Simax Group Camp
4.309 reviewsPO BOX 208, CRESCENT, OR 97733, USA
Simax Group Camp
$64.00 - $164.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$0.00
Hookup Site Fee$74.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$164.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Fees include $164 for Group Standard Non-Electric sites, $74 for Group Standard Electric sites, and $64 for Group Picnic Areas. All fees include a $2 additional holiday charge.
About this campground
Nestled along the pristine northeast shores of Crescent Lake, Simax Group Campground offers an unforgettable mountain retreat in the heart of Deschutes National Forest. This fully accessible destination invites families and groups to gather beneath towering evergreens, where four thoughtfully designed group sites and a spacious picnic pavilion create the perfect basecamp for lakeside adventures and memory-making moments.
Simax Group Campground primarily caters to group camping, with four designated group sites offering both lakeside and forest options. The campground is designed to accommodate larger gatherings and provides accessibility for all visitors.
Weather and SeasonsSummer days at Simax bring that perfect mountain climate outdoor enthusiasts crave—warm, sun-drenched afternoons ideal for swimming and hiking, followed by refreshingly cool evenings around the campfire. While the region typically enjoys dry conditions throughout the season, occasional mountain showers and crisp nights remind visitors they're camping in true high-country splendor.
ElevationPerched at high elevation where the air is crisp and clear, Simax Campground offers a refreshing escape from summer heat. The altitude keeps Crescent Lake's waters delightfully cool—perfect for an invigorating morning swim or afternoon paddle that will leave you feeling refreshed and energized.
Natural Features and SceneryImagine waking to sunlight filtering through a cathedral of lodgepole pine, mountain hemlock, and ancient fir trees, their branches creating a living canopy overhead. Just steps from your campsite, Crescent Lake's brilliant blue-green waters beckon, their crystal clarity revealing sandy beaches that seem transported from a tropical paradise to this mountain wonderland. The surrounding forest of towering spruce completes this Pacific Northwest masterpiece.
Geological RegionSimax Campground sits within one of nature's most dramatic geological theaters—a glacially carved basin cradled by an ancient moraine dam in the volcanic wonderland of Deschutes National Forest. East of the majestic Cascade Range, this landscape tells a story written in fire and ice, where cinder cones rise from the forest floor, calderas hold secrets of explosive pasts, and ancient lava flows create a terrain that captivates geologists and casual observers alike.
Campsite details
AccessibilityThe campground is fully accessible, being the first of its kind in the Northwest. Paved roads and spurs, as well as a trail system linking group sites to day-use areas and beaches, ensure accessibility for individuals with disabilities.
Sites SizeGroup sites are described as spacious, accommodating multiple families comfortably. Individual site dimensions are not detailed.
Sites PrivacyPrivacy levels vary depending on the site. User reviews suggest that Group Site C is particularly spacious and preferred for larger groups.
Total Campsites4 campsites
Recommended CampsitesGroup Site B is ideal for tents, providing excellent lake views; Group Site C offers substantial space for larger groups.
Best CampsitesGroup Site C is highly recommended for its ample space, as noted in reviews. Group Site B offers "really beautiful" views of the lake.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Check-in time is noon.
Check-out
Check-out time is noon.
Stay Limit
You may stay up to 14 nights during a visit and up to 28 nights total within a year.
Groups
Group sites are spacious and designed to accommodate multiple families or larger groups. User reviews highlight Group Site C as a preferred choice for its size and proximity to the lake.
Tents
Tents are not allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutThe campground includes a paved trail system for accessibility that links the group sites to day-use areas and beaches.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen from May 23 to September 26 each year, with reservations available on a rolling 12-month basis.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov.
Walk-in AvailabilityInformation on walk-up site availability is not clearly stated.
Cancellation PolicyCancellation fees include a $10 processing fee along with penalties for late cancellations (e.g., forfeiting the first night's fee for changes made within 14 days of arrival).
Accomodation available
GroupGroup campsites are offered for larger parties such as families, schools, or organizations. These sites provide space and facilities to accommodate multiple people camping together.
Amenities available
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Flush toilets
Electricity hookups
Activities you can enjoy
Simax Group Campground offers a wide array of recreational activities. Popular options include water skiing, sailing, windsurfing, sunbathing, hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, off-roading, and fishing. The pristine Crescent Lake provides ample opportunities for aquatic activities, while hiking trails showcase the natural beauty of the Deschutes National Forest.
