Best Cabin Camping near Crater Lake, OR

For us, Umpqua’s Last Resort was, well, a last resort! This was all about location for us. Close to the North Umpqua? Check. Camping Cabin? Check. Available? Check. Expensive? Nope. It worked, but there is nothing fancy about this place. It is fairly small, was definitely quiet, had lots of blackberries ready to pluck, and has a little store down the road where we were able to get what we needed. The cabin was fine, but the shower house had seen better days. Trails and creeks were accessible from the property and it is in the neighborhood for a great day rafting, fun swimmin’ holes and Crater Lake National Park. In 2015, cell reception was spotty.

The campsite was great, the views of the lake were stunning, minutes from crater lake NP. Be prepared to fend off mosquitoes if you're going in the summer! The showers and bathrooms were clean and well maintained.

Not quite my style of camping with hot showers and flushing toilets but I understand that with the site being along the PCT some people would be in heaven there. The sites are all very close and not very secluded. 

The wildlife in the campsite was awesome for my 2yr old. They campground was very clean as were the  restrooms. Trails were well maintained and so many options. 7 miles from Crater Lake Rim Village.

Great location minutes from Crater Lake. We walked in with no reservation and easily found a spot. They have some electric hook ups but we took a dry spot(same price, $31.00). Many pull through. Bathrooms and free showers. Store, gas station. Picnic tables and fire pits at every spot. My only gripe was since the campsites are so large you get lots of families utilizing one spot so it gets really loud once everyone gets back from day excursions. We had 2-3 families in one spot next to us with 4-5 screaming kids riding their scooters around until dark. So perhaps look for a spot that doesn’t have 8-10 chairs around it if you’re looking for a quiet spot.

This is a cute little campground, only a few miles from crater lake. We stayed here on our way through while we were exploring the crater. It has both RV and tent sites. All the ones I saw looked nice and flat and not too close to other people. The campground has a store, showers, food storage lockers, and a gas station. Everything you need really. 

Like usual when we camp, we didn’t spend a whole lot of time at the campground. I would definitely recommend hitting Garfield peak trail and Cleetwood cove trail. They had some beautiful views of the crater. The area has some amazing hikes that range from easy to super hard, so it is something for everyone.

Saturday night I pulled up to Crater Lake… It was the most beautiful thing I had ever seen and even looking at the pictures I took during my time there I can’t believe it was real! The amazing thing about Crater Lake is that if you sit in front of it for any amount of time the entire thing changes. The colors, the way the clouds reflect on the lake, parts start to look like glass while other parts look frozen. It was unlike anything I have ever seen. The first night we pulled up the water was a deep navy with areas of purple and even darker blue. The next morning we pulled up and the blue was so bright and intense I couldn’t take my eyes off of it. When visiting Crater Lake you have to take the drive around the Rim and see the lake from every angle, it is so worth it, and you have to take the hike down to the lake. Remember that you are at a much higher altitude than you are probably used to, so bring water, and pace yourself if you don’t hike much (especially on the way back up!) Make sure you at least touch the water, put your feet in it, your hands, your face! The water is so clear, so refreshing, and everyone wants to say that they put their hands in a body of water so majestic.

The campsite is about 7 miles from Crater Lake, a short drive, and honestly a great campsite! People complain about the dust, but I got much dustier on my hike down to Crater Lake than I did at the campsite. We paid for one of the small sites and had two 3 man tents and a hammock set up in it. We also had room for our jeep, had a picnic table, and a great little fire pit that even had a rack that we used to make popcorn and and corn on the cob. Once we set up camp we spent the evening eating and drinking warm drinks around the campfire (firewood can be purchased from the same area where you check in, and you must get firewood on site and not bring your own) , gazing at the amazing sky full of stars and the Milky Way, and as bundled up as possible! It was about 32 degrees by midnight and extra layers of down were much appreciated.

The freezing cold weather is where my Rumpl Iron Puffy became much appreciated! (http://www.gorumpl.com/collections/puffy-rumpls/products/iron-puffy) I was able to cuddle up in this blanket by the campfire and all of my friends were jealous! I got this blanket from my Cairn Obsidian box, which I got with my giftcard from the July Dyrt contest! I’ve cuddled in this blanket on every camping trip I’ve taken since, but especially appreciated it in the very cold Crater Lake National Park.

