SUMMER SALE 50% off The Dyrt PRO — just $2.49/moGet now
SALE: PRO just $2.49/mo
The Dyrt – find campgrounds for tents, RVs, cabins, glamping and more.
Open in App
Map showing campground location near Crater Lake, Oregon
Camper submitted image from Lightning Springs Backcountry Dispersed CampsiteView 6 Photos
NatureMap showing campground location near Crater Lake, Oregon

Lightning Springs Backcountry Dispersed Campsite

1 ReviewAdd Review
SUMMARY PRESENTED BYT-Mobile

Reaching Lightning Springs requires a 0.8-mile hike from the trailhead, dropping into a forested area with three marked dispersed sites. No fires are permitted here. The middle site is the largest and has accommodated groups of five. Tree cover provides some wind protection, and water flows along the Lightning Springs Trail. Campers visiting in early October found the area uncrowded, consistent with ranger recommendations to avoid summer crowds. Free camping around Crater Lake National Park follows a similar no-frills pattern. This site works best for backpackers comfortable with rustic, leave-no-trace conditions.

Suggest an Edit

RV Road Trip Guides

Pacific Coast Road Trip

19 Day Pacific Coast Highway Road Trip

Pacific Coast Road Trip Segment: Astoria, OR to Brookings, OR

Astoria to Brookings: 4 Day Road Trip

Build Your Trip

Plan a TripAdd

Map & DirectionsLightning Springs Backcountry Dispersed Campsite is located in Oregon near Crater Lake

Detail location of campground
Dispersed Camping

Coordinates

42.93378020890994 N
122.18047770957725 W

Open in Google Maps

Connectivity

Presented byT-MobileT-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoorsLearn More
  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile
    Possible Coverage
    Verified by 11 users
    Last on 7/30/26
  • signal strength bars
    Verizon
    No Coverage
    Verified by 1 user
    Last on 7/30/26
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T
    No Coverage

Connectivity

Presented byT-MobileT-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoorsLearn More
  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile
    Possible Coverage
    Verified by 11 users
    Last on 7/30/26
  • signal strength bars
    Verizon
    No Coverage
    Verified by 1 user
    Last on 7/30/26
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T
    No Coverage

Access

  • Walk-In
    Park in a lot, walk to your site.
  • Hike-In
    Backcountry sites.

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • Dispersed

Features

For Campers

  • Alcohol
  • Pets

DISPERSED CAMPING

Enjoy dispersed camping on government land and leave no trace. Pack in and pack out. No (or limited) services at this camping area. Permit may be required.

Contact

General Info

Drive Time

2026 Explorer Giveaway

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win

Oregon Contest

Enter to Win

Reviews1 Camper Review - Lightning Springs Backcountry Dispersed Campsite

Add Review

5 Stars

4 Stars

3 Stars

2 Stars

1 Star

100%
0%
0%
0%
0%

5.0

out of 5

1 Review

Reviewed Oct. 11, 2024

Quiet Spot with Incredibe Views

After parking right off the trail head and hiking down about 0.8 miles, you have three “established” spots to chose from. I say established in quotations because they are marked with plaques but are all the way rustic sites. The middle sight is definitely the biggest and is where me and four others stayed for two nights. This is a very busy national park in the summer months but going the first week of October (as suggested by the ranger) made it so that we were the only ones in this area. We did have a couple backpackers stop for the night at the first site but other than that is was really quite. The lightning springs trail itself is incredibly long and we only went to where water was flowing so that we could fill up. We opted to hike out the first day and then drive to the Watchman Lookout Trail head and do that one first. It was only 0.8 miles long but I believe a 400 foot elevation change. Absolutely incredibly view. After that we drove north and did the Cleetwood Cove Trail which was around a mile with a 600 foot elevation change. This allows you to get right next to the water. Both hikes we semi challenging but well worth it. While the backcountry campsites do not allow fires, there are other location around Rim Village that have established sites that you can. When we went it was a little colder and windy but the tree coverage offered some shielding from that. There are plenty of other longer hikes as well in the area and other established sites if you are looking to have a more traditional camping experience. The Rim Village center was open and we were able to get a meal and visit the gift shop as well as go farther south and get our NPP stamped. Definitely recommend checking the NP website to see what is opened and closed as well as fire bans. We were lucky that the entire loop was open and got to drive all the way around the second day. While not directly at these sites, there are trash and bathroom areas really close. Really all around incredible views and an incredible weekend stay.

Month of VisitOctober
  • Review photo of Lightning Springs Backcountry Dispersed Campsite by Jeffrey P., October 11, 2024
  • Review photo of Lightning Springs Backcountry Dispersed Campsite by Jeffrey P., October 11, 2024
  • Review photo of Lightning Springs Backcountry Dispersed Campsite by Jeffrey P., October 11, 2024
  • (6) View All
Showing results 1-1 of 1 reviews

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the best time of year to camp at Lightning Springs in Crater Lake?

The optimal time to camp at Lightning Springs is during summer and early fall (July through September) when the Crater Lake area has milder temperatures and trails are typically clear of snow. Winter brings heavy snowfall that makes the area inaccessible, while spring often features lingering snow and muddy conditions. Check current conditions before planning your trip, as weather at Crater Lake's elevation can be unpredictable even during peak season.

What amenities are available at Lightning Springs Campground?

Lightning Springs Backcountry Dispersed Campsite is a rustic, primitive camping experience with minimal amenities. The site features three established backcountry spots marked with plaques. There are no facilities such as running water, toilets, electricity, or trash collection. Campers need to pack in all necessary supplies and pack out all waste. These sites are designed for self-sufficient backcountry campers who appreciate a true wilderness experience in Crater Lake National Park.

Do I need a reservation for Lightning Springs Campground at Crater Lake?

Yes, a backcountry camping permit is required for Lightning Springs. These permits are issued by Crater Lake National Park and should be obtained before your trip. Since Lightning Springs has only three designated sites, securing your permit early is highly recommended, especially during peak summer months. Contact the park's backcountry office for current permit procedures and availability. Always check with park officials for the latest regulations before planning your backcountry camping trip.

Where is Lightning Springs Campground located in Crater Lake National Park?

Lightning Springs Backcountry Dispersed Campsite is accessible via a trailhead within Crater Lake National Park. The three established camping spots are located approximately 0.8 miles down the trail from the parking area. The middle site is the largest of the three options. The campsite is situated in a wilderness setting that requires a short hike to access, offering a secluded experience away from the more developed areas of the park.

Keep Exploring