Hiking
Hiking opportunities abound, with trails ranging from lakeside paths to routes winding through towering pine, fir, and spruce trees. Nearby, the Fawn Lake Trail (4.7 miles one-way) offers scenic views of Redtop and Lakeview mountains.Fishing
Fishing in Crescent Lake is a highlight, with species like kokanee salmon, mackinaw, rainbow trout, brown trout, and mountain whitefish available. Summer is considered the best season for fishing.Biking
Mountain biking is a popular activity in the surrounding area, with trails offering diverse terrain suited to various skill levels.Boating
Boating activities such as water skiing, sailing, and windsurfing are highly popular on Crescent Lake due to its calm waters and scenic surroundings.Beach activities
Sandy beaches around Crescent Lake offer opportunities for sunbathing and enjoying the water. A user described the beach as being composed of pumice, recommending water shoes for comfort.Winter Activities
The materials do not mention specific winter activities.Water Sports
Visitors can engage in water skiing, sailing, windsurfing, and other aquatic activities on Crescent Lake, which has calm waters suitable for such sports.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Campfires may be restricted during dry weather conditions. Firewood should be sourced locally to prevent the spread of invasive species.
- Quiet hours are from 10:00 PM to 7:00 AM.
Hazards
General hazardsPotential hazards include mosquitoes as noted in reviews. Fire restrictions may be implemented during hot, dry conditions.
Weather forecast
62
°F
Aug 26
Tuesday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Humidity: 48%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 2.9 mph
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Clear sky
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
Emergency services in Crescent, OR (exact details of hospitals, police, or ranger stations not specified).
Good to know
Peak season datesMay 23 to September 27.
Trash and recyclingTrash and recycling facilities are available but have received some negative feedback. Reviews noted that trash bins in restrooms were not emptied regularly during certain stays.
Proximity to water featuresThe campground is situated on the northeast end of Crescent Lake, with sandy beaches and easy access to water activities.
Common complaintsSeveral reviews noted poor maintenance of restroom and garbage facilities, as well as the closure of showers despite prior availability.
HostThe campground has a resident host. Reviews highlight the host's attentiveness, such as checking bathrooms daily and providing assistance.
Campground Map
PO BOX 208, CRESCENT, OR 97733, USA
Driving directionsFrom 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.
Roads and spurs throughout the campground are paved, offering good access. However, seasonal conditions may impact accessibility.Nearby places
Crescent (null miles), Bend (~66 miles, est. 1.5 hours travel time)
Nearby supplies
General store and equipment rentals are available at a nearby resort on Crescent Lake.
Camper Reviews
4.3
9 reviews
Simax Group Camp is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews for Simax Group Campground are mixed. Positive sentiments celebrate the natural beauty of Crescent Lake, the spacious group sites, and the helpfulness of the camp hosts. However, negative comments highlight issues such as the closure of showers, poorly maintained restrooms, and unemptied trash bins. Maintenance concerns were notably prominent in reviews from 2021.
Review Summaries
Based on 9 reviews
What Campers Love
Many users praised the campground's scenic location, spacious group sites, and proximity to Crescent Lake. One reviewer noted, 'The most beautiful lake in Oregon,' while another appreciated the...
Based on 9 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
The most frequent complaints involved the cleanliness and maintenance of restroom facilities, closed showers, and general site upkeep. Reviewers described bathrooms as 'filthy' and noted that garbage...
Based on 9 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Campers recommend wearing water shoes due to the pumice beaches and preparing for potential mosquitoes. Group Site C is favored for its size and lake access, while visitors suggest verifying facility...
Based on 9 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
Summer is the most popular season, with users highlighting fishing, boating, and beach activities. However, mosquitoes and maintenance issues were more frequently mentioned during summer months....
Based on 9 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
- 'The most beautiful lake in Oregon. Water is clear but a little cold. Beach is pumice so wear water shoes.' (Kelsy Nordholm, July 2024)
- 'Group site B was perfect for our group as we had more...
Based on 9 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Group Site C is frequently mentioned as the best option for its spaciousness and lake views. In contrast, Group Site B is noted for being better suited to tent setups. Specific praise was given to...
Based on 9 reviewsShow more
Accessibility Features
The campground's fully accessible design received positive feedback. Paved roads, accessible trails, and proximity to beachfront and day-use areas make it suitable for individuals with disabilities.
Based on 9 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
No specific reviews regarding pet policies or pet-friendly features are included in the provided information.
Based on 9 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025