5 Cheap or Free Places to Stay Near Crater Lake NP for Nomads
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Whether you're a first-time camper or a seasoned traveler, visiting Crater Lake National Park is a bucket list destination. Finding affordable and scenic places to stay near the park can be challenging for any adventure seeker.
With its deep blue waters and stunning vistas, it’s a natural wonder that draws visitors from all over the world - but you cannot camp out on the caldera rim. So, where do you park your rig for the night without breaking the bank? Fear not! I've got you covered with five cheap or free places to stay in or near Crater Lake, each offering its own unique charm and opportunities for exploration.
In the blog below we have linked maps to many of these places mentioned. Also many of the campgrounds listed do take reservations or are first come first served. The following websites can be used to book campsites: Recreation.gov | Oregon State Parks.
Let's dive in!
1. Diamond Lake Area, North
National Forest Boondocking
Diamond Lake is an outdoor lovers paradise, not only is there a full-service resort with lodging, cabins, restaurant, beach, and gear rentals; but it is also surrounded by lush National Forests.
Just off the main highways, you'll find endless dirt roads with abundant camping locations. The area offers solitude and stunning natural beauty, making it perfect for those who love to immerse themselves in nature. Whether you're looking to hike, fish, or simply relax by the water, Diamond Lake has something for everyone.
A pontoon boat cruises on Diamond Lake with Mount Thielsen in the background. Captured at Thielsen View Campground. (Brian Gailey)
Thielsen View Campground
Nestled at the base of Mt. Bailey on Diamond Lake, Thielsen View Campground offers basic amenities with some of the best views of Mount Thielsen. This seasonal campground is ideal for those who want to wake up to breathtaking mountain vistas. It's a great spot for photography enthusiasts, nature lovers, and fishermen alike.
Broken Arrow Campground
This large National Forest campground offers several amenities across multiple loops. Walking trails to and from the lake provide easy access to the water, making it a great spot for fishing, kayaking, or simply soaking in the serene surroundings. The Broken Arrow campground is family-friendly and offers a peaceful retreat for all.
Lemolo Lake
Just a bit further north of Diamond Lake is Lemolo Lake, with the Lemolo Lake / Crater Lake North KOA Holiday Campground. This full-service campground includes all the standard amenities, including epic campsites, cabins, a store, a boat launch, a marina, boat rentals, and even propane. Click the banner below to join KOA Rewards and save 10% on all KOA stays, every time*.
*By using our affiliate links, you save money and we get a small commission.
2. Fremont-Winema National Forest, East
North of Crater Lake off of Oregon Highway 138 is a boondocking location perfect for overlanding rigs and 4×4 vans. Known as the Summit Rock Trail the epic location has views of the Fremont-Winema National Forest, Crater Lake National Park, and Mount Thiesen. (Brian Gailey)
Summit Rock Trail
Looking east on Oregon Highway 138 into the Fremont-Winema National Forest where countless boondocking locations await. (Brian Gailey)
Located north of ORE138, across from the Crater Lake National Park's northern boundary, Summit Rock Trail is adjacent to Forest Service Road 960 and is an amazing boondocking location. With the proper rig, you can find yourself at the top of a volcanic mountain with breathtaking views. It's a perfect spot for those who love a bit of adventure and don't mind a rugged drive to reach a stunning destination.
OR-138, East Diamond Lake Highway
A few miles east of Summit Rock Trail along ORE138, you'll find numerous boondocking and campground opportunities in the National Forest. This area is full of large old growth pine trees and is one of the most pristine forests in Oregon, offering endless exploration possibilities. It's a haven for hikers, critter watchers, and anyone who appreciates untouched wilderness.
3. Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest, West
The Rogue River - Siskiyou National Forest is dense with thick stands of new and old growth forests. Pleanty of boondocking locations away with easy access. Most vehicles with little to no modification can easily traverse the dirt roadways. (Brian Gailey)
Thousand Springs SnoPark
Near the park's west entrance, Thousand Springs SnoPark offers a large paved lot with pit toilets nestled in the woods adjacent to ORE62. While amenities are few, the location is perfect for a peaceful overnight stay. It's a great base for enjoying the tranquility of the area and exploring Crater Lake.
Union Creek / Natural Bridges
The Union Creek area offers several National Forest campgrounds as well as boogie cabins at the Union Creek Resort. While you're there, don't miss a slice of pie at Beckie's Café—it's a local favorite! The area is rich in natural beauty, with opportunities for hiking, fishing, and exploring the unique geological formations of the Natural Bridges.
Ruby observes the national forest as we wait at Beckies Cafe (Brian Gailey).
4. Fort Klamath Area, South
Kimball Pool is a wonderfully chilly location for a paddle down the Wood River. Canoeing, kayaking, and paddleboarding are common during the summer months. (Brian Gailey)
Jackson Kimball State Park
This Oregon State Park is home to some of the clearest and most pristine waters in the state. Jackson Kimball State Park is home to the headwaters of the Wood River. Here the crisp water bubbles out of the ground along a hill in a location sacred to the local Klamath Tribe. The beautiful pool is formed by the slow-moving water. A perfect location for kayaking and canoeing. It's a serene spot for reflection and relaxation. Don’t forget a cooler for lunch and your life jacket too.
Annie Creek SnoPark
Located just outside the southern entrance to Crater Lake National Park, Annie Creek SnoPark is great for an overnight stay. In winter, it's a base camp for snowmobile adventures and offers some of the best sledding opportunities in the region. In summer, it provides a quiet retreat in the southern Oregon mountains. Be sure to bring your mosquito spray!
