Crater Lake National Park, Oregon's only national park and the fifth oldest in the United States, is a popular camping destination thanks to its breathtaking scenery, abundant hiking trails, and tranquil campgrounds. The park's main attraction is the stunning Crater Lake, a crystal-clear, vibrant blue lake that partially fills a caldera created by the volcanic eruption of Mount Mazama over 7,000 years ago. This picturesque lake is not only a sight to behold, but it is also the deepest lake in the United States, with a depth of 1,949 feet. In this guide, we will explore the best campgrounds and lodges in Crater Lake National Park to help you plan an unforgettable trip.

Best Campgrounds in Crater Lake National Park

There are two developed campgrounds within Crater Lake National Park, as well as numerous backcountry camping opportunities. Both developed campgrounds are open during the summer months, while backcountry camping is available year-round (although snow may make access difficult).

Mazama Campground

Mazama Campground is a peaceful, forested campground located just 7 miles from the rim of Crater Lake and a short drive from the park's south entrance. With over 200 campsites, Mazama offers a balance of privacy and convenience, as the campsites are spaced reasonably far apart. Reservations are accepted for 75% of the campsites, and the remaining 25% are available on a first-come, first-served basis. However, it's recommended to arrive early during the summer months, as the campground often fills up.

Mazama Campground is typically open from June to September, depending on snow conditions. Amenities include RV hookups, a dump station, laundry facilities, and restrooms with hot showers. It is the only campground within the park that accommodates RVs.

Lost Creek Campground

For a more rustic camping experience, Lost Creek Campground is an excellent choice. This small, tent-only campground is located a short distance from East Rim Drive and offers a more secluded environment for visitors. With just 16 campsites, Lost Creek provides a quiet, peaceful atmosphere for those who prefer a more intimate camping experience.

Lost Creek Campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis and generally opens in early July. However, the campground was closed in 2022 and has yet to announce its opening for 2023. It is essential to note that this campground is relatively primitive, with only portable toilets available as an amenity. Campers should be prepared to be entirely self-sufficient during their stay.

Backcountry Camping in Crater Lake National Park

Crater Lake's backcountry is open for camping year-round, offering adventurous campers the opportunity to explore the park's more remote areas. Winter backcountry camping presents unique challenges, such as extreme weather conditions and avalanche risks, but also provides a serene and picturesque experience for those who are prepared.

During the summer months, backcountry camping is more accessible and popular, with a variety of designated campsites and dispersed camping areas available. A backcountry permit is required for all overnight stays in the park, which can be obtained at the start of your trip. Campers must follow all rules and regulations, including proper food storage and adherence to the Leave No Trace Principles.

Best Campgrounds Near Crater Lake National Park

In addition to the campgrounds within Crater Lake National Park, several campgrounds are located just outside the park's boundaries. These campgrounds offer a range of camping experiences, from developed sites with full amenities to more rustic settings for those seeking a closer connection with nature.

Camping Near Diamond Lake

Diamond Lake, situated in Umpqua National Forest, offers some of the closest camping options to Crater Lake National Park, just 15 minutes from the North Entrance. The area features several campgrounds that can accommodate both tents and RVs, all of which are reservable through Recreation.gov.

• Diamond Lake Campground: 238 sites for tents and RVs (35' maximum). Open early June to early September. Reservations required. Amenities include picnic tables, fire rings, grills, drinking water, flush toilets, and showers.

• Broken Arrow Campground: 121 sites for tents and RVs (32' maximum). Open early June to early September. Reservations required. Amenities include picnic tables, fire rings, grills, drinking water, flush toilets, and showers.

• Thielsen View Campground: 60 sites for tents and RVs (35' maximum). Open late June to early September. Reservations required. Amenities include picnic tables, fire rings, grills, drinking water, and vault toilets.

• Diamond Lake RV Park: 110 RV sites with hookups. Open mid-May to mid-October, with reservations available up to 13 months in advance. Amenities include showers and laundry facilities.

Camping Near Lemolo Lake

Lemolo Lake is another beautiful camping destination located approximately 30 minutes from the North Entrance of Crater Lake National Park. The area offers a variety of campgrounds suitable for both tents and RVs, providing visitors with numerous options for their camping experience.

• Poole Creek Campground: 60 sites for tents and RVs (35' maximum). Open early June to early September. Reservations required. Amenities include picnic tables, fire rings, grills, drinking water, and vault toilets.

• Bunker Hill Campground: 5 sites for tents and campervans (22' maximum). Open early June to early September. Reservations required. Amenities include picnic tables, fire rings, grills, and vault toilets. No drinking water is provided.

• East Lemolo Campground: 15 sites for tents and campervans (22' maximum). Open early June to early September. Reservations required. Amenities include picnic tables, fire rings, grills, and vault toilets. No drinking water is provided.

• Inlet Campground: 13 sites for tents and campervans (25' maximum). Open early June to early September. Reservations required. Amenities include picnic tables, fire rings, grills, and vault toilets. No drinking water is provided.

• Toketee Lake Campground: 32 sites for tents and campervans (30' maximum). Open early June to early September. Reservations required. Amenities include picnic tables, fire rings, grills, and vault toilets. No drinking water is provided.

• Clearwater Falls Campground: 9 sites for tents and campervans (25' maximum). Open May to early September. First-come, first-served only. Amenities include picnic tables, fire rings, and vault toilets. No drinking water is provided.

• Lemolo Lake / Crater Lake North KOA: RV sites with hookups. Open late April to mid-October. Reservations open well in advance. Amenities include lake access and a dog park.

Camping Near Fort Klamath

Fort Klamath, a small town located about 20 minutes from the South Entrance of Crater Lake National Park, offers several rustic, first-come, first-served camping options for visitors.

• Jackson F. Kimball State Park: 12 primitive sites for tents only. Open mid-May through October. First-come, first-served only. Amenities include vault toilets. No drinking water is provided.

• Jo's Motel & Campground: 7 RV sites with hookups and 5 tent-only sites. Open year-round (except when snow-covered). First-come, first-served only. Amenities include an organic grocery store and deli.

• Annie Creek Sno-Park: Overnight parking lot for RVs and campervans. Free from May to October, and sno-park permit required November to April. Amenities include vault toilets.

Camping Near Chiloquin

Chiloquin, a small town located southeast of Crater Lake National Park, is about 40 minutes from the South Entrance. The town offers several RV-friendly campgrounds with various amenities, making it a popular choice for RV travelers.

• Waterwheel RV Park & Campground: 33 RV sites with hookups. Open March through November. Reservations can be made online. Amenities include a camp store, showers, and laundry.

• Agency Lake Resort: 25 RV sites with hookups, plus 10 tent sites. Open late May through October. First-come, first-served only. Amenities include a camp store and showers.

• Melita's Motel & RV Park: 15 RV sites with hookups. Open in summer only. Reservations can be made online. Amenities include a restaurant and pet-friendly accommodations.

• Walt's RV Park: 14 RV sites with hookups and 20 tent sites. Open year-round. Reservations can be made by phone. Amenities include showers and close access to shops in Chiloquin.

Camping Near Union Creek

Union Creek is a small town located west of Crater Lake National Park along Highway 62, about 25 minutes from the South Entrance. The town offers several campgrounds, including a mix of reservable and first-come, first-served campsites.

• Farewell Bend Campground: 61 sites for tents and RVs (40' maximum). Open mid-May to early October. Both reservable and first-come, first-served sites are available. Amenities include flush toilets and drinking water.

• Union Creek Campground: 73 sites for tents and small RVs (28' maximum). Open mid-May to early October. Both reservable and first-come, first-served sites are available. Amenities include vault toilets and drinking water.

• Huckleberry Mountain Campground: 25 sites for tents only. Open May through September. First-come, first-served only. Amenities include fire pits, picnic tables, and vault toilets. No drinking water is provided.

• Natural Bridge Campground: 17 sites for tents and RVs (30' maximum). Open mid-May to mid-October. First-come, first-served only. Amenities include fire pits, picnic tables, and vault toilets. No drinking water is provided.

• Thousand Springs Sno-Park: Overnight parking lot for RVs and campervans. Free from May to October, and sno-park permit required November to April. Amenities include vault toilets.

• Farewell Bend Sno-Park: Overnight parking lot for RVs and campervans. Free from May to October, and sno-park permit required November to April. Amenities include vault toilets.

Best Lodges in Crater Lake National Park

For those who prefer a more comfortable stay, Crater Lake National Park offers two lodges with varying levels of amenities and accommodations.

Crater Lake Lodge

Crater Lake Lodge is a historic and majestic lodge with incredible views overlooking Crater Lake. The lodge features 71 rooms, many of which offer stunning views of the lake. A dining room and bar/lounge are also available onsite. The Crater Lake Lodge is typically open from mid-May to mid-October, providing a comfortable and picturesque stay for visitors who prefer not to camp.

The Cabins at Mazama Village

The Cabins at Mazama Village offer a more rustic lodging experience within Crater Lake National Park. These recently renovated cabins are located near Mazama Campground and provide a cozy alternative to tent camping. The Cabins at Mazama Village are typically open from late May to late September and offer a range of accommodations to suit various preferences.

Frequently Asked Questions About Campgrounds at Crater Lake

Is camping allowed in Crater Lake National Park?

Yes, camping is allowed inside Crater Lake National Park. You can choose between Mazama Campground or Lost Creek Campground for developed camping options, or opt for backcountry camping for a more remote experience.

Can you sleep in your car at Crater Lake?

You cannot sleep in your car in Crater Lake National Park unless you are at a designated campground, such as Mazama Campground. Camping in your vehicle along roads or parking lots is not allowed.

Is Crater Lake RV friendly?

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. In addition, Rim Drive is easily accessible for vehicles of any size.

Does Mazama Campground have hookups?

Mazama Campground offers 18 campsites with electric-only hookups for RVs up to 50 feet. Reservations for these sites fill up quickly, so plan to make reservations as far in advance as possible.

Can you camp anywhere in Crater Lake?

You can only camp in designated campgrounds within Crater Lake National Park. However, dispersed camping is allowed in nearby Fremont-Winema National Forest and Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest.

Camping at Crater Lake National Park

Crater Lake National Park offers a variety of camping and lodging options for visitors to enjoy the park's stunning scenery. Whether you prefer the comfort of a lodge or the adventure of camping, there is something for everyone at Crater Lake. With numerous campgrounds and lodges to choose from, both inside and outside the park, you are sure to find the perfect accommodations for your visit. So pack your bags and prepare for an unforgettable adventure at Crater Lake National Park!