Windy Group Camp

For us Oregon locals, the vast and varied landscapes of the Cascade Mountains offer endless opportunities for gathering with loved ones amidst nature's grandeur. When it comes to bringing together a large family or a group of friends for an unforgettable outdoor experience, Windy Group Camp near Crescent Lake stands out as an exceptional choice. Nestled on the southwest end of the spectacular Crescent Lake within the Deschutes National Forest, this campground is specifically designed to accommodate larger groups, making it a rare and valuable find for those seeking a shared adventure in Central Oregon.

Windy Group Camp lives up to its name, not just for the refreshing breezes that often sweep across Crescent Lake, but for the invigorating atmosphere it provides for group activities. Unlike individual campsites, this designated group area offers the space and amenities necessary to host bigger parties, fostering a sense of community and shared outdoor enjoyment. Imagine a weekend filled with laughter, shared meals cooked over a BBQ grill, and evenings spent under the brilliant Oregon night sky, all against the backdrop of a pristine alpine lake and towering lodgepole pines.

The appeal of Windy Group Camp for us Oregonians is multi-faceted. It provides a unique solution for those often-challenging large group outings, ensuring everyone can stay together in a beautiful and secluded setting. While it offers a rustic and natural environment, it includes key facilities that make group camping manageable and enjoyable. Whether your group is into water sports, hiking, or simply relaxing by the lake, Windy Group Camp serves as an ideal basecamp for creating lasting memories in the heart of Oregon's Cascade region. It truly embodies the spirit of shared outdoor adventure that is so deeply ingrained in our state's culture.

Windy Group Camp is strategically located on the southwest end of Crescent Lake within the Deschutes National Forest, with its address listed as NF-60, Crescent, OR 97733, USA. For Oregon locals, reaching this group camp involves a scenic drive into the heart of the Cascade Mountains, typically from Highway 58.

From Crescent, Oregon, you would generally travel 12.2 miles west on County Road 61/Crescent Cut-off Road. Then, you'll turn 3.5 miles north on Highway 58, and finally, 7.4 miles west on Forest Road 60. Alternatively, from Highway 58, approximately 8 miles east of Willamette Pass to the Crescent Lake Junction, you would turn west on Forest Road 60 and continue approximately 7 miles to the campground. The road leading to the campground is unpaved, typically gravel, and is generally described as accessible for RVs, with "plenty of space to park." However, as with all forest roads, conditions can vary, so it's always wise to check with the Forest Service for current road status, especially after heavy rains or during the shoulder seasons.

The accessibility of Windy Group Camp is a significant advantage for groups. The large single group site can accommodate up to 42 people, making it perfect for family reunions, scout troops, or large friend gatherings. While it's designed to be a rustic and secluded setting, its location on the lake's edge means easy access to water activities. The campground's designated site is described as having hardened gravel surfaces, suitable for tents, trailers, and RVs within the designated area, with a maximum site spur length of 60 feet. This ensures that a variety of group camping setups can be accommodated, making it a flexible and inviting destination for Oregonians planning large outdoor events.

Windy Group Camp offers a focused set of services tailored for a large group camping experience, providing essential amenities in a rustic national forest setting.

• Group Site Capacity: The primary service is its large group site, capable of accommodating up to 42 people. This is invaluable for planning large family gatherings, organizational outings, or multiple families camping together.

• Reservable Site: Unlike many individual campsites in national forests, Windy Group Camp is reservable through Recreation.gov. This allows groups to plan their trips well in advance and secure their desired dates, a critical feature for large gatherings.

• Vault Toilets: The campground provides wooden-style vault toilets (pit toilets), offering basic sanitation facilities. Campers should be prepared with their own toilet paper and hand sanitizer.

• Picnic Tables: Ample picnic tables are available within the group site, providing plenty of surface area for group meals, games, and social activities.

• Barbeque Grill/Fire Pit: The site includes a large barbeque grill and/or a group fire pit with benches, perfect for communal cooking and gathering around a campfire. It is crucial to check for current fire restrictions or bans before lighting any fires. Firewood is not provided, and it's encouraged for campers to bring a propane fire pit if they don't already have one.

• Adequate Parking: The group site offers "plenty of space to park" for multiple vehicles, accommodating the needs of a large group.

• No Potable Water: It is important to note that there is NO potable water available directly at the campground. Visitors must bring their entire water supply for drinking, cooking, and washing. Water can sometimes be obtained from nearby resorts or visitor centers on Crescent Lake.

