Annie Creek Sno-Park sits at approximately 5,500 feet elevation on the southern approach to Crater Lake National Park, with summer temperatures typically ranging from 45-85°F. The location offers dispersed camping 20 minutes from the park entrance in ponderosa pine forest. Roads are generally accessible to standard vehicles from late spring through fall but winter access requires snow vehicles or appropriate equipment.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Scott Creek Campground provides access to creek fishing in a secluded setting away from crowds. "There is a neat little creek right by the campsites. It's a little ways off the main road and feels a bit secluded," explains one Scott Creek visitor.
Hiking options: The Williamson River Campground connects to hiking trails leading to nearby attractions. "There is a 1.3-mile trail that hooks up with Collier Campground," notes a camper. Another visitor at Williamson River Campground adds that you can find "a short hike following the river which was great."
Watersports access: Diamond Lake offers paddling options just north of Crater Lake National Park. "The water was pure and clean," states one camper. A visitor to Diamond Lake explains that "we came here late on a holiday weekend without a reservation and still got a cool spot," making it accessible even during busy periods.
What campers like
Affordability: Thousand Springs Sno-Park provides free camping with basic amenities near the park's south entrance. "Note that free overnight parking without a sno-park parking permit is only permitted between May 1 and November 14," advises a visitor to Thousand Springs Sno-Park.
Stellar night skies: Collier Memorial State Park offers excellent stargazing opportunities. "We loved this campsite. There were fire pits available for use at the sites. We were able to see soooo many stars in the sky!!" exclaims one visitor to Collier Memorial State Park.
Secluded camping spots: Mount Thielsen Wilderness provides more remote options for those seeking solitude. "Great spot, free, and accessible," reports a camper. "This campground is remote so if you are looking to be alone, this is the place," confirms another Mount Thielsen Wilderness visitor.
What you should know
Weather preparation: Summer temperatures can drop significantly at night even in July. "It was pretty cold, even though I went in late June! It was snowing at the campsite but didn't stick," reports a visitor to Mount Thielsen Wilderness.
Wildlife considerations: Chipmunks are prevalent and can be problematic at some campgrounds. "The chipmunks are everywhere and will steal food. Our dog was quite annoyed," warns a camper at Collier Memorial State Park.
Road conditions: Many dispersed areas require driving on rough forest roads. "We attempted to camp here for the night but after finally making it about a minute away from the mapped location we decided to turn back to find literally anything else. The drive in is a very bumpy road requiring you drive about 5 mph," cautions a visitor about Scott Creek.
Tips for camping with families
Educational opportunities: Collier Memorial State Park features a logging museum perfect for kids. "Down the easy 1mi. trail along the spring creek, they have a super cool old pioneer village and lumber museum. It's full of olde tyme cabins and era timber industry tools and equipment."
Pet-friendly facilities: Jackson F. Kimball State Recreation Site offers options for families with pets near Crater Lake. "This an an absolute beautiful site to be at," notes a camper at Jackson F. Kimball State Recreation Site, adding that while sites are "close to your fellow campers," there are "forest roads all over" where you can find more private spots with pets.
Plan for bugs: Most campgrounds report mosquito issues during summer. "Just remember your bug spray and long clothes!" advises a camper at Diamond Lake, while another notes "Only downside is it results in an abundance of mosquitos, like so so many."
Tips from RVers
Site selection: NF-70 dispersed area accommodates larger RVs but requires advance scouting. "We are full-timers and have a 36 ft Class A with a Cherokee Trailhawk tow and had scouted the area before arriving with the RV," explains a camper at NF-70. "NF-70 is gravel and in pretty good shape, i.e., no potholes, but is heavily washboarded. This wasn't an issue for the Cherokee, but with a stiffer suspension, I had to limit the RV speed to less than 7 mph."
Services availability: Diamond Lake offers the best facilities for RVs in the immediate area. "Dry camping but there is water to fill up a tank and a dump station and showers," explains a visitor. The campground also features reasonable rates: "Only $16 per night!"
Connectivity considerations: Cell service varies widely across the region. An RVer at NF-70 reports: "AT&T service was fair with 1-2 bars of LTE and speeds up to about 7 MB/s," while at Diamond Lake, a camper notes "Cell service is decent with around 10-16 Mbps. I have Verizon and Att."
