Simax Group Campground

Hello, fellow Oregonians! If you're planning a memorable group gathering – be it a family reunion, a scout troop adventure, or just a big get-together with friends – finding the perfect camping spot that caters to a larger party can be a challenge. Look no further than Simax Group Campground, nestled on the stunning northeast end of Crescent Lake within our beloved Deschutes National Forest. This isn't just any campground; it's specifically designed to accommodate groups, offering ample space, beautiful surroundings, and direct access to one of Oregon's most picturesque lakes. For those of us who cherish outdoor adventures with our community, Simax Group Campground is an exceptional choice, promising an unforgettable experience in the heart of Central Oregon.

We Oregonians know and love our diverse landscapes, from the rugged coast to the majestic Cascades. Simax Group Campground truly stands out by blending the convenience of group facilities with the raw beauty of a high-elevation lake environment. It’s a place where the vibrant blue-green waters of Crescent Lake provide a stunning backdrop for all your activities, and the towering pine, fir, and spruce trees offer a comforting shade. Whether your group is into water sports, hiking, or simply relaxing by the lake, Simax provides the ideal setting to create lasting memories right here in your home state.

Simax Group Campground is ideally located on the northeast end of Crescent Lake, within the vast and beautiful Deschutes National Forest in Central Oregon. The official address is Crescent Lake, OR 97733, USA. This placement makes it a prime spot for enjoying all that the Crescent Lake area has to offer, from water activities to forest exploration.

Accessibility to Simax Group Campground is quite straightforward, making it convenient for groups traveling with multiple vehicles. From Highway 58, you'll turn south at Crescent Lake Junction onto Forest Service Road 60. Travel approximately 2.2 miles, then turn south for about 1 mile on Forest Service Road 6005, following the signs to the campground. The roads and parking spurs within the campground are paved, which is a significant advantage for RVs and trailers, ensuring easy navigation and setup. The campground was notably "designed as a fully accessible campground," making it welcoming for all visitors, including those with disabilities. A trail system designed for accessibility also links the group sites to the day-use areas and beaches, further enhancing ease of access. While the lake water might be a "little cold," its clarity and the pumice beach provide a unique high-elevation lake experience. For groups, the campground's design, including minimal parking space for RVs at some sites, might require some coordination, but overall, its paved access and intentional layout contribute to its excellent accessibility for larger parties. Maximum site spur length is 40 feet.

Simax Group Campground is well-equipped to handle larger groups, offering a range of amenities that enhance comfort and convenience in a beautiful natural setting.

• Group Sites: The campground features four separate group sites (A, B, C, and D), each designed to accommodate up to 40 people. This ample space is a key feature for larger gatherings, ensuring comfort and privacy for your group.

• Picnic Pavilion: A large picnic pavilion is available, providing a communal space for dining, activities, or shelter from the elements. This is especially beneficial for group meals and gatherings.

• Flush Toilets: Simax Group Campground offers the convenience of flush toilets, a significant upgrade from many primitive campgrounds, contributing to a more comfortable stay.

• Showers: Hot shower facilities are available, allowing campers to refresh after a day of activities on the lake or trails. While one review noted "minimal parking space for RVs" and a "single bathroom," the availability of showers is a major plus.

• Potable Water: Drinking water is available at the campground, eliminating the need for campers to pack in all their water supply.

• Fire Rings: Each site is equipped with a fire ring, perfect for campfires and s'mores, as long as current fire restrictions allow. Always check local fire regulations.

• Picnic Tables: Sites include picnic tables for convenient outdoor dining.

• Reservable Sites: All group sites are reservable in advance through Recreation.gov, allowing groups to plan their trip with certainty and avoid the uncertainty of first-come, first-served camping.

• Accessibility Features: The campground is designed to be fully accessible, with accessible restrooms and a trail system that links group sites to day-use areas and beaches.

• No Generator Use at Night: To maintain a peaceful environment, generator use is generally prohibited between 10:00 PM and 7:00 AM.

Simax Group Campground shines due to its exceptional natural setting and the array of recreational opportunities it provides, particularly for group activities.

