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Best Dispersed Camping near Crater Lake, OR

101 Reviews

The forested lands surrounding Crater Lake National Park feature numerous dispersed camping options within a 30-minute drive of the park entrances. Mount Thielsen Wilderness and Forest Road 960 provide free primitive camping with established fire rings and pull-offs suitable for various vehicle sizes. Thousand Springs Sno-Park offers a large paved lot with vault toilets and a warming shelter, particularly popular when the park's Mazama Campground fills up. Jackson F. Kimball State Recreation Site provides a more developed option with picnic tables and trash service. Most dispersed sites operate on a first-come basis with no reservations accepted, making them valuable alternatives when park accommodations are booked.

Seasonal considerations heavily impact camping availability in the Crater Lake region. The area sits at approximately 5,000 feet elevation, with snow possible well into May and returning as early as October. As one camper noted, "By dawn, ice lined my windows of my car and snow capped the distant peak." Free overnight parking at sno-parks is typically permitted only between May 1 and November 14, after which permits are required. Forest roads may become impassable after rainfall or early snow. Cell service is virtually non-existent throughout the area, with multiple reviewers confirming "zero cell reception from ATT, T-Mobile or Verizon." Campers should arrive prepared with sufficient supplies as the nearest towns of Crescent and Chemult are a considerable drive.

Visitors consistently highlight the solitude and proximity to the national park as primary benefits of the surrounding camping areas. One camper described "a sense of quiet which is unmatched by the commercial campgrounds." Sites along Forest Road 960 receive praise for their variety, with "lots of big flat sites great for RVs" near the intersection with FR 961, while more secluded spots can be found further up hillsides. Mosquitoes are frequently mentioned as an issue, particularly at dusk, with multiple reviewers advising to "bring bug spray." The dust on forest roads is another common complaint. Despite these minor drawbacks, the camping options around Crater Lake maintain high ratings for their accessibility, natural beauty, and value as alternatives when park accommodations fill up.

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Crater Lake, Oregon (31)

    1. Mount Thielsen Wilderness

    22 Reviews
    Diamond Lake, OR
    13 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."

    2. Thousand Springs Sno-Park

    12 Reviews
    Crater Lake, OR
    9 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."

    "This is a huge paved parking lot not far from Crater lake. They have bathrooms. Can hold lots of RVs. No one there the 3 days we stayed except before dark we had a few people show up."

    3. Jackson F. Kimball State Recreation Site

    20 Reviews
    Fort Klamath, OR
    15 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."

    "site: primitive site. site near to lagoon. private. amenities: no water. decently clean facilities. attractions: near Crater Lake State Park. I would go camping here next time we visit Crater Lake."

    4. NF-70 Dispersed Camping Near Crater Lake NP

    13 Reviews
    Diamond Lake, OR
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (541) 947-2151

    "Lovely big boondocking spaces with plenty of room. Close to Crater Lake NP. Road in is excellent, passable by any vehicle when we were here in late October. Mostly flat sites with varying privacy."

    "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."

    5. Lightning Springs Backcountry Dispersed Campsite

    1 Review
    Crater Lake, OR
    2 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 960 Campsite

    5 Reviews
    Diamond Lake, OR
    13 miles

    "Took us about an hour to get here from Crater Lake. Lots of spots open! Around the intersection of FR 960 and 961, there are lots of big flat sites great for RVs."

    "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"

    7. Forest Road 960 by Pacific Crest Trail PCT

    3 Reviews
    Diamond Lake, OR
    13 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 ."

    8. Thousand Springs

    1 Review
    Crater Lake, OR
    9 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. Annie Creek Road

    2 Reviews
    Fort Klamath, OR
    11 miles

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

    10. Forest Road 3237

    1 Review
    Fort Klamath, OR
    12 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."

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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Crater Lake, OR

63 Photos of 31 Crater Lake Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Crater Lake, OR

101 Reviews of 31 Crater Lake Campgrounds

  • Crystal C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Mar. 9, 2020

    Mount Thielsen Wilderness

    FREE, Quiet & Close To Crater Lake National Park

    CLICK HERE For Full Video Review

    When it comes to camping you simply can’t beat FREE!!! But often times it is hard to find a good campsite which is close to some of the larger National Parks that is not overrun with people. 

    When I visited the Crater Lake area, I was well aware that finding last minute accommodations was difficult to impossible. Hotels in the area charge high premiums and depending on when you visit the campground is typically booked well in advance or even closed due to weather. It just so happened that I arrived late in the season, campground was already closed and I was wondering just what else would be out there for me as a tent/car camper. 

