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Best Tent Camping near Crater Lake National Park

739 Reviews

Primitive tent campsites near Crater Lake National Park include established campgrounds and dispersed backcountry options. Lost Creek Campground within the national park offers tent camping in a forested setting, while Lightning Springs provides backcountry tent sites accessible by a 0.8-mile hike from the trailhead. Scott Creek Forest Camp, located outside the park boundaries, provides a more remote tent camping experience with sites situated along a creek.

Tent campsites in this region typically feature minimal facilities. According to one visitor, "The campground was nice, clean, and peaceful" with basic amenities like picnic tables at some locations. Many backcountry tent sites require self-sufficiency, as they lack potable water and other services. Vault toilets are available at established campgrounds like Scott Creek and Mill Creek, but dispersed camping areas have no facilities, requiring campers to practice proper waste disposal. Access roads to several tent-only sites are unpaved with potholes and rough sections, sometimes requiring higher-clearance vehicles. Weather conditions vary significantly by season, with snow potentially blocking access to higher-elevation tent sites until late spring.

The tent camping experience near Crater Lake offers notable seclusion and natural beauty. Many sites sit alongside creeks, providing pleasant white noise and fishing opportunities. A recent review noted, "We had the campground to ourselves! The campsites are next to a creek. It almost too good to be true." While popular during summer months, early fall brings fewer crowds to tent-only areas while maintaining good accessibility. Lightning Springs backcountry tent sites provide spectacular night sky viewing due to minimal light pollution. Forest cover at most primitive tent campgrounds offers good shade during summer heat, though mosquitoes can be abundant, particularly at creek-side locations. Limited or nonexistent cell service throughout the region means tent campers should come prepared with offline maps and emergency plans.

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Best Tent Sites Near Crater Lake National Park (55)

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Tent Camping Reviews near Crater Lake National Park

739 Reviews of 55 Crater Lake National Park Campgrounds

  • MThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 7, 2024

    Annie Creek Sno-Park

    Peaceful Camping Near Crater Lake National Park

    This campground is an excellent choice for an overnight stay when visiting Crater Lake National Park. The sites offer flat ground, making it easy to set up a tent. Although it is close to the road, it is secluded enough to provide a peaceful night's sleep. Be aware that during our visit, we encountered many hungry and persistent mosquitoes, so I highly recommend bringing insect repellent and other mosquito-prevention measures.

    The tent sites can be found by following an unpaved road downhill from the large parking lot. There are two basic restrooms located at the entrance, but there is no potable water available, so be sure to bring your own. If you don't use the entry restrooms, please practice Leave No Trace principles to keep the area clean and natural. The proximity to Crater Lake allows for convenient early morning starts to explore the park. Overall, it's a great spot for both solo travelers and families looking for a comfortable camping experience.

  • Kimmy S.
    Aug. 17, 2021

    Farewell Bend Campground

    Clean campground!

    It's a clean and large campground with flush toilet. It got some fun hiking trails around it. And it's 15 mins drive away from crater lake national park.

  • CThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 19, 2021

    Crater Lake RV Park

    Nice stop while visiting Crater Lake.

    Campsites are nestled among large pines.  Your site may not see much sun but the trees add their own warmth.

    The campground is not far from Crater Lake National Park, about 25 miles so it is conveniently located to visit the Park.

    Nice, fairly new restrooms and showers.  The campsites for the most part have good separation. 

    We ate at the pizza/brewery place across the road and it was great.

  • Tanya B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 19, 2021

    Annie Creek Sno-Park

    Fine for a night

    We spent a full day exploring Crater Lake and needed a place to stay for the night.  Since the campgrounds within the national park were closed for the season, we searched The Dyrt for a nearby place to set up camp before dark, and found nearby Annie Creek Sno-Park. It's a big parking lot with a vault toilet, a warming station with indoor picnic benches and a few fire rings outside.  There are also a few spots down by the creek, which might be fine for tent camping, but not suitable for larger vehicles.  There were several other campers when we stayed in early October, and we enjoyed watching shooting stars and roasting marshmallows together around a campfire.  Convenient location and perfectly fine for a night.

  • Ashley B.
    Sep. 27, 2018

    Union Creek Campground - Rogue River - TEMPORARILY CLOSED

    Great Campground near the Crater Lake Area

    This is a great campground only about 45 minutes from Crater Lake National Park. It is a very large campground with spots on the river, sunny spots, spots with rock fireplaces, very large spots, a wide range of spots to choose from. There was heavy smoke from nearby forest fires and fires from California that caused a lot of people to not visit the campground, making it very quiet and relaxing for those of us who did visit. Due to the smoke, I did not visit any of the nearby hiking spots but did take a photo posted on the information board. However the park is so large with many roads and paths that just walking around the park was great. There were also several people and kids riding their bikes around, I definitely recommend bringing bikes. The small village of Union Creek at the entrance had a couple restaurants, a food truck, a general store, an ice cream shoppe, and another campground. The general store sold bundles of wood for a couple bucks cheaper then the Campground Host, and the Huckleberry ice cream at the shoppe was a perfect summer treat.

    I was in spot 78. It was a large spot with the river running about 200 yards behind it. There was enough room for several tents. The path to the river, led right to a private sand bar in a slow moving part of the river. Great for families. The bathroom was also fairly close to the spot.

    The cons for this spot, the water and trash were very far away. If you were filling up anything more then a water bottle you would have to drive to fill up on water. There were also only a couple locations that had trash bins making it possible to walk to, but again if you had a large amount of trash or leaking trash bag you would have to drive.

