Camping Near Crater Lake National Park
Oregon | Established 1902
About Crater Lake National Park
Crater Lake National Park protects 183,224 acres centered on the deepest lake in the United States at 1,943 feet. Mazama Village Campground (214 sites, 7 miles from Rim Village) is the park's primary campground, operating mid-June through early October. Tent sites cost $23 per night, electric sites $34 per night, and full hookup sites $38 per night. Lost Creek Campground offers 16 tent-only sites at $10 per night on a first-come basis, accessible only when East Rim Drive is open (typically July through September).
The 33-mile Rim Drive encircles the lake with over 30 scenic overlooks. Annual snowfall averages 43 feet, keeping most roads closed from October through June. Only the south entrance via Highway 62 remains open year-round for day visits, but no winter camping is available. The Cleetwood Cove Trail (1.1 miles, steep) provides the only legal access to the lake shore and serves as the trailhead for boat tours to Wizard Island.
Camping Tips for Crater Lake
- Reserve Mazama Village through Recreation.gov for July and August stays. The 214 sites include tent ($23/night), electric ($34/night), and full hookup ($38/night) options. First-come availability opens when the campground opens in mid-June.
- Lost Creek Campground (16 tent sites, $10/night, first-come) is the quieter alternative but requires East Rim Drive to be open, typically July through September. No water is available at Lost Creek.
- Average annual snowfall is 43 feet. Most roads close October through June. Only Highway 62 to Rim Village stays open year-round. No camping is available in winter.
- Pets are allowed at campsites and on roads but are prohibited on all trails, including Cleetwood Cove Trail (the only lake access). Plan accordingly if traveling with dogs.
- Rim Drive (33 miles) typically opens fully in late June or July depending on snow clearing. Check road conditions at 541-594-3000 before visiting in June or September.
RV Parks & Campgrounds Near Crater Lake National Park
161.Golden Acred Ridge Estate
Golden Acred Ridge Estate is a campground located in Beatty, Oregon, offering a peaceful retreat in a scenic rural setting. The property provides a comfortable camping experience...
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162.Huntley Park
Huntley Park is a campground located in Gold Hill, Oregon, offering a convenient base for exploring the scenic Rogue Valley region. The campground provides camping facilities for...
Show more163.Abbott Creek Campground
The Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest is one of the most diverse in the National Forest System. For the recreation enthusiast they offer unparalleled opportunities to pursue a...
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164.Dry Creek (community)
Dry Creek Campground is located in Idleyld Park, Oregon, offering a convenient camping destination in the scenic Umpqua River area. This campground provides a range of amenities...
Show more165.Neal Springs Campground
Neal Springs Campground is a peaceful campground located in Trail, Oregon, offering a great base for exploring the natural beauty of the region. The campground provides a...
Show more166.Deer Flat Group Campground
Deer Flat Group Campground is located in Idleyld Park, Oregon, offering a scenic camping experience in the beautiful Pacific Northwest. This group-oriented campground provides...
Show more167.Lower Buck Creek Campground
Lower Buck Creek Campground is a scenic campground located near Silver Lake, Oregon, offering a peaceful retreat in the heart of Oregon's natural landscape. This campground...
Show more168.Hemlock Lake Campground
Hemlock Lake Campground is a scenic camping destination located in Klamath Falls, Oregon. The campground offers a peaceful retreat for visitors looking to enjoy the natural beauty...
Show more169.Fish Lake Doe Point Campground
Fish Lake Doe Point Campground is a scenic campground located in Eagle Point, Oregon, offering a peaceful retreat for outdoor enthusiasts. Situated near Fish Lake, this campground...
Show moreShowing 161–169 of 169 campgrounds within 50 miles
Frequently Asked Questions
What campgrounds are inside Crater Lake National Park?
Crater Lake has two campgrounds: Mazama Village (214 sites, $23-38/night depending on hookups, mid-June through early October) and Lost Creek (16 tent-only sites, $10/night, first-come, July through September). Mazama has showers, a dump station, and a camp store.
Mazama Village sits 7 miles south of Rim Village at about 6,000 feet elevation. It offers tent sites, electric-only sites (30 amp), and full hookup sites (water, electric, sewer). Maximum RV length is 50 feet. Lost Creek is in the southeast area of the park, accessible only when East Rim Drive is clear of snow. It has pit toilets and no water. Group sites at Mazama accommodate 12 to 40 people.
When does Rim Drive open and close?