All in all I would highly recommend Crater Lake, and the Mazama Village Campground. Its pretty quiet, has bathrooms on site, and everyone is so in awe from Crater Lake that they can’t possibly be in a bad mood!

Campground review

Mazama village campground is located just inside the south entrance to Crater lake national park, about 5 or so miles from the rim.

Mazama village is a very large campground with cabins, a motor lodge and 7 loops with about 30 sites per loop. Each loop has flushing toilets and running water in the gender specific restrooms, and water bibs as well. Each site has a bear box, fire pit, table, and some have RV power hookups. They don't seem to have dish water troughs though.

What I found strange was the check-in process. I made reservations months in advance, but when I arrived; it wasn't a specific site I reserved, but a chance to choose a site. Sites are allocated by RV and tents; by size. There is only one loop, E that is specifically for smaller tents, so I was forced to choose from only 5 sites. I was able to luck out and find a decent site with shade and some privacy, as it was hot and dry and a lot of the sites did not offer much for privacy.

Upon entering the campgrounds you find the Annie creek restaurant and gift shop, I had chili and cornbread for dinner and wasn't too impressed with it for the price. There is also a general store, fuel pump, laundry mat and pay showers. You can also make bookings for tours and other activities at the general store.

Crater lake itself was amazing and there were tons of hikes and activites to take advantage of around the rim. It is a drive though, getting from the campground to points of interest on the rim, luckily the vistor center is the first thing you come across as you head up the west rim drive. There they also have a little gift shop and info on the national park.

On my last night in the campground I was exhausting my options for hikes and had been trying to find the nearby Annie creek trail. I ended up walking through the campgrounds and found the trail head behind the amplitheter; that happens to hold church service on Sunday. The trail was pretty sweet, it is a 2 mi. loop and either direction you start it's quite a drop into the gorge to a creek oasis running through the middle. It was quite a treat to find as the sun was going down on my final night.

All said, it was an okay campground not the best I've stayed in, but I made the most of it and had an amazing time visiting my own states national park; Crater lake.

Product review

As a Ranger for The Dyrt I get the chance to test and review outdoor gear from time to time. This is my testing and review for the Baltoro 65 ruck sack from https://www.gregorypacks.com/

https://www.gregorypacks.com/backpacking/premium/baltoro-65/916BAL65.html?dwvar_916BAL65_color=Onyx%20Black&cgidmaster=#q=baltoro+65&start=1

Let me start by saying this pack is AWESOME! I have never been able to afford such a quality pack in the past and have always had an inexpensive pack. I am amazed at the difference in quality when it comes to a true backpacking pack made by a reputable company.

I have always been a big guy and after hurting my knee many years ago, I never found the inspiration to start real backpacking. For the past 10 years I have been building my gear box and moving more toward lighter and more quality gear. With the help of TheDyrt and Gregory as well as other fine outdoor companies; I have finally rounded out my gear especially with this pack being the final touch. I now feel I have the confidence, gear, and with growing experince to tackle harder, longer and steeper treks.

I received this pack just before my road trip to Crater lake. I tested it a few times before my departure and then many times while on the way to the park. I kept if full, around 40+ lbs. on all hikes, including 11 mi. on the Diamond view lake trail, Rosary lakes PCT section trail and the Howlock mtn. trail at Diamond lake. Then to top off the week; 5 mi. up Mt. Scott at Crater Lake. I was amazed at how good it felt and how well it handled the weight. It was real nice with all the adjustments that can be made, to make it fit me perfectly and make it actually comforable to carry.

Other features I like include:The zipper front that allows you access to the main ruck sack compartment w/o having to open the top. This way you can get to items on the bottom of the pack without having to remove the others on top. Another feature is the removable water bladder holder that can be used as a daypack/hydration pack when you don't want to take your full pack on a small jaunt. I also like the water botlle holder that is stowable and has a shockcord(like the trekking pole holders) that helps keep the bottle from falling out.

