All-in-1 Crater Lake Camping Guide – Crater Lake Campgrounds, Reservations, Activities

An Ultimate Crater Lake Camping guide for you so that we can help you save time, money, and energy. Camping at Crater Lake can be a lifetime memorable experience, and It can become even more joyful and beautiful when you camp at Crater Lake with your loved ones. This article will include everything you need to know before camping at Crater Lake.

Visitors from all over the world come for Crater Lake camping. The Rim around the Crater is the most popular attraction while camping at Crater Lake. Reservations are open from late June or early July as soon as snow gets cleared, and it closes around early November. Some other activities you can enjoy while camping at Crater Lake are Hiking, Swimming, Fishing, and ranger programs for kids and

There are mainly two Crater Lake campgrounds, i.e., Mazama Campground and Lost Creek Campground. I will be explaining both campgrounds in brief below:

Mazama Campground is located at an elevation of 6000 ft, just inside the Annie Spring entrance to the Park area on Highway 62. Mazama Campground has around 216 campsites that can accommodate RVs, Trailers, and Tents.

Some Important points about Mazama Campground

• The campground is operated by Xanterra Parks & Resorts
• Mazama Campground opens in early June and closes in early October, depending on the weather
• Pets are allowed but should always be on a leash.
• There are a total number of 216 campsites for RVs, Trailers, and Tents.
• Max 6 people allowed per site for Crater Lake camping.
• Max 2 Vehicles allowed per campsite ( Fee for additional vehicle )

Mazama Campground Amenities and Attractions

• All sites include basic camping facilities, i.e., A picnic Table, a Campfire ring, and a bear-proof food storage box.
• Some sites also include electric hook-up facilities.
•  Some other Facilities include a Flush toilet, Piped water, Laundry, and General Store.
• They also have A Shower and a Dump station.
• Visitors to this campground can have access to the park restaurant, Adventurous hiking trails, Visitors center, Cycling, etc.

Lost Creek Campground is located in the south-eastern of the Crate Lake National Park on a Spur road that leads to Pinnacles Overlook. The campground has around 16 campsites, which are designated for Tent-camping only.

Some Important points about Lost Creek Campground

• The campground is operated by Xanterra Parks & Resorts
• Lost Creek Campground opens in early June and closes in early October, depending on the weather
• Pets are allowed but should always be on a leash.
• There is a total number of 16 campsites, and all are Designated for tent-only camping.
• Max 8 people allowed per campsite.
• Max 2 Vehicles allowed per campsite ( Fee for additional vehicle )
• Reservations are made on a first-come, first-served basis.

Lost Creek Campground Amenities and Attractions

• All sites include basic camping facilities, i.e., A picnic Table, a Campfire ring, and a bear-proof food storage box.
• Sites don’t have enough hook-up facilities.
• Some other Facilities include a Flush toilet, Piped water, Laundry, and General Store.
• They also have a Shower and a Dump station
• Visitors to this campground can have access to the park restaurant, Adventurous hiking trails, Cycling, Rim Visitor Center, scenic Crater Lake, etc.

Crater Lake Camping Reservations

• Reservations are available for 75% of campsites at Crater Lake campgrounds during July, August, and September.
• The remaining 25% are kept on a first come, first served in summer.
• Check-in time is between 12:00 PM and 9:00 PM, and Checkout time is 12:PM

Crater Lake Camping Fees

1. Mazama campground Fees

Tent Site – $21 per night (2 people) + ($3.50 per person for every additional adult)

 RV Site (No Hook-up)-$31 per night (2 people) + ($3.50 per person for every additional adult)

 RV Site (Electric Hook-ups)-$36 per night (2 people) + ($3.50 per person for every additional adult)

 RV Site (Full Hook-ups)-$42 per night (2 people) + ($3.50 per person for every additional adult)

 Walk-in campsite-$5

2. Lost Creek campground Fees

– $13 per night activities

Snowshoe Walkings

Snowshoe walks are free, Ranger-led activities open to 8-year-olds and above. It is safe for kids and quite enjoyable for adults. It is a moderate winter activity

 that can engage the whole family. Snowshoes are available for rent at the Crater Lake Camp store.

Hiking Trails

Trails like the Discovery Point trail and the Sun Notch trails are incredible for novices and beginners. Accessible to Moderate level trails are available for the Discovery Point Trail, Raven Trail, Hemlock Loop, and West Caldera Rim.

Crater lake Camping

Visitors from all over the world come for Crater Lake camping. The Rim around the Crater is the most popular attraction while camping at Crater Lake. Millions of tourists Visit Crater Lake every year. The campsites often get booked quickly, So make sure to make your reservation in Advance.

Boat tours

Boating is one of the most common activities at Crater Lake. You can rent a boat and visit the beautiful Wizard Island. Boat tours let you see the scenic beauty of the surroundings from the middle of the lake.

Bike Along Rim Drive

Rim Drive is a scenic 33-mile Route that lets you enjoy the true beauty of nature. You can enjoy the beautiful lake views and trails. You can also Park your Vehicle and go for a short Nature walk.

Hiking trails

The Park offers a lot of Hiking Trails of all levels (Easy to Moderate). There are lots of popular trails that lead you through Wild Forest and colorful fields dotted with wildflowers.

Fishing at Crater Lake

You do not need any license for fishing within the park boundaries, but there are some strict rules and regulations that need to be followed. Fishing is common among people who are looking for camping at Crater Lake.

Swimming

If you want to swim in the crystal-clear water of Crater Lake, take the Cleetwood Cove trail. The trial Leads you to the water, where you can spend the rest of your day swimming.

Conclusion

Camping at Crater Lake offers a lifetime of memorable experiences, surrounded by the beauty of the natural world. Visitors can explore the two main campgrounds, Mazama and Lost Creek, each with its unique charm. With opportunities for hiking, swimming, fishing, and ranger-led programs, there’s something for everyone.

Don’t forget to make your reservations in advance to secure your spot in this popular destination. Whether you’re gazing at the Rim around the Crater, taking a boat tour to Wizard Island, biking along Rim Drive, or enjoying the various hiking trails, Crater Lake has it all for nature enthusiasts. Experience the magic of this pristine lake and its surroundings by camping at Crater Lake, where the adventure never ends.

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Evie Carrick Evie Carrick

Evie Carrick is a writer and editor who’s lived in five countries and visited well over 50. She's skied out of a camper van in the Japanese Alps, overcome dengue fever in Indonesia, lived in a tent on a beach in Martinique, and studied yoga in India. Evie began writing for Travel + Leisure in 2019 while living in Paris. She started as a daily news writer and has since transitioned to becoming a regular contributor, covering everything from après-ski hot spots to tips for camping with your dog. Her true passion is affordable travel and travel hacks, especially when it comes to pricier destinations like Paris and Tokyo, two of her favorite cities in the world. In addition to Travel + Leisure, Evie covers travel for BuzzFeed and Outside, and was a regular contributor to Vice. She is also the editorial director for magazines in Jackson Hole, Park City, and Telluride. She splits her time between a small town outside Telluride, Colorado, and Paris, France.

• 10+ years of experience working as a writer and editor
• 5+ years of experience covering travel — specifically ski destinations, flights, travel hacks, mountain town lifestyle, and all things Japan and France
• Editor for print magazines in Jackson Hole, Park City, and Telluride
• Studied journalism at the University of Denver and publishing at New York University

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