Best Campgrounds near Diamond Lake, OR

Several good campgrounds circle Diamond Lake in southern Oregon. The Diamond Lake Recreation Area connects campers to trails and fishing spots right from their sites. Diamond Lake State Park keeps its grounds in good shape and has all the basic facilities most people need. If you want something more basic, you can head to the nearby National Forest where camping is more primitive. The Diamond Lake City Park Campground has bigger sites than most and sits close to the water. You can launch boats from either end of the campground if you bring one along. Keep your food locked up since wildlife comes through the camping areas regularly. Most places around the lake have toilets and drinking water available. Many campers come for the views across the water, which look best early morning and evening. Try to reserve ahead in summer since sites fill up fast. Diamond Lake works well for both relaxing trips and more active outdoor weekends.

Best Camping Sites Near Diamond Lake, Oregon (269)

    1. Diamond Lake

    62 Reviews
    Diamond Lake, OR
    1 mile
    Website
    +1 (541) 498-2531

    $16 - $27 / night

    "Nice campground near Diamond Lake. There is a resort, swimming, bike path, fishing. It’s not too far from Crater Lake, and awesome waterfalls down highway 138."

    "This campground was in a great location to go see crater lake (15 min drive or less) as well as nearby Hot Springs (30ish min drive) and waterfalls. The campground itself was wooded and very close to"

    2. Mount Thielsen Wilderness

    22 Reviews
    Diamond Lake, OR
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (541) 383-5300

    "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."

    "The dirt road isn't the kind you need to do a Hail Mary to drive down. Our van did just fine, and I think a big rig could handle itself."

    3. Mazama Village Campground — Crater Lake National Park

    83 Reviews
    Crater Lake, OR
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (866) 292-6720

    "Crater Lake lodge and the rim drive are a few miles up the mountain.  While there isn't really much to do on the lake itself, there are tons of great lookouts and beautiful hikes. "

    "Because mosquitos swarm near big lakes) This is one of my favorite campgrounds in Oregon for families and groups."

    4. Broken Arrow Campground

    17 Reviews
    Diamond Lake, OR
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (541) 498-2531

    $15 - $95 / night

    "Diamond Lake was originally supposed to be a pet of Crater Lake NP and I can see why. The Broken arrow campground is huge!"

    "Great location only a 2 minute drive to Diamond Lake and 5 minutes to crater lake national park north entrance."

    5. Thielsen View Campground

    13 Reviews
    Diamond Lake, OR
    2 miles
    Website
    +1 (541) 498-2531

    $15 - $20 / night

    "I assume the scenery is wonderful, however on our visit it was smoky from nearby forest fires and had limited visibility."

    "Some highlights: The Diamond Lake resort across the lake has a small, but fun, fireworks show each Fourth."

    6. Toketee Lake Campground — Umpqua National Forest

    22 Reviews
    Clearwater, OR
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (541) 498-2531

    $16 / night

    "Lake access isn’t great we tried to hike to the falls from the campground but count get to it by foot. N.umpqua trail DOES NOT lead you to toketee falls."

    "A lake, a waterfall, and a hot spring all within hiking distance, what more could you want from a campground? And the lake is next to the campground! There are two reservable loops here."

    7. NF-70 Dispersed Camping Near Crater Lake NP

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

    "Close by to all the crater lake hikes. Even got 3 bar TMobile 5g at the site a mile or so up the road on the left"

    "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."

    8. Diamond Lake RV Park

    9 Reviews
    Diamond Lake, OR
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (541) 793-3318

    "Typical drive through RV campground. Sites located between main highway and lake edge. There is some distance between sites and each has a pretty good view of the water."

    "Location next to diamond Lake with views of Mount Bailey and Mount Thielson is wonderful. Facilities are well-used but functional (did not try the showers)."

    9. Clearwater Falls Campground

    8 Reviews
    Diamond Lake, OR
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (541) 498-2531

    "Right next to beautiful Clearwater Falls, hiking trails. 15 min from Diamond Lake, 30 from Crater Lake NP. Would camp here again."

    "Deceivingly small, there are 5 sites near the trailhead entrance for the falls and another 6 sites on the top side of the falls."

    10. KOA Lemolo Lake / Crater Lake North

    10 Reviews
    Diamond Lake, OR
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (541) 643-0750

    "A campground with full hookups, clean bathrooms& showers& access to a very nice lake. Off the beaten path-you're camping in the pines of South Central Oregon."

    "If you are a tent camper and want to camp here, be sure to get walk in sites 30-32 for an enjoyable stay. If you do, you'll enjoy your own private beach secluded from any neighbors on any sides."

