Trapper Creek Campground
4.2784 reviewsPO BOX 208, Crescent, OR, 97733, USA
Trapper Creek Campground
$27.00 - $54.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$27.00
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
Fees range from $27 to $54 depending on the site type and season. An additional $2 holiday fee applies.
About this campground
Nestled deep within the Crescent Ranger District, Trapper Creek Campground invites you to discover a hidden forest sanctuary where a babbling creek winds its way toward the pristine waters of Odell Lake. This secluded retreat offers the perfect basecamp for anglers casting lines at dawn, boaters exploring crystal-clear waters, and hikers seeking trails that lead into untouched wilderness. Here, beneath towering evergreens, you'll find the kind of peaceful solitude that makes time slow down and memories last forever.
Trapper Creek Campground accommodates tent camping, RV camping, and double sites for group reservations. Primitive camping facilities are available, but there are no luxury accommodations like cabins or glamping.
Historical SignificanceYour stay at Trapper Creek places you within the storied Deschutes National Forest, where ancient volcanic forces once sculpted the landscape with fire and fury. Just beyond your campsite, the Diamond Peak Wilderness stands as a testament to the Cascade Mountains' volcanic legacy, its peaks and valleys telling a geological story millions of years in the making. These lands have witnessed countless generations of forest dwellers, from indigenous peoples to early trappers who likely gave this creek its name.
Weather and SeasonsEach season paints Trapper Creek in dramatically different hues. Winter transforms the landscape into a snow-laden wonderland, though heavy precipitation means coming prepared for nature's full force. Summer brings gentle warmth filtered through the forest canopy, though adventurous souls venturing to nearby Odell Lake should expect spirited winds that ripple across the water. Autumn arrives with a whisper, bringing crisp air and golden light that filters through the trees—perfect for those seeking tranquility away from summer crowds.
ElevationPerched at 4,800 feet above sea level, Trapper Creek Campground offers a refreshing escape to the high country where mountain air carries the scent of pine and wildflowers bloom later into summer. This elevation brings naturally cooler temperatures that provide relief from valley heat, while the high-altitude environment nurtures a unique tapestry of vegetation adapted to thinner air and shorter growing seasons.
Natural Features and SceneryStep into a living cathedral where towering pines and firs create a verdant canopy overhead, their branches filtering sunlight into dancing patterns on the forest floor. In late summer, lucky visitors might discover patches of wild huckleberries—nature's sweet reward for the observant hiker. Keep your camera ready for wildlife encounters: majestic elk grazing in meadow clearings, deer tiptoeing through morning mist, and the occasional black bear foraging for berries (remember to store food properly!). When you venture to nearby Odell Lake, prepare for a breathtaking panorama where Diamond Peak rises like a snow-capped sentinel reflected in the lake's mirror-like surface.
Geological RegionTrapper Creek Campground sits at the heart of the Deschutes National Forest's volcanic wonderland, where ancient lava flows and ash deposits created today's dramatic landscape. The nearby Diamond Peak Wilderness showcases nature's raw power through its volcanic peaks and ridges, while Odell Lake fills a basin carved by both fire and ice. This diverse ecosystem supports magnificent stands of mixed pine and fir forests, their understory carpeted with huckleberry shrubs that burst with purple fruit each summer, creating a feast for both wildlife and adventurous foragers.
Campsite details
Sites SizeSites vary in size, accommodating both tents and RVs. Some sites are large enough for double reservations and can fit a truck, trailer, and tent, while others are smaller and less accessible for larger vehicles.
Sites PrivacyThe campsites are generally private, with many secluded spots surrounded by dense forest. Huckleberry bushes between campsites enhance privacy, as noted by a user: 'The huckleberry bushes provide privacy and ripe berries in the fall.'
Total Campsites32 campsites
Recommended CampsitesChoose creek-side sites for tranquility or lake-side sites for views. Avoid sites near pit toilets due to odors.
Best CampsitesHighly-rated sites include #6 and #17 for privacy and lake access.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
01:00 PM
Check-out
12:00 PM
Stay Limit
- 14 nights maximum per visit
- 28 nights total per calendar year.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Typically, one RV and tow vehicle or one tent and accompanying vehicle per site. Double sites allow two RVs and tow vehicles or two tents.
Groups
Group sites can accommodate multiple vehicles and are spacious enough for larger gatherings.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layout32 sites arranged in loops with a mix of lakefront and forested locations.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen season: June 13 to September 27 (reservable). First-come first-served season: September 28 to October 18.
Reservation PlatformsReservations available via Recreation.gov website and mobile app.
Walk-in AvailabilityLimited availability during the first-come, first-served season (September 28 to October 18).
Cancellation PolicyReservations can be canceled any time before the scheduled arrival date. Late cancellations incur a $10 fee and forfeit the first night's use fee.
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
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Trapper Creek Campground offers a variety of recreational activities throughout the year. Summer activities include hiking, biking, swimming, fishing, and boating. Winter brings opportunities for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. The nearby Odell Lake provides excellent fishing for lake trout, kokanee salmon, and rainbow trout, but visitors should be cautious of afternoon winds. A boat ramp is available for convenient lake access. However, some users expressed disappointment with limited hiking and biking trails within the campground itself.
