11 Must See Dispersed Camping Near Crater Lake National Park

Last Updated on September 20, 2023 by

Crater Lake National Park is a remarkable natural wonder with some of the most spectacular views in the National Park system.

There is lots of dispersed camping nearby due to the fact that Crater Lake National Park is nearly completely surrounded by Fremont Winema National Forest and Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest.

These woodlands allow for up to 14 days of dispersed camping.

Crater Lake National Park

This article enlists the best dispersed camping near Crater Lake.

What are the Best Dispersed Camping Near Crater Lake?

1. Thousand Springs Sno-Park

Thousand Springs Sno-park is situated 17.1 miles away from Rim Village Visitor Center. It turns into a parking lot during the snow season where trucks can unload snow-mobiles.

It is located inside the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest.

There are no time limits on how long you can park, and it’s not uncommon for individuals to leave their trailers unhitched here.

If you plan to camp between November 1 and April 30, you’ll require a permit. A daily permit costs $4, a 3-day permit costs $9, and a season pass costs $25.

The campsite itself consists of a huge parking lot with vaulted toilets.

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There are no power, water, or sewer connections. Visitors appreciate the convenience of driving to the Park from Crater Lake and the relative seclusion of the forest region with other visitors.

The location is adjacent to the highway, allowing for simple access.

2. Forest Road 961 Dispersed Camping

It is situated 18.6 miles away from Rim Village Visitor Center. Forest Road 961 is a four-mile branch off of Forest Road 960, featuring dozens of previously-used campsites. Crater Lake National Park lies to its south.

Some of these locations can accommodate rigs that are more than 40 feet long.

The route is well-traveled and adequate for vehicles with two wheels drive. Mosquitoes are plentiful during the summer.

3. Forest Road 610 Dispersed Camping

This campground is situated the farthest west of our options and the most basic. The place is located off Crater Lake Highway/OR 62, along a tiny lane.

Although some include fire rings, these places are mainly merely clearings on the side of the road. You will be roughing it here, but the quiet and wilderness will be well worth it.

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4. Annie Creek Sno-Park

Another Sno-Park near Crater Lake, this one is situated to the south. You will have access to vault toilets once more, but no other facilities. Some campers mention that the location has a covered hut/shelter with electrical outlets.

If you’re craving a little more adventure, you may camp in the site’s readily accessible parking lot or hike down a dirt path.

The Sno-Park is popular with guests, but some have complained about late-arriving campers or otherwise noisy neighbors.

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During the snow season, it happens to be a parking lot where many trucks may unload snow-mobiles. A parking permit is necessary between November 1 and April 30.

However, it is not required outside of those dates. There are no time limits on how long you can park, and it’s not uncommon for individuals to leave their trailers unhitched here.

5. Forest Road 70 Dispersed Camping

It is situated 23.7 miles away from Rim Village Visitor Center. Forest Road 70, also located north of Crater Lake National Park, is a well-traveled road with multiple minor forest roads branching off State Highway 138.

In this region, dispersed camping is allowed. There are a lot of sites large enough for 40-foot rigs, and most don’t require 4WD.

6. Forest Road 940 Dispersed Camping

It is situated 21 miles away from Rim Village Visitor Center. Forest Road 70, which runs north of Crater Lake National Park, is a well-known road with a number of minor forest trails extending off State Highway 138.

It extends for about a mile to the north of the highway. A few sites can handle huge RVs, but most of the campgrounds are designed for small RVs.

Although the route is small and bumpy, 4WD is not necessary.

However, turning back huge RVs will be challenging if all of the larger sites are taken.

7. Lost Creek Campground

The National Park Service manages Lost Creek Campground. Depending on weather and other considerations, the campground normally becomes operational from July to October.

It is only for tent campers.

As you arrive at the campground, self-registration is offered. There is no way to register ahead of time. By mid-afternoon, the campground is completely full. In order to know if a spot is available, you must arrive at the campground.

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Lost Creek Campground features 16 tent-only campsites. On the day of arrival, self-registration is available. There is no way to register ahead of time.

You can pay with a cheque or exact cash. Cardet cards are of no use because they are not accepted.

A 50% discount is available to Senior and Access pass holders.