A fallen tree is a makeshift foot bridge across Annie Creek near the Annie Creek SnoPark south of Crater Lake (Brian Gailey).
5. Chiloquin Area, Southeast
The Fremont-Winema National Forest encompasses much of the Chiloquin area with several basic and primitive campgrounds, and boondocking locations. (Brian Gailey)
Collier Memorial State Park Campground
Collier Memorial State Park features a campground, an outdoor museum of historic logging equipment, a relocated pioneer village, and a new four-corral, primitive horse camp and trailhead. The Williamson River and crystal-clear Spring Creek converge in the park, offering excellent fishing and picturesque scenery. It's a great spot for history buffs and nature lovers alike.
A double rainbow over Kla-Mo-Ya Casino may prove to be lucky for a place to stay on your travel to Crater Lake. (Brian Gailey)
Williamson River Campground
Conveniently located just off Highway 97, about five minutes north of Chiloquin, the Williamson River Campground offers 19 campsites with picnic tables, fire grates, and more. It's a popular spot due to its proximity to the highway and the beautiful Williamson River. The campground is perfect for those who enjoy fishing, mountain biking, and exploring the great outdoors.
Kla-Mo-Ya Casino
The Klamath Tribes' casino and travel center south of Chiloquin includes large areas to park your rig, as well as a hotel on the property. If you stay in your rig, Kla-Mo-Ya Casino security may require you to check in. Generally, staying near the travel center results in fewer complications. It's a convenient spot for those looking for a bit of entertainment, amenities, and fuel.
Bonus Locations
Crater Lake formed over 7700 years ago when a volcanic eruption caused Mount Mazama to collapse into the former lava chamber creating the caldera. In the millennia since the caldera has filled with rain and melted snow to form the pristine blue lake we cherish today. (Brian Gailey)
There are two campgrounds and two lodging options located inside the park boundary. Although the lodging is not necessarily cheap, we would be doing a disservice if we did not include them in our list. Just be sure to book early as they can and will sell out, especially during peak season.
Crater Lake Lodge
Blue hour sunset as the historic Crater Lake Lodge peers over the caldera rim (Brian Gailey)
May through October, the historic Crater Lake Lodge is a marvelous location welcoming with warmth and hospitality like no other. Overlooking the lake at Rim Village, the lodge rests at the edge of the caldera with breathtaking views of the blue water and cliff walls. After a day of adventure, indulge in a meal in the dining room before relaxing in your cozy guest room.
Rooms are pretty basic and offer a variety of bed size choices, and a choice of lake or valley views.
Check the official lodging website for current pricing and availability.
Mazama Village
Located near the southern entrance, Mazama Village includes the American fare of the Annie Creek Restaurant and Gift Shop, a campground with a store, a fuel station, and cabins.
Open May through September, the cabins are quaint bungalows that offer rustic adventure nestled in the Ponderosa pines.
The Mazama Campground is a full-service campground with all the amenities you would expect in a National Park including food lockers at the campsites as Crater Lake is home to black bears. Like all other lodging alternatives, the campground is open seasonally.
Visit the campground website for complete details and availability.
Lost Creek Campground
At 6,000 feet of elevation, the primitive Lost Creek Campground is located at the end of the Pinnacles Road off the east side of Rim Drive. Operated by the National Parks Service, the campground is open seasonally from early July through mid-October, depending on weather. This tent camper-only campground is first-come-first-served with no advanced registration.
Tip: Arrive early as the campground typically fills by mid-afternoon.
Notes for Your Adventure
Mosquitos: These pesky critters can be an issue year-round, especially in the summer. Prepare with appropriate sprays, candles, and denaturants.
Winter Weather: Crater Lake is one of the snowiest locations in America, with up to 70 feet of snow annually. A ranger once told me they have two seasons, “winter and August.” Check weather forecasts before venturing out, but always dress in layers as the weather can change rapidly.
Permits & Passes: When staying in SnoParks, check local regulations requiring parking permits. These are often required from September through March and can be purchased for as little as $4. Some resort locations like the Diamond Lake Resort may have a day use fees or boat launching fees. Crater Lake National Park has an entrance fee collected as you enter the park.
Park Access: During the winter months access to Crater Lake is limited. The north entrance is closed to vehicles and open to snowmobile traffic only, with winter vehicle access to the park through the Annie Creek entrance station in the south.
During peak months anticipate a moderate wait to enter the park as there are only two entrances and a limited number of lanes at each station.
The thirty-two-mile Rim Drive is typically open from mid-June to the first significant snow of the season and remains closed through the winter.
The road from Park Headquarters to Rim Village is maintained all year round but can close for snow.
Check the park’s current conditions to verify all road closures.
Campfire Dangers: Use extreme caution with fire, Oregon forests are dry tinderboxes ready to ignite. Watch for burn restrictions, which often prohibit anything with an open flame. Properly dispose of your campfires by drowning the fire with plenty of water.
Leave No Trace: Practice leave no trace ethics, especially on public lands. Take only pictures and leave no trace you were ever there. If you pack it in, pack it out, and avoid trampling vegetation.
There you have it, fellow nomads! These affordable and scenic spots near Crater Lake National Park offer the perfect blend of adventure and relaxation. Whether you're boondocking in the forest or enjoying a quiet night by the lake, these locations are sure to enhance your Oregon adventure.
Safe travels and happy camping! We will see you out on the road.
Brian & Ruby
Open Road Nomad
