Camping at Crater Lake: 2 NPS Campgrounds, Rates, and 2026 Reservations

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

Crater Lake has two NPS-operated campgrounds, with 230 sites in all. In 2026, only Mazama Campground is operating: Lost Creek is closed for the entire season. Mazama offers 214 sites for tents and RVs, including 18 with electrical hookups, at $38 per night. Reservations are made through Recreation.gov, six months in advance.

Campgrounds in the park (2)

• Campground Mazama Campground first come, first served · 214 sites Directions ↗
• Campground Lost Creek Campground see NPS · 16 sites Directions ↗

Show interactive map Base map © OpenStreetMap · © CARTO

Can You Camp Inside Crater Lake National Park?

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 forest without a permit. Designated backcountry areas are the only exception.

The park remains open year-round, 24 hours a day. North Entrance Road and Rim Drive, however, close with the first snow, sometimes as early as November. Annual snowfall averages about 44 feet at park headquarters. Camping at Crater Lake is therefore a June-through-late-September activity.

Campgrounds Inside the Park

Mazama Campground

Mazama Campground is the park's main campground, located near South Entrance on Highway 62. With 214 sites, including 121 for tents only, 75 for RVs, and 18 with electrical hookups, it's the park's best-equipped option, with showers, restrooms, running water, a dump station, a store, firewood for sale, bear lockers, and internet access. RVs up to 50 feet long are allowed.

The campground generally opens in June and closes in late September, depending on how much snow remains at the sites. In 2026, the seasonal closure is set for September 25. In July and August, sites disappear within hours of the reservation window opening. Reservations through Recreation.gov are essential.

Lost Creek Campground

Lost Creek is a 16-site campground reserved exclusively for tents. It doesn't accept reservations, so sites are first come, first served, at $5 per night. Facilities are limited to vault toilets and bear lockers. In 2026, Lost Creek is closed for the entire season. Its opening each year depends on snow removal along East Rim Drive and Pinnacles Road. Check the campground's page before you travel.

RV vs. Tent: Which Site Should You Choose?

Mazama Campground is the only campground that accepts RVs, up to 50 feet long. It offers 18 sites with electrical hookups, which sets it apart from most campgrounds in the area. Generators are allowed during limited hours. Check the maximum length allowed at each site when you make your reservation on Recreation.gov. RVs aren't allowed at Lost Creek, which is also closed in 2026.

For RV travelers who want full hookups, including water, electric, and sewer, the Crater Lake RV camping guide covers options just outside the park, maximum lengths, and current rates.

Camping Near the Park: Campgrounds Outside the Boundary

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 RVs. Klamath Falls, about 37 miles south, and Medford, about 62 miles west via Highway 62, also have private campgrounds and lodging at a range of prices.

For lodges and lodging in and around the park, the Crater Lake lodging guide covers all the available options.

Dispersed Camping and Backcountry Camping

Backcountry camping is allowed in designated areas of the park with a free wilderness permit. You must obtain the permit in person at Steel Visitor Center or Rim Visitor Center, subject to nightly capacity limits. You must keep a minimum distance from the crater rim, main trails, and water sources.

Leave No Trace principles apply in full. Don't build campfires outside authorized sites, and 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 ahead on Recreation.gov. For a July or August stay, aim for the exact day the window opens. Weekend sites go within hours. Outside the peak season, in late June and early September, sites often remain available a few weeks before arrival.

Lost Creek doesn't take reservations and remains closed in 2026. Check Recreation.gov for its opening status in future seasons.

The When to Visit Crater Lake guide provides month-by-month odds of good weather, which is useful when choosing your reservation dates.

Rates: How Much Does a Night of Camping at Crater Lake Cost?

A night at Mazama Campground costs $38, regardless of site type. Lost Creek charges $5 per night but remains closed in 2026. In both cases, the park entrance fee is extra.

Park entry costs $20 to $30 per vehicle depending on the season and is valid for seven days. If you're visiting several national parks in a year, the $80 America the Beautiful pass 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 live in the park and around its campgrounds. Food-storage rules are strict. Don't leave food or scented items, including toothpaste, sunscreen, and deodorant, in your tent or vehicle. Use only the bear lockers provided at every Mazama site. Violations can result in an immediate fine.

The park sits at about 6,600 feet. Temperatures regularly drop below freezing even in midsummer, so bring a sleeping bag rated for subfreezing 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 Is Best for You?

Here's the best fit for each type of camper:

• Families or groups with gear: Mazama Campground, reserved six months ahead on Recreation.gov.
• RV travelers: Mazama for rigs up to 50 feet, including 18 sites with electricity; Crater Lake RV Park outside the park for larger rigs with full hookups.
• Lightweight hikers on a budget: Mazama Campground at $38, the only NPS campground open in 2026, or the backcountry with a free permit obtained at Steel Visitor Center.
• Peak season sold out: Stay in Klamath Falls or Medford, then visit the park for the day.

For the complete overview before you leave, see the Crater Lake guide.

Frequently Asked Questions