Camping at Crater Lake: Which Campground to Choose, Reservations, and Fees
Crater Lake has two campgrounds inside the park, open from mid-June through October. The main one, Mazama Campground, accommodates tents and RVs without electrical hookups and can be reserved through Recreation.gov. The second, Lost Creek, is for tents only and operates on a first-come, first-served basis. A private campground a few miles south rounds out the options for nights when the park is full.
Campgrounds in the park (2)
- Campground Mazama Campground first come, first served · 214 sites Directions ↗
- Campground Lost Creek Campground see NPS · 16 sites Directions ↗
Base map © OpenStreetMap · © CARTO Can you camp inside Crater Lake?
Yes. The park has two official campgrounds, both on the south side. Dispersed camping is prohibited outside designated sites. You can't pitch a tent along the lake or in the woods without a permit. Designated backcountry areas are the only exception.
The park remains open year-round, 24 hours a day. However, North Entrance Road and Rim Drive close on November 1, sometimes earlier if snow arrives early. Annual snowfall averages 44 feet at the park headquarters elevation. Camping at Crater Lake is therefore a June-through-October activity.
Campgrounds inside the park
Mazama Campground
Mazama Campground is the main campground, located near South Entrance on Highway 62. With about 213 sites for tents and RVs, it's the most developed option, offering showers, flush toilets, a camp store, and laundry. No electrical, water, or sewer hookups are available.
It generally opens in mid-June and closes in mid-October, depending on the season's snowpack. In July and August, sites sell out within hours of the reservation window opening. Reserving through Recreation.gov is essential.
Lost Creek Campground
Lost Creek is a small campground with no more than about 20 sites, exclusively for tents. It operates on a first-come, first-served basis, with no reservations available. Open from July through September, it's a backup option if Mazama is full, provided you arrive early in the morning. Facilities are limited to vault toilets. There are no showers or camp store.
RV vs. tent: which site should you choose?
Only Mazama Campground accepts RVs. Generators are allowed during limited hours. Site length limits vary by loop, so check the maximum length allowed when you make your reservation on Recreation.gov. RVs aren't allowed at Lost Creek.
For RV travelers who want full hookups, the Crater Lake RV camping guide covers options with hookups just outside the park, length limits, and current fees.
Camping nearby: campgrounds outside the park
When the park is full, you have several alternatives. Crater Lake RV Park, a few miles south of West Entrance, offers full-hookup sites suitable for large rigs. The towns of Klamath Falls, about 37 miles south, and Medford, about 62 miles west via Highway 62, also offer private campgrounds and accommodations at a range of prices.
For lodges and accommodations in and around the park, the Crater Lake lodging guide covers all available options.
Dispersed camping and backcountry camping
Backcountry camping is allowed in designated areas of the park with a free wilderness permit. You can obtain one in person at Steel Visitor Center or Rim Visitor Center, subject to the number of spots available each night. You must maintain a minimum distance from the crater rim, major trails, and water sources.
Leave No Trace principles apply in full. No campfires outside authorized sites, and you must pack out all waste, including hygiene products. The Crater Lake hiking guide describes the trails leading to designated backcountry camping areas.
How and when to reserve a campsite at Crater Lake
Reservations for Mazama Campground open six months in advance on Recreation.gov. For a July or August stay, target the exact day the reservation window opens. Weekend sites sell out within hours. Outside peak season, in late June and early September, sites often remain available a few weeks before arrival.
Lost Creek doesn't take reservations. Arrive before 9 a.m. to give yourself the best chance of getting a site.
The When to Visit Crater Lake guide gives month-by-month odds of good weather, which makes it easier to choose your reservation window.
Fees: how much does a night of camping at Crater Lake cost?
A night at Mazama Campground costs $21 to $26 depending on the site type. Check the exact rate on Recreation.gov for your dates. Lost Creek is free, but the park entrance fee still applies in both cases.
Park entry costs $20 to $30 per vehicle depending on the season and is valid for seven days. If you visit several national parks during the year, the America the Beautiful pass ($80) covers unlimited entrance fees at all federal recreation sites. Crater Lake's own annual pass is available for $55. The National Park Fees & Passes page explains entrance fees and pass options.
Camping safety and best practices
Black bears frequent the park and its campgrounds. Food-storage rules are strict. No food or scented items, including toothpaste, sunscreen, and deodorant, may remain in your tent or vehicle. Use only the bear boxes provided at every Mazama site. Violations can result in an immediate fine.
The park sits at about 6,560 feet. Nights regularly drop below freezing even in midsummer, so bring a sleeping bag rated for below-freezing temperatures. Summer thunderstorms often develop in the late afternoon with little warning. The Crater Lake wildlife guide explains how to respond to the species you may encounter.
Which campground should you choose?
Here's the best fit for each type of camper:
- Family or group with gear: Mazama Campground, reserved six months in advance through Recreation.gov.
- RVer: Mazama for smaller rigs without hookups; Crater Lake RV Park outside the park for larger rigs with full hookups.
- Lightweight backpacker on a budget: Lost Creek, which is free and first-come, first-served, or backcountry camping with a free permit from Steel Visitor Center.
- Peak season is full: Stay in Klamath Falls or Medford, then visit the park for the day.
For the full overview before you go, see the Crater Lake guide.
Frequently asked questions
Can you camp at Crater Lake?
Yes. Crater Lake has two official campgrounds open from mid-June through October: Mazama Campground for tents and RVs, and Lost Creek Campground for tents only.
Which campground should you choose at Crater Lake?
For families and RVers, Mazama Campground is the obvious choice because of its amenities, including showers, a camp store, and plenty of sites. Lost Creek suits lightweight campers who are comfortable with a first-come, first-served campground.
When should you reserve a campsite at Crater Lake?
Reserve Mazama Campground six months in advance through Recreation.gov, especially for July and August. Peak-season weekend sites fill within hours of the reservation window opening.
How do you camp inside the park?
Reserve a site on Recreation.gov at Mazama, or arrive early in the morning and try your luck at Lost Creek. For backcountry camping, pick up your free permit in person at Steel Visitor Center before setting out.
How much does a night of camping at Crater Lake cost?
A night at Mazama Campground costs $21 to $26 depending on the site. Lost Creek is free. In both cases, add the park entrance fee, which ranges from $20 to $30 per vehicle depending on the season.
Are there bears at Crater Lake campgrounds?
Yes. Black bears frequent the park and its campgrounds. Storing food in bear boxes is required, and violations can result in an immediate fine.