Best Dispersed Camping near Crater Lake National Park

Crater Lake National Park, OR is a great camping destination for adventurers of all types. Discover secluded campsites where you can reconnect with nature. Or maybe you like to bring your family and friends along. Either way, there are Crater Lake National Park campgrounds just for you. Ready to plan your adventure? Check out our campgrounds near Crater Lake National Park and user-submitted reviews.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Crater Lake National Park (30)

    1. Jackson F. Kimball State Recreation Site

    19 Reviews
    Fort Klamath, OR
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (541) 783-2471

    $11 - $14 / night

    "The spring is stunning and the ground was soft and flat. Plenty of firewood around to start a cooking fire. Bugs were bad around sunset, but bug spray helped."

    "The campground is situated right next to a beautifully clear blue river and wooded hillsides—perfect for early morning serenity."

    2. Mount Thielsen Wilderness

    20 Reviews
    Diamond Lake, OR
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (541) 383-5300

    "When I visited the Crater Lake area, I was well aware that finding last minute accommodations was difficult to impossible."

    "Stayed here for 3 nights while visiting Crater Lake NP and it was the perfect basecamp.

    Easy access to the Forest Road off 138 with lots of open camp spots."

    3. Thousand Springs Sno-Park

    12 Reviews
    Crater Lake, OR
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (505) 842-3292

    "There are bathrooms and a warming shelter that has a wood stove. The park is close to Crater Lake National Park anout 10ish miles down hwy 62. Nice pretty spot that is easy to get to."

    "We drove to Mazama campground only to be told and they had just filled their last spot but that there was free overnight parking 18 minutes in each direction either by thousand springs snopark or Annie"

    4. NF-70 Dispersed Camping Near Crater Lake NP

    10 Reviews
    Diamond Lake, OR
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (541) 947-2151

    "Plenty of different types of camping spots: trailer and RV to serious offroad spots. I found a very secluded place with my 4by4 down rough road but plenty of other options."

    "It was a nice area; it was pretty easy to access, and there was lots of open space. I couldn't really hear the highway, but several trucks did drive down the dirt road."

    5. Lightning Springs Backcountry Dispersed Campsite

    1 Review
    Crater Lake, OR
    7 miles
    +1 (541) 594-3000

    "After parking right off the trail head and hiking down about 0.8 miles, you have three “established” spots to chose from."

    6. Forest Road 3237

    1 Review
    Fort Klamath, OR
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (541) 883-6916

    "Entrance across from Annie Creek Sno Park. Stay left at first fork.

    Potential for 2 spots, left spot had some ground bees."

    7. Annie Creek Road

    1 Review
    Fort Klamath, OR
    7 miles

    8. Thousand Springs

    1 Review
    Crater Lake, OR
    12 miles

    "We drove to Mazama campground only to be told and they had just filled their last spot but that there was free overnight parking 18 minutes in each direction either by thousand springs snopark or Annie"

    9. Forest Road 960 by Pacific Crest Trail PCT

    3 Reviews
    Diamond Lake, OR
    17 miles

    "There is ample room to turn around, in spite of a step climb.

    Was able to pull 15' trailer up with 4wd.

    Wide open sky for solar and starlink."

    "Lots of little camp fires scattered around the area ."

    10. Forest Road 960 Campsite

    3 Reviews
    Diamond Lake, OR
    16 miles

    "right off the highway. there’s plenty of spots open in the surrounding area. only downside is road noise"

    "there are small (4-7) dispersed sites along this forest road near Crater Lake. the size and types of sites are varied. some are great for large RVs and are pull through and others you might only get a"

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Dispersed Camping Reviews near Crater Lake National Park

92 Reviews of 30 Crater Lake National Park Campgrounds



Guide to Crater Lake National Park

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Crater Lake National Park in Oregon, where nature lovers can enjoy stunning landscapes and a sense of solitude. With various options available, campers can find the perfect spot to unwind and connect with the great outdoors.

Dispersed campers should check out Mount Thielsen Wilderness

  • This area offers a variety of sites that are easily accessible for both drive-in and walk-in campers, making it a convenient choice for all types of adventurers.
  • Campers can enjoy the freedom of having fires and bringing pets along, enhancing the overall experience at Mount Thielsen Wilderness.
  • Be cautious of potential road hazards, as some visitors have reported nails on the road, which can lead to flat tires.

Tips for free and dispersed camping near Crater Lake National Park in Oregon

  • For those looking for a quiet and scenic spot, Jackson F. Kimball State Recreation Site provides beautiful views and is close to Crater Lake, though it's essential to stock up on groceries before arriving due to limited options nearby.
  • Expect plenty of mosquitoes in the area, so bringing bug spray is highly recommended to ensure a comfortable stay at Thousand Springs Sno-Park.
  • If you're seeking a more secluded experience, NF-70 Dispersed Camping Near Crater Lake NP offers various camping spots with good cell service, perfect for those who want to stay connected while enjoying nature.

Scenic views and adventure at Forest Road 960

  • Campers can find multiple spots along Forest Road 960 by Pacific Crest Trail PCT that provide breathtaking views and ample space for relaxation.
  • The road leading to these sites is accessible for most vehicles, but a 4x4 is recommended for those venturing further up the rocky terrain.
  • This area is ideal for stargazing, with wide-open skies that allow for stunning views of the night sky, making it a perfect getaway for those who appreciate the beauty of nature.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Crater Lake National Park?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Crater Lake National Park is Jackson F. Kimball State Recreation Site with a 4.5-star rating from 19 reviews.

What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Crater Lake National Park?

TheDyrt.com has all 30 dispersed camping locations near Crater Lake National Park, with real photos and reviews from campers.