Several cabin and RV accommodations surround Crater Lake National Park at elevations between 4,000-5,000 feet. The area features volcanic terrain with lodgepole pine forests and seasonal temperature swings. Summer nights can drop below 40°F even when daytime temperatures reach the 80s, affecting camping comfort and cabin preferences.
What to do
Trail access from campsites: Diamond Lake Campground offers excellent access to hiking and biking opportunities directly from your cabin or tent site. According to one camper, "There is a 12 mile walking/bike path around the lake that is beautiful," making it easy to explore without driving.
Fishing excursions: Rocky Point Resort provides boat rentals and guided fishing spots. A visitor reports, "I rented a boat and caught a 6 lb trout, fishing where the owner said was a likely spot." The resort offers lake access with fuel and dock facilities.
Wildlife viewing: Rustic cabins near Crater Lake provide opportunities to see local wildlife. At Crater Lake Resort, one camper noted the "Beautiful slow moving river right behind our camp site. Took the dogs for a walk and took in great views of tall pines, trout in the river and very well maintained grounds."
What campers like
Cold water refreshment: Crater Lake area cabins offer access to natural water features. At Mazama Village Campground, campers appreciate "Water from the spicket is delicious" while others enjoy the sandy beaches at nearby lakefront sites.
Night sky viewing: The remote location of cabins near Crater Lake provides exceptional stargazing. At KOA Lemolo Lake/Crater Lake North, campers report "The stars looked so nice at night, no light pollution!" making evening relaxation memorable.
Campground stores: Several cabin facilities maintain well-stocked stores. Diamond Lake RV Park includes "a small Campground store with the basic necessities" though one camper warns to "bring all necessary supplies and food. The nearest store is about an hour away."
What you should know
Seasonal closures: Most cabins and facilities near Crater Lake operate seasonally. Diamond Lake RV Park is typically open "May 15 - Oct 15" and facilities may have limited services outside peak summer months.
Reservation requirements: Even with a reservation, check-in procedures vary. At Mazama Village Campground, a visitor explains: "We had reserved four nights for a tent site and somehow, one of these factors rendered us as 'blue'. We were instructed to drive around the campground until we found an unoccupied site with a blue stripe on the post."
Insect concerns: Mosquitoes can be problematic in summer. One camper at Diamond Lake reports, "We stayed here mid June 2018, it was very quiet. The mosquito population, however, was quite thick at that time if year so cooking during the daytime wasn't as fun as we would have liked."
Water safety issues: Some lakes experience seasonal algae blooms. At Lemolo Lake, a visitor warns, "Water is not safe for dogs kids or swimming. Major mosquitos."
Tips for camping with families
Activity options: Farewell Bend Campground provides family-friendly features. A visitor notes it has a "Great play area for kids, great place to ride bikes, ice cream shop, store and restaurant within walking distance."
Educational opportunities: Ranger programs at several campgrounds offer learning experiences. Mazama Village Campground's "amphitheater is situated between the E and D loops" where evening ranger programs are held regularly.
Lake access sites: For cabin alternatives, look for lakefront tent sites. At KOA Lemolo Lake, "If you are a tent camper and want to camp here, be sure to get walk in sites 30-32 for an enjoyable stay. If you do, you'll enjoy your own private beach secluded from any neighbors on any sides."
Site selection tips: When booking cabins or sites near Crater Lake, arrival time matters. One camper observed, "The system definitely favors campers that can arrive closer to noon rather than after dinner."
Tips from RVers
Full hookup options: Diamond Lake RV Park provides complete services near Crater Lake. A visitor notes, "Nice sites set in giant fir trees with full hookups. Sites have concrete with gravel and walking distance to the lake and south shore Pizza Parlor."
Site leveling challenges: Some RV sites require additional work. One camper at Rocky Point Resort warns, "Our site was so poorly graded that achieving a level setup proved impossible, even with extensive adjustment. At one point, I had three wheels completely off the ground."
Shower facilities: Pay showers are common at campgrounds with cabins. A camper advises, "I put in my 3 quarters and didn't take more than the 4 minutes allotted, because the trickle coming out of the shower-head was rather chilly."
Campground loop selection: At Aspen Point Campground, site privacy varies by location. A visitor observed, "The sites by the lake appeared to be much larger than the ones further up the hill" making them better choices for larger rigs.