• Gorgeous Crescent Lake Access: The campground's location on the "most beautiful lake in Oregon" is its crowning glory. Crescent Lake is praised for its "brilliant blue-green water" and "sandy beaches," offering stunning scenery and direct access to water activities.

• Abundance of Water Sports: Crescent Lake is a hub for water-based recreation. Popular activities include water skiing, sailing, windsurfing, and fishing. The "water temperature exceptional for a high-elevation lake," making it inviting for a swim.

• Excellent Fishing: Anglers will appreciate the opportunities to fish from a boat or the shoreline for species like kokanee salmon, mackinaw, rainbow trout, brown trout, and mountain whitefish. Summer months typically offer the best fishing.

• Extensive Trail System: The surrounding Deschutes National Forest provides a wide variety of scenic terrain for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding. Trails range from lakeside routes to paths weaving through towering pine, fir, and spruce trees.

• Shady and Comfortable: Being located within a forest of "towering lodgepole pine trees," with mountain hemlock, fir, and spruce also present, ensures a shady and comfortable camping experience, even during warmer months.

• Spacious Group Sites: As highlighted by reviewers, the group sites, particularly "Simax C," have "TONS of space and is definitely the best option of A, B, or C," making them highly accommodating for large parties.

• Accessible Design: The campground's thoughtful design for accessibility ensures that visitors of all abilities can enjoy the natural surroundings and facilities.

• Unique Volcanic Landscape: The surrounding area of the Deschutes National Forest showcases evidence of volcanic activity, with cinder cones, calderas, and lava flows, adding an interesting geological dimension to the landscape.

For reservations and detailed information about Simax Group Campground, the primary contact points are through the Recreation.gov system and the Deschutes National Forest.

Address: Crescent Lake, OR 97733, USA (Physical location within Deschutes National Forest, near Crescent Lake)

Campground Inquiries Phone: (541) 323-1746 (This number is for campground inquiries, likely managed by the Crescent Ranger District or a contracted service.)

Mobile Phone: +1 541-323-1746 (Same as above, provided for ease of calling from mobile devices.)

Reservations Phone: 1-877-444-6777 (This is the national Recreation.gov reservation line.)

Online Reservations:

https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/232779

Deschutes National Forest Supervisor's Office: (541) 383-5300 (For general forest information, alerts, or if you can't reach the specific campground line.)

It is always advisable to check the Recreation.gov website or call the listed numbers for the most current operational dates, fees, and any alerts regarding fire restrictions or closures, especially since the water system is turned on/off based on weather conditions.

For us Oregonians, Simax Group Campground at Crescent Lake truly stands out as an exceptional destination for group gatherings, embodying the best of what our state's outdoors has to offer. We understand the value of a well-equipped site that can comfortably host a larger party, and Simax's "TONS of space" across its multiple group sites is a massive advantage for family reunions, club trips, or large friend groups looking to escape together.

The "gorgeous lake experience" is undoubtedly the main draw. We know that Oregon's lakes are special, and Crescent Lake, with its "brilliant blue-green water" and "sandy beaches," provides the perfect backdrop for swimming, fishing for "kokanee salmon, mackinaw, rainbow trout," and enjoying a wide array of water sports like water skiing and sailing. While reviewers mention "Mosquitos in camp" and the water being "a little cold," these are familiar elements of our beautiful high-elevation environments – easily managed with bug spray and a wetsuit, if you're inclined! The trade-off for such natural splendor is always "well worth it."

The inclusion of essential amenities like flush toilets and showers, even if "minimal," elevates the camping experience for groups, ensuring a degree of comfort that makes multi-day stays more enjoyable. The fact that it's "fully accessible" is also a point of pride, reflecting our state's commitment to ensuring everyone can enjoy our natural wonders. Simax Group Campground allows us to host memorable events in a stunning setting, providing the perfect blend of natural beauty, recreational opportunities, and group-friendly facilities. It's a testament to the incredible outdoor experiences waiting for us right here in Oregon.

Simax Group Campground

Crescent Lake, OR 97733, USA