Getting Around Crater Lake: Access, Entrances, Shuttles, and Parking

By Victoria Boissonade · Data: National Park Service · ← Complete guide Crater Lake

Crater Lake is primarily a driving destination. No shuttle is required, and Rim Drive, the 33-mile loop around the caldera, remains the main way to see the park. In July and August, a free shuttle eases pressure on parking lots without taking away the flexibility of having a car.

The roads from Medford, Klamath Falls, and Eugene, along with the park's three entrances and their seasonal access, are covered in the Crater Lake Access Guide. For entrance fees and annual passes, see the National Parks Fees & Passes page.

Getting Around the Park

By Car

Rim Drive is the backbone of any visit. Two sections, West Rim Drive and East Rim Drive, form a 33-mile loop around the caldera at an average elevation of 6,900 feet. The speed limit is 35 mph. About 20 overlooks line the route. Allow two hours of driving time, and twice that if you regularly get out of the car, which is what most visitors do.

Both sections close on November 1 each year, sometimes earlier if an early storm moves in. Park crews begin clearing snow in April, but opening may be delayed until late May or early June depending on the winter's snowfall. Check the NPS website before setting out between April and June.

By Shuttle

During the peak season, in July and August, the park operates a free shuttle along the busiest routes, including stops near the harder-to-access parking areas along Rim Drive. The goal is to ease congestion in full parking lots, not to replace a car for exploring the park. No shuttle is available outside the peak season.

By Bike

Rim Drive is open to cyclists. It is a demanding ride: 33 miles above 6,500 feet, with substantial cumulative elevation gain and narrow shoulders in places. Set out early, before the traffic picks up. The road is not lit at night.

Where to Park: Parking Lots and Overnight Parking

Rim Village: The park's main parking area sits below Crater Lake Lodge and the visitor center. In July and August, it fills up before 10 a.m. Arrive before 9 a.m. to find a spot without circling.

Overnight parking at Rim Village (Rim Village Overnight Parking) is reserved for lodge guests. If you're not staying there, you can't spend the night in your car.

Cleetwood Cove: The only access to the lake's shore starts at this parking area, at the trailhead for Cleetwood Cove Trail. Space is limited. The summer shuttle can drop you off there from Rim Village if you'd rather avoid the parking crunch.

Mazama Village: This spacious parking area at the South Entrance is convenient for RV travelers or as a starting point for the south side of Rim Drive. The park's gas station is here as well.

Rim Drive pullouts: About 20 informal pullouts line the loop. Some fit only two or three vehicles. Parking is included with the entrance fee, with no additional charge.

Distances and Travel Times Between Areas

The park is compact, but photo stops and hikes add up quickly. Set aside a full day for a thorough visit. The Crater Lake Itinerary Guide offers a sector-by-sector plan.

Special Cases: RVs, Vans, Accessibility, and Pets

RVs and camper vans. Most vehicles can drive Rim Drive. Very large RVs may have trouble at some narrow overlooks or on tight curves. Mazama Campground has sites with electrical hookups. Check with the park for current length restrictions.

Visitors with limited mobility. Rim Village and Sinnott Memorial Overlook, the main overlook of the caldera, are wheelchair accessible. Most Rim Drive overlooks can be reached directly from a vehicle. Cleetwood Cove Trail, however, drops about 650 feet over 1.1 miles on uneven terrain, so it is not recommended for visitors with limited mobility.

Pets. Dogs are allowed on paved roads and in parking areas, but not on trails, including Cleetwood Cove Trail. Never leave a dog alone in a vehicle parked in direct sun. Even at 6,900 feet, the interior can reach dangerous temperatures within minutes.

Practical Transportation Tips: Fuel, Cell Service, and Apps

Fuel. The park's only gas station is in Mazama Village, and it is open from June through early October. Outside that period, or if you're entering through the North Entrance, fill up before you arrive. The nearest station may be 19 to 25 miles away.

Cell service. Coverage is nearly nonexistent inside the park. A few high points along Rim Drive get intermittent service, but you can't rely on it for navigation or calls.

Offline navigation. Download maps of the area from Google Maps or Maps.me, along with the official NPS map, before leaving the last area with service. The free NPS app lets you view park information without a connection.

Road closures. Outside July through September, check road conditions on the NPS website before setting out. The Crater Lake Weather Guide explains seasonal conditions and how they affect travel.

Frequently Asked Questions