Crater Lake National Park Camping

Activities In The Park

Notable Campgrounds

• Best for avoiding the crowds:Lost Creek Campground only has 16 campsites, which keeps things quiet.
• Best for families: Mazama Village Campground offers tons of amenities to help your family camping trip run smoothly, including flush toilets and RV hookups.

Tips for Snagging a Campsite Reservation

When to Go

Know Before You Go

Exciting Sites & Scenic Drives Near Crater Lake National Park

With over 41 feet of snow per year, the Rim Drive typically does not open until May or early June and begins closing around October. This road, which encircles the lake, is 33 miles and worth the time, with over 30 viewpoints, each offering different perspectives. Notable stops include Watchman Overlook , Cloudcap Overlook and Phantom Ship Overlook.

Drive to Pinnacles Overlook. Want to bike the rim? You can bike it during peak season, or wait until they open the East Rim Drive to bicycles only each year .

Camping Near Crater Lake National Park

There are two campgrounds and a lodge inside the boundaries of Crater Lake National Park. Neither campground has a view of the lake itself, but the Crater Lake Lodge has a view as its on the rim of the caldera.

Mazama Campground is within the Crater Lake National Park boundaries and is only open in the summer. It has 214 sites in an old-growth forest. This campsite sits at an elevation of 6,000 feet. Food must be kept in a bear proof locker at each campsite. Its best to reserve your site to ensure you get a spot.

• Lost Creek Campground
• Lost Creek Campground was closed for 2021 due to Covid-19. This campground usually opens in early July and closes mid October. Its for tent camping only, and is not open to van camping. Sites are first come first serve. This campground has 16 sites and fills up by mid-afternoon.

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Best Campgrounds Near Crater Lake National Park

In addition to the two developed Crater Lake National Park campgrounds, there are numerous campgrounds just outside the parks boundaries.

• Crater Lake RV Park Located in the nearby town of Prospect, Crater Lake RV Park is a great choice for RV campers that prefer full amenities.

• Diamond Lake Campground Diamond Lake Campground in Umpqua National Forest has 238 campsites . RVs and tents are welcome. Flush toilets and hot showers are available. Beautiful views of Mount Bailey and Mount Thielson abound.

• Clearwater Falls Campground Also in Umpqua National Forest, Clearwater Falls Campground is perfect for those that prefer a small campground over a large, sprawling one. It has 9 campsites and is best suited for tent camping or small RVs/trailers.

• Natural Bridge Campground Situated alongside the Rogue River, Natural Bridge Campground is conveniently located just 20 minutes from Crater Lake. It has 17 private, spacious campsites with plenty of room in between each. Its part of the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest.

• Lemolo Lake / Crater Lake North KOA Fans of KOA camping will love the Lemolo Lake / Crater Lake North KOA. Situated a short drive from the north entrance to the park, this KOA has a mix of RV sites with full-hookups, grassy tent camping sites, and cabin rentals. Of course, it comes with full amenities, including Wi-Fi, as well as numerous summertime activities.

These are just a small handful of the great campgrounds near Crater Lake.

Lost Creek Campground Crater Lake

The Lost Creek Campground has 16 tent-only campsites at Crater Lake National Park. It is open seasonally between early July and Mid-October, depending on the weather. I would call ahead to see if this campground was open as I have seen it closed in mid-July due to snow. The good news is that there are flush toilets and is only $5/night for camping. Remember that generators are prohibited at the Lost Creek Campground.

Crater Lake RV Camping at the Mazama Village Campground in Crater Lake National Park

Make sure to click the links below to find out more information on Crater Lake National Park & Camping Tips from a Park Ranger

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Touring Crater Lake National Park

Crater Lake National Park is a beautiful place to visit and I would recommend it to anyone who wants to visit Oregon. There’s plenty of camping in the area and you can also stay at the lodge for more comfortable accommodation.

The park stays open year-round, though they average 40 feet of snow in winter so keep that in mind. In winter there is cross country skiing, snowshoeing, and other winter sports available. Check for road closures, as the only entrance open during winter is typically the Southern Entrance off of the Crater Lake Highway . The lodge is only open during the summer, so keep that in mind.

Day 1:

We chose to stay at the Mazama Campground which is about a 15 minute drive from Crater Lake. If you want to stay at the lodge, it does book up in a couple months in advance so keep that in mind. There are several campgrounds about 30 minutes from Crater Lake if the ones close by are full. Lost Creek Campground is a nice one and is also cheaper than Mazama.

There is a small shop at the Mazama Campground and a gas station, though prices here are expensive and the food is relatively limited . Next to the gift shop up at the rim there is a cafe with sandwiches and coffee. The lodge also has a very nice restaurant and a coffee stand that is open in the mornings.

