About Simax Group Camp
Overview Simax Group Campground is located on the northeast end of Crescent Lake in Deschutes National Forest, offering visitors some of the most beautiful scenery in central Oregon and easy access to an abundance of recreational activities. Designed as a fully accessible campground, the four group sites and large picnic pavilion provide all visitors with ample opportunities to explore the area's diverse lush forest and spectacular surroundings.Recreation At Simax Group Campground, water skiing, sailing, windsurfing, sunning, hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, off-roading and fishing are popular with visitors. Hiking on one or more of the trails in the area offers a wide variety of scenic terrain, ranging from lakeside trails to routes weaving through towering pine, fir, and spruce trees, typical for the area. For anglers, Crescent Lake provides the perfect setting to fish from boat or the shoreline. Fish species found in the lake include kokanee salmon, mackinaw, rainbow trout, brown trout and mountain whitefish. Summer months offer the best fishing. Facilities Four separate group sites offer visitors opportunities for both lakeside and forest camping. Picnic areas, sandy beaches and stunning views of the lake, along with the conveniences of drinking water and flush toilets, give visitors the opportunity to enjoy the outdoors while still having many of the conveniences of home. The roads and spurs throughout the campground are paved. This site was designed to be fully accessible for those with disabilities and is the first of its kind in the Northwest. A trail system designed for accessibility links the group site to the day-use areas and beaches. Natural Features Crescent Lake, nestled in a naturally glaciated basin behind a moraine dam, lies east of the towering Cascade Mountain Range. Its brilliant blue-green water, sandy beaches and water temperature are exceptional for a high-elevation lake. Towering lodgepole pine trees provide the backdrop for this a
How to Get There
From Highway 58, turn south at Crescent Lake Junction on Forest Service Road 60. Travel 2.2 miles to the junction with Forest Service Road 6005. Continue a mile south, following signs.
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 10 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 (UV 8)
SPF 50+ sunscreen, lip balm w/ SPF, sunglasses, sun 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 Simax Group Camp
Heading to Simax Group Camp? 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 Simax Group Camp?
No central reservation system listed for Simax Group Camp. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/232779) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How do I get to Simax Group Camp?
From Highway 58, turn south at Crescent Lake Junction on Forest Service Road 60. Travel 2.2 miles to the junction with Forest Service Road 6005. Continue a mile south, following signs.
How do I contact Simax Group Camp?
You can reach the park at phone: 541-323-1746.
References & Official Resources