Guide to RVing Crater Lake National Park
Crater Lake National Park is a fantastic destination for RV travelers due to its abundance of natural wonders, including a collapsed volcano, the country's deepest lake, and several hiking paths with breathtaking vistas.
Travelers get the chance to explore the world's cleanest body of water and experience its stunning surroundings at Crater Lake National Park in Oregon. Due to the water's clarity, it might appear as though the sky above is a perfect mirror on many days.
Spring is a period of change in the park and the weather may be unpredictable so make sure you bring some gear like snow chains to deal with some cold weather and snow. Even in May and June, late-season storms have the potential to dump fresh snow on the park. The rim frequently has snow late into June so the cold weather may find you even if your plan is to visit in the spring.
The springtime temperatures can range between high in the 50s and low in the low 20s. The average snowfall in May is still around 20 inches, and at park headquarters in the spring, there is often approximately six feet of snow left on the ground.
However, this does not mean you shouldn’t ever come here during spring. Simply be ready for cooler temperatures, snow-related activities, and occasionally, the "mud season" that occurs after the winter snows melt.
July, August, and September are the busiest months at Crater Lake. Visiting at this time would require you to make reservations ahead of time. The north end of the park opens for camping and hiking, and boat cruises to Wizard Island begin. If you already have a reservation just be prepared for longer-than-normal travel times on the Rim Drive because there might be traffic on the road.
Average summertime temperatures in the park vary from highs in the mid 60s to lows in the 40s, while it is not unusual for daytime highs to surpass 80 degrees and for cold spells to drop below freezing all year round at the higher altitudes of the park.
Wildfire season may also occur in large portions of California, Oregon, and Washington in the middle to late summer. To guarantee that road closures and/or bad air quality won't affect your visit, be sure to check the local fire reports.
The fall is a period of transition, much like the spring so the weather can be unpredictable. There’s a high possibility of ice on the park roads and caution is advised. Storms start to cover the summits in snow as wildfire season comes to a close. Driving early in the morning and late at night is especially dangerous because there is more ice on the road, is less visible, and more dangerous.
It is not unusual for the park to see significant snowfall as early as October. The longest season at Crater Lake is winter, which occasionally lasts all the way through June.
The Crater Lake caldera comes alive in the winter with snowshoe trips, cross-country skiing on designated pathways, and breathtaking vistas powdered with snow. For the winter months, the park's North Entrance, Rim Drive, and all campsites close.
Rim Village is the closest village to the Crater Lake National Park and you can find better housing there. Those who come prepared can enjoy outdoor winter activity like snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing without the crowdedness that are typical in the summer.
When visiting the park in the winter, safety is essential. It is strongly advised to drive a vehicle with four-wheel drive and to have snow chains with you because the road can be snowy and slippery.
The best time to visit the campground is at the beginning of the summer season or just before the summer ends. It’s not as busy as it is during the summer months and businesses are still open to provide you with a great time.
The largest campground in Crater Lake National Park is Mazama Campground. When considering camping at Crater Lake National Park, this campground should be your first pick because it includes more than 200 sites that can accommodate tents, RVs, and trailers, as well as all the necessary facilities like hot showers, a village shop, food lockers, and more.
Mazama campsite is an excellent option for RV camping in Crater Lake National Park. There is a fire ring, picnic table, and food storage at each site. There are also 18 available hookups for RVers which are on a first come first served basis.
It is within a short distance from a number of hiking routes and Rim Village, which has a gift store, tourist center, and the Crater Lake Lodge.
In Crater Lake National Park, there is a smaller campsite called Lost Creek Campground. There are just 16 campsites in this modest camping area, which is close to East Rim Drive. This is a campground for seasoned campers that are entirely self sustainable and used to not having luxury amenities. Additionally, it only allows tent campers and has no RV parking sites.
The amenities at Lost Creek Campground are limited since there are no dump stations, laundry facilities, showers or drinkable water.
Crater Lake National Park is a place everyone should visit at one point in their life because it’s a rare place where you can see an inactive volcano surrounded by a crystal clear lake. You can watch the magical sunrise coming up between the mountains, the volcano reflected on the crystal clear lake, or swim the shores of Cleetwood Cove and enjoy the chilly water. It’s a place that you’ll definitely enjoy visiting but make sure you check the weather conditions. Depending on the season there may be some hazards you have to be aware of like icy roads or wildfires. Crater Lake National Park is one of the best places you can visit with your family and create unforgettable memories.