• No Hookups: The campground does not provide any electrical, water, or sewer hookups for RVs, maintaining a primitive camping experience.

• No Generators Overnight: Generator use is not allowed between 10:00 PM and 7:00 AM, ensuring a peaceful night's sleep for all campers.

Windy Group Camp boasts several compelling features and highlights that make it an attractive destination for Oregon locals seeking a memorable group camping experience.

• Lakeside Location on Crescent Lake: The campground is situated directly on the southwest end of Crescent Lake, offering easy access to its "brilliant blue-green water" and "sandy beaches." This is a major highlight for water-based activities.

• Ideal for Large Groups: As a designated group camp, it's perfectly suited for accommodating up to 42 people, making it an excellent venue for family reunions, organizational retreats, or large friend gatherings where staying together is key. This is a primary differentiator from individual campsites.

• Abundant Water Activities: Crescent Lake is popular for various water sports, including sailing, windsurfing (hence the name "Windy"), boating (both motorized and non-motorized are popular), swimming, and fishing. Anglers can target abundant salmon and trout, with summer months often offering the best fishing.

• Access to Hiking Trails: Visitors can enjoy hiking on nearby trails. The vast Deschutes National Forest (and adjacent Ochoco National Forest) offers approximately 1,600 miles of trails for exploration, catering to various skill levels.

• Beautiful Forest Setting: The campground is set amidst towering lodgepole pine trees, mountain hemlock, fir, and spruce, providing a picturesque and shaded environment characteristic of the Cascade region.

• Nearby Attractions: The area offers access to the Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway ("Oregon's Highway in the Sky"), Lava Lands Visitor Center in Bend, and the Newberry National Volcanic Monument, providing opportunities for scenic drives and geological exploration beyond the campground.

• Winter Sports Access: In winter, the nearby Crescent Lake Snowpark offers a base camp for skiers and snowmobilers, extending the recreational opportunities beyond the camping season.

For detailed information and to make reservations for Windy Group Camp near Crescent Lake, Oregon, the primary point of contact is the National Recreation Reservation Service.

Address: NF-60, Crescent, OR 97733, USA

For reservations, which are highly recommended given its group-site nature and popularity:

Reservations: Online through Recreation.gov or by calling toll-free 1-877-444-6777 (International: 606-515-6777 or TDD: 877-833-6777).

For general campground inquiries, current conditions, fire restrictions, or other local information related to the Deschutes National Forest where Windy Group Camp is located, you can contact the managing ranger district:

Crescent Ranger District (Deschutes National Forest):

Address: PO Box 208, Crescent, OR 97733

Phone: (541) 433-3200 (Note: The provided info initially gives a different number, 541-338-7869, which connects to the Willamette National Forest which manages the nearby Timpanogas Campground, but Windy Group Camp is specifically in the Deschutes National Forest. Always best to confirm the correct managing district's number for specific campground inquiries).

It is strongly advised to utilize Recreation.gov for booking and to call the relevant Forest Service district office for the most up-to-date information on road conditions, fire bans, and operational dates before your group trip.

For us Oregon locals, Windy Group Camp stands out as an exceptional resource for fostering community and connection in the beautiful setting of the Deschutes National Forest. Its suitability for local residents is profound, particularly for those looking to organize larger gatherings that are often challenging to accommodate in standard campgrounds. The ability to reserve a single, spacious site for up to 42 people is a huge advantage for family reunions, scout troops, club outings, or just a big group of friends seeking a shared adventure.

The campground's location on the shores of Crescent Lake opens up a world of recreational opportunities right at our doorstep. For Oregonians who love to be on the water, whether it's sailing, windsurfing, swimming, or fishing, the lake provides endless entertainment. The surrounding forest also offers ample hiking, encouraging exploration of the stunning Cascade landscape. This blend of lakeside fun and forest adventure caters to a wide range of interests within a group, ensuring there's something for everyone.

While Windy Group Camp operates with minimal amenities like no potable water or hookups, this encourages a more self-reliant and authentic camping experience, which many Oregon locals appreciate. It promotes preparedness and a deeper connection to nature, far from the distractions of urban life. The peace and quiet of the forest, combined with the joyous energy of a large group, create a unique atmosphere that fosters lasting memories. Windy Group Camp is truly an ideal spot for Oregonians to celebrate togetherness amidst the spectacular natural beauty that makes our state so special.

Windy Group Camp

NF-60, Crescent, OR 97733, USA