Crater Lake is a famous volcanic crater lake located in southern Oregon. Best known for the lake’s rich blue color and water clarity, it’s the main attraction of Crater Lake National Park. This beautiful park is unlike many other parks out there. It’s not very frequent that you can visit a lake inside a volcano and jump into a lake that is 1,943 feet deep!
Table of Contents
- RV Camping Crater Lake
How to Get to Crater Lake
The largest town close to Crater Lake is Medford, Oregon, which is located about an hour and a half away. To access Crater Lake National Park via this route, make sure to take Highway 62 (Crater Lake Highway) towards the park.
Another large city nearby is Bend, Oregon, located a little over two hours away. To access the park through this route, take Highway 97 in the direction of Crater Lake National Park, and you’ll be at Crater Lake in no time!
There are several different roads within Crater Lake National Park, so make sure to set your destination before you leave.
When to Visit Crater Lake
The most popular time to visit Crater Lake is July, August, and September. However, if you’re most interested in enjoying the trails, facilities, and roads, this is when the park is fully open for visitors.
You are still welcome to visit during May and June, but snowstorms are still possible, and you can see snow depths at the park headquarters that are six feet high. During May and June, Rim Village is over, and you can see beautiful lake views from there, but other roads may be closed due to snow.
Different RV parks are open for different timeframes each summer, which may help you decide when you will visit Crater Lake. Just make sure to keep the weather in mind when booking your travel as you don’t want to be surprised.
RV Camping Crater Lake
Crater Lake National Park
Crater Lake National Park features many camping opportunities for visitors throughout the park. Once you reach the park, the best way to learn more about opportunities for camping and other activities is to head to the Rim Village Visitor Center, run by the National Park Service.
Natural Bridge Campground
This beautiful campground is located along the Upper Rogue River and offers privacy between campsites. Both the Rogue-Umpqua Scenic Byway and the Rogue Gorge are popular sites nearby, and this campground is only 11 miles from Crater Lake.
Huckleberry Mountain Campground
This remote and primitive campground is located nearby Crater Lake National Park. You’ll find several huckleberry plants and wildlife near the campground. Open from May 15 through October 15; guests will enjoy the fire pits, picnic tables, and an abundance of space.
Little Crater Lake Campground
The Little Crater Lake Campground is located in Mt.Hood National Forest and is a short walk from Little Crater Lake, which is a beautiful spring-fed pond. Timothy Lake is also nearby and a great lake for fishing. The campground offers a dozen single-family sites for tent and RV camping.
Lost Creek Campground
Lost Creek Campground is located in Mt. Hood National Forest in Oregon. The campground boasts full accessibility and features single, double and walk-to campsites. There is a picnic area, valt toilets, water access, and a fire pit. If you stay here you’ll be close to the popular Ramona Falls Trailhead.
Mazama Village Campground
This campground is hidden in an old-growth forest located at 6,000 feet elevation. Mazama Village Campground boasts 75 RV sites and 121 tent sites that are available to rent during the summer months. Mazama Campground also features a Camper Store, laundry, and showers.
Southern Oregon RV Park
Southern Oregon RV Park is located in Central Point, Oregon and offers 92 full-hookup sites located close to the Rogue River and other great destinations for outdoor activities. This RV park is big-rig friendly and even has an off-leash area for your dogs!
Crater Lake Recreational Activities
Collier Memorial State Park
Collier Memorial State Park will give visitors a glimpse into Oregon’s logging history with its’ featured outdoor museum of logging equipment. If you want to continue your history journey, there is also a relocated pioneer village on the grounds. Other activities include camping, trails and fishing in the nearby Williamson River.
Little Crater Lake
Named after the much larger Crater Lake, Little Crater Lake is a spring-fed lake located in Mt. Hood National Forest. As mentioned earlier, this attraction boasts a campground to help you enjoy the overall area and the larger national forest.
Fort Klamath Museum
If you have time for a history related day trip, the Fort Klamath Museum. This museum features eight aces and includes the parade grounds from a 19th century frontier military post. If you’re on the road, this is such a unique piece of history to stop and experience.
Rogue River
The Rogue River flows for 215 miles and is known for salmon runs, scenery and whitewater rafting. The Upper Rogue River Trail follows the river for 40 miles to the edge of Crater Lake National Park, making for a unique adventure. As mentioned above in the article, there are also a few camping opportunities available near the Rogue River.
Umpqua National Forest
This National Forest borders Crater Lake National Park and is full of activities for visitors. Umpqua National Forest boasts over 500 miles of hiking trails, including 30 miles of the Pacific Crest Trail, and 40 developed campgrounds. The park is also known for its many beautiful waterfalls so be sure to keep your eyes open while exploring.
Bottom Line
Crater Lake is a great destination with many locations to camp and explore. Due to the weather, it is best to plan to visit in the late summer to early fall months. While there aren’t any major cities nearby, you can take this opportunity to enjoy camping and reconnecting with nature. If you’re looking for a thrilling RV trip with a bunch of beautiful outdoor sights, Crater Lake is the destination for you.
For another great RV camping trip, visit RV Camping Lake Chelan.
Featured image Markgorzynski, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Tony is an avid camper and RV traveler. He fell in love with camping on his first RV trip with his wife over 25 years ago. Tony loves sharing lessons learned and tips about RV maintenance and safe traveling.