    I found a small forest road, FR960 and took my chances driving down a few hundred yards before realizing that there were a few established campaigns for dispersed camping. My signal with AT&T was sparse so finding this site was strictly by chance(the Dyrt hadn’t yet released their offline PRO Version just yet). 

    Driving down the road it was gravel and had a few small ruts here and there but nothing so serious I couldn’t make it down the path taking it at a slower pace. I discovered a small pull out right at the beginning of the roadway which looked to be about the size of a small RV, very level and established with a fire ring. As I continued onward a small campground road spurred off to the right with what looked to be several sites alongside it as well. I opted to keep going as there were already a couple people there and the beauty of forest camping is that you don’t have to be right on top of your neighbors unless you want to. 

    Further down the road pull offs to both the right and left with spaces perfect for large rigs and smaller ones as well. The one on the left seemed to be calling my name as I noticed it was almost a cove of trees which would serve as a great protectant and blockade to the crisp night winds which I knew were coming this time of year. I settled in and explored the remainder of the camp on foot including a small climb which went to a few spaces with amazing views of the peaks above but looked pretty exposed due to new growth trees and low laying shrubs being the only vegetation. Sure this looked beautiful but I knew it would be cold!! 

    After settling in for the night in my site I was able to cook dinner on my camp stove and cozy down. Due to the winds getting a bit high I was a little hesitant to use the established fire ring because this area in particular is very prone to forest fires, something which can be seen quickly driving through camp with residual charring and many new growth trees in place of old forest. 

    By dawn, ice lined my windows of my car and snow capped the distant peak, the one which I would have been camping by had I have stayed up at the higher elevation campsite. But there was a sense of quiet which is unmatched by the commercial campgrounds in the area where you will find slamming doors and the sound of people moving around to get their day started. Though many were nestled into the campsites in various cubbies and enjoying their time at the forest camp, the feeling of solitude was still abundant. 

    There were no frills with this campground other than the location itself. No restrooms, no running water, nothing!! You as a camper have to plan if you are visiting this location and be able to be off grid safely and responsibly. If you are choosing to stay here remember the Leave No Trace principles and make sure you fully extinguish your fires. 

    The campground itself is only a few miles away from the northern most entry of Crater Lake. No reservations are accepted and no supplies are available without driving in to the neighboring communities of Crescent or Chemult.

  • R
    Jun. 23, 2021

    Mount Thielsen Wilderness

    Beautiful Free Camping Just Minutes from Crater Lake NP

    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. More private spots further up the hill — I didn’t venture too far but if you have AWD it shouldn’t be an issue.

    I had no trouble finding a spot on Thursday afternoon, though there were definitely other campers around. Seemed pretty popular by the weekend though there were still unclaimed spots tucked away on Saturday afternoon.

    Bring bug spray and make sure you’ve got screen window covers if car camping — otherwise a beautiful stay. Ten minute drive to the North Entrance of Crater Lake and about 20 minutes away from town with truck stop with showers and wifi.

  • Brittney G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 21, 2018

    Thousand Springs Sno-Park

    Spacious quiet spot

    This snowpark has a big parking area with plenty of room for trailers/vehicles. 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. No hookups and no water available do be sure to bring it.

  • Trevor F.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 23, 2020

    Jackson F. Kimball State Recreation Site

    Great Camp Ground!

    Usually don't stay at campground with numbered sites but this place was gorgeous. 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. Would recommend this site to anyone looking for a low key lace to cam near Crater Lake

  • OThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 23, 2025

    Forest Road 960 Campsite

    Buggy and dusty but Great Spot!!

    Took us about an hour to get here from Crater Lake. Lots of spots open! Around the intersection of FR 960 and 961, there are lots of big flat sites great for RVs. We went a bit off the road and found our own quiet spot in the trees. Our stuff got totally covered in dust, and be sure to bring stuff to ward off the mosquitos, but great spot otherwise.

  • EThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 20, 2022

    Thousand Springs Sno-Park

    Close to park

    This is a huge paved parking lot not far from Crater lake. They have bathrooms. Can hold lots of RVs. No one there the 3 days we stayed except before dark we had a few people show up.

  • Amanda K.
    Jul. 10, 2025

    Thousand Springs Sno-Park

    Great reliable lot

    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’s. We chose thousand springs. It is the perfect spot for free overnight parking as it is a large and reliable lot that I assume is rarely filled. It is only 30 minutes from watchman peak trailhead which is where we were headed. There were only a couple other vans when we stayed a weekday in July. There is a pit toilet as well. Note that free overnight parking without a sno-park parking permit is only permitted between May 1 and November 14. Next to the road so there is a bit of noise, but there are not too many cars that drive by at night. Be aware that there is a lot of wildlife in the area. There is no cell service.