Rim Drive (33 miles around the lake) typically opens fully between late June and mid-July, depending on snow conditions. The road usually closes by late October when snow returns. Plowing begins in spring but the park receives an average of 43 feet of snow annually.
East Rim Drive opens later than West Rim Drive due to deeper snowdrifts. Check the park website or call 541-594-3000 for current road conditions. Even in summer, snow can linger on the north side of the rim into July. The road has no guardrails in many sections with steep drop-offs. Pullouts at over 30 overlooks provide lake views. Cycling Rim Drive is popular but the road is narrow with no bike lane.
Can I swim in Crater Lake?
Swimming is allowed only at the bottom of Cleetwood Cove Trail, the sole legal lake access point. The water temperature ranges from 38 to 60 degrees even in summer. There is no beach; swimmers enter from rocks. The 1.1-mile trail descends 700 feet and is steep on the return.
No lifeguards are present. The water is exceptionally clear due to no inflowing streams and a depth of 1,943 feet. Cold water shock is a real danger; enter slowly. The trail is the steepest maintained trail in the park. It typically opens in late June or July depending on snow. Jumping or diving from cliffs is prohibited. The same trailhead serves boat tour passengers heading to Wizard Island.
Are boat tours to Wizard Island available?
Boat tours are currently closed for facility renovations at Cleetwood Cove and are not expected to resume until the renovation is complete. When operating, tours depart from the bottom of Cleetwood Cove Trail and offer lake cruises and Wizard Island drop-off options.
Check the park website for the latest update on boat tour availability. When running, tours typically operate from late June through mid-September. The standard lake cruise takes about two hours. Wizard Island drop-off allows visitors to explore the 763-foot cinder cone for several hours before a return boat. The Cleetwood Cove Trail must be hiked both ways regardless of which tour option you choose.
Can I bring my dog to Crater Lake campgrounds?
Dogs on a leash of six feet or shorter are allowed at Mazama Village and Lost Creek campgrounds, on paved roads, and in parking areas. Dogs are prohibited on all trails, including Cleetwood Cove Trail, and in the backcountry.
The trail restriction means dogs cannot access the lake shore or any hiking trail in the park. For hiking with dogs near Crater Lake, Umpqua National Forest and Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest surrounding the park allow leashed dogs on most trails. Pet boarding is available in Klamath Falls (about 60 miles south). Never leave dogs unattended in vehicles, as even summer temperatures at 6,000 feet can fluctuate dramatically.
What is the entrance fee for Crater Lake?
The entrance fee is $30 per vehicle for a seven-day pass from May through October. Winter entrance (November through April) is $20 per vehicle. Motorcycles cost $25 in summer. An annual Crater Lake pass costs $55.
The America the Beautiful pass ($80) covers all federal recreation sites including Crater Lake. Entrance fees are collected at the south entrance on Highway 62 (open year-round) and the north entrance on Highway 138 (open summer only). Winter visitors can access Rim Village for day use only; no camping is available from October through June.
What should I pack for camping at Crater Lake?
Pack warm layers and rain gear regardless of season. Summer nighttime temperatures drop into the 30s and 40s at 6,000 feet. A sleeping bag rated to at least 30 degrees is recommended. Afternoon thunderstorms are common in July and August.
The high elevation (6,000 feet at Mazama) creates cool conditions even in summer. Daytime highs reach 60 to 75 degrees in July and August, but mornings and evenings are cold. Mosquitoes can be heavy from late June through early August near standing water. Bring insect repellent. Sunburn is a risk at elevation; bring SPF 30+ sunscreen. The camp store at Mazama has limited groceries, firewood, and ice. Stock up on supplies in Medford or Klamath Falls before entering the park.
When is the best time to visit Crater Lake?
July through September offers the best weather with clear skies, full road access, and all facilities open. July and August are warmest (60-75 degrees) but busiest. September has thinner crowds, cooler temperatures, and full Rim Drive access until snow returns in October.
June visits are risky because Rim Drive and Lost Creek may still be closed by snow. October brings the first winter storms and campground closures. Winter visits (November through May) offer dramatic snow-covered scenery but only the south entrance stays open and no camping is available. The clearest lake views occur on calm summer mornings before afternoon clouds build. The park averages only 80 fully clear days per year.
Quick Facts
- Entrance Fee
- $30/vehicle (7 days)
- Best Time to Visit
- July – September
- Nearest Town
- Prospect, OR, Fort Klamath, OR, Chiloquin, OR
- Elevation
- 5,069 – 8,929 ft
- Park Size
- 183,224 acres
- Annual Visitors
- ~1.2 million