Best Dog-Friendly Camping near Diamond Lake, OR

We searched for a campsite all the way from Diamond Lake down to lost creek lake all all of the campsites were full. We decided to check one more time at Abbott Creek and found a little campsite literally next to the creek outside of the designated camping area were we could back the truck with the attached trailer down to our campsite. There was a fire ring already built and a place to fit our Sky View Lodge (aka our 1 massive tent that can fit 10) and camped for 2 nights! There was no bathroom but when camping right, you bring the essential shovel and tee-pee and find some privacy and your fine! We also had no access to clean purified water, again we boiled it and we're fine! Overall a great way to bring the family out for a good weekend trip!

This was my final stop for two nights on the way to Crater lake. It is a fairly large campground with 3 loops; A, B, and C. My site was in the C loop which is located in the middle of the grounds, and it was a very large site. Unfortunately this meant no view of the mountain and instead, views of other campers looking back at me. If you want better views and almost lake side spots, go for the sites in loop B and any others on the lake side of the loops. They aren't directly on the lake but just across the camp road.

There is a boat landing down the way, but across from some sites there was plenty of space to drop a small craft or inflatable. It was also shallow enough for swimming as I saw lots of kids enjoying the sun. I decided myself for a float the last day, but the wind kept blowing me back into shore, so I gave in. There were white caps on the lake so there wasn't as many boats out as you would normally expect.

Nearby you can find many outdoor activities; horseback riding, boating, and fishing, among others. Of course I was there for the hiking and waterfall hunting. Drive up 138 from Diamond lake about 20 miles and you find Toketee falls. A little further down a back road is Umpqua hot springs, a relaxing spring made up a many pools of different temps on the mountain side. It is on a 3 mi. trail as well, but either way if you park at the main lot, it is still a nice hike up to get to it.

Other than the majestic Toketee, you can also checkout Watson, Whitehorse and Clearwater falls. While Whitehorse and Clearwater have campgrounds at the falls, Watson was by far the best fall. I liked it better than Toketee, it's just a little more to get to it, but well worth it.

As for the hiking there are a few trails to choose from, I stopped in at the Diamond lake lodge and they provided me with maps and literature on the hikes close by. I chose to take the Howlock mtn. trail located just behind the horse corral. It was a moderate to difficult 10 mi. round trip to a decent view at the base of the Thielsen peak. It would be a cool 14 if you took it all the way to a PCT junction. Also at the Diamond lake lodge you can find a restaurant, store and marina with boat rentals. They also have public pay laundry that you can take advantage of. I cheated and bought my first dinner on my trip at the restaurant and had one of the best jalepeno cheeseburgers that I have had in a while, and at a decent price too.

All and all Thielsen view is a decent campground, very family friendly just not much in the way of privacy as the trees were thin and it was very dry; Not a lot of greenery. Lots to do and plenty of space to spread out and relax by the lake.

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 diamond lake, it was a very beautiful location. There were lots of close by walking trails which was wonderful.

The amenities were nice enough, sometimes the showers are hot and others times was not. Most of the laundry machines were working with several out of service, and worked well enough.

The staff was helpful and gave suggestions for nearby hiking and Hot Springs. Sites included fire ring, a picnic table, and full hook ups. The stars at night were incredible.