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

    20 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

    22 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

    13 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. Annie Creek Road

    2 Reviews
    Fort Klamath, OR
    7 miles

    "Ample room for rvers, cooking area, picnic tables, close to park entrance"

    6. 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."

    7. 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."

    8. Forest Road 960 Campsite

    5 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"

    9. 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"

    10. 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 ."

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Dispersed Camping Reviews near Crater Lake National Park

100 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

Where can I find dispersed camping near Crater Lake National Park?

Several excellent dispersed camping options exist near Crater Lake National Park. Mount Thielsen Wilderness offers numerous dispersed sites with easy access off Highway 138 and serves as a perfect basecamp for exploring the park. Sites further up the hill provide more privacy for those with AWD vehicles. Thousand Springs Sno-Park is another popular option located about 10 miles from the park along Highway 62, featuring a large parking area suitable for trailers and vehicles. The area includes basic amenities like vault toilets and a warming shelter with a wood stove, making it a convenient overnight option when park campgrounds are full.

Is free camping available near Crater Lake National Park?

Yes, free camping is available near Crater Lake National Park. Thousand Springs offers free overnight parking about 18 minutes from Mazama Campground, making it an excellent alternative when park campgrounds are full. The large asphalt parking area accommodates multiple vehicles. USFS Rogue River Dispersed provides free camping options along a gravel road past the River Bridge Campground. Take the River Bridge turnoff from Highway 62 and follow the main road (which becomes gravel with some potholes) until you pass the paid campground and cross the bridge to find these free sites.

Can you go boondocking near Crater Lake National Park?

Absolutely! Boondocking opportunities abound near Crater Lake National Park. Jackson F. Kimball State Recreation Site offers gorgeous boondocking with access to a stunning spring, making it a peaceful overnight option. For those with RVs, Kla-Mo-Ya Casino and Travel Center provides dry camping for $10/night with a 5-night maximum stay. While not free, it offers convenient access to amenities including a c-store, restaurant, gas, propane, and diesel. The casino is smoke-free with slot machines. For true wilderness boondocking, forest roads throughout the surrounding national forests offer numerous pull-offs suitable for self-contained camping.

Where is BLM land for camping near Crater Lake Oregon?

While Crater Lake is primarily surrounded by National Forest rather than BLM land, several Forest Service dispersed camping areas offer similar experiences. Lemolo Forebay provides dispersed camping with basic amenities including fire rings, tables, and vault toilets with trash facilities. Access is via a dirt road off the main highway. Prospect OHV Dispersed Camping is another excellent option with numerous ATV trails, making it popular for off-road enthusiasts. For true BLM land, you'll need to travel further from the park, as most immediate surrounding areas are Umpqua, Rogue River, or Winema National Forests.