In order to know if a spot is available, you will have to arrive at the campground.

The campground fills up quickly, so get there early to get a good spot.

8. Mazama Campground

Mazama Campground, which is only open during the summer, features 214 campsites in an old-growth forest at the height of 6,000 feet (1,830 m).

A picnic table, a fire ring, as well as a bear-resistant food locker are provided at each site. Crater Lake Hospitality, the Park’s concessioner, runs the campground.

A few of the sites are only offered on a first-come, first-served basis in June, while all others might need you to acquire a reservation.

All sites are available by pre-reserve in July, August, and September, either online or by calling the management.

9. Huckleberry Mountain Campground

On the outskirts of Crater Lake National Park, Huckleberry Mountain is a lonely, basic campground. As the name suggests, many Huckleberry plants can be found near the campground.

The campsites are both well separated and shaded, and deer, as well as other animals, can be seen wandering.

It’s a nice alternative if the other campgrounds are crowded due to its close vicinity to Crater Lake, about 7 miles south.

It’s also popular among off-road vehicle enthusiasts, thanks to the abundance of OHV trails nearby.

Most campgrounds have fire pits, picnic tables, and enough space for numerous tents.

There are vault toilets near some of the campsites, and while the campground has a water pump, the water is not potable.

The campground is also pack-it-in, pack-it-out due to the lack of waste service.

10. Toketee Lake Campground

Toketee Lake Campground is a very simple stopover situated towards the north of Toketee Falls beside the route that navigates to the North Umpqua Hot Springs.

It’s an ideal base for touring the North Umpqua Trail’s nearly 78 miles of trails, including the falls, streams, and other numerous sections.

You might even get the sight of a bald eagle soaring over the skies while exploring the area.

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11. Thielsen Forest Camp

It is an absolutely free Forest Service campground perfect for budget-conscious campers. Although this campground is small, it is frequently empty with only five tent sites.

Despite having been logged in the past, the forest is remarkably dense, and shade can be found at almost every location.

Visitors may get upset by the lack of potable water and flush toilets in the area. Because the campground’s only bathroom often runs out of toilet paper, it is wise to carry your own or drive down the road towards one of the other adjacent campgrounds.

Thielsen Forest Camp is an excellent site to stay if you’re planning a trek up Mount Thielsen, a trip to Crater Lake, or a visit to one of the many waterfalls along Highway 138.

Toketee Falls is only 17 miles west of this campground, with Clearwater, Watson, and Whitehorse Falls being even closer.

It is merely a 7-mile drive to the Mount Thielsen Trailhead.

Conclusion

This article discussed all of the best dispersed camping near Crater Lake National Park.

Free camping near Crater Lake National Park is a great option for people on a budget who wish to see this one-of-a-kind natural beauty.

Sno-Parks in the vicinity offer some of the greatest alternatives, while dispersed camping is available for those seeking more privacy.

You may enjoy this magnificent environment without spending a dime if you are ready to boondock.

We hope you’ve found all you need to plan for an amazing dispersed camping vacation near Crater Lake National Park, and we’re confident you’ll find the right spot for your next adventure!

FAQ

Where is the best dispersed camping site around Crater Lake National Park?

Following are enlisted some of the best dispersed camping sites around Crater Lake National Park:

  • Forest Road 70 Dispersed Camping
  • Thousand Springs Sno-Park
  • Forest Road 610 Dispersed Camping
  • Forest Road 961 Dispersed Camping
  • Annie Creek Sno-Park
  • Forest Road 940 Dispersed Camping
Can you disperse camp at Crater Lake?

When someone first reaches the rim of Crater Lake, the sight across the caldera is not only unforgettable, but it is also one of the most famous views in the country’s national parks.

Camping throughout the backcountry of the Park is permitted owing to the condition that campsites are located within one mile of the adjacent road.

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About Ted Mosby

I am Ted Mosby from Cleveland, Ohio. I am a Freelance Architect. I live in New Jersey, USA right now and I take my RV every alternate weekend. I own a Forest River Berkshire XLT Diesel 45A Class A Motorhome. As I am a Freelancer I can work anywhere so most of my work is done inside my camper remotely.