About Contorta Flat Campground
Overview Contorta Flat is an isolated, hidden gem on the far side of Crescent Lake at the top of the Willamette Pass. There are excellent tent sites right on the lake as well as many sites that are ideal for large RVs. You will need to go a little off the beaten path by taking a gravel road for the last few miles to find this nice quiet campground. The sites are all close to the lake and large, but not isolated from one another. This campground might be the best deal in the Oregon Cascades.Recreation Crescent Lake is a prime location for boating, fishing and swimming. The Summit Lake Trail is popular among hikers and mountain bikers, offering excellent views of Diamond Peak across Crescent Lake. Visitors can take advantage of skiing, snowshoeing and snowmobiling in the winter months. Crescent Lake Snowpark offers a base camp for exciting winter excursions. The Summit Lake Trail is open to snowmobiling. Facilities With 19 campsites this campground is well suited to tent, trailer or RV campers. Many sites are located right on the water. Nearby Crescent Lake Resort also offers lodging and a general store. Supplies and equipment rentals are also available. Natural Features Cresent Lake is nestled in a glacier basin east of the towering Cascade Mountain Range. It boasts brilliant blue-green water and sandy beaches. A forest of lodgepole pine provides the backdrop to the area, with mountain hemlock, fir and spruce in the mix. Wildlife found in the area includes deer, native fish and migratory birds. Nearby Attractions Visitors can explore wilderness areas, rivers, lakes and reservoirs, and approximately 1,600 miles of trails that comprise nearly 2.5 million acres within the Deschutes National Forest and the adjacent Ochoco National Forest. Lava Lands Visitor Center in nearby Bend, Oregon, and the unique geological landscape of Newberry National Volcanic Monument draw visitors to the region as well. Visitors enjoy traveling the Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway, known as Oregon's
How to Get There
From Crescent, OR: Travel 12.2 miles west on County Road 61/Crescent Cut-off Road, then 3.5 miles north on Highway 58, then 9.9 miles southwest on Forest Road 60.
Driving directions (Google Maps) →What to Pack for Your Stay
Tuned to the live forecast for this park.
👔 What to Wear
- 👕
Long-sleeve shirt
Synthetic or merino, sun-protective.
- 🧥
Light shell or windbreaker
Even on warm days, wind can chill (avg wind 0 mph).
- 👖
Hiking pants or convertible
Layer for variable conditions.
- 🥾
Trail runners or low boots
Comfortable, broken in.
🎒 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 Contorta Flat Campground
Heading to Contorta Flat Campground? 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 Contorta Flat Campground?
No central reservation system listed for Contorta Flat Campground. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/251567) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How do I get to Contorta Flat Campground?
From Crescent, OR: Travel 12.2 miles west on County Road 61/Crescent Cut-off Road, then 3.5 miles north on Highway 58, then 9.9 miles southwest on Forest Road 60.
How do I contact Contorta Flat Campground?
You can reach the park at phone: 541-323-1746.
References & Official Resources
