Standing on the shores of Detroit Lake, two things come into view. First there's lots and lots of water, and beyond that, a wall of snow-capped mountains.

Detroit Lake State Recreation Area doesn't just provide a chance for travelers and campers to get away from it all in the Cascade Mountains - but rather an opportunity to experience one of the deepest lakes in Oregon.

With a state campground and a day-use recreation area, the park doesn't see a break in numbers from spring straight through late fall, as travelers stay in an all-comforts-provided campground or a nearby lodge and eagerly unload speedboats, water-skis, fishing boats, canoes and kayaks into the lake.

The 400-foot-deep lake was created in 1953, when the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers completed the Detroit Dam project. The lake is more than 9 miles long with more than 32 miles of shoreline and is one of the premier water sports locations in the state.

In the bright glow of morning with sunlight filtering through the forest, squirrels scampered through half-abandoned campsites while travelers remained inside tents or behind the closed doors of trailers. A few sounds echoed through the crowded campground, with trailers and tent sites located less than 10 feet from the neighbors, as people began to rouse and start cooking breakfast.

It wasn't long before the more avid water enthusiasts were on the lake, with the roar of speedboats breaking the morning calm. It was like a challenge to the many campers still sitting around the fire and sipping coffee - the lake had been conquered. Before noon, most of the rest of the campers and travelers had found the way down to the lake, either fishing or canoeing around the island in the middle of the lake, sailing or wake-boarding through the chilly snow-melt lake water.

With a spectacular view of the mountains and more than enough lake for everyone, the design of the park encourages visitors to stay out on the water - even providing a floating outhouse to make sure no unscheduled pit stops are required.

But for those uninterested in water sports, fishing, hiking or swimming in the two designated beach areas, there's plenty to do at the campground. The park also boasts a wildlife viewing area, paved trails and roads, a visitor center, two playgrounds, outdoor amphitheaters and a store on site to provide firewood, sodas, ice or other items.

Despite the close quarters of camping alongside more than 300 other people, travelers frequently don't come to stay in the crowded park, said Jason Hume, of LaPine.

“We haul our trucks and our trailers in here, with the boat and the water toys and get out on the lake. It's not about the camping experience here,” he said with a grin.

Hume, who said he frequently camps in the deserted back country in Central Oregon, wasn't worried about nearby noises or dogs wandering the grounds and into his campsite.

“It's all part of the package. In exchange for the hot water showers, you have to put up with the neighbors,” Hume said, glancing over at his daughter, Kayla, as she clambered onto her bike and gleefully joined kids from a nearby site on a trip to the playground.

“It's just a joy to get out there into the lake,” he said. “There's a lot of places where water sports aren't welcome - so that's why all the serious boaters, tubers, skiers are here.”

While the lake is undoubtedly the main attraction of the park, the beautiful landscapes and the lap of the water against the shore are enchanting and draw visitors back again and again.