About Rock Creek Campground (Deschutes National Forest, OR)
Overview Rock Creek Campground is located on the western shore of Crane Prairie Reservoir along the Cascade Lakes Highway. Recreation Crane Prairie Reservoir is known for fishing and boating opportunities. The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife manages populations of rainbow trout, mountain whitefish, brook trout and largemouth bass. Fish cleaning stations and a boat ramp are within the campground. Facilities Located just off the Cascade Lakes Highway, Rock Creek Campground is spread out along the western shores of Crane Prairie Reservoir. Almost all the sites are large and isolated from the other sites, and many are located right on the shore of the lake. This facility has a boat ramp offering access to Crane Prairie Reservoir. Boat launch parking is for day use only and requires a recreation fee separate from camping fees. Natural Features Crane Prairie Reservoir is a great spot for viewing a variety of wildlife. Sandhill cranes, bald eagles and osprey frequent the area. The adjacent forest is home to black-backed woodpecker, Williamson's sapsucker and mountain chickadee. On summer mornings or evenings, visitors may glimpse Rocky Mountain elk grazing the lakeside meadows. Deer, squirrel, beaver and an occasional black bear also find habitat in the surrounding forest. Nearby Attractions Nearby Osprey Point is a unique interpretive area where visitors can observe osprey nesting platforms erected after natural snags toppled from age. Visitors enjoy traveling the Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway which climbs 66-miles through the Cascade Range, weaving past snow-capped peaks and alpine lakes. Charges & 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.
How to Get There
From Bend, travel about 50 miles southwest on Cascade Lakes Hwy (46). Campground is on left-hand side of Cascade Lakes Highway.
Driving directions (Google Maps) →What to Pack for Your Stay
Tuned to the live forecast for this park.
👔 What to Wear
- 👕
Moisture-wicking T-shirt
Light color, breathable.
- 🩳
Lightweight shorts or pants
Quick-dry preferred — sweat dries fast.
- 🧢
Brimmed sun hat
Better than a cap for back-of-neck protection.
- 🥾
Trail runners
Breathable mesh uppers.
🎒 What to Pack
- 💧
Water
Bring at least 1L of water; more in heat.
- 🍫
High-energy snacks
A snack for the trail.
- 🧴
Sun protection
Sunscreen, sunglasses, brimmed hat.
- 🩹
First-aid kit
Blister patches, ibuprofen, tape, antiseptic wipes.
- 🗺
Offline map
Download your route in advance via Gaia, Caltopo, or OSM-based apps.
Recommendations adapt to the current forecast + trail stats. Use them as a starting point — local conditions, your experience, and the time of day you start all matter.
Plan Your Visit to Rock Creek Campground (Deschutes National Forest, OR)
Heading to Rock Creek Campground (Deschutes National Forest, OR)? A few things to know before you go:
- Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
- Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
- Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
- Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
- Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a reservation for Rock Creek Campground (Deschutes National Forest, OR)?
No central reservation system listed for Rock Creek Campground (Deschutes National Forest, OR). Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/251449) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How do I get to Rock Creek Campground (Deschutes National Forest, OR)?
From Bend, travel about 50 miles southwest on Cascade Lakes Hwy (46). Campground is on left-hand side of Cascade Lakes Highway.
How do I contact Rock Creek Campground (Deschutes National Forest, OR)?
You can reach the park at phone: 541-323-1746.
References & Official Resources