Ultimate Guide to Camping Crater Lake | Top 8 Amazing Campgrounds At Crater Lake

ultimate guide to camping crater lake | top 8 amazing campgrounds at crater lake

If you’re looking for the best information on camping near Crater Lake, you’ve found it! Camping is the best way to take in this breathtaking natural attraction, which is a must for any outdoor enthusiast.

How to get there, what to bring, and everything in between will be discussed in this guide to camping at Crater Lake.

camping crater lake
image source : https://www.nps.gov/

Now is the time to read up and arrange your vacation details!

The Cascade Range in Oregon is home to Crater Lake. Calderas, or volcanic depressions, like the one the lake sits in were created when an ancient volcano erupted and eventually sank.

About 7,000 years ago, Mount Mazama erupted, leaving behind only Crater Lake. Crater Lake is a famous vacation spot for good cause these days.

The lake’s blue waters and picturesque surroundings make it a sight to behold.

Camping is a great way to take in the beauty of Crater Lake because it allows you to be one with nature.

Finding Your Way to the Crater Lake Campgrounds

Crater Lake Camping. Photo by CEBImagery via Flickr CC2.

Camping at Crater Lake can be found in scenic Oregon. You can reach the campgrounds in a variety of ways, but there are a few things to keep in mind before you set off.

Take exit 62 off of Interstate 5 southbound if you’re travelling from the north. Once there, turn right onto OR-138 East and travel that road for roughly 100 kilometers.

You’ll access the campgrounds at Crater Lake National Park by turning left onto Rim Drive when entering the park.

Take exit 6 off of I-5 northbound if you’re travelling from the south.

The next 28 miles will be spent travelling north on OR-62 from where you turned left.

After entering the park, turn right onto Rim Drive and continue until you reach the campgrounds on your left.

The campgrounds can be reached from both the east and the west in a variety of ways.

However, the quickest way there is to take I-84 East or West to exit 87. Follow US-97 North for around 60 kilometers by turning left at the light. As soon as you enter the park, turn right onto Rim Drive and continue until you reach the campgrounds.

Remember that the last 15 or so miles of your journey will be on a twisting, steep road, regardless of which way you’re coming from.

You shouldn’t take a trailer or RV down this route. There are a variety of campsites available once you get to the campgrounds.
Crater Lake National Park is accessible from the following airports:
The Regional Airport Serving Crater Lake and

  • the Greater Klamath Area (LMT)
    Airports in Rogue Valley, Oregon
  • Rogue Valley International Airport (RVO),
  • the Medford Municipal Airport (MFR),
  • the Redmond Municipal Airport (RDM),
  • the Eugene Airport (EUG)
  • Portland International Airport (PDX) (PDX)

What to Pack for a Camping Crater Lake

Now that you know how to get to Crater Lake, it’s time to start packing! Here are a few things you should make sure to bring on your camping trip:

-Tent: Unless you’re planning on sleeping under the stars, you’ll need a tent to protect you from the elements. Make sure to choose a tent that’s big enough for everyone in your group and that’s appropriate for the season.

-Sleeping bags: You’ll need a sleeping bag for each person in your group. Again, make sure to choose a sleeping bag that’s appropriate for the season.

-Camping stove: Unless you’re planning on eating all your meals cold, you’ll need a way to cook your food. A camping stove is a great option.

-Cooler: A cooler is essential for keeping your food and drinks cold.

-Camping chairs: Camping chairs are nice to have so you can relax around the campfire.

-Lantern: A lantern will come in handy for when the sun goes down and you need some light.

-First-aid kit: A first-aid kit is always a good idea, just in case someone gets hurt.

-Bear horn: If you’re camping in an area where there are bears, it’s a good idea to bring along a bear horn to scare them away.

How to Get Crater Lake Camping Reservations

camping crater lake
Rim of the Caldera at Crater Lake. Photo by Arthur T. LaBar via Flickr CC2.

The best way to get a Crater Lake camping reservation is to visit the National Park Service website https://www.nps.gov/

Reservations can be made up to six months in advance and are required for all campsites in the park.

Campsites fill up quickly, so it’s important to make your reservation as soon as possible. You can also call the National Park Service at 1-877-444-6777 to make a reservation.

