South Twin Lake Campground

South Twin Lake Campground sits on the shores of South Twin Lake, a small lake adjacent to the much larger Wickiup Reservoir. The lake provides visitors with the opportunity for fishing, swimming and paddling; motorized boating is not permitted. The lake was formed about 20,000 years ago when rising magma encountered groundwater, resulting in violent steam explosions. The resulting broad, shallow crater later filled with water. It covers an area of 99 acres with an average depth of 33 feet and a maximum depth of 58 feet, a lure's toss from the Deschutes arm of Wickiup Reservoir and less than a mile south of North Twin Lake. Sites can accommodate tent, trailer or RV campers, and each comes with a picnic table and fire ring. The campground offers potable water and flush toilets, as well as a nearby boat launch area leading to the water; boat launch parking is for day use only and requires a recreation fee separate from camping fees. Visitors can explore wilderness areas, rivers, lakes and reservoirs, and approximately hundreds of miles of trail. Newberry National Volcanic Monument, approximately 45 minutes by vehicle, is a great starting point for learning about the diverse landscape and history of the area through interpretive programs and exhibits, and Lava River Cave is the longest continuous lava tube in Oregon. Visitors also enjoy traveling the Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway, which climbs 66 miles through the Cascade Range, weaving past snow-capped peaks and alpine lakes.