The quality of this pack is unreal, the ripstop holds up to branches, the zippers are strong with good loop pulls. All the materials used seem to be of high quality and were put together very well. I look forward to many adventures with this pack as I feel it will last me quite a while. It will help motivate me to go further and tackle harder, longer trails and stay out for more nights now that I can carry everything I need and with such ease.

I highly recommend this pack to anyone and everyone, I don't know what else someone could ask for from a backpack. Great job Gregory!

I have never camped here, as I don’t believe they tent or RV sites. However they do have a variety of lodging options from rustic cabins to more upscale suites. I’ve eaten at the restaurant many times. It’s truly a world class gem hidden in rural Oregon on the beautiful North Umpqua. You could write a book about this majestical stretch of the North Umpqua from Glide, Or on the way to Crater Lake. So worth the drive, or staying a few nights at the many campgrounds along the way. If you’re in the area, definitely make a stop at Steamboat Inn!

Charming full service camp ground on a quaint little river. 23 miles south of the actual Crater Lake. Bucolic, peaceful, quiet. Forget Wi-Fi - as even the enhanced barely works - but we didn’t care - it was a perfect getaway —

Diamond Lake, true to it's name, hugs the water with incredible, clear mountain views. There is a lovely lodge that's been part of the resort since it was founded almost a hundred years ago. There is a full service restaurant with breakfast lunch and dinner. Be sure to ask your server if the game meat burgers are in-- whether it's buffalo, boar, or elk depends on the season.

There is also an adorable bar upstairs with fun vintage styling and aquarium. They offer a full selection of craft beer and liquor and a big fire place that they light up in the fall and winter. That's in addition to another small downstairs bar where you can get a different selection of beer and beverages, overlooking a lawn with Adirondack chairs. You can enjoy your drink or a snack while gazing at the lake and the snow-capped peaks in front of you.

Kayak and other boat rentals are available, and the kids will love the bumper car boats near the dock. There is a well stocked general store. All of this is convenient to the cabins and motel-style rooms, which are quite popular. Tent and RV sites are available, too. There are also guided events for the whole family. Lots to do, plenty of creature comforts, and gorgeous views. Plus you are super close to Crater Lake and Umpqua Hotsprings.

The Cabin is perfectly fine, but don’t expect any frills. No cell service or WiFi. No tv. No fridge. The water is hot. Note that this“cabin” is actually four different hotel rooms that all walls. You are not in a quaint cabin in the woods. You are in a bare bones hotel room with thin walls and no amenities. There is a picnic table outside but no real lounge area despite being in the middle of a gorgeous national park. 

I ended up in this cabin because the system that manages the reservations screwed up. I booked and RV site 6 months ago and was called two weeks before and told that they overbooked. The only way to accommodate me was to have me stay in one site for one night and then move to a different site for 8 nights. However the 8 night site turned out to be too short for my RV when I showed up there(I was always up front about the length of my rig). I was told the only thing open for the length of my stay was a cabin and were told to park the RV in the cabin parking lot and stay in the cabin. 

Things that occurred over the course of 9 days:

Housekeeping knocking on my door at 730am on a Saturday provide service while I was asleep. They typically knocked on my door 2-3 times per day to ask when I was leaving.

running out of toilet paper and having to walk 3/4 mile to the camp store to get more(there is no phone in the room and no service)

the power going out

and my favorite, getting home from dinner at 10pm to find that our keys had been deactivated because“they thought we were leaving that day” and having to drive up to the crater rim(30 min round trip) to get new keys because the camp store closes at 9pm 

The campground advertised laundry but the laundry is broken with no timeline to fix. 

All in all, I just wanted what I paid for, a campsite with electric that fit my RV. Not a weird parking lot spot and a half-baked hotel room. 

Unfortunately this campground is the only game in town. Good luck with your visit to crater lake.

We loved camping at Mazama Village Camground @ Crater Lake so much that our group went back the following week!

Must meet Joe- at Reservations Desk! He should have his own reality show 😁 Joe goes out of his way to accommodate your needs, and so does the General Manager (I forget her name).

There’s a wonderful store at the campground where you can purchase gas, ice, beer, camp supplies, clothing/ gifts and even Hagen daz ice cream!

No need to wait in line to see your campsite assignment- as it is posted at 10am on the bulletin board outside.