When making a reservation, you will need to provide the following information:

-The name of the person who will be occupying the campsite

-The dates you would like to stay

-The number of people in your party

-Your contact information, including a phone number and email address

-A credit card to hold the reservation

Once you have made your reservation, you will receive a confirmation email with your campsite number and other important information. Be sure to bring this with you when you arrive at the park.

Crater Lake is a popular destination, so it’s important to make your reservations early. By following these tips, you’ll be sure to get a campsite for your next trip.

now let’s see top 8 campgrounds of camping Crater lake

Top 8 Campgrounds :

Mazama Campground

Mazama Campground is located in the southern part of Crater Lake National Park, Oregon.

The campground is situated at an elevation of 7,000 feet (2134 m) and has a scenic view of the crater lake.

Mazama Campground is open from late May through early October and can accommodate tents, trailers, and RVs.

Mazama Campground has a total of 214 campsites, each with a fire ring and picnic table. The campground also has flush toilets, drinking water, and coin-operated showers.

To get to Mazama Campground, take Highway 62 east from Medford for about 60 miles (97 km). turn south onto Crater Lake Highway and drive for another 23 miles (37 km).

The Mazama Campground will be on the left side of the road.

Camping at Mazama Campground is a great way to experience all that Crater Lake National Park has to offer.

The campground is situated in a beautiful location with stunning views of the lake.

There are plenty of activities to keep you busy during your stay, such as hiking, fishing, and exploring the surrounding area.

Mazama Campground is the perfect place to relax and enjoy the great outdoors.

Lost Creek Campground

If you’re looking for a more remote and rustic camping experience, Lost Creek Campground is the perfect spot for you.

This small campground has just 16 sites, all located a short distance off of East Rim Drive.

Since there are few amenities here, it’s best suited for experienced campers who are self-sufficient

Even though it’s more basic, Lost Creek Campground still offers stunning views of Crater Lake.

it’s located near some great hiking trails, like Plaikni Falls and The Pinnacles Trail.

If you’re looking to get away from it all and enjoy nature at its finest, Lost Creek Campground is the perfect spot.

Camping Near Diamond Lake

If the campgrounds in Crater Lake National Park are full, but you still want to spend the night in the area, you do have some alternatives.

Around 20 miles south of the park is Diamond Lake, a popular destination. Numerous hiking, fishing, and adventuring options exist around this lake because to its wooded surroundings.

There are a number of campgrounds in the region, so you should be able to choose one that is suitable for your trip.

Diamond Lake is a very popular destination, so keep in mind that it can get crowded during the high season.

You may go camping at one of the other lakes nearby for a more relaxing experience.


No matter where you decide to set up tent, you’ll have a fantastic day discovering all that Crater Lake National Park has to offer.

Camping Near Lemolo Lake

Lemolo Lake is a great place to camp if you’re looking for breathtaking views and plenty of activities to keep you busy.

The lake is located in the Crater Lake National Park, which is about an hour’s drive from the city of Bend.

There are several campgrounds in the park, as well as a few private ones just outside the park boundary.

If you’re looking for a more rustic camping experience, there are several dispersed campsites located around the lake.

These sites can be accessed by boat or by hiking in from one of the developed campgrounds. Dispersed camping is permitted for up to 14 days in any given 30 day period.

No matter where you camp, be sure to follow Leave No Trace principles to help keep the area beautiful for future visitors.

This means packing out all of your trash, respecting wildlife, and being considerate of other campers.

Camping Near Fort Klamath

Fort Klamath is a small town in Oregon, situated about 20 miles south of the famous Crater Lake.

It’s the perfect place to stay if you’re looking to explore the area and camp near Crater Lake National Park.

There are several camping options in and around Fort Klamath, so you’re sure to find one that’s right for you.

If you’re looking for a more rustic camping experience, the Umpqua National Forest is a great option.

There are several campgrounds within the forest that offer stunning views of Crater Lake.

If you don’t mind driving a bit further, there are also numerous dispersed camping options available in the forest.

If you’re looking for a more developed camping option, there are several RV parks and campgrounds in Fort Klamath.

These offer amenities such as showers and flush toilets, as well as easy access to restaurants and shops in town.