Travelers get the chance to explore the world's cleanest body of water and experience its stunning surroundings at Crater Lake National Park in Oregon. Due to the water's clarity, it might appear as though the sky above is a perfect mirror on many days.
Crater Lake National Park In The Spring
Spring is a period of change in the park and the weather may be unpredictable so make sure you bring some gear like snow chains to deal with some cold weather and snow. Even in May and June, late-season storms have the potential to dump fresh snow on the park. The rim frequently has snow late into June so the cold weather may find you even if your plan is to visit in the spring.
The springtime temperatures can range between high in the 50s and low in the low 20s. The average snowfall in May is still around 20 inches, and at park headquarters in the spring, there is often approximately six feet of snow left on the ground.
However, this does not mean you shouldn’t ever come here during spring. Simply be ready for cooler temperatures, snow-related activities, and occasionally, the "mud season" that occurs after the winter snows melt.
Crater Lake National Park In The Summer
July, August, and September are the busiest months at Crater Lake. Visiting at this time would require you to make reservations ahead of time. The north end of the park opens for camping and hiking, and boat cruises to Wizard Island begin. If you already have a reservation just be prepared for longer-than-normal travel times on the Rim Drive because there might be traffic on the road.
Average summertime temperatures in the park vary from highs in the mid 60s to lows in the 40s, while it is not unusual for daytime highs to surpass 80 degrees and for cold spells to drop below freezing all year round at the higher altitudes of the park.
Wildfire season may also occur in large portions of California, Oregon, and Washington in the middle to late summer. To guarantee that road closures and/or bad air quality won't affect your visit, be sure to check the local fire reports.
Crater Lake National Park In The Fall
The fall is a period of transition, much like the spring so the weather can be unpredictable. There’s a high possibility of ice on the park roads and caution is advised. Storms start to cover the summits in snow as wildfire season comes to a close. Driving early in the morning and late at night is especially dangerous because there is more ice on the road, is less visible, and more dangerous.
It is not unusual for the park to see significant snowfall as early as October. The longest season at Crater Lake is winter, which occasionally lasts all the way through June.
Crater Lake National Park In The Winter
The Crater Lake caldera comes alive in the winter with snowshoe trips, cross-country skiing on designated pathways, and breathtaking vistas powdered with snow. For the winter months, the park's North Entrance, Rim Drive, and all campsites close.
Rim Village is the closest village to the Crater Lake National Park and you can find better housing there. Those who come prepared can enjoy outdoor winter activity like snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing without the crowdedness that are typical in the summer.
When visiting the park in the winter, safety is essential. It is strongly advised to drive a vehicle with four-wheel drive and to have snow chains with you because the road can be snowy and slippery.
Best Time For RVing At Crater Lake
The best time to visit the campground is at the beginning of the summer season or just before the summer ends. It’s not as busy as it is during the summer months and businesses are still open to provide you with a great time.
Campgrounds in Crater Lake National Park
Mazama Campground
The largest campground in Crater Lake National Park is Mazama Campground. When considering camping at Crater Lake National Park, this campground should be your first pick because it includes more than 200 sites that can accommodate tents, RVs, and trailers, as well as all the necessary facilities like hot showers, a village shop, food lockers, and more.
Mazama campsite is an excellent option for RV camping in Crater Lake National Park. There is a fire ring, picnic table, and food storage at each site. There are also 18 available hookups for RVers which are on a first come first served basis.
It is within a short distance from a number of hiking routes and Rim Village, which has a gift store, tourist center, and the Crater Lake Lodge.
Lost Creek Campground
In Crater Lake National Park, there is a smaller campsite called Lost Creek Campground. There are just 16 campsites in this modest camping area, which is close to East Rim Drive. This is a campground for seasoned campers that are entirely self sustainable and used to not having luxury amenities. Additionally, it only allows tent campers and has no RV parking sites.
The amenities at Lost Creek Campground are limited since there are no dump stations, laundry facilities, showers or drinkable water.
Crater Lake National Park is a place everyone should visit at one point in their life because it’s a rare place where you can see an inactive volcano surrounded by a crystal clear lake. You can watch the magical sunrise coming up between the mountains, the volcano reflected on the crystal clear lake, or swim the shores of Cleetwood Cove and enjoy the chilly water. It’s a place that you’ll definitely enjoy visiting but make sure you check the weather conditions. Depending on the season there may be some hazards you have to be aware of like icy roads or wildfires. Crater Lake National Park is one of the best places you can visit with your family and create unforgettable memories.