Crane Prairie Campground

About

Crane Prairie Campground occupies the east shore of Crane Prairie Reservoir in Oregon's Deschutes National Forest, accessible via the Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway. With over 146 individual sites plus a group site, the campground is organized into multiple loops (Red, Blue, Orange, Green) with paved roads and parking spurs. Many sites sit directly on the reservoir's edge, offering immediate water access. The reservoir is renowned for its fishery managed by the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, supporting rainbow trout, brook trout, mountain whitefish, and largemouth bass. Fish cleaning stations and a boat launch are located within the campground. The surrounding area hosts abundant wildlife including osprey nesting platforms at nearby Osprey Point, sandhill cranes, bald eagles, and occasional black bear. Views of South Sister and Mt. Bachelor frame the horizon. Nearby attractions include Newberry National Volcanic Monument with Lava Lands Visitor Center and Lava River Cave approximately 25-40 miles away.

Directions

From Bend: Travel 27 miles south on Highway 97, 11 miles west on County Road 43, 5.5 miles west on County Road 42, then 4 miles north on County Road 4270. Alternatively, from Bend take the Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway (Forest Road 46) approximately 52 miles to its intersection with Forest Road 42, then east on FR 42 for 3.8 miles and north on Forest Road 4270.