Around Crater Lake, accommodation options range from lodges and campgrounds to hotels. What determines your pick is your budget and the kind of experience you are looking for. For a luxurious and comfortable stay, you may go for a hotel, but when it comes to adventure in the woods, you may go for a Lake resort, cabin, or state park. There are multiple activities to do and places to see. Take a look at the article below for accommodation options.
Lodging Options Inside Crater Lake National Park
Table Of Contents
Crater Lake Lodge
Crater Lake Lodge is one of the lodging options inside the Crater Lake National Park. The Crater Lake Lodge was built on the caldera edge, nearly 1000 feet above Crater Lake. The lodge has 71 rooms, including six accessible rooms. Some rooms have a lake view while others overlook Rim Village or the beautiful landscape. For reservations, visit Crater Lake Hospitality. The lodge is open from mid-May through early October.
Crater Lake Lodge overlooks the lake at Rim Village, offering majestic views of the lake’s blue waters and cliff walls. You can spend a day hiking, swimming, fishing, or touring the lake, enjoy a meal at the Crater Lake Lodge Dining Room before you retire to your cosy guest room.
The best way to see Crater Lake is by boat to explore Wizard Island (Travelcraterlake.com). Get a boat cruise or a quick shuttle ride straight to the island. Staying at Crater Lake Lodge gives you enough time to hike and retire to your room when tired. Hiking allows you to explore the magnificent landscape of Crater Lake National Park. There are short, accessible trails and longer ones that explore the backcountry. You can get a hike to suit your pace and experience. You have access to Crater Lake’s shore when staying at the lodge.
The Cabins at Mazama Village
The Cabins at Mazama Village are in an old-growth forest of lodgepole pines. The rustic-style exterior opens into a more modern inn-like setting. It has ten cabins, each with four private accommodations of 40 rooms. A campground and amphitheatre, cafe, and campsite are nearby in the village. Visit Crater Lake Hospitality for more information and reservations.
At Mazama, you will find cabins and campgrounds offering a peaceful setting. Mazama Village is accessed via Hwy 62 from either the West or South Entrance or located 7 miles south of Rim Village (Nps.gov). Operating dates are late May through September, but the opening can delay due to weather and snowpack.
Crater Lake Hospitality completed a renovation of cabin interiors for guests to enjoy a comfortable stay at Crater Lake National Park. The cabins provide a space where guests can begin exploring and discovering the unique identity of Crater Lake National Park. The cabins feature historic style furnishings, wall art of vintage travel posters, and materials, such as hickory saplings and alder, the region’s history and surroundings.
Annie Creek Restaurant and Gift Shop are in the village. You can get family-friendly American cuisine, local beers, and wines for lunch and dinner. The gift shop offers a wide selection of park souvenirs. The nearby Mazama Village Store carries groceries, camping supplies, firewood, and gasoline.
Availability and booking information
Reservations are made up to 365 days in advance, either online or by calling the CLH toll-free reservation line, 866-292-6720. Crater Lake Lodge offers many room types from, standard, deluxe, studio, or loft rooms. Each with private bathrooms and a ceiling fan.
Campgrounds Inside and Near Crater Lake National Park
Overview of Mazama Campsite
Mazama Campground is open only in summer. It typically opens in June and closes in late September. However, the exact opening and closing dates are determined each year by the snow level in the campsites, safety issues, and other factors. Mazama Campground is in an old-growth forest at 6,000 feet (1,829 m) in elevation. It features 214 sites, each with a picnic table, fire ring, and bear-resistant food locker. That is the only built campground within the park.
Other campgrounds near the park
Sun Mountain Ranch Bunkhouse
It features a garden, barbecue grills, and free self-parking. The cottage has a fireplace and offers a kitchen and a washer/dryer. Guests have four bathrooms, a refrigerator, and other amenities, including a microwave and a TV. Housekeeping is not available. Check-in time is 3:00 pm, and check-out time is 11:00 am.
Jackson F. Kimball State Park
Jackson F. Kimball State Recreation Site is a state park in southern Oregon, operated and maintained by the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department. It is approximately 20 miles southeast of Crater Lake National Park. Amenities are scarce at this campground, but the location makes it worth it. It is situated next to a spring-fed lagoon that feeds Wood River, meaning you will wake up to the sound of fresh, cool water lapping gently against the bank.
Hotels and Other Accommodation Options Near Crater Lake National Park
Sleep Inn Hotel
It is 37.3 miles south of Crater Lake National Park in Chiloquin, Oregon. The 76-room hotel offers beautiful views of Ponderosa Pines, an indoor heated pool, a fitness room, free wifi, and free continental breakfast. Book directly and check for the latest prices and availability. The package includes refundable rates with free cancellation.
