Best Place To Camp Near Crater Lake

There are many different campgrounds just north of Crater Lake National Park. Some of them feature lakes and pretty views of Mount Thielsen. Photo by Fawn via Flickr CC2.Mazama Campground is within the Crater Lake National Park boundaries and is only open in the summer. Food must be kept in a bear proof locker at each campsite. It’s best to reserve your site to ensure you get a spot. Crater Lake has two National Park Service visitors’ centers offering interpretive information, gift shops, potable water, and ranger talks.

As the name suggests, many Huckleberry plants can be found near the campground. The campsites are both well separated and shaded, and deer, as well as other animals, can be seen wandering. There are a lot of sites large enough for 40-foot rigs, and most don’t require 4WD.

Take it easy on one of many peaceful hiking trails. Try the Sun Notch Trail for views of the Phantom Ship, a remnant of volcanic rock jutting out from the lake. Walk the Pinnacles Trail to spot towering volcanic spires formed in the original Mazama eruption. Spot the Lady in the Woods, a sculpture of a woman’s likeness carved into stone, on an easy 30-minute walk. This is the most popular time to visit, so expect crowds and be sure to book early. Summer offers a ton of things to do, full accessibility to the park, with the option to camp in the backcountry.

For some, that entails a night or two at the regal Crater Lake Lodge; for others, the outing is best experienced around the campfire and inside a tent. And for many more, overnight lodgings fall somewhere in between. Every year, Crater Lake National Park draws hundreds of thousands of visitors from around the world. Crater Lake National Park is RV-friendly in the summer when roads are snow-free. Mazama Campground inside the park can accommodate RVs up to 50 feet.

We are community driven, and while we will be adding many free camping spots, we hope that you will add some of your favorite camping places as well. By sharing camping information freely, we can all spend less time researching campgrounds, spend less money, and more time camping. If everyone contributes a few campsites, we’ll all have more places to go camping.

Find The Best Campgrounds In Parks Near Crater Of Diamonds State Park

75% of the sites are are reservable in advance and the rest are available on a first-come, first-served basis. The best time to backcountry camp or hike the trails at Crater Lake is mid-July through September. The backpacking season is short due to long, snowy winters. Lower elevation trails become snow-free in late June. Some higher-elevation trails typically remain covered by snow until mid-July.

Typically from July through September, the park may limit when and where you can have fires. These restrictions include wood and charcoal fires in campgrounds. If you’re visiting in the summer, I recommend bringing a propane stove to cook your food. Dump stations are only available at specific campgrounds. You’ll only find a dump station at Mazama Campground inside the park. Again, for more options and amenities, consider staying at one of the many private campgrounds outside the park.

Final Thoughts On Camping At Crater Lake National Park

I like to use Skyscanner to compare flight prices to multiple airports and find the best price. Once you find the perfect flight itinerary for you, Skyscanner redirects you to book with the airline directly, so you don’t miss out on any frequent flyer points! In addition, Rim Drive, the main route through the park, is only open in its entirety from mid-July to mid-October. Camping in Crater Lake allows you to stay closer to the best things to do, save money, and immerse yourself in the beauty of the Cascades. Tipsoo Peak Trail is an out-and-back trail where you may see local wildlife located near Chemult, Oregon.

The town of Prospect is a bit further south of Highway 62 than Union Creek, putting you about 40 minutes from the South Entrance to Crater Lake. However, if you can’t find a spot in Union Creek, Prospect is a good backup for first-come, first-served camping. Lost Creek Campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis and generally opens in early July. However, this campground was closed in 2021 and is yet to announce if it will be open in 2022.

Camp Starseed

It is merely a 7-mile drive to the Mount Thielsen Trailhead. Thielsen Forest Camp is an excellent site to stay if you’re planning a trek up Mount Thielsen, a trip to Crater Lake, or a visit to one of the many waterfalls along Highway 138. Visitors may get upset by the lack of potable water and flush toilets in the area.

This short out-and-back hike leads to one of the most accessible and scenic waterfalls in Crater Lake National Park. The Plaikni Falls Trail is a peaceful stroll through a wooded area with plenty of benches to stop and enjoy the scenery. After spending time along the shores of Crater Lake or taking a boat tour, you’ll need to return up the steep switchbacks.

Crater Lake Resort Offers An Unforgettable Camping Experience

Summer’s are short at the park and usually the most popular time to visit for Crater Lake National Park RV camping. With an average temperature around 55 degrees F , the sweet spot rests somewhere between July and August. These months also have the lowest average rainfall for a warm and dry stay. Still, a trip in May might offer you a pleasantwinter RV experience with slightly milder temperatures. You can try snowshoeing or skiing since the park in this season is almost identical to winter.

Access our 10+ million data points plus hundreds of thousands of feedbacks via the free RV LIFE App. While Crater Lake National Park is filled with incredible things to do, you can use this guide to prioritize your time in the park. The views from Watchman Peak are amazing at sunset, looking out over Crater Lake, illuminated by the colorful fading light. Discovery Point Trail is an easy 2.4-mile hike near Rim Village. Garfield Peak is a moderate 3.6-mile hike with over 1,000 feet of elevation gain.

While at Rim Village, don’t miss the incredible views and educational displays at the Sinnot Memorial Overlook, only a short walk from the visitor center. Rim Village Visitor Center is located further west along Rim Drive, next to Crater Lake Lodge. Rim Village is closed in the winter, and the visitor center is only open from May to September. The Rim Village Visitor Center is an excellent place to talk to rangers and find souvenirs at the gift shop.

Participate in a variety of outdoor activities from your new Crater Lake lodging like biking, canoeing, rafting, hiking, hunting, fishing, and winter sports. There’s plenty of choice when it comes to Crater Lake places to stay. In Crater Lake hotels you can count on the fact that Oregon is definitely a place where irreplaceable memories will be made without making reservations elsewhere. Stop wondering where to stay, Crater Lake has it all! Find the best places to stay around Crater Lake here, and book a unique lodging near Crater Lake! Alternatives to hotels Crater Lake are always a good idea.

Annie Creek Sno

You can also stock up on supplies and groceries in Chiloquin, about a 20-minute drive from the park, or in Klamath Falls, 45 minutes away. As you arrive at the campground, self-registration is offered. By mid-afternoon, the campground is completely full. In order to know if a spot is available, you must arrive at the campground. This campground is situated the farthest west of our options and the most basic.

What Is There To Do In Upper Klamath National Wildlife Refuge?

We love the woodsy authentic cabin essence that can be found inside of this adorable home, that’s even cuter when it’s covered in a layer of snow! Enjoy a long summer day while sitting on the porch, or venture off to the surrounding waters. At just 900 square feet, this home packs a fun punch, and can comfortably sleep about five people. Immerse yourself in the outdoors, while staying in something a little bit more accommodating than a pop-up tent! Comfortable beds and an open layout are perfect for those looking for a glamping experience – a bathhouse is on site.

If you want to take a boat tour or swim in the cold waters of Crater Lake, this hike is a must. However, given the steepness, this 2-mile hike is challenging. Standard Boat Cruise – A leisurely 2-hour tour around Crater Lake that narrates park history and geology and provides up-close views of Wizard Island, Phantom Ship, and more. The best way to see Crater Lake up close is on a boat tour. Offered by Crater Lake Hospitality, you can book a boat tour along this tranquil lake for an immersive and educational experience. These summer tours offer narration from knowledge park rangers, making a tour one of the best ways to learn more about Crater Lake.