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Deschutes/Princess Creek Campground
Overview
Princess Creek Campground offers a serene escape on the eastern shores of Crescent Lake within the Deschutes National Forest. This seasonal destination is known for its towering hemlocks and firs, providing a shaded retreat for those looking to disconnect. It is a traditional forest service campground that emphasizes the natural beauty of the Cascade Range. Travelers appreciate the direct access to the water and the quiet atmosphere that permeates this scenic high-elevation site.
Location & Surroundings
Located at an elevation of approximately 4,800 feet, the campground is nestled in a dense coniferous forest that keeps the area cool even during summer months. The park is situated right on the edge of the crystal-clear Crescent Lake, offering stunning views of the surrounding peaks. Its position along the lake provides excellent opportunities for sunrise photography and peaceful morning walks along the shoreline. The environment is rugged and authentically Oregonian, characterized by volcanic landscapes and pristine alpine air.
Amenities & Park Features
As a rustic forest service site, Princess Creek focuses on essential facilities rather than luxury hookups. Each site is equipped with a heavy-duty picnic table and a fire ring for evening campfires. While there are no electric or water hookups for RVs, the park provides vault toilets and seasonal potable water via hand pumps. A paved boat ramp is available within the park, making it easy for visitors to launch motorized boats or kayaks directly into the lake.
Nearby Attractions & Things to Do
Outdoor enthusiasts will find plenty to do with the Diamond Peak Wilderness nearby, offering miles of challenging hiking trails. Fishing is a primary draw here, with anglers frequently targeting Kokanee salmon and lake trout in the deep waters of Crescent Lake. For those who enjoy winter or shoulder-season exploration, the Willamette Pass area is just a short drive away. Windsurfing and paddleboarding are also popular activities due to the lake’s size and consistent afternoon breezes.
Who This Park Is Best For
This campground is ideal for self-contained RVers who prioritize nature and solitude over modern resort amenities. It is a perfect fit for families looking to enjoy a classic lakefront camping experience and for anglers wanting easy boat access. Because of its primitive nature, it appeals most to those who appreciate dry camping and want to base themselves in the heart of the Deschutes National Forest for hiking and water sports.
Amenities
- Recreational Facilities
- Policies
- Other Amenities & Services
- Recreation Nearby (within 10 miles)
- Facility
- Hunting Nearby (within 20 miles)
- On-Site Rentals
- Sites
User Reviews
Erich Rebenstorf
Convenient campground but close to the highway so gets lots of road noise. But very close to the lake and nice views too.
Tim Williams
Very rustic. No power or water. Roads are very narrow, rough and many potholes. Decent boat ramp and dock. Decent restrooms. Most campsites allow for trailers or boats. Some campsites are pull through.
Kimberly Grieve
The view here was absolutely amazing, and we loved having our own private walk-in water access right from our site. That is the main reason for 4 stars. The site itself was huge. You could probably fit six or more tents depending on the size—but the ground was very uneven with a lot of tree roots, which created serious trip hazards. One of the reasons we chose this campground was the great reviews about the restrooms, but we were very disappointed. The bathrooms were poorly maintained, out of toilet paper for two days, and our site was right next to the dock restroom. When the wind shifted toward us, the sewage odor was overwhelming. We stayed from Sunday to Thursday, and the host was absent for a couple of those days. She never introduced herself; our first interaction was her telling us to move our vehicles while we were trying to back in a trailer to our site and get settled. She then mentioned she’d be gone for a few days and asked us to watch over her site across from ours because “last time she left, someone stole some of her solar lights.” That didn’t sit right with us—it’s not our responsibility. Our site’s location also came with a lot of noise. If you are a light sleeper, this isn't the campground for you. Being right next to the boat dock also meant early morning wake ups from fishermen launching their boats. You’ll also hear trains randomly throughout the day and night, plus constant traffic noise from the nearby highway.
sti_stormtrooper chris
The view is awesome easy lake access. If its windy prepare for a workout if your on a kayak. lol (Dog friendly ) The grounds keeper or host doesn't seem to be a people person. Very controlling right at arrival didn't even introduce herself she started going on about parking when we are trying to get situated. Other then the host your time should be fine staying here.
Karrie Brown
This was my first visit at Princess Creek Campground. I was in spot 29. It was the worst spot through the whole campsite. I’m almost certain. The grass was so tall, weeds were everywhere, it was extremely wet and marshy very unkept. Because of all of the bushes being unkept it didn’t even have a view of the lake. It was hidden behind all of the. and bushes. When I drove through the campsite, I saw a lot of them were kept really nice and tidy so I’m not sure how spot 29 was left the way it was. I was extremely disappointed with my spot. The campground itself was very cute. Lots of noise from the highway, but that didn’t even bother me either. All of the campsites facing the lake were absolutely beautiful except for spot 29 as far as I could tell. I would definitely go back and maybe choose a better spot.