Day 2:

Day 3:

Day 4:

Staying At The Campground

Amenities

At the campground, youll find restrooms, potable water, a gas station, food storage lockers, and a dump station.

Notice: Closed for the season.

Some sites have electricity. Pets are permitted, with restrictions. At the Mazama Camper Store you can purchase camp supplies, groceries, propane, firewood, and gasoline. The campground offers four accessible sites.

The Annie Creek Restaurant and Gift Shop, located in the village, offers casual family-friendly American cuisine and Crater Lake souvenirs. The nearby Mazama Village Store carries groceries, camping supplies, firewood, and gasoline.

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The Ultimate Guide To Camping In Crater Lake National Park

Oregons only national park , Crater Lake National Park is an incredibly popular Pacific Northwest camping destination thanks to its beautiful scenery, abundant hiking trails, and peaceful campgrounds.

Although this Oregon national park has a lot to offer, the obvious focal point is the titular Crater Lake, a stunningly clear and vibrantly blue lake partially filling a caldera created by the volcanic eruption of Mount Mazama over 7,000 years ago. Not only is the lake incredibly picturesque, but its also the deepest lake in the United States at 1,949 feet deep.

Heres everything you need to know to plan the best Crater Lake National Park camping trip!

Great Deals Greater Experiences

Let Nation’s Vacation curate your next adventure. We offer seasonal packages for the ultimate national park experience geared to help you save time and money. Before booking your next trip, be sure to peruse our all-in-one packages, and check back seasonally for new packages.

Crater Lake Campground

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Crater Lake National Park Backcountry Camping

Backcountry permits are free and required for camping but are not needed for day hikes. They can be picked up in person. With over 100 miles of trails there are plenty to pick from. The Pacific Crest Trail transects the park on its 2600-mile journey through seven national parks. Explore Pumice Desert or the flat trail to Red Cone.

Camping Crater Lake Style

Mazama Campground is tucked away in the forest, seven miles south of Rim Village, just past the parks south entrance station near Highway 62. Its the perfect spot to pitch your tent or park your camper as your base for exploring the park.

Property Description

Each of the 214 sites features a picnic table, a fire ring with a grill, and a bear-resistant food locker.

Additional campsites at Lost Creek Campground are available and operated by the National Park Service.

Room Styles

• 214 total sites including a mix of Tent, RV, and Walk-ins.
• Pets are permitted

Dining Options

At the Annie Creek Restaurant and Gift Shop, located in the village, youll find family-friendly American cuisine for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, as well as a variety of local beers and wines. The gift shop offers a wide selection of park souvenirs. The nearby Mazama Village Store carries groceries, camping supplies, firewood, and gasoline.

Amenities

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Jos Motel & Campground

Jos Motel presents itself late within the afternoon after a tough days journey. Its a small roadside 6 unit motel plus a couple of separate cabins with an in-built cafe/grocery. For those who like veterinarian/natural meals.

Anyway, it was the one factor inside 25 miles and we stayed there. Heated a natural frozen lasagna for dinner within the cafe microwave.

No telephone, no TV, no web however the room was clear and the bathe small. Its what its with no excuses however slightly costly for what its. Whereas a satisfactory place to sleep I might plan forward higher and drive additional or pay much more on the Crater Lake Lodge.Natural Meals and Lodging serving guests to Crater Lake Nationwide Park. Full natural grocery retailer with breakfast and espresso.

Kitchens and fuel fireplaces. Pet free. Suites, cabin, singles, tenting, RV. Communal fire rings. On the Wooden River. half of the Hour to Crater Lake.

I hope this article on campgrounds near Crater Lake National Park was worth reading.

Wheres Crater Lake National Park Located

As I mentioned earlier, it is located in southern Oregon . The nearest commercial city is Portland, and it is around 400km away from Crater Lake National Park. That means it is a 4 and a half hours drive. Also, there are some smaller towns nearby the parks as well. Like Klamath is 1 and a half hours away while Eugene is 2 and a half hours away.

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Getting to Crater Lake National Park

If you have a question on how to reach this paradise, well, heres the way. You can fly and then drive. To fly, catch a flight to Rogue Valley International-Medford Airport. The airport is located around 5km away from Medford City and 130km away to the south side of Crater Lake National Park.

See the above map for the exact location. There are several direct flights from and to this airport, like San Francisco, Los Angeles, Denver, San Diego, Salt Lake City, etc. Check their website through the above link.

Then, drive there, experiencing the scenic views on the way. If you are starting from Medford, that means you will access the park from its western entrance. Just take the HIghway 62 East, and within 1 and a half hours, you can reach the park.