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Recent Reviews near Diamond Lake, OR

1015 Reviews of 269 Diamond Lake Campgrounds


  • J
    Oct. 14, 2025

    Shelter Cove Resort & Marina

    My Favorite Campground

    Really like the customer service. I highly recommend this campground beautiful and a ton of amenities

  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 13, 2025

    Contorta Flat Campground

    Surprisingly nice

    Just passing through and found this campground. Didn’t expect much, but was pleasantly surprised. Clean pit toilets. Right on Crescent Lake. Had the whole area to ourselves. Very quiet and beautiful.

  • Lucas D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 8, 2025

    Timpanogas Lake Campground

    Be respectful

    There are homes being built nearby, a few trucks with campers come through, but nobody puts up tents. I didnt realize this was an actual campground until I checked this app after I was here. Very beautiful if you don't mind bird poop

  • Jeff B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 29, 2025

    Forest Road 960 Campsite

    Nice area, lots of spots to camp.

    Great spots with easy access to Crater Lake! We had a blast at this spot. It had ample space for the kids to play. It was pretty quiet, even with lots of other campers in the area. It was a little dusty driving through. There were some porta-potties in the area. Highly recommend for a stay, especially if you're visiting Crater Lake. Forgot to take pictures of the site, unfortunately, but the other pictures are pretty accurate.

  • A
    Sep. 24, 2025

    Ochoco NF-Ochoco West - Prineville Area

    Great Place

    This is a great place.  The cabin is vintage and takes you back in time.  It was clean and comfortable.  The out house was very clean.  There is no water so you need to bring your own.  The Fridge and stove worked really well, we did have issues trying to get the lights to work.  But we had lanterns so it was not a problem.  We were visited by some cattle that were grazing near by.  Bring your own cleaning supplies and bedding.  The beds are full size with trundles under neath, there are two of them.  There is a small table with chairs in the kitchen.  There  is a picnic table and fire ring outside as well.

  • Imerie T.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 22, 2025

    Forest Road 960 Campsite

    Super Quiet

    Great stop to see Crater Lake. It’s close and super quiet. We had a wonderful stay. Would stay again

  • Emma A.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 22, 2025

    NF-9730

    Nice spot

    Good spot for a night or two. Some road noise. There was a forest fire here probably last year. A pretty spot. Boondocking. Several places to get parked off the forest rd.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 21, 2025

    Princess Creek Campground

    Many Lakeside sites

    This is a decently well maintained campground, the road in and through is severely potholed and I wouldn’t recommend a big rig, but I did see one guy park at least 35’ class A.

    Vault toilets, no water or electricity. Sites are not all level, some are not RV friendly, but most are. Host is doing a fab job keeping the grounds clean and tidy.

    Many sites back right up to the lake. Many back up to the road others is a bit of traffic noise.

  • Birgit V.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 18, 2025

    Whisky Creek

    Wild Camping near Whisky Creek

    N 42°54.053', W 122°17.941'

    Google Maps: WP22+955 Union Creek, Oregon, USA

    There is a small dirt road that leads to a few spots great for small RVs or tents. This dirt road is very close to NP border. We slept here for one night, it's very quiet and beautiful.


Guide to Diamond Lake

Diamond Lake in southern Oregon sits at 5,183 feet elevation and serves as a camping base for both mountain and water activities. The area experiences cool nights even in summer, with temperatures that can drop into the 30s after sunset. Campgrounds around Diamond Lake range from developed sites with full hookups to primitive forest locations with minimal facilities.

What to Do

Hiking on the North Umpqua Trail: Access miles of forest trails directly from your campsite, including scenic connections to local waterfalls. At Toketee Lake Campground, "The N Umpqua trail is BEAUTIFUL. Just an amazing hike. Toketee falls is IMO the prettiest in Oregon," according to David.

Paddleboarding on calm mornings: Early morning offers the best paddling conditions before afternoon winds pick up. One camper at Lemolo Lake KOA noted: "It was amazing to step out of my flip flops and onto my paddleboard on my own private beach and paddle in the early mornings and at dusk."

Astronomy and night sky viewing: The minimal light pollution makes Diamond Lake perfect for stargazing. Campers at Broken Arrow Campground appreciate the thoughtful lighting design: "Loved that there was minimal lighting at night and just yellow bulbs to reduce attraction to bugs. Made for wonderful day night sky viewing."