There are also several clean restrooms that are well tended to and you rarely see other campers in them.

Plenty of delicious drinking water spigots as well within a few steps of your campsite.

RV sites are about $50 night, some have electrical.

Tent sites are about $25 night, and price goes up a bit depending on size of party.

They also have a roomy bear box in each camp to keep your food safe.

Plenty of trees to hang your hammock too.

LOTS of trails to explore, and the Rim is a short drive to take in the breathtaking views of Crater Lake.

Such a wonderful getaway. Can’t wait to return!

One of two campgrounds officially in the park, outside of a backcountry permit, Mazama Village is certainly not a place of solitude, notching in around 200+ sites, but if amenities are your m.o.—camp store, restaurant, showers, gas station—for $21/tent site, you won’t find a better option, other than the historic lodge on the rim of the lake. 

Combined with RV spots, and the popularity of Crater Lake as a Seven-Wonder of Oregon bucket-list spot, the village is pretty much at capacity all season long, as such you’re bound to have a diverse social experience from tourist to family to rowdy glamper, but in my handful of experiences here, everyone pretty much respects the 10 p.m. quite hours in favor of waking up to those gorgeous ponderosa pine blanketing the grounds.

Otherwise, re: solitude—giddy-up a dash for Mazama’s much more low-key, tent-only 16-site sibling a few miles closer to the rim, Lost Creek, which ditches reservations entirely, instituting a first-come, first-served option, and Pro-Tip 🤫 : is only $10!

This campground is in the Park near Crater Lake.  It's forested which offers good shade and privacy.  There are picnic tables, bear boxes and trash cans.  Good access to hiking and to Crater Lake viewing and activities.

The grounds are beautiful and well kept, and of course... CRATER LAKE. But you're nowhere near the lake and it's a hike/drive to do ANYTHING. I'd recommend the lodge if your heart is set on staying at Crater Lake, or any of the campgrounds at nearby Diamond Lake.

On the plus side, it is very quiet and peaceful.

Campground Review: Mazama Village Campground at Crater Lake National Park

Despite the crazy-hazy smoke surrounding Crater Lake, my family had an absolutely amazing time camping at Oregon's only national park. We made our reservation less than a month in advance for a Thursday night and managed to grab one of the "12x12-foot" tent sites. We'd read about the reservation process beforehand, so arrived around 1pm at the Mazama village store to receive a map and told to look for any "blue" post camp sites that were open. We headed straight for the tent-only loop (G) and grabbed what I think is one of the best spots in the entire campground. Absolutely huge campsite for a national park, amazing views, and near a water spigot. We were pretty far from the flush toilets, but otherwise quite perfect.

Mazama "Village" is right at the entrance to the campground and has a small store, showers, laundry and a nice enough restaurant. We were 4 miles from the National Park headquarters where there's a video of the lake and junior ranger activities and another 5 miles after that is Crater Lake with its tiny store, nice lodge and a few lookouts. The days we were there the smoke from regional wildfires was so bad we couldn't see the water in the crater, but we still had a great time and are excited to try again next year with hopefully better visibility.

Ranger Review: Oofos Slides

This was a perfect little campground conveniently located to Crater Lake. The camp spots were roomy and it didn't feel like we were camping on top of our neighbors. Check-in was easy at the camp store and everyone was really friendly. Each camp spot had a bear locker, fire pit, and picnic table. Bathrooms were very clean. Highly recommend for your adventures at Crater Lake.

Mazama campground is a great place to camp while visiting Crater Lake NP.  I was pleasantly surprised given some reviews I've seen.  The campground has quite a few sites, but they are generally spread out enough to give you privacy.  The bathrooms are fairly new and maintained.  The showers were still closed for Covid when we visited, so I have no idea how they looked.  There are even some sites with power, which I've seen very rarely in NPs.  On top of it all, you're very close to a store, restaurant, gas and Crater Lake! 

Pros:

* Well maintained

* Cafe/restaurant close to the campground

* Pretty loop hike right at the campground

* Crater Lake is close

* Ranger programs

Cons:

* Pumice volcanic soil gets everywhere

OK:

* The bathrooms smelled a bit mildewed