Or if you are coming from Klamath Falls, then take the Highway 97 North to Highway 62 West to enter the park on its southern entrance. The drive will take around 1 and a half hours.

The South and West entrances are open throughout the year, while the North entrance is closed in the winter.

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Snowshoeing At Crater Lake

Snowshoeing

Strapping on a pair of snowshoes is a great way to experience the changes that winter brings to Crater Lake National Park. Mounds of snowy waves cover downed trees and saplings, and forest shadows stretch across the sparkling snow. Meadows become white wonderlands. Snowshoe for a short distance or plan a full day along an established trail. First-time visitors are advised to follow one of the parks ski routes. Maps are found in the park newspaper.

• As a courtesy to skiers, please refrain from walking in ski tracks.
• Snowshoeing is prohibited inside the caldera, and on all roads and parking lots where vehicles are allowed.

Wearing warm, waterproof clothing and footwear, staying hydrated, and having a plan increases your safety and enjoyment while snowshoeing. Ski and snowshoe rentals are not available in the park, but many outfitters outside the park rent cross-country skis and/or snowshoes.Rangers lead guided snowshoe walks are not being offered for the 2021-2022 season.

Key Crater Lake Campground Regulations

Check for any park or campground updates: Crater Lake Park

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Crater Lake Camping: Guide For Crater Lake National Park

I know that Crater Lake Camping or Crater Lake National Park is not as famous as other national parks in the US like Grand Canyon, Yellowstone, and Zion. But, once you visit there, you will realize what a calm and secluded place is this.

As it is the only National Park in Oregon, it is like a gem to the region. Impressive lake views surrounded by the snow-capped Cascade Mountains, great campgrounds, and plenty of adventure opportunities are the highlights in this national park.

It was one of the best and majestic opportunities in my life to escape from the busy office life. Ok, heres the guide for camping in Crater Lake National Park.

Pacific Crest Trail Association

The moment someone crests the rim of Crater Lake for the first time, the view across the caldera is not only memorable, it is truly one of the iconic views within the countrys national parks. And as Oregons only national park, it is an important stop for any long-distance hiker or horseback rider along the Pacific Crest Trail.

Camping on the rim of the caldera is not allowed because of its sensitive environment and proximity to the road. Regulations regarding camping at Crater Lake National Park are relatively straightforward but have not always been readily available to long-distance hikers. Crater Lake National Park staff and the Pacific Crest Trail Association are working together to improve the communication of camping regulations to PCT travelers.

Thank you for protecting this very special and popular jewel.

a map clearly highlighting approved camping areasseveral designated backcountry campsites

Please be mindful of the regulations when traveling through Crater Lake National Park on the PCT. Certainly take time to enjoy the view across one of the jewels of the High Cascades, but plan accordingly when it comes time to lay out your sleeping bag and put your head down for the night.

Hikers wanting to walk the rim can camp in one of these legal spots:

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Insider Tips For Visiting Crater Lake National Park

Portland Airport is 244 miles north. The park campgrounds are generally 6,000 to 8,000 feet above sea level. Plan for highs of 60 to 70F in summer, with arid sun, but afternoon thunderstorms. Anticipate a long drive to get to Crater Lake . The Cabins at Mazama Village are another option if you want to upgrade your lodging, but they do cost more than a campsite.

CRATER LAKE NATIONAL PARK CAMPERS BEWARE:

Snow blanketing the rim is an amazing sight, but there is a lot of snow in winter, making mobility limited.

There is also no camping available in winter.

Explore The Deepest Lake In The Us

Crater Lake continues to inspire visitors from all around the world. 7,700 years ago, a violent eruption collapsed an ancient volcano forming what we know as of today Crater Lake. Today, visitors marvel at the panoramic views and natural formations of Wizard Island and Phantom Ship. Whether you are looking for outdoor adventures, want to immerse yourself in nature, or simply relax and take in the views, Crater Lake awaits you.

Crater Lake

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Mazama Village Campground & Cabins

Mazama Campground has 214 campsites and is positioned 7 miles south of Rim Village in Crater Lake Nationwide Park.

The campground is open solely in the course of the summer season, with reservations out there in July, August, and September.

Campsites can accommodate tents, trailers, and RVs .Set inside Crater Lake National Park, this low-key seasonal resort surrounded by pine forest is 7 miles from the Rim Village Historic District and 30 miles from Highway 97.Rustic cabins have complimentary Wi-Fi and coffeemakers, in addition to en suite bogs TVs and air-conditioning arent out there. Children age 12 and below keep for no further cost with a mum or dad.Facilities embrace a coin-operated laundry and a comfort retailer.