Explore hot springs: Several natural hot springs are accessible within a short drive. Near Toketee Lake, Stephanie Z. mentioned, "In the evening before sunset we hiked up to the Umpqua Hot Springs - this is the closest legal camping to the hotsprings TH."

What Campers Like

Privacy options: Some campgrounds offer more secluded sites than others. At Mount Thielsen Wilderness, Paula found "a sweet spot in the rubble. Quiet, great view and amazing sun. Beautiful cotton candy sunset waking to a beautiful bright sunrise."

Lake access varieties: Different campgrounds offer various ways to enjoy Diamond Lake. Valerie J. at Diamond Lake RV Park notes: "There is some distance between sites and each has a pretty good view of the water. Hiking/biking path around lake gives you access to a pizza parlor and Diamond Lake lodge with swimming and boat rentals."

Wildlife viewing: The area hosts abundant small wildlife for nature enthusiasts. Kim at Broken Arrow Campground mentioned, "Chipmunks everywhere :)" while Bri C. at Mazama Village reported: "The wildlife is so cool. Great spot for birdwatching!"

Budget-friendly options: Free dispersed camping provides cost-effective alternatives. At NF-70 Dispersed Camping, John B. shared: "I spent a Thursday night here and it was almost completely empty. I only saw one person drive down the forest road. Good cell service for T-Mobile. Easily accessible for any car."

What You Should Know

Seasonal mosquito concerns: Early summer brings heavy mosquito activity around the lake. Johnny G. at Broken Arrow Campground warned: "The only bad thing about this whole area is the mosquitos that are everywhere at dusk and dawn. Bring repellent as at one point my wife counted 22 mosquitos on my back!"

Cold nights year-round: Pack warm sleeping gear even in summer. "We went in late June and found it surprisingly cool at night for it being July. Temps dropped in the the low 30s both nights we stayed at the campground," reported Dexter I. at Broken Arrow.

Remote location logistics: Limited services mean preparation is essential. At Lemolo Lake KOA, campers are advised: "When they say you're 'away from it all', that means stock up on supplies BEFORE you get to your campsite... I would recommend having everything you will need for your trip because the closest grocery store is 60 miles away."

Shower availability varies: Not all campgrounds offer shower facilities. Annie C. noted about Thielsen View: "No showers here but you can go down the road to Broken Arrow or to Diamond Campgrounds for showers."

Tips for Camping with Families

Crater Lake proximity: Use Diamond Lake as a family base for Crater Lake day trips. At Mazama Village Campground, Michael L. shared: "We stayed at this campground over Memorial Day weekend in a C loop single site, and there was no disappointment! The mosquitos were fairly tame, the water was pure and clean, other campers kept quiet and to themselves."

Beach access options: Some sites offer better water access for children. Stephanie V. recommended specific sites: "If you are a tent camper and want to camp here, be sure to get walk in sites 30-32 for an enjoyable stay. If you do, you'll enjoy your own private beach secluded from any neighbors on any sides."

Bike-friendly environment: The paved lakeside path works well for family cycling. "Great for bike riding," notes Valerie J. about the 12-mile path that circles Diamond Lake and connects campgrounds to amenities.

Camping without reservations: Flexibility pays off during weekdays and shoulder season. Macy G. at Diamond Lake Campground shared: "P.S. we came here late on a holiday weekend without a reservation and still got a cool spot!"

Tips from RVers

Site selection for leveling: RV sites vary considerably in grade quality. Ray & Terri F. found "a nice large and level site" at NF-70 dispersed camping and mentioned specific coordinates for other RVers.

Hookup options: For those needing full services, Dean at Diamond Lake RV Park described: "Nice sites set in giant fir trees with full hookups. Sites have concrete with gravel and walking distance to the lake and south shore Pizza Parlor."

Road condition alerts: Some dispersed camping access requires slow driving. At Mount Thielsen Wilderness, Eric S. advised: "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 to keep from shaking it apart."

Cell service information: Connectivity varies by provider and location. Kurt Z. at NF-70 reported: "Solid T-mobile coverage" while Justin V. at Diamond Lake RV Park cautioned: "Disappointing, and for us a disadvantage, there was no cellphone reception and no internet access possible."

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time of year to camp at Diamond Lake?

Summer is the prime season for camping at Diamond Lake, offering warm days perfect for swimming, fishing, boating, and hiking the trails around the lake. July and August provide ideal conditions for water activities, with the Fourth of July featuring a fireworks show visible from the lake—particularly enjoyable for night kayaking. Early fall can be beautiful with fewer crowds, though be aware that forest fires might affect air quality in late summer. Mount Thielsen Wilderness areas surrounding Diamond Lake are typically accessible from late spring through early fall, with snow often limiting access during winter and early spring. Always check road conditions and campground operating dates before planning your trip.