  • Daisee Mae S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 28, 2022

    Thousand Springs Sno-Park

    Great Hiking Area

    1,000 Springs Sno-park

    We hiked to this spot from Union Creek Trail about a week before staying here.

    Right off of Crater Lake Highway. There looks to be about 3 or possibly 4 spots to camp. Easily pull-in spots for larger campers and tent camping.

    There is a large shelter house with a door on one end and wind flaps on the other. Two trash cans inside, two very large round wooden tables and an iron stove for heat. There is also a solar panel for lights and such.

    We only stayed two nights as apposed of the 14 you can stay. Very spacious spots but not far enough away from each other. The second night we were kept awake by the people staying in the shelter, having a party and disco lights and loud music.

    Two pit commodes are in the center of the camp. That meant a lot of traffic throughout the day and into the night by people stopping to use it, so the TP didn’t last long. Definitely bring your own just in case.

    The road up to the spots from the parking area are dirt and wood chips. The stir up a lot of dust when people drive through, even if they aren’t going at a fast speed.

    There are a few trails that go for miles and are very lovely to walk, or even take an OHV on.

    We opted to stay the night here because we are traveling across country to DISPERSED camping areas. Would have stayed in the dispersed camping by Crater Lake but it was a $30 fee/ day to enter the park. So that’s not actually free.

    If we head back up to Crater Lake in the future we may stay here again. It’s a very lovely spot, but do note that after Nov. 15th there is a fee in this Snow Park.

    Might be a nice place to stay for a night, if you don’t like your privacy being invaded i’d suggest going down the road to Union Creek Trail :D

  • Jordie G.
    May. 30, 2023

    Lemolo Forebay

    Beautiful but bring bug spray

    Pavement turns to dirt road to get to the sites. Each site has a fire ring and a table. The vault toilet has a trash can and was stocked with TP when we were there but we bring our own.

    The trails down to the river are loose dirt and steep but we drove to the other side of the river to lounge in the sun.

    Lots of skeeters! Bring your bug spray

Guide to Crater Lake

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Crater Lake, Oregon, where nature enthusiasts can enjoy stunning landscapes and a sense of solitude. This area offers a variety of spots for camping, each with its unique charm and features.

Tips for free and dispersed camping near Crater Lake, Oregon

Scenic views and tranquility for dispersed campers

Dispersed campers should check out Jackson F. Kimball State Recreation Site

  • Located near Crater Lake, Jackson F. Kimball State Recreation Site features beautiful scenery and is a great spot for fishing and picnicking.
  • This area is big rig friendly, making it accessible for larger RVs, which is a plus for those traveling with bigger vehicles.
  • With limited amenities, it's essential to bring your own supplies, but the natural beauty and tranquility make it worth the effort.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I find dispersed camping near Crater Lake?

Several excellent dispersed camping options exist near Crater Lake National Park. Mount Thielsen Wilderness offers numerous dispersed sites with easy access off Highway 138. The area serves as a perfect basecamp for exploring Crater Lake, with more private spots available further up the hill for those with AWD vehicles. Another good option is Forest Road 960 Campsite, located about an hour from the park. Around the intersection of FR 960 and 961, you'll find large flat sites suitable for RVs, with additional secluded spots available in the surrounding forest.

Is free camping available near Crater Lake National Park?

Yes, free camping is definitely available near Crater Lake. Thousand Springs Sno-Park is a popular free option approximately 10 miles from Crater Lake on Highway 62. This large paved area includes bathroom facilities and can accommodate multiple RVs and vehicles. Many visitors use this location when Mazama Campground is full. Prospect OHV Dispersed Camping is another excellent free option with numerous ATV trails, making it particularly appealing during the off-season when there are fewer visitors.

What are the regulations for dispersed camping around Crater Lake?

Dispersed camping regulations near Crater Lake typically follow standard National Forest guidelines. At Lemolo Forebay, sites include fire rings and tables, with vault toilets available that are usually stocked with toilet paper. Pack out all trash. At Jackson F. Kimball State Recreation Site, camping is permitted in numbered sites, though it's still considered dispersed. Most areas restrict camping to 14 days within a 30-day period. Always use existing fire rings, fully extinguish fires, and maintain at least 100 feet distance from water sources. Check with Umpqua, Rogue River, or Fremont-Winema National Forest offices for current fire restrictions before your trip.

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