Prospect Hotel
There are favourable desks on Booking.com. It is 1/4 mile from the Rogue River, offering warm and inviting accommodations in the beauty of Oregon. If you want a Crater Lake Bed and Breakfast or Crater Lake B&B, Crater Lake Hotel, a Crater Lake Motel, or a Crater Lake restaurant can be your favourite spot. It is open during winter.
Other Crater Lake Accommodation Options
Vacation rentals and Airbnbs near Crater Lake
Cool creek cottage is close to the beautiful Rogue River that runs through the tiny town of Prospect. The area is loaded with outdoor recreation opportunities within a walking distance of the Cool Creek Cottage. This rustic cabin is the ideal stay for a small family or a pair of adventurous couples. The minimum stay is one night. Saturdays are usually fully booked. Make a booking at least a week before to avoid disappointments.
Crater Lake “Bunkhouse” is for those taking advantage of the horse trails located near the property. It is located in the small town of Prospect, close to the park entrance. The bunkhouse is woodsy and adorable, with a clawfoot tub, snug sleeping spaces, and a warm ambiance. Every booking includes free protection from Host cancellations, listing inaccuracies, and other issues like trouble checking in. Try not to book from the 25th since it is fully booked till the month’s end.
Things to Consider When Choosing Crater Lake Accommodation
- Location
- Amenities
- Budget
- Price
- Guest reviews
- Terms and conditions
- Value for money
- Cancellation policy
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the closest airport to Crater Lake?
The closest airport to Crater Lake is the Crater Lake – Klamath Regional Airport [1], which is approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes by car south of the park. It is located in Klamath Falls, Oregon and offers daily flights to and from several major cities in the western United States, including San Francisco, Portland, and Denver. Alternatively, the Rogue Valley International-Medford Airport is another nearby airport located approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes north of the park [2]. It offers flights to and from several major cities in the western United States, including Seattle, San Francisco, and Los Angeles.
Are pets allowed in Crater Lake National Park?
Pets are allowed in Crater Lake National Park, but some certain rules and regulations must be followed [1]. Pets must be on a leash no longer than six feet at all times and are not allowed in any park buildings, on park tours, or on any park trails, except for the Pacific Crest Trail, which passes through the park [2]. Additionally, pets are not allowed on any of the park’s snow-covered trails or in the park’s backcountry, except for service animals [3]. It is important to note that leaving pets unattended in vehicles is not allowed in the park, and owners are responsible for cleaning up after their pets [2].
What is the best time of year to visit Crater Lake?
The best time to visit Crater Lake is July, August, and September. That is when the park’s roads, trails, and facilities are usually fully open. The best time to visit Crater Lake depends on your interests and priorities. Generally, the park is open from July to September, the peak tourist season with warmer temperatures and less snow [1]. However, it’s also the busiest time of the year, and crowds can be overwhelming. Alternatively, visiting the park during the shoulder seasons, such as late May to June or September to early October, can offer more moderate crowds, cooler weather, and colourful foliage. Still, some of the park’s facilities and roads might be closed due to snow or other seasonal factors. Winter can also be an excellent time to visit if you’re interested in snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, or other winter activities. Still, many of the park’s roads and facilities are closed or inaccessible during this time [2]. Ultimately, the best time to visit Crater Lake depends on your interests, expectations, and what you want to experience at the park.
Is there a shuttle service in Crater Lake National Park?
Yes, there is a shuttle service available in Crater Lake National Park. The Wizard Island shuttle [1] offers visitors ample time to hike to the summit of Wizard Island, fish, swim, and explore this unique part of the park during the summer. Additionally, the Crater Lake Trolley, a park concessionaire, offers daily trolley tours during the summer months [2][4]. The trolley tours typically begin in July and run through mid-September, and visitors can contact Crater Lake Trolley for tour times, reservations, and ticket prices [2].
However, it is important to note that the park has no shuttle service [5]. Visitors may want to explore the scenic 33-mile Rim Drive that circles Crater Lake by car or RV, which offers magnificent views [3]. Additionally, visitors arriving by train to Klamath Falls must make transportation arrangements, as there is no shuttle service from Klamath Falls to Crater Lake [6][8]. However, visitors can find friendly fellow hikers willing to give them a lift, as no hiker shuttle is available in the park [7].
Can I make a reservation for a campsite at Mazama Campground?
Visitors can reserve a campsite at Mazama Campground in Crater Lake National Park. The campground has 214 campsites that can accommodate tents, trailers, and RVs, with a maximum length of 50 feet, and each site features a picnic table, a fire ring with a grill, and a bear-resistant food locker [2][3]. Reservations for Mazama Campground are available from July to September and can be made online or by calling 866-292-6720 [5][8]. However, in June, sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis, and in July and August, the campground often fills by mid-afternoon [5].