What amenities are available at Diamond Lake campgrounds?

Diamond Lake area campgrounds offer varying amenities based on their size and location. Diamond Lake RV Park provides lakeside sites with water views, access to a hiking/biking path around the lake, and proximity to Diamond Lake Lodge with swimming and boat rentals. The area also features a resort, pizza parlor, marina, restaurant, and general store. For more rustic experiences, Clearwater Falls Campground offers basic amenities including vault toilets and hiking trails, but no hookups. Most campgrounds in the area provide picnic tables and fire rings, while larger campgrounds typically have potable water and restroom facilities. The paved path circling Diamond Lake connects various recreation areas and amenities.

Where are the campgrounds located around Diamond Lake, Oregon?

Several campgrounds surround Diamond Lake in southern Oregon. Diamond Lake is situated on the lake's shore, providing direct water access. Thielsen View Campground is also lakeside, about 15 miles from Crater Lake National Park. For those seeking smaller options, several campgrounds are scattered within a short drive, including Clearwater Falls and Whitehorse Falls campgrounds (about 15-30 minutes from Diamond Lake). The Diamond Lake area is strategically positioned, offering easy access to Crater Lake National Park (approximately 15 miles away), numerous waterfalls along Highway 138, and nearby hot springs about 30 minutes away by car.

What are the best campground sites at Diamond Lake?

At Thielsen View Campground, the lakeside sites are highly recommended for their superior views and direct water access. The campground features three loops (A, B, and C), with C loop offering particularly spacious sites, though they lack lake views. For those with RVs, Diamond Lake RV Park provides drive-through sites with good spacing between neighbors and excellent lake views. For smaller rigs or tent camping, Abbott Creek Campground offers sites next to flowing water. If all main campgrounds are full, consider the smaller Whitehorse Falls or Clearwater Falls campgrounds as backup options, though they're limited to smaller vehicles (generally under 20-30 feet).

What are the best campground sites at Diamond Lake?

At Thielsen View Campground, the lakeside sites are highly recommended for their superior views and direct water access. The campground features three loops (A, B, and C), with C loop offering particularly spacious sites, though they lack lake views. For those with RVs, Diamond Lake RV Park provides drive-through sites with good spacing between neighbors and excellent lake views. For smaller rigs or tent camping, Abbott Creek Campground offers sites next to flowing water. If all main campgrounds are full, consider the smaller Whitehorse Falls or Clearwater Falls campgrounds as backup options, though they're limited to smaller vehicles (generally under 20-30 feet).

Where are the campgrounds located around Diamond Lake, Oregon?

Several campgrounds surround Diamond Lake in southern Oregon. Diamond Lake is situated on the lake's shore, providing direct water access. Thielsen View Campground is also lakeside, about 15 miles from Crater Lake National Park. For those seeking smaller options, several campgrounds are scattered within a short drive, including Clearwater Falls and Whitehorse Falls campgrounds (about 15-30 minutes from Diamond Lake). The Diamond Lake area is strategically positioned, offering easy access to Crater Lake National Park (approximately 15 miles away), numerous waterfalls along Highway 138, and nearby hot springs about 30 minutes away by car.

When is the best time of year to camp at Diamond Lake?

Summer is the prime season for camping at Diamond Lake, offering warm days perfect for swimming, fishing, boating, and hiking the trails around the lake. July and August provide ideal conditions for water activities, with the Fourth of July featuring a fireworks show visible from the lake—particularly enjoyable for night kayaking. Early fall can be beautiful with fewer crowds, though be aware that forest fires might affect air quality in late summer. Mount Thielsen Wilderness areas surrounding Diamond Lake are typically accessible from late spring through early fall, with snow often limiting access during winter and early spring. Always check road conditions and campground operating dates before planning your trip.

What amenities are available at Diamond Lake campgrounds?

Diamond Lake area campgrounds offer varying amenities based on their size and location. Diamond Lake RV Park provides lakeside sites with water views, access to a hiking/biking path around the lake, and proximity to Diamond Lake Lodge with swimming and boat rentals. The area also features a resort, pizza parlor, marina, restaurant, and general store. For more rustic experiences, Clearwater Falls Campground offers basic amenities including vault toilets and hiking trails, but no hookups. Most campgrounds in the area provide picnic tables and fire rings, while larger campgrounds typically have potable water and restroom facilities. The paved path circling Diamond Lake connects various recreation areas and amenities.