Hiking
Hiking opportunities are available both within the campground and in nearby areas like the trail to Shelter Cove. However, some users found the trails limited, as one review stated, 'Really no hiking except up a dusty road.'Fishing
Fishing at Odell Lake is a highlight, with opportunities to catch lake trout, kokanee salmon, and rainbow trout. A user mentioned, 'Fishing at Odell Lake was fairly good for kokanee.'Swimming
Swimming is available in Odell Lake. However, reviews noted limited access to the lake for swimming, with one user stating, 'Access to the lake for swimming wasn't as good as I'd hoped.'Biking
Biking is possible in the area, but limited within the campground itself. A user mentioned, 'For an active type like me, there was no biking potential.'Boating
Boating is a popular activity at Odell Lake, with a boat ramp provided at the campground. However, the boat ramp received criticism for being hazardous, as one review stated, 'The boat ramp is so bad it is almost hazardous to use.'Wildlife viewing
The campground is surrounded by lush vegetation and wildlife, including deer, elk, pine martens, and ravens. A user noted, 'We saw a bald eagle and were directed to an osprey nest.'Winter Activities
Cross-country skiing and snowshoeing are popular during the winter.Water Sports
Boating, kayaking, and paddleboarding are common activities on Odell Lake.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Campfires allowed except during fire bans. Firewood should be sourced locally to avoid spreading invasive species.
- Quiet hours are 10 PM to 7 AM
Hazards
General hazardsBlack bears occasionally spotted. Afternoon winds at Odell Lake can be hazardous for boating.
Active alertsOccasional fire restrictions and high wind advisories.
Weather forecast
76
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 46%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 7.1 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Overcast
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
Closest emergency services include Crescent Fire Department (~8 miles) and La Pine Community Health Center (~30 miles) for medical emergencies.
Good to know
Peak season datesJune 13 to September 27
Trash and recyclingTrash collection services are available, but overflowing garbage cans were reported during busy times. One user noted, 'The garbage was overflowing until it was emptied Tuesday morning.'
Proximity to water featuresClose to Odell Lake and Trapper Creek. A boat ramp is provided for lake access.
Common complaintsIssues with overgrown vegetation, potholes in roads, overcrowded boat ramps, and noisy generators. "The campground was just like it was 30 years ago... Huge potholes on the road in and inside the campground."
HostHosts are generally praised as friendly and helpful. Some users report periods without hosting services.
Campground Map
PO BOX 208, Crescent, OR, 97733, USA
Driving directionsFrom I-5 take exit 188A, heading west on Highway 58 for 62.4 miles, then continue 1.9 miles south on Road 5810 to the campground.
Parking spurs may not be perfectly level. Roads leading to the campground are paved but contain significant potholes. Access can be challenging for larger RVs due to overgrown vegetation.Nearby places
Crescent (approx. 8 miles, 10 minutes), Bend (approx. 66 miles, 1 hour 20 minutes)
Nearby supplies
A nearby resort on Odell Lake offers supplies such as camping gear, coffee, snacks, and fishing licenses. Additional stores are located in Crescent (~8 miles).
Camper Reviews
4.3
84 reviews
Trapper Creek Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews highlight Trapper Creek Campground's serene setting, well-spaced campsites, and recreational opportunities. However, maintenance issues, lack of amenities, and train noise are recurring concerns. Positive reviews praise the natural beauty and privacy of the sites.
Review Summaries
Based on 84 reviews
What Campers Love
Highlights include the campground's natural beauty, privacy, and proximity to Odell Lake. Users appreciated the clean sites and friendly camp hosts.
Based on 84 reviewsCommon Concerns
Complaints include poorly maintained facilities, overflowing trash, smelly vault toilets, and train noise. Limited lake access and hiking trails were also criticized.
Based on 84 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Bring plenty of bug spray as 'there are lots of bugs.' A user suggested, 'Try to book lakeside sites for better views.' Another noted, 'Be prepared for afternoon winds on the lake.'
Based on 84 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Summer is busy with recreational activities but can be noisy and crowded. Fall offers quieter experiences but with cooler temperatures. Winter is ideal for snow sports but limits other activities.
Based on 84 reviewsCamper Quotes
1. 'Beautiful and quiet campground with lush vegetation of a western conifer forest.'
2. 'The camp hosts were awesome too!'
3. 'Fishing at Odell Lake was fairly good for kokanee.'
4. 'Trains pass by...
Based on 84 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Campsite 017: Beautiful lake views but train noise can be disruptive.
Campsite 028: Clean double site, spacious and accommodating for large vehicles.
Campsite 016: Peaceful with good access to lake...
Based on 84 reviewsShow more
Accessibility Features
Limited information available on accessibility. Some sites are large and level, but uneven roads and lack of accessible facilities may pose challenges.
Based on 84 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
No specific reviews addressing pet policies.
Based on 84 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025