No matter what type of camping experience you’re looking for, you’re sure to find it near Fort Klamath.

Camping Near Chiloquin , Oregon

Chiloquin, Oregon is the place to go for an out-of-the-ordinary camping adventure. Located in the shadow of Crater Lake, this small community gives campers access to one of America’s most breathtaking natural treasures.

What follows is a complete guide to camping in the Oregon vicinity of Chiloquin.

Chiloquin is ideally situated as a base for exploring the surrounding area, being only a short drive away from Crater Lake National Park.

You’ll have no trouble finding a suitable camping in the area surrounding Chiloquin.

There are several opportunities for dispersed camping in the area if you prefer a more primitive camping experience.

In a dispersed camping situation, campers are free to set up their tents wherever on public land that is not part of an established campground. In this way, you can escape from civilization and concentrate on appreciating nature.

Oregon camping close to Union Creek

Union Creek, Oregon is the place to go if you’re searching for a one-of-a-kind camping experience. This town gives campers access to one of the most beautiful natural attractions in the United States: Crater Lake, which lies just outside of town. Learn all the ins and outs of camping in the Union Creek area of Oregon right here!

Union Creek is ideally situated as a home base from which to explore the surrounding area, with Crater Lake National Park just a short drive away. Union Creek and its surrounding area are home to many campgrounds, so you can pick one that suits your needs.

Camping Near Union Creek, Oregon

Union Creek, Oregon is the place to go if you’re searching for a one-of-a-kind camping experience.

This town gives campers access to one of the most beautiful natural attractions in the United States: Crater Lake, which lies just outside of town. Learn all the ins and outs of camping in the Union Creek area of Oregon right here!

Union Creek is ideally situated as a home base from which to explore the surrounding area, with Crater Lake National Park just a short drive away.

Union Creek and its surrounding area are home to many campgrounds, so you can pick one that suits your needs.

Camping Near Prospect Historic Hotel

The Prospect Historic Hotel sits on the brink of the Crater Lake caldera in the little community of Prospect, Oregon.

The hotel’s location on a ridge provides breathtaking panoramas of the lake and the mountains beyond. Numerous opportunities for camping, hiking, and other forms of outdoor recreation can be found in the surrounding area.

Camping spots, RV hookups, and cabins are just some of the lodging options available at this hotel.

Prospect Historic Hotel is the best spot for you to pitch a tent if you’re seeking for something out of the ordinary.

Enjoy breathtaking vistas of Crater Lake and the surrounding mountains from this hotel, which is perched on the rim of the crater where the lake is located.

Numerous opportunities for camping, hiking, and other forms of outdoor recreation are conveniently located nearby. In addition to standard rooms, guests can also stay in cabins, as well as in their tents or RVs.

Prospect Historic Hotel is ideal for both couples on a romantic weekend away and families in search of fun activities.

Faqs :

Is there an ideal time to visit Crater Lake National Park?

The park is open year-round, but the best time to visit is between June and September when the weather is warm and dry.

How do I get to Crater Lake National Park?

The closest airport is in Medford, Oregon, which is about an hour drive from the park.

What kind of camping options are available at Crater Lake National Park?

There are four developed campgrounds within the park boundaries, as well as backcountry camping.

Where can I find more information about Crater Lake National Park?

The best place to start is the park’s official website, which has detailed information about activities, accommodations, and more.

How do I make a reservation for camping at Crater Lake?

You can make a reservation for camping at Crater Lake National Park by visiting the park’s website or calling the park’s visitor center.

What are the camping fees at Crater Lake?

Camping fees at Crater Lake National Park vary depending on the type of campsite you are interested in. Tent sites start at $15 per night, while RV sites start at $30 per night. Some campsites also have an additional fee for hookups.

What amenities are available at the campsites?

Crater Lake National Park offers a variety of camping experiences, from primitive tent sites to full hook-up RV sites. Amenities vary from site to site, but all campsites have access to potable water and restrooms. Some sites also have picnic tables and fire pits.

Is there a limit to how long I can stay at the campground?

Yes, there is a limit of 14 days for camping at Crater Lake National Park

read our post on camping at sequoia national park : https://factandinfo.com/camping-sequoia-national-park/

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