    Overall I highly recommend this campground, especially the spots near 78.

  • Rick L.
    Feb. 13, 2018

    Odell Lake Lodge & Resort Campground

    Cold Spring and a Great Hike

    I've been to Odell twice but always seem to pick a weekend with weather that makes you want to stay in your sleeping bag!

    The campsites at Odell are a little on the smaller side and may not have the trees your looking for to hang a hammock. Not that you should if you're camping any time earlier than July!

    The southeast side of Odell can be subject to cold winds coming off the lake, so be sure to keep that rain fly up on your tent and a fleece handy. If you're feeling a little too chilly, the resort keeps a fire burning in the den.

    There are plenty of snowshoe trails around Odell as well as some hiking trails in the Diamond Peak wilderness that also connect to the PCT. The trail we took did give us a bit of elevation gain and later some nice views of the smaller peaks in the area.

    If you're planning to camp here, bring warm clothing and rain gear! It may be a bit chilly, but the nice hikes in the area make it all the more worth it to get up and get moving.

  • Dexter I.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 27, 2022

    Broken Arrow Campground

    Surprisingly cool camping in July

    We stayed in Broken arrow with our Scouts in July of 2021 and found it surprisingly cool at night for it being July. Temps dropped in the the low 30's both nights we stayed at the campground.  This is a nice large campground with paved roads and parking pads.  Restrooms with running water and showers is a big plus.  The campground sits in a nicely forested area.  Water spigots through out the campground and locations to dump your dish water.  Nice large sites with picnic tables and fire rings.  It's a short drive to Crater Lake National Park from the campground.  We were also surprised that he campground was just over half full in the middle of summer.

  • Ashley M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 29, 2020

    Joseph H. Stewart County Park

    Great State Park

    We chose an RV hookup site for our 40' coach with tow vehicle. 30 amp power but based on forecasted cold weather they had turned off the water at the sites. Potable water was available at the dump station. Free warm showers and flush toilets. However, the bathrooms are old and appear dirty and grimy (rust stains, chipped paint, etc). Great walking and bath paths at the park and close enough to visit Crater Lake National Park. Large trees within the park though it doesn't provide much privacy with camp neighbors. In late October they had reduced the open loops but there was a good mix of tent and RV campers.

  • LThe Dyrt PRO User
    May. 19, 2025

    Aspen Point (lake of The Woods, Or)

    Okay for a day or two

    There are no hookups - no electricity, no water , no dump station at sites. There appears to be a water pipe? I’m not sure… but no faucet near the site. Beautiful surroundings, we even saw several mule deer.

Guide to Crater Lake National Park

Tent camping near Crater Lake National Park in Oregon offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in stunning natural beauty while enjoying a variety of outdoor activities. With several well-reviewed campgrounds in the area, you can find the perfect spot to set up your tent and explore.

Local Activities to Enjoy

  • At Scott Creek, you can enjoy fishing and hiking along the creek, providing a peaceful escape into nature.
  • The nearby Mill Creek Campground offers access to beautiful hiking trails and fishing opportunities, making it a great base for outdoor adventures.
  • For those looking for a more secluded experience, Lost Creek Campground features stunning views and hiking trails, perfect for a quiet getaway.

Tent Camping Prices

Tips for Tent Camping Near Crater Lake National Park

  • When heading to Scott Creek, be prepared for bumpy roads; checking maps beforehand can help you choose the best route.
  • Bring plenty of water and supplies to Mill Creek Campground, as there are no drinking water facilities available.
  • If you choose Lost Creek Campground, remember that it’s a remote area with no cell service, so plan accordingly for your communication needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is dispersed camping allowed at Crater Lake National Park?

Dispersed camping is not generally allowed throughout Crater Lake National Park, but the park does offer designated backcountry camping opportunities. Lightning Springs Backcountry Dispersed Campsite provides three established dispersed spots that are marked with plaques but are fully rustic in nature. These sites require a backcountry permit from the park and are reached via a 0.8-mile hike from the parking area. For true dispersed camping, you'll need to venture outside park boundaries into the surrounding national forests.

Where are the best tent camping spots in Crater Lake National Park?

The best tent camping option within Crater Lake National Park is Lost Creek Campground, located in a heavily forested area about halfway up the mountain. Despite being accessed via a small gravel road with some potholes, it's navigable with standard vehicles. For those seeking a more primitive experience, Lightning Springs Backcountry Dispersed Campsite offers three established backcountry spots accessible after a 0.8-mile hike from the trailhead. These rustic sites are marked with plaques but offer a true wilderness experience within the park boundaries.

What alternative camping options are available near Crater Lake when park campgrounds are full?

When Crater Lake campgrounds fill up, several excellent alternatives await nearby. Twin Lakes offers an ideal location with easy access to Crater Lake and activities throughout the Rogue River valley. Mill Creek Campground provides a peaceful forest setting along a creek, with picnic tables and fire pits at each site. For groups, Steamboat Ball Field and Pavilion Group Site offers spacious accommodations. Budget-conscious campers should check out Scott Creek, a free campground with vault toilets but requiring you to bring your own water.

What amenities are available at Lost Creek Campground in Crater Lake?

Lost Creek Campground offers basic but adequate amenities for tent campers. Each campsite includes a picnic table and fire ring with flat areas suitable for tent setup. The campground is located in a heavily wooded area providing natural shade and privacy. Though slightly remote with access via a gravel road with some potholes, the natural setting compensates for the rustic facilities. The campground provides vault toilets but no showers or hookups. Bring your own water as there are no water hookups available.

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