It is recommended to cancel reservations as far in advance as possible. Some campgrounds may be remote or unstaffed, and last-minute changes may result in challenges in accommodating the changes by either local staff or the contact center [9].
Is there lodging available in the winter at Crater Lake National Park?
Yes, winter lodging is available at Crater Lake National Park. Crater Lake Lodge and The Cabins at Mazama Village are the two lodging options available in the park during the winter season, both managed by the concessions operator, Crater Lake Hospitality (CLH) [1]. Crater Lake Lodge offers 71 rooms with a rustic charm reminiscent of the 1920s, while The Cabins at Mazama Village offers cabin and room amenities for visitors [1]. Other lodging options outside the park are available, such as the Prospect Historic Hotel [4] and Airbnb rentals [4]. Visitors can enjoy winter activities such as snowmobiling, skiing, and snowshoeing during their stay at Crater Lake National Park [2][3][8].
What are the best family-friendly accommodation options near Crater Lake?
The best family-friendly lodges near Crater lake are Dawson House Lodge, camping tents, and hotels. Other recommended ones include:
- Crater Lake Lodge – a chalet-style lodge located within the park’s boundaries- offers amenities that natural outdoorsy types crave. [7]
- Lonesome Duck Ranch – offers cozy cabins for guests seeking a mountain getaway experience. [3]
- The Cabins at Mazama Village – rustic cabins that offer a great base for exploring the park. [4]
- Sleep Inn & Suites – offers comfortable accommodation for families and is just a short distance from the park. [2]
- Meadow House is a five-star place to stay with beautiful and relaxing surroundings. [5]
- Crater Lake Resort – provides comfortable accommodation and is just 19.3 miles from Crater Lake. [10]
- Heartline Ranch, LLC – offers accommodation options catering to families just 25.3 miles from Crater Lake. [10]
Are there any all-inclusive resorts near Crater Lake?
There are a variety of lodging options available near Crater Lake, such as Aspen Inn, Crater Lake Country Suites, and Running Y Ranch Golf & Spa Resort [1][2][3]. Some resorts offer amenities like tennis courts, golf courses, and spas. Diamond Lake Resort also offers a range of accommodations, including motel rooms, guest cabins, a seven-bedroom retreat cabin, a gas station, and a post office [7]. Another option is Crater Lake Resort and Store offers affordable year-round lodging, camping, and grocery shopping near Crater Lake National Park [9].
What are some unique accommodation options near Crater Lake?
Sun Mountain Ranch and Bunkhouse offers 5,000 square feet of space and hundreds of acres to explore, making it a great option for large groups or families [1]. Another unique lodging option is available through GlampingHub, which offers alternatives to hotels near Crater Lake. They have a selection of lodges that offer an unconventional yet comfortable stay, such as treehouses, yurts, and cabins [2].
Other unique accommodation options near Crater Lake include The Old FarmHouse, a cottage available for rent on Airbnb, and The Applegate Spa, another cottage available for rent on Airbnb. Both offer cozy and unique stays with good ratings from previous guests [8]. For a more traditional lodging experience with great views of Crater Lake, Crater Lake Lodge is a chalet-style lodge located within the park that offers panoramic views of the lake and all the amenities that nature enthusiasts crave [4].
Other options include The Cabins at Mazama Village and Mazama Campground, located in the park and offer a rustic camping experience. Finally, there are also several hotels, motels, and resorts available outside the park, such as Sleep Inn & Suites, Crater Lake Gateway-Rocky Point Resort, and Diamond Lake Resort, which offer a variety of lodging options with different amenities [3][5][9][10].
Is there free camping near Crater Lake National Park?
Thousand Springs Sno-Park, Annie Creek Sno-Park, and Forest Road 610 Dispersed Camping are some of the best free campsites. Yes, there are free camping options available near Crater Lake National Park. Visitors can choose from various free camping sites on the park’s north, south, and west sides, such as Thousand Springs Sno-Park and North Crater Lake Trail Head Sno-Park, which provide vault toilets and camping during summer months [1, 3, 6]. The Fremont Winema National Forest and Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest surrounding the park allow dispersed camping for up to 14 days [8]. However, visitors must obtain a permit for backcountry camping, free of charge and valid only for the specified dates, locations, and party size [5]. Mazama Campground is located within the park’s boundaries but is only open during the summer, and reservations are required [7]. Alternatively, visitors can choose from various campgrounds outside the park, including primitive national forest campgrounds and private RV resorts [9].
Conclusion
In conclusion, lodging options near Crater Lake range from hotels, and campgrounds to Airbnbs and tents. Pick where your interests are served better but do not forget your budget. Make your bookings earlier to avoid disappointments. Where reservations are not considered, arrive early to secure your spot. Enjoy your stay at Crater Lake.