather forecast
78
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Partly cloudy
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 37%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 7.3 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Partly cloudy
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Nearest emergency medical facilities likely in Bend, Oregon.
Good to know
Peak season datesMay 23 to September 27
Trash and recyclingTrash collection is available at the campground, with dumpsters located at each loop. Recycling facilities are not mentioned.
Proximity to water featuresSituated next to Crane Prairie Reservoir, with a boat ramp and cleaning stations available.
Common complaintsComplaints include algal blooms, lack of privacy in some sites, dead trees and brush left unmanaged, and malfunctioning water facilities.
HostMixed reviews about hosts; some praised their cleanliness and helpfulness while others criticized poor management.
Campground Map
63095 DESCHUTES MARKET ROAD, Bend, Oregon, 97701, USA
Driving directionsFrom Bend, travel about 50 miles southwest on Cascade Lakes Hwy (46). Campground is on left-hand side of Cascade Lakes Highway.
The campground is accessible by paved roads directly off Cascade Lakes Highway. Conditions appear suitable for standard vehicles, but seasonal closures or wildfire-related restrictions may affect access.Nearby places
Bend (50 miles away, approximately 1 hour drive)
Nearby supplies
Groceries, camping supplies, and fuel available in Bend, Oregon.
Camper Reviews
4.0
57 reviews
Rock Creek Campground (Deschutes National Forest, Or) is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews are polarized, with some praising the clean facilities, spacious sites, and peaceful environment, while others criticize maintenance issues, lack of shade due to fallen trees, and algae blooms in the reservoir.
Review Summaries
Based on 57 reviews
What Campers Love
Clean and spacious sites, well-maintained vault toilets, friendly camp hosts, and great access to fishing and bird watching.
Based on 57 reviewsCommon Concerns
Issues include unmaintained water spigots, algae blooms in the lake, fallen tree hazards, and occasional noise from rowdy campers. Mosquitoes and yellow jackets are frequently mentioned as nuisances.
Based on 57 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Bring yellow jacket traps and plenty of bug spray. Check for algae bloom updates before planning to swim. Stay in Loops 4 or 5 for better water access.
Based on 57 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Summer reviews highlight algae blooms and mosquitoes as challenges, but also note the campground's popularity for fishing. Fall brings quieter conditions and fewer bugs. Winter trends were not...
Based on 57 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
"The vault bathrooms were always clean and we never ran out of toilet paper." - Melissa F. "The lake was full of dense green algal bloom, and not suitable for swimming." - Andrew T. "We loved our...
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Site-Specific Reviews
Loop 3 received mixed reviews for its openness and lack of privacy. Campsites near the lake (e.g., Loop 4) are favored for water access, while others (e.g., Loop 1) were criticized for proximity to...
Based on 57 reviewsShow more
Accessibility Features
No specific accessibility reviews were noted.
Based on 57 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Dogs are allowed but must be kept on leashes. No specific reviews highlight pet facilities or pet-friendly